fall 2012 orientation checklist

1 www.potsdam.edu/support/firstyear/transitions

suny potsdam orientation 2012new student Checklist

table of contents

1 newstudentchecklist 2 firstyearstudentsorientationschedule 3 familiesorientationschedule 4 frequentlyaskedquestions(faqs) 5 academiccalendar/2012highlights 6 step1-registerfororientation 7 step2-fillouthealthinfo.packet 8 step3-filloutadvisingquestionnaire 9 step4-pre-registerforclasses 10 step5-registerforhousing/fyeopportunities 12 step6-chooseamealplan/bearexpressaccount 13 step7-signupforamicrofridgerental 14 step8-ordertextbooks 15 campusmap

SUNY Potsdam Orientationoffice of student & Family transitions128 sisson Hall315-267-2580/2415 or [email protected]: potsdamsscwww.potsdam.edu/support/firstyear/transitions


New StudeNt CheCkliSt

q CompleteStep1: Register on BearPAWS (http://bearp

aws.potsdam.edu)

to attend one of eight orientation sessions.

Questions? Contact Student & Family Transitions at 315-267-2415.

Freshmen: Choose one of six, 2-day summer sessions.

EOPStudents: Sign up for the specific “EOP” orientation.

q CompleteStep2: Complete the mandatory health forms found on BearPAWS in

the Pre-Admission Packet and mail or fax them to Student Health Services as soon as

you are accepted. The packet can be found on the Student Health Services Web Site

(www.potsdam.edu/stude

ntlife/healthservices/hea

lthforms.cfm). New York State

Law and SUNY Potsdam policy require that this information is submitted or you will

not be allowed on campus after classes begin. Submit your Pre-Admission Packet as

soon as you are accepted to SUNY Potsdam to avoid problems once the semester starts.

Questions? Contact Student Health Services at 315-267-2377.

q CompleteStep3: Fill out the Advising Questionnaire on BearPAWS for your adviser

to review before orientation begins.

Questions? Contact Student & Family Transitions at 315-267-2580.

q CompleteStep4: AfterMarch30, pre-register for classes by signing up for a FIG

on BearPAWS (deadline is June 1, 2012). After this date, you will register for classes at

orientation.

Questions? Contact Learning Communities at 315-267-3187.

q CompleteStep5:Complete the online Housing Registration form on BearPAWS.

Questions? Contact the Office of Residence Life at 315-267-2350.

q CompleteStep6: Sign up for a Meal Plan and Bear Express on BearPAWS.

Questions? Contact PACES at 315-267-2658.

q CompleteStep7: Sign up for a MicroFridge (optional) on BearPAWS.

Questions? Contact PACES at 315-267-3097.

q CompleteStep8: Order your books online to have them pre-packaged.

Questions? E-mail Carlie Robinson at the College Store: [email protected]

We have also included a 2012-13 Academic Calendar and a campus map.

You will receive a SUNY Potsdam Undergraduate Catalog at orientation.

Please complete all of this information as soon as possible. If you have any

questions, please contact the Office of Admissions toll-free at 1-877-Potsdam.

2 Orientation2012NewStudentChecklist

tentative orientation scheduleFirstYearStudentsScheduleDAY 1: Orientation Check-inStudent IDs, CCAs, Welcome

9-11 am Draime Hall

Welcome Luncheon

Students sit with Orientation Leaders and guests sit with Academic Advisers

11:30 am - 12:15 pm Student Union Multi-Purpose Room

Introduction to Academic Life (Parents & Students) Tammy Durant, Student Success Center

Caroline Downing, General Education Program

Susan Manfred, Academic Transfer Services

12:30 - 1:15 pm Kellas Hall 106

Scheduling Basics 1

Meet your Orientation Academic AdviserThis segment is an overview of the academic schedule, catalog, and basic preparation for academic advising.

1:30 - 3:25 pm Student Union 2nd Floor

Orientation Leader Presentation 3:30-4 pm Dunn Theatre

Financial Aid – Susan Aldrich, Director

Student Accounts – Susan Kirwan, Director

4-4:20 pm Kellas Hall 106

Student Conduct & Community Standards

Annette Robbins, Coord., Student Conduct & Community Standards

John Kaplan, University Police

Kickie Britt, Music Business Dept., Alma Mater

4:20 - 4:50 pm Kellas Hall 106

BBQ DinnerEvening Activities: Orientation Leader AdvisingKaroke, campfire, smores and a variety of other fun activities.

5-7 pm6-7 pm7 pm - ?

Behind Barrington Student Union

DAY 2: Breakfast Bar 7:30-8:15 pm Student Union Multi-purpose Room

Student Affairs PanelCenter for Campus Life/Residence Life:Amanda Grazioso, Assistant DirectorHealth ServicesDr. Richard Moose, Director of Student Health ServicesCenter for DiversitySheila Marshall, DirectorStudent Leadership OpportunitiesRuth Policella, Director of Student LeadershipComputing & Technology ServicesSteve Major, Technology Support Professional

8:15-9 am Kellas Hall 106

PACES (Potsdam Auxiliary Services)Abby Lee, Marketing Coordinator(Dining, Vending services, College Book Store, Union Market) TelComBrenda Bennett, Director

9:30-9:45 am

9:45-9:55 am

Kellas Hall 106

Scheduling Basics 2 – register for classes!Individual Advising with your academic adviserInteractive Technology ExerciseEach student must meet with his/her adviser at a pre-set time to register on BearPAWS. The rest of the afternoon is available for students/families to meet with the various student offices or take a campus tour arranged by the Orientation Leaders. Most offices are open on a walk-in basis.

10 am- 12:30 pm Student Union 2nd Floor

Check-out Anytime after you register Draime Hall - Ground Floor


tentative orientation schedule

FamiliesScheduleDAY 1: Orientation Check-inStudent IDs, CCAs, Welcome

9-11 am Draime Hall

Welcome Luncheon

Students sit with Orientation Leaders and guests sit with Academic Advisers

11:30 am - 12:15 pm Student Union Multi-Purpose Room

Introduction to Academic Life (Parents & Students) Tammy Durant, Student Success CenterCaroline Downing, General Education ProgramSusan Manfred, Academic Transfer Services

12:30 - 1:15 pm Kellas Hall 106

Student Services Presentation Part IFinancial Aid – Susan Aldrich, Director 315-267-2162 Student Accounts – Susan Kirwan, Director 315-267-2137

1:30 - 3:15 pm Kellas Hall 106

Orientation Leader Presentation 3:30-4 pm Dunn Theatre

Student and Family TransitionsCounseling Center – Gena Nelson, Director 315-267-2330 Will be joined by counselors Julie Rapczynski, and/or Josh Brown

4-5pm Thatcher Hall 2nd Floor

BBQ DinnerQuestions and Answers w/ Campus Life staffEvening Activities w/ Parent Orientation LeadersPlanetarium Show (begins at 7:15 p.m. sharp) followed by a movie and popcorn!

5-6 pm6-7 pm7 pm - ?

Behind Barrington Student UnionDraime Main Lounge

DAY 2: Breakfast Bar 7:30-8:15 pm Student Union Multi-Purpose Room

Student Services Presentation Part IIStudent & Family Transitions – Louise Tyo, Director, 315-267-2735 Career Planning – Karen Ham, Director 315-267-2344Experiential Education – Toby White, Director 315-267-2863

8:15-8:45 am Kellas 103

PACES (Potsdam Auxiliary Services) Abby Lee, Marketing Coordinator(Dining, Vending services, College Book Store, Union Market)Local Pharmacy RepresentativeTips your student should knowJoe Tyson 315-262-0529Health ServicesRichard Moose, M.D., Director 315-267-2377Coffee Break

8:45 -9 am

9-9:10 am

9:10-945 am

9:45-9:55 am

Kellas 103

Kellas Lobby

Center for Campus Life/Residence LifeEric Duchscherer, Director of Residence Life

TelComBrenda Bennett, Director

Student Conduct & Community Standards, Campus SafetyAnnette Robbins, Coord., Student Conduct & Community StandardsJohn Kaplan, University Police

9:55–10:20 am

10:20–10:30 am

10:45–11:30 am

Campus Tours Meet in front of the College Store in Barrington Student Union.

11:30 am- 12:30 pm Barrington Student Union Lobby

Check-out Anytime after 11:30 am Draime Hall - Ground Floor

Note: Attendance at workshops for families is optional.


faqsWhathappensatOrientation?Orientation is a student’s first opportunity to become a part of the Potsdam Community. You will have an opportunity to meet other first year students, get to know the campus’s programs and services and most importantly, you will meet with an Aca-demic Adviser to choose and register for your fall classes.

WhattimedoesOrientationbegin?Check-in for orientation is between 9-11:15 a.m. the first day of each session. The opening luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. It is very important that students and their guests arrive by 11:15 a.m. Based on availability, you may make changes to your ori-entation session by calling the Office of Student & Family Transitions. Changes must be made one week prior to the scheduled session date.

Note: EOP students will attend a special orientation session on August 17-24. Look for another mailing from the EOP office soon!

WhatisthecostandhowdoIpay?• Student Orientation fees will be included in your College bill.• Freshman Orientation fee is $195. This fee includes housing accommodations, meals and activities.• Allstudentswillspendthenightoncampus.Roommateselectionwillbeprovidedfortheoneevening.Theseroommatesarenot

theroommatesthestudentwillshareroomswithinthefall.• Freshmen Orientation Guest fee is $95 per guest and includes housing accommodations in a residence hall, meals and activities.• Guest Orientation fees are not included in the student bill and should be paid via credit card (see registration form online). Please make check or money order payable to PACES 611 and mail to: Office of Student & Family Transitions Attention: Marta Whalen SUNY Potsdam, 128 Sisson Hall 44 Pierrepont Avenue Potsdam, NY 13676• Guest fees must be received in this office prior to your arrival at orientation.• Parents and guests will spend the night in Draime Hall.• Guests may choose to stay off campus and attend orientation for a reduced fee of $80. Lodging options are available at the St. Law-

rence County Chamber of Commerce at http://northcountryguide.com.

Doparentshavetocometoorientation?It depends on the family. We have a very successful family program that we are confident parents will enjoy (we receive rave reviews each year). Almost all of our parents have gained useful information and peace of mind for having attended.

Whatdoparentsdoduringorientation?Parents attend many informative and interactive sessions concerning campus services. Highlights include: Parents and Faculty Q & A session, our student life play followed by “Letting GO” workshop, and Parent transitions session.

WhatifIhavetoarrivethenightbefore?We recommend you contact one of our local hotels and make a reservation for a moderate price in the Potsdam, Canton or Massena area. This Web site may be helpful – St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce: http://northcountryguide.com.

WhatdoIbringtoorientation?• ALL new students must bring their own linens/bedding to their orientation session. For your guest(s), SUNY Potsdam will provide

their bedding. NOTE TO STUDENTS: Orientation is a great time for you to try out your new bedding, so please make sure to bring a STANDARD EXTRA LONG FITTED SHEET, AN EXTRA LONG FLAT SHEET, A PILLOW AND PILLOW CASE.

• You are encouraged to bring a fan. Residence halls are not air conditioned.• Umbrella, sweater, personal toiletries, alarm clock, and anything needed for an overnight stay.

Whatifmyparentssignupandcannotmakeittoorientation?You can be reimbursed for the guest fee if you cancel at least two days prior to the orientation date.


acad

emic

cal

enda

rFall2012 Spring2013NewStudentsMoveIn Friday, August 24 StudentsMoveIn Sat. & Sun., Jan. 19 & 20

WelcomeWeekActivities Sat. Aug. 25 - Fri. Aug. 31 ClassesBegin Monday, January 21

ReturningStudentsMoveIn Sat. & Sun., Aug. 25 & 26 LastDaytoAdd/Drop Friday, January 25

ClassesBegin Monday, August 27 FebruaryRecessBeginsFriday, February 15 (10 pm)

LastDaytoAdd/Drop Friday, August 31 ClassesResumeWednesday, February 20 (8 am)

EarlyAlertsDue Friday, October 5 EarlyAlertsDueFriday, March 1

FallRecessBegins Friday, October 5 (10 pm) LastDaytoWithdraw Tuesday, March 19

ClassesResume Wednesday, October 10 (8 am) LastDaytoElectS/U Tuesday, March 19

LastDaytoWithdraw Tuesday, October 23 SpringRecessBegins Friday, March 22 (10 pm)

LastDaytoElectS/U Tuesday, October 23 ClassesResume Monday, April 1 (8 am)

ThanksgivingRecessBegins Tuesday, November 20 (10 pm) LastDayofClasses Friday, May 10

ClassesResume Monday, November 26 (8 am) AcademicPreparation Sat. & Sun., May 12 & 13

LastDayofClasses Friday, December 7 FinalExaminations Mon.-Fri., May 13-17

AcademicPreparation Sat. & Sun., Dec. 8 & 9 HonorsConvocation Saturday, May 18

FinalExaminations Mon.-Fri., Dec. 10-14 Master’sCommencement Saturday, May 18

FinalGradesDue Tuesday, December 18 (10 am) Bachelor’sCommencement Sunday, May 19

FinalGradesDue Wednesday, May 22 (10 am)

Highlights

ofOrienta

tion

2012inclu

de:

a welcoming and friendly environ-

ment where you can get your ques-

tions answered.

an introduction to the academic

and social life of the campus, in-

cluding a wide array of sources.

meeting your classmates and mak-

ing new friends.

individual attention from a variety

of caring faculty, students and

administrators.

detailed information about our

First-year programs.

superior academic advising where

you will be assisted in registering

for your classes.

excellent programs and activities

for you and your family.


REGISTERFORORIENTATION

step 1 ChoosingSessionsLog on to BearPAWS (www.potsdam.edu/cts/services/bearpaws) and sign up for one of the six orientation sessions: • June 25 & 26 (Mon. & Tues.)• June 28 & 29 (Thurs. & Fri.)• July 2 & 3 (Mon. & Tues.)• July 9 & 10 (Mon. & Tues.)• July 17 & 18 (Tues. & Wed.)• July 19 & 20 (Thurs. & Fri.)

EOPDates:August 17-24

Please Note: When a session is full, it will not appear as a choice in BearPAWS. To help better accommodate students for advising, please indicate under special accommodations if your travel time one-way exceeds 4 hours.

BearPAWSLog-onInstructionsType in: www.potsdam.edu/cts/services/bearpawsHere you can register for orientation, fill out mandatory health forms, complete an advising questionnaire, and sign up for a First-Year Interest Group (FIG), housing, meal plans and a micro-fridge.• Use your Campus Computer Account (CCA), Username and Password• Go to the “New Student” link and choose an orientation date that will work for you and your guests.• Print your confirmation page and bring it to orientation.

Note: Think carefully about your online choices. After you register online for orientation, a FIG and/or housing, you will need to contact the appropriate office to make any changes.

Fees • Freshman Orientation fee: A two-day session is $195 and includes all meals, activities and housing accommodation in a residence

hall setting. This fee will be included in your first College bill. There is no need to pre-pay.• Guest Orientation fee: Guest fees for the two-day session staying in a campus residence hall is $95/guest. Guests may choose to

stay off campus and attend orientation for a reduced fee of $80/guest. Lodging options are available at the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Web site: http://northcountryguide.com. Guest fees are not included in the student’s College bill. To sim-plify your registration process, payment must be received prior to the start of the orientation session.

PaymentOptionsforGuestFees• Pay with a credit card on our secure Web site (www.potsdam.edu/cts/services/bearpaws)• Payment by check or money order payable to PACES 611. Please note the student name and Potsdam ID number on all checks/

money orders. Mail to the Office of Student & Family Transitions, SUNY Potsdam, 128 Sisson Hall, Potsdam, NY 13676.


step 2FILLOUTHEALTHINFORMATIONPACkET

ThisinformationshouldbesubmittedimmediatelyafteryoucommittoattendingSUNYPotsdam• Sign into the “Student Health Services Portal” found on BearPAWS with your CCA username and password. The software is

HIPAA compliant, CCHIT certified, and completely confidential. The information you submit is sent directly to your medical record and is only visible to the staff at Student Health Services.

• Fill out the electronic forms indicated below. It should take you about 20–30 minutes. This information must be on file well BEFORE you arrive for move-in.

• Required forms/information includes:– Meningitis Response Form (click the “Health Information Forms” link in the Student Health Services Portal and com-

plete).– Medical History (click the “Health Information Forms” link in the Student Health Services Portal and complete).– Tuberculosis Screening Form (only complete the paper copy if you are instructed to do so while filling out the “Medical

History” form).– Health Insurance (click the “Insurance” link in the Student Health Services Portal and complete).

Proveyouareimmunetomeasles,mumps,andrubellaProof that you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella is a New York State law for students born on or after January 1,st 1957 that are taking six or more credit hours. The law states that you must have received two doses of a live measles vaccine, and one dose each of mumps and rubella vaccines. SUNYPotsdamrequiresALLstudentstosubmitthisproof,regardlessofthenumberofcredithoursbeingtaken. Proof means obtaining an “official copy” of your immunization record and having it mailed or faxed to Student Health Services, 44 Pierrepont Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676; Fax: 315-267-3260. An “official copy” is one signed by your medical provider or your high school nurse.

Alternatively, you can ask your provider to fill out a “Proof of Immunization Form.” Copies of this form can be found at: www. potsdam.edu/shs. Look on the left side of this page and select “Health Forms,” followed by “Proof of Immunization Form.” If you cannot obtain an official copy of your immunization record, you must see your medical provider to have blood drawn to check for immunity. If your blood tests show you are not immune you must be vaccinated. As an alternative to having the blood tests you can proceed directly to getting two MMR vac-cines given at least 28 days apart.

Note: New York State Law and SUNY Potsdam policy require that this information be submitted or you will not be allowed on campus after classes begin.

Questionsabouthealthforms/requirements?Call Student Health Services at 315-267-2377 or e-mail the office directly at [email protected]


FILLOUTTHEADVISINGQUESTIONNAIREBefore you can register for classes, your academic adviser needs to get to know your general interests and academic goals. Fill out the advising questionnaire on BearPAWS.

Followthesesimplesteps• Log on to BearPAWS• Go to the “New Student” link• Click on “Advising Questionnaire” (answer the questions and hit submit)

QuestionsabouttheAdvisingQuestionnaire?Call the Office of Student & Family Transitions at 315-267-2415

step 3


After you have selected an orientation session and filled out the advising questionnaire, after March 30 you may pre-register for some of your fall courses by selecting a First-Year Interest Group (FIG). For details about the individual FIGs offered this fall, visit www.potsdam.edu/support/firstyear/groups

Note: Crane students do NOT choose from this FIG list because their courses will be arranged at orientation. For all other students, we highly recommend enrolling in one of the FIGs.

You may pre-register online for a FIG until June 1. After June 1, you may register for courses during your summer orientation session. If you cannot decide on a FIG at this time, you may wait until orientation to select a FIG. However, please note that some FIGs will fill during this pre-registration period.

First-Year Interest Groups (FIGS) are learning communities of 10-25 students taking the same interdisciplinary set of two to five courses together. The instructors often collaborate to integrate their courses around a theme or problem.

WhatcanFIGSofferstudents?Research nationwide shows that learning communities:• Intensify cooperation in a community of scholars• Increase communication among faculty and students• Promote student confidence in academic potential• Facilitate transfer of skills from one course to another• Increase participation and attendance in class• Serve the very bright and those who have difficulty• Provide an introduction to the liberal arts Avoidtherush–signupnow!• Develop a community of scholars with classmates and instructors• Reserve seats for some of your fall schedule now• Discover connections between the fields of knowledge• Improve your academic performance and satisfaction• Accelerate your adjustment to college

All students except Crane students, are requested to select a FIG from the list on the First-Year Interest Groups page under the NEW student link on BearPAWS. Each FIG leaves room for two or three other courses of students’ choice to be selected during summer orientation. Some FIGS will be residential and will participate in the First Year Experience (FYE) program.

PRE-REGISTERFORCLASSES

step 4


Prior to making your housing preferences, please refer to our Web page at www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/ResHalls and click on the “Living on Campus 101” link for detailed information. All students must indicate their housing preferences and/or apply for an exemption to live off campus (available online). Room assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Since space in many areas is limited, we advise you to submit housing preferences as soon as possible. Changes can be made to your housing preferences until June 1, 2012. After June 1, only students who have not yet indicated a preference will be able to access the system.

Note: If you have any physical conditions or concerns that impact your housing needs, please see our Web site for specific information.

TheFirstYearExperience(FYE) is designed for motivated students eager to get the most out of their college experience. See page 9 for full details on the FYE program. FYE provides opportunities for first year students to make meaningful connections with their peers as well as faculty and staff at SUNY Potsdam. Studies show that students who make these connections during their first year of college have a better chance of performing well academically and reaching graduation. Further, FYE partici-pants often remark that the friendships they made in their first year lasted long after graduation. FYE combines three major components: residential, programmatic and academic to promote a fun, dynamic and academically focused experience for first year students.

REGISTERFORHOUSING

LiveOnCampus• Log into BearPAWS.• Go to the “New Student Services” link.• Go to the “New Student Housing Registration” link.• Read/agree to Housing License and submit.• Indicate your housing preference from the drop down menu.• If you have a roommate request, enter your desired room-

mate’s student Potsdam ID or social security number in the field provided. Your desired roommate must enter your student Potsdam ID or social security number on their form as well.

• “Submit” your preferences.• Beginning August 1, 2012, log back into BearPAWS to view your room and roommate assignment.

LiveOffCampus• Apply for a housing exemption• Log into BearPAWS.• Go to the “New Student” link.• Go to the “New Student Housing Registration” link.• Indicate that you will not be residing on campus and con-

tinue on to complete the exemption form and submit.• You will receive an e-mail with the decision of your request

for exemption.

step 5


THEFIRSTYEARExPERIENCE(FYE)

AcademicFYE provides numerous academic opportunities and resources for students. Every FYE floor has at least one residential fellow, facul-ty and staff volunteers who serve as resource people, initiate social and educational programs and in some cases, serve as academic advisers for students. All FYE students are also enrolled in a one-credit First Year Success Seminar (FYSS) class taught by faculty, staff, and an upper-class teaching assistant.

ProgrammaticThe FYE staff offers a number of social activities and educational programs annually. Numerous trips are planned throughout the year to expose students to the local area, including ski/snow tubing, trips to Canada and the Adirondack village of Lake Placid. There are also a large number of events held on campus to help students meet new people and become involved at Potsdam, including Activ-ity Day, Halloween celebrations, Ice-Cream Socials and Spirit Night.

Additionally, FYE coordinates events including A Major Affair and Door-to-Door Advising that allow students to meet faculty from all the academic departments at SUNY Potsdam to discuss possible majors, courses to take and career possibilities.

ResidentialFYE is housed in Bowman East and Bowman West co-ed by floor. In addition to a Resident Assistant (RA), every FYE floor also has an Academic Peer Mentor who provides academic workshops and peer support. The halls are staffed with professional, live-in Residence Hall Directors (RD) who supervise the staff and are available to assist students with any concerns. To foster an environment condu-cive to both academic and social interaction, all FYE students are encouraged to create and live by a roommate contract.

ThemeFloors ArtsFloors: One floor has been reserved for students interested in the visual arts, dance, drama and music. This floor is co-ed by

door. Students planning to enroll in any arts related courses are encouraged to take advantage of this unique program where you can live and learn in a community of artists.

HonorsFloors: One floor has been reserved for students accepted into the Potsdam Honors Program. This floor is co-ed by door. A study lounge is provided for the use of the floor participants. The Honors Floor has been designated as a study-intensive area.

First-YearInterestGroup(FIG)Floors:Five FIGS are housed within FYE. FIG floors will provide you with easy access to form study groups and offer additional programs in support of your academic and personal interests.

Howtosignup Sign up on our secure Web site, BearPAWS. You can indicate your interest in FYE right on the housing online form. Space in FYE is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about FYE, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 315-267-2350.


Allstudentsarerequiredtobringproofofidentitytoorientation.Driver’slicense,permit, NYSissuedID,orPassportisrequiredinordertoreceiveaSUNYCard.

Keeping in mind that there are approximately 110 days in the academic semester, how many meals you choose to have avail-able on your meal plan is an individual decision. When choosing what plan is best for you, think about how much time you expect to spend away from campus as well as your eating habits.

Campus policy requires first year students and freshmen to purchase a meal plan. For detailed descriptions about plans and their terms and conditions, go to the Dining link on the SUNY Potsdam homepage under Student Life and review the 2012-13 Meal plan options for residents.

Bear Express: Separate from a meal plan, this debit account allows students to purchase goods both on campus and selected off campus locations. Purchases are subject to NYS sales tax and at the end of the academic year, any unused balance (in excess of $20) will be credited to your student account (withstanding any unpaid balance) and a refund will be issued. Balances can be rolled over from semester to semester, but not academic year to academic year.

Meal and Bear Express plans are priced and contracted each semester. You will automatically be enrolled in the same meal plan and Bear Express Plan for the spring semester unless you change it on BearPAWS before the start of the next semester.To estimate what you should place on your account, go to www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/BearExpress/BearEstChart.cfm

ChooseamealplanandBearExpressaccountamount• Log into BearPAWS • Go to the “New Student” link• Go to the “Meal Plan & Bear Express Registration”• Read/agree to Meal Plan License & click submit• Select your resident status• Select your meal plan for the semester• Select Bear Express Amount for the semester• Click save• Changes may be made to your meal plan & Bear Express account until the first day of classes

CHOOSEAMEALPLANANDBEARExPRESSACCOUNT

step 6


PACES offers MicroFridge appliance rentals to all residential students. The MicroFridge is a combination refrigerator/freezer and 600-watt microwave oven. Delivered to your residence hall, the unit is available for rent by the academic year, on a first-come, first-served basis.

We recommend that you contact your roommate in August before renting a unit. Rental contracts may be in one name only. Orders are refundable up until August 31, less a service charge fee of $20.

The unit rental cost is $125 per academic year, plus a $20 deposit. Units ordered after that date will be available for pick-up by students during the first week of classes.

For more information visit: www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/ResHalls/CampusLiving101/microfridge/cfm

MicroFridgeRental• Go to http: bookstore.potsdam.edu• Go to the Student Tab• Click on MicroFridge rental• Complete Steps (be sure that the student name is on the order, not the credit card owner)• E-mail confirmation will be sent to you upon successful completion of form. Cards will not be charged until we process orders on August 17

MICROFRIDGERENTAL

step 7


The College Store is the official SUNY Potsdam textbook retailer. Professors request specific books, editions, and course material – that is only what we buy and sell. When you register for a course on SUNY’s BearPAWS page, you will be given a link to the store’s online textbook ordering system. The system will show you what books are required, recommended or suggested for ev-ery course. When ordering online you must chose what textbook format you would prefer: new, used, e-book, rental (not all for-mats are available for every book). USED books generally are 25% off the new book price. There are not always enough USED books for everyone so it is on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot guarantee all NEW or all USED, but will do our best to fill your request. Your order will be filled before books go on sale in the bookstore and until we reach pre pack storage capacity. Online ordering includes a $4.50 handling charge, but you eliminate waiting in lines. Books may be paid for with BearExpress or credit card. No charge is processed until we actually pack the books on August 12. You will be notified as to when and where to pick up your books via e-mail.

Visit the store at http://bookstore.potsdam.edu

OrderTextbooksonline1. Go to http://bookstore.potsdam.edu2. Go to the Textbook t, choose textbooks from the drop down menu3. Continue to Textbook Selection4. Select the term, i.e. Fall 2012, Spring 2013, etc.5. Choose your courses from your class schedule6. Choose the textbooks7. Pay with BearExpress or credit card8. Choose UPS delivery or pickup at bookstore9. You will receive an e-mail confirmation about where and when to pick up your books

ORDERTExTBOOkS

step 8

38

25

262729

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36

1

Racquette R

iver

Pierrepont Ave. (Rt. 56)

Barrington Dr.

Lehman P

ark

Bay St.

Main St.

Governeur Dr.

Tupper Lake Dr.

Outer Main St.

2

3

45

6

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1314

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Athletic F

ields

Minerva P

laza

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Marshall

Park

Potsdam Dr.

20

1 Raymond Hall/Adm

issions 2 Carson Hall

3

Morey Hall

4 Flagg Hall

5 Satterlee Hall

6 Brainerd Hall/Gibson Gallery

7 Dunn Hall

8 Stowell Hall

9 Tim

erman Hall

10 Merritt Hall

11 Kellas Hall 12 Stillm

an Computing Center

13 Mac Vicar Hall

14 Crumb M

emorial Library

15 Physical Plant

JULIA E. CRANE MUSIC CENTER:

16 Bishop Hall17 Hosm

er Concert Hall18 Schuette Hall 19 Snell M

usic Theater

20 Barrington Student Union 21 Thatcher Hall 22 Lehm

an Dining Hall 23 Lehm

an Hall 24 Lehm

an Hall (south) 25 Bowm

an Hall (west) 26 Bowm

an Hall (south) 27 Bowm

an Hall (east) 28 Van Housen Hall29 Van Housen Extension/University Police 30 Draim

e Hall 31 Draim

e Hall Extension 32 Knowles Hall (south) 33 Knowles M

PR 34 Knowles Hall (north) 35 Sisson Hall

36 Maxcy Hall

37 Townhouse Complex

38 The President’s House

fall 2012 orientation checklist

Documents