orientation checklist for transfer students

suny potsdam orientation 2012transfer edition

table of contents

1 transfers new student checklist 2 frequently asked questions (faqs) academic calendar 3 step 1 - register for orientation academic advising 4 step2-fillouthealthinformationpacket 5 step 3 - register for housing 6 step 4 - choose a meal plan/bear express account 7 step 7 - sign up for a microfridge rental step 6 - order textbooks 8 campus map

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

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

Transfers new sTudenT CheCklisT

q Complete step 1: Register on BearPAWS (http://bearpaws.potsdam.edu) to attend

orientation. Choose either the online orientation or the Aug. 25 “Transitions Conference.”

Questions? Contact Student & Family Transitions at 315-267-2580/2415.

q Complete step 2: Complete the mandatory health forms found on BearPAWS and

mail them in as soon as possible (as per the New York State Dept. of Health you will be

dis-enrolled from your classes at SUNY Potsdam if you do not complete these forms).

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

q Complete step 3: Complete the online Housing Registration form on BearPAWS.

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

q Complete step 4: Sign up for a Meal Plan and Bear Express on BearPAWS.

Questions? Contact PACES at 315-267-2658.

q Complete step 5: Sign up for a MicroFridge (optional) on BearPAWS.

Questions? Contact PACES at 315-267-3097.

q Complete step 6: 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.


fall 2012

what happens at the Transitions Conference?At our “Transitions Conference,” you will have the chance to meet other transfer students and you will receive detailed informa-tion about our General Education Program and how to declare majors and/or minors. You will have the opportunity to speak directly with our directors from Financial Aid and Student Accounts. Finally, we will end with a fun-filled interactive Q & A session with the orientation team, and you will receive lots of free SUNY Potsdam gifts. As a transfer student, and you choose to go online and take the “virtual orientation,” you will visit a variety of campus Web sites and learn about our helpful resources to meet student needs. This tour takes approximately 90 minutes and is followed by a mandatory quiz which you have to pass with a grade of 70% or more before you can meet with an adviser to register for classes.

Note: The online orientation option is for transfer students only.

what time does the Transitions Conference begin?Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. on August 25, 2012 on the 2nd floor of Thatcher Hall, Barrington Drive.

what is the cost and how do i pay?• Student Orientation Fees (online or Transitions Conference) will be included in your College bill. The fee is $35.• Guest fees of $35/person have to be paid online.

spring 2013

faqs

academic calendarstudents Move in Sat. & Sun., Jan. 19 & 20

Classes Begin Monday, January 21

last day to add/drop Friday, January 25

february recess Begins Friday, February 15 (10 pm)

Classes resume Wednesday, February 20 (8 am)

early alerts due Friday, March 1

last day to withdraw Tuesday, March 19

last day to elect s/u Tuesday, March 19

spring recess Begins Friday, March 22 (10 pm)

Classes resume Monday, April 1 (8 am)

last day of Classes Friday, May 10

academic Preparation Sat. & Sun., May 12 & 13

final examinations Mon.-Fri., May 13-17

honors Convocation Saturday, May 18

Master’s Commencement Saturday, May 18

Bachelor’s Commencement Sunday, May 19

final Grades due Wednesday, May 22 (10 am)

new students Move in Friday, August 24

welcome week activities Sat. Aug. 25 - Fri. Aug. 31

returning students Move in Sat. & Sun., Aug. 25 & 26

Classes Begin Monday, August 27

last day to add/drop Friday, August 31

early alerts due Friday, October 5

fall recess Begins Friday, October 5 (10 pm)

Classes resume Wednesday, October 10 (8 am)

last day to withdraw Tuesday, October 23

last day to elect s/u Tuesday, October 23

Thanksgiving recess Begins Tuesday, November 20 (10 pm)

Classes resume Monday, November 26 (8 am)

last day of Classes Friday, December 7

academic Preparation Sat. & Sun., Dec. 8 & 9

final examinations Mon.-Fri., Dec. 10-14

final Grades due Tuesday, December 18 (10 am)


Log-on to BearPAWS and sign up for either the online orientation or the Transitions Conference on Aug. 25, 2012. If you sign up for the online orientation, go to www.potsdam.edu/support/firstyear/transfer and click on the “Online Orienta-tion for Transfer Students.” When you are ready for the quiz, log on to our “Moodle” learning system using your CCA (campus computer account, username and password).

BearPaws log-On instructionsType in: http://bearpaws.potsdam.eduHere you can register for orientation; fill out mandatory health forms; sign up for 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, housing, and/or your meal plan, you will need to contact the appropriate office to make any changes.

fees • Transfer Orientation Fee: $35 • Guest fee: $35

Payment Options for Guest fees• Pay with a credit card on our secure Web site BearPAWS (http://bearpaws.potsdam.edu)• Please note the student name and Potsdam ID number on all checks/money orders. • 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

aCadeMiC advisinG

follow these steps• After you sign up for the Transitions Conference or complete the Online Orientation and Quiz and submit your Health Forms

(step 2), you need to contact the Student Success Center at 315-267-2580 to set up an advising appointment to register for your classes.

• Advisers will start registering students for classes on Monday, April 23, 2012.• Appointments last approximately 30 - 45 minutes.• Keep in mind the course registration process is on a first-come, first-serve basis, thus we strongly encourage you to follow all

the “orientation” steps and make an appointment as soon as possible.

step 1reGisTer fOr OrienTaTiOn


step 2fill OuT healTh infOrMaTiOn PaCkeT

This information should be submitted immediately after you commit to attending sunY Potsdam • 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).

Prove you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella Proof 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. sunY Potsdam requires all students to submit this proof, regardless of the number of credit hours being taken. 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.

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


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 preference until June 1, 2012. After June 1, 2012, 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 infor-mation.

reGisTer fOr hOusinG

live On Campus• 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.

live Off Campus• 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 3


all students are required to bring proof of identity to orientation. driver’s license, permit, nYs issued id, or Passport is required in order to receive a sunYCard.

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

Choose a meal plan and Bear express account amount• 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

ChOOse Meal Plan and Bear exPress aCCOunT

step 4


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

Microfridge rental• 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

MiCrOfridGe renTal

step 5

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

Order Textbooks online1. 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

Order TexTBOOks

step 6

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25

262729

30

3233

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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

7

8

9

10

11

12

1314

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

28

31

34

35

37

Athletic F

ields

Minerva P

laza

38

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

orientation checklist for transfer students

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