Orientation

First Year Orientation:

Orientation gives you the chance to get to know the New Paltz Campus and Community. You will be able to meet other new students, learn important New Paltz policies and procedures, and ease yourself into being a Hawk!

First Year Students will choose a 1.5-day orientation session held in the summer. Students will be assigned an Orientation Leader and a group that they will spend the day and a half getting acquainted with. Students will stay overnight on campus, eat in the dining hall, and experience a mix of social and informational activities. At Orientation you will have the opportunity to:

• Get to know your way around campus
• Attend helpful sessions on campus resources
• Take your housing/roommate survey or learn about commuter resources
• Meet other new students, faculty, and staff
• Pick up your Student ID Card
• Learn about your academic college, major and how to succeed academically

First Year Family Orientation:

While students are getting to know each other, we invite their families to join us in their own, unique experience separate from the students. Whether it’s your first or last student to attend college, if you live close by or further away; our family orientation program is a great opportunity to connect with New Paltz, learn more about what the students will experience, and even have some fun! Family Orientation is optional and can be configured to best suit what you’re looking for!

At Parent & Family Orientation, you will have the opportunity to:

Meet with Representatives from Academic and Student Affairs
Get your questions answered by staff from Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Career Resource Center and many others!

Explore New Paltz!

Enjoy off-campus excursions to Huguenot Street (the oldest street of stone houses in America) or a local winery. (Free time, on-campus fitness and local options are available.)

Meet other parents and share experiences.

We typically have around 100 parents participating in Orientation each session. Spend some time chatting with other New Paltz parents about your experiences or concerns.

Experience residence hall life

Many family members stay on-campus, experiencing a bit of campus life in a basic, air-conditioned residence hall room. These accommodations are quite popular with parents, but for those who prefer off-campus lodging, we have plans to accommodate that!
Please note: Students stay in a separate building from the Parent & Family Program.

For more information, please see the summary at a glance below:
Schedule details may be subject to change

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Parents who pay for the Parent & Family Program will receive a name tag to enter each Session. Parents who do not register in advance are able to register day of or they are welcome to stay through the Official Welcome but will not be able to attend the Sessions.

This year, due to extensive construction, the Parent & Family program’s residence hall is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the various program locations. As parking near some buildings may be limited, participants who choose to stay on campus are advised that A GOOD AMOUNT OF WALKING IS INVOLVED. We are not able to transport parent & family members and you will need to provide your own accommodations (wheelchair, crutches, etc.)