Frequently asked questions

Q: How are Student Orientation sessions assigned? top
A: Students must return their request form ranking all sessions in order of preference. The date you most want is your 1st choice, and so on. Your request is prioritized according to the date we received it in the mail. We assign on first-come, first-served basis. Sessions will fill up, therefore please plan accordingly.

Q: When will I receive my orientation date? top
A: Early to mid June. Assignments are usually made on the day we receive the student’s reservation form – then the confirmation mailing goes out the next day (note that mailings have not started for 2009 – we are waiting for our booklets to arrive from the printer – updates will be posted on the confirmation packet page). From mid-June on, confirmation mailings go out daily as reservations come in.

Q: When and how will I register for classes? top
A: Freshmen register on campus during Student Orientation (SO) in July and August.

Q: What does Student Orientation involve? top
A: The Orientation program at Rensselaer consists of a day-and-a-half on campus orientation session for both students and families in July; on-line access to information and campus-based assistance throughout the summer; and a week-long welcome program (Navigating Renselaer & Beyond) geared toward familiarizing students with the campus and surrounding area just before the start of classes in the Fall.

The purposes of Student Orientation are to get advised and registered for classes, to learn as much about your new environment, policies and procedures, in a relaxed situation with the help of a fully trained staff. Students will have their student ID photo taken and the opportunity to address numerous other administrative tasks. Research shows that students who attend and fully participate in a structured orientation program are more satisfied with their college experience and have a greater success rate. The welcome program in the fall allows students to become more comfortable with campus, get to know one another and the surrounding area, find where classes are held, buy books, and more.

Q: Will I be able to get the classes I want? top
A: Regardless of which Student Orientation session students attend, all students will receive a full fall schedule that will count towards graduation. These may not always be their first choice classes, but will be classes that are needed for their degree.

Q: Are parents/family members of freshmen able to attend a Parent Orientation? top
A: Yes, there is a day-and-a-half Family Orientation program that occurs on the same two days as their son/daughter’s program in July and August. The family program runs concurrently, but separate from, the student program. Parents and families check-in at the same time as their student on the first day and may opt to purchase a 2-day meal pass for a fee. Parents must register to attend the program by completing the guest information on their student’s reservation form. Information regarding lodging will be included in the student’s confirmation package. There is housing available for parents on-campus (July only) that can be reserved through the Office of Conference Services (518-276-7459) for an additional cost beginning June 1. Please note that housing on-campus is in our residence halls. See also: family accommodations

Q: When do I arrive in the fall? top
A: Please see the NRB move-in page for details.

Last modified: May 6, 2009

SO – First-Year Students