Winter Orientation (Students admitted for the spring semester)
When is new student orientation?
Orientation Part I takes place on the Wednesday before classes start in January. For 2013, freshmen orientation will take place on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. Please note: international students will be assigned an earlier orientation date, but will register with all freshmen on the Wednesday before classes. Students who are unable to attend the orientation that they are assigned are encouraged to contact the Orientation Office as soon as possible.
In addition, students are required to attend Experience Stony Brook (part II). You will attend a series of programs and activities designed to acclimate you to Stony Brook and introduce you to faculty, staff, and fellow students.
Where is winter orientation?
Winter Orientation occurs in the Student Activities Center (SAC). Students will spend most of their day in the SAC with the exception of the walking campus tour. Students driving to winter orientation should be sure to park in the H Lot, also known as the Student Activities Center lot. Parking cannot be validated for the parking garage or other areas of campus. Click here for additional information on traveling to campus. Click here for a campus map to the H lot.
What time is winter orientation?
Orientation part I is a full day program. Check-in for the program begins at 8:30am. Please arrive at the SAC lobby no later than the start time and plan to stay for the entire time period.
How do I get an orientation date?
When students are admitted to Stony Brook University, they are assigned a unique Stony Brook ID number that allows them to access our online system, known as SOLAR. On the SOLAR system, you can accept your admission by paying your tuition deposit online, as well as your housing deposit (if applicable) and orientation fee. You should also complete the New Student Preferences form available on SOLAR. When you have paid all deposits, an orientation date will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. You will receive your orientation date in the mail, along with additional orientation information.
What happens at winter orientation?
During your one-day orientation, you will meet with other freshmen, as well as university faculty and staff, including your academic advisor, your Faculty Director and Orientation Leaders. You will take your Photo ID picture before beginning your day and have a chance to visit the information fair in the lobby. After the Undergraduate College program, you will work with academic advisors, faculty members, and orientation leaders to develop your spring class schedule. Click here for a sample schedule of the student orientation program. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
How should I prepare for new student orientation?
Students who have paid their deposits and completed their online Preference form will be mailed a Planning Guide with their orientation materials. The Planning Guide contains critical information on course preferences, math placement exams and writing placement exams. After December 1, students must complete the Advising Planning Form (found on SOLAR) and complete any required assessments. Students who do not complete these items prior to orientation may be unable to register for necessary classes due to missing information. In addition, the Planning Guide also contains information about submitting high school transcripts, college credit transcripts and AP scores to the University.
What should I bring to winter orientation?
For a smooth orientation day, please remember the bring:
- Government issued photo identification
- Immunization and meningitis forms if not previously completed
- Most recent transcripts including coursework currently in process (can be unofficial for initial review)
- Syllabi/course descriptions from previous schools for math, journalism, business, and all science courses
Guests will not be allowed to participate in the orientation program with the student. A special orientation program just for family members will be offered on Friday, January 18, 2013. Up to two guests are welcome to attend the Family and Guest Orientation, which takes place in the Student Activities Center on those dates. For more information on the Family Orientation program, visit the Family Member website.
What is an "Orientation Hold" and why do I have one?
The Orientation Hold prevents students from registering. All new students will have a hold prior to attending Orientation Part I. The hold will be removed after Orientation. Students who do not pay the orientation fee will also have this hold until their orientation fee is paid. Students who do not attend Experience Stony Brook will have an orientation hold until they complete ROME.
What does the orientation fee cover?
The Stony Brook University's orientation fee of $180 provides the students with two programs. A one-day orientation session welcomes the students to the university, with an overview of the undergraduate experience, a meal, community building activities, academic advising, ID photos, and registration for classes. The fee also allows up to two parents or family members to attend a separate program where they are introduced to the campus resources.
The second program, "Experience Stony Brook", is during the first weekend prior to the start of the semester. This second part of orientation focuses on student responsibilities and expectations through workshops and theatre performances, and includes several social and community building activities, but does not include meals. Students learn about campus resources and opportunities.
Orientation fees are mandatory for all students except for EOP/AIM students and must be paid directly to the Office of Orientation via your SOLAR account. As orientation fees do not appear on a student's tuition bill they cannot be directly covered by financial aid. Should a student need to reschedule or cancel an orientation reservation, they must call at least seven days prior to the scheduled session. All refund requests must be made in writing and all reimbursements will result in a $50 processing fee.
Who can I contact if I have questions or need accommodations?
Students who have questions about orientation or require an accommodation (including dietary needs) should contact the office of New Student Orientation and Family Programs at 631-632-6710.
