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Fall Semester Orientation 2012
Wednesday-Sunday, August 22-26, 2012

Centennial Hall Student Residence website

Welcome from Student Affairs!

Congratulations on your acceptance to SUNY-ESF! My name is Laura Crandall, and I'm the Director of Student Involvement & Leadership at ESF. Along with the amazing faculty and staff here, I'm responsible for ensuring that your transition to SUNY-ESF is smooth and successful.

ESF's Orientation program held from August 22-26 introduces new students to the campus, the community, and the abundant resources we provide.

You should have received new student information that details your preparation responsibilities by June. Use the links in the menu bar above to find all the information you need to know prior to your arrival on campus.

As an ESF student, you can take advantage of both ESF and Syracuse University (SU) services. Use the menu to learn about what SU provides—community living, spiritual services, "taking care of business items," etc.

The time before arrival on campus may be overwhelming, but we work hard to make sure that your transition to ESF is smooth.

I look forward to meeting you in August!

Sincerely,

Laura Crandall, MS
Director of Student Involvement & Leadership

Have Questions?

Call the Student Affairs Office at 315-470-6658, or email me directly at ldcranda@esf.edu.

In the fall, there are separate orientation programs for first-year students, families of first-year students, transfer students and graduate students.

First-Year Students & Families

Your orientation begins on Wednesday, August 22nd. You can move into Centennial Hall starting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22nd but should be moved in by 2:00 p.m. The ESF orientation program will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a Hospitality Hour on the ESF Quad followed by a Welcome Session at 3:00 p.m. at Hendricks Chapel. The remainder of the orientation schedule should be posted (and sent) early summer. Many of the family sessions are identical to those the first-year students will attend. We think it is important for family members to hear some consistent messages as well as experience some sessions tailored just for parents. Please understand this is an abbreviated schedule and is subject to change.

Important Note for Parents: We ask parents to depart campus around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 23rd. This request is intentional. By this time during orientation weekend, new students need to begin the process of building self-reliance and autonomy. We'd like the process to begin Thursday night. And if there is a problem, we'll always be here to help!

Role of Orientation Leaders: Every new student will have a small group led by one of our 52 Orientation Leaders to help ease the transition to ESF. You will find out who your OL is when you arrive on campus in August.

Transfer Students

Your orientation begins on Saturday, August 25th. The first session will begin at 8:30 a.m. It is imperative that prior to the beginning of this session, you pick up your orientation packet in the Bray Hall Rotunda. You can do this Friday afternoon or as early as 7 a.m. on Saturday.

A Note to Transfer Students

We understand that transfer students may have experienced orientation at another institution, but we believe that the ESF Orientation is important to familiarize you with the College's unique traditions, programs, people and opportunities.

Orientation includes social events specifically planned with transfer students in mind. It's a great way to get to better know your peers and meet new people.

Opening Weekend marks the beginning of your academic experience here. We will introduce you to the flow of campus life and have carefully planned the weekend to help you feel more comfortable in your new home.

Activities include meeting faculty, interacting with returning ESF students, finalizing your registration, and meeting the people you will soon call your friends. We will also introduce you to the many services available here. Transfer students who have been assigned on-campus housing will receive detailed instructions on moving in to their residence hall.

International Student Orientation

At ESF we embrace students and cultures from around the world and are proud to boast undergraduate and graduate students from more than 30 different countries. To assist our international students in their transition to ESF, our Office of International Education can be most helpful.

International students in F-1 and J-1 status should plan to arrive in Syracuse no later than 8 am Tuesday, August 21, 2012 in order to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation and English Language Assessment Exam.

Please be sure to also review the New Students section of the Office of International Education website for information that will help you prepare to travel to the U.S. and establish your life in Syracuse, NY. Topics covered include: visa acquisition; arriving at the US Port of Entry; getting to the ESF campus; housing, health insurance, international student orientation, and living in Syracuse, NY.

For complete international student orientation information, access the International Student Orientation site or contact the ESF Office of International Education at 315-470-6691. You also may contact Ms. Carolyn Salter, Coordinator of International Education, at cmsalter@esf.edu.

For more information for new international students, visit the New International Students site where you also can find information on international student orientation, visa acquisition, and arriving at the U.S. port of entry as well as numerous other resources that will help you prepare to travel to the U.S. and establish your life in Syracuse, NY.

Orientation for Undergraduates starting at ESF in January

Because there are fewer students entering ESF in January, the orientation program is very brief and personal. Slated for Saturday, January 12th and Sunday, January 13, 2013, orientation will mark the beginning of your tenure here at ESF. According to current ESF students, attending orientation was very helpful in terms of getting to know the place. While the program is brief, it is our hope that orientation will provide you with "need it now" information to help you through the first few days and weeks at ESF. The sessions during orientation will introduce you to various campus resources and involvement opportunities. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet and discuss our community with current students.

Each department will facilitate the advising process differently. You will be informed at orientation as to how this will work for your particular area of study.

Information about January Orientation will be sent to incoming students later in the Fall 2012 semester.