Frequently Asked Questions About Your Orientation Day
What is new student orientation?
The new student orientation program at Stony Brook University is a fun and exciting way for students to begin their Stony Brook experience. Orientation is divided into two parts. Part I, known as orientation (summer or January), is a half-day orientation session that focuses on advising and registration. Part II, known as Experience Stony Brook, focuses on getting acclimated to the University climate, culture, and community. Both part I and part II are mandatory for all students.
When is new student orientation?
January orientation (part I) takes place on specific Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in January. Summer orientation (part I) takes place on specific Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of June. Students will be scheduled for a morning or afternoon session based on the order in which they are received. Students will receive a letter to their home address once they have been assigned a date. Students who are in EOP/AIM will have special orientation dates. In addition, international students will be assigned to a specific orientation date. Students who are unable to attend the orientation that they are assigned are encouraged to contact the Orientation Office as soon as possible.
Experience Stony Brook takes place across the entire campus. Students will be attending programs in LaValle Stadium, the Staller Center, and various other locations on campus. A detailed schedule will be provided to students when they arrive at Experience Stony Brook.
For students entering in the Spring of 2010, Experience Stony Brook is scheduled for Sunday, January 24, 2010. These days are mandatory for all new students. 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. Classes begin on Monday, January 25, 2010.
Where is orientation?
Orientation occurs in the Student Activities Center (SAC). Students will spend most of their day in the SAC. Students driving to orientation should be sure to park in the H Lot, also known as the Student Activities Center lot (Faculty/Staff Lot).
Parking cannot be validated for the parking garage or other areas of campus. Click here for additional information on
traveling to campus.
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. The SOLAR system allows students to accept their admission by paying their tuition deposit online, as well as their housing deposit (if applicable) and student orientation fee. When a student has paid all deposits, an orientation date will be assigned based on the order in which they were received. The student will receive their orientation date in the mail, along with additional orientation materials.
What happens at orientation?
During your half-day orientation, you will meet with other transfer students, as well as university faculty and staff, including academic advisors, faculty 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. A meal is provided. All students will have individual appointments with an academic advisor. During the summer, students will hear from Campus Residences or Commuter Student Services. Students will work with academic advisors, faculty members, and orientation leaders to develop their schedule.
Click here for a glance at the AM or
PM half-day summer orientation schedule for transfer students. Please note that schedules are subject to change. Students in the EOP/AIM will follow a different schedule, as will international students.
During Experience Stony Brook, you will be formally welcomed by the University President at Convocation. You will meet with other transfer students and participate in team-oriented activities. Finally, you will receive important information about your rights and responsibilities as a Stony Brook student, including policy information on issues such as drugs and alcohol, sexual assault, hazing, and the University code of conduct.
How should I prepare for new student orientation?
Students who have paid their deposits will be mailed a Transfer Student Checklist with their orientation materials. The Checklist contains critical information on
what many students must complete prior to their orientation date. Students who do not complete these items prior to orientation may be unable to register for necessary classes due to missing information. Click
here to download the Transfer
Student Checklist.
For Experience Stony Brook, students are required to bring their student ID to all events, as student attendance will be taken via their ID cards. Student ID’s will be picked up when students check-in to the residence halls or on the first day of Experience Stony Brook for commuter students.
Can I bring a guest to orientation?
During summer orientation, students are allowed to bring up to two guests, however guests will not be allowed to participate in the orientation program with the student. During the summer, parents and family members are welcome to attend the Parent/Family Orientation, which takes place in a separate area of the Student Activities Center. There is no parent/family orientation in January. For more information on the Parent/Family orientation, visit the
Parent/Family website.
Guests are welcome to assist students with move-in, however , they are not able to attend Experience Stony Brook events.
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. 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 make up the required program information.
What does the orientation fee cover?
The Stony Brook University's orientation fee of $180 provides the students with two programs. A half-day orientation session welcomes the students to the university, with an overview of the undergraduate experience, a meal, academic advising, ID photos, and registration for classes. During the summer, the parents and family members 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. 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.