E-mail this pageFirst-Year Student Experience at SUNY Plattsburgh
Stand Out From the Start
We'd like to welcome you to your first year at college. This will be an exciting and challenging time in your life - full of growth and rewards.
Your first year can be confusing, overwhelming, exciting, and fun. We are here to help you in any way we can. SUNY Plattsburgh is committed to the quality of life of each and every first- year student.
When you successfully complete your degree here, you will have accomplished many goals and grow in all aspects of your life: intellectually, socially, philosophically, and more.
Opportunities abound for cultural events, social activities, athletic and intramural sports, and discussion forums, among many areas. Take advantage by learning about what's available on campus.
First-Year Housing Option
Whiteface and Wilson residence halls are dedicated to first-year students. Many special services are provided in these residence halls including: specially selected and trained Resident Assistants, Resident Mentors and Resident Directors. In addition, on every floor, a faculty mentor is available to interact with and guide students. Special academic advising support services are available in the residence hall. There will be discussion and interaction on college transition issues during the first six weeks of the fall semester.
Academic Success
If you are a first-year student living in Whiteface or Wilson Halls, you have convenient and easy access to an academic guide with office hours right in your building. Don't know how to read your CAPP report, not sure what your major is, can't locate your academic advisor, need advice on course selection? There are regular office hours available to discuss academic advising questions. Stop by to meet Stop by the academic support offices on the first floor of Whiteface or Wilson (respectively).
First-Year Advocates
If you live in a residence hall, other than Whiteface or Wilson, or commute to college, you will have a first-year advocate assigned to you. This advocate is a member of the faculty or professional staff who will assist each student with transition questions and issues. They'll also keep an eye on the academic status of each student and help direct the students to the multiple academic resources available to them.
Make Friends/Get Involved/Activities
Whether you come from a large city or a small town, we have activities, events, clubs, and special weekends that will keep you busy, keep you laughing, and enrich your life in many ways.
Academic Struggles? Feeling Stressed?
We care about you! Mike Baumgardner, the Assistant Director of Residence Life, contacts students throughout the academic year to see how they are doing and to offer assistance to students who would like it. Also during midterms for each semester, Mike will contact students who may not have done as well as they hoped to help get them back on the right track. If you could use Mike's help, please contact the Housing and Residence Life Office at extension 3824 and set up an appointment.
There are many other offices and people that want to assist you during your first year on campus. Contact Kathy McClellan, Associate Director of the Office of First-Year Experience, with any concerns - academic or otherwise. Don't forget your faculty advisor is available to assist you. Check out the Learning Center with their wonderful workshops, resources and tutors. We're all here to help you.
Contact Information
For more information about the First-Year Student Experience at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
Peter Luguri
Assistant Vice President and Director of First Year Experience and Retention Efforts
Office: Kehoe 608
Kathleen McClellan
Associate Director, First Year Experience and Retention Efforts
Office: Kehoe 709
Phone: (518) 564-INFO (564-4636)
E-mail: fye@plattsburgh.edu