Graduate Orientation Guidebook
Welcome to SUNY Plattsburgh graduate studies — your future starts here!
New Graduate Student Orientation
The graduate orientation event is hosted every August by the graduate admissions department. This is a great time to meet our staff as well as and faculty members, directors of key campus services, and returning students!
Can’t make it to the on-campus orientation? Check out the info below for a self-guided online orientation to get you acquainted with the services available to you.
Self-Guided Orientation
- Getting Started
Getting Your Graduate ID Card
Once you have been accepted and/or arrive on the main or branch campus, you will need to get a student ID card (also used for Cardinal Cash). Your ID card has many uses. You need an ID card to use the library (both the main and branch campus) and the gym at the main campus. If you are a student at the main campus in Plattsburgh, you can get your ID card in the ID card office, located at College Auxiliary Services (CAS) in the Clinton Dining Hall.
If you are a student at the branch campus in Queensbury, you can request an ID card to be mailed to your home address.
Finding a Place to Live
Most graduate students opt to live off campus. Housing on the main campus is available to graduate students upon request in many of our comfortable and modern residence halls. Ample off-campus housing is also available in the city of Plattsburgh. For information about off-campus housing, consult with the Campus and Community Living Office.
Housing in the Queensbury area can be found in local newspapers and at select websites:
Parking On Campus
- Registration & Classes
Your Acceptance Packet
You may register for your first graduate class(es) as a matriculated student 24 hours after you have returned your $250 tuition deposit. You will need your Net ID and Password to register. First, you must log on to Banner Web in order to register for classes.
If you have questions about which classes you should register for during your first semester, please consult with your assigned academic advisor. Your advisor’s name is also in your acceptance packet.
The college calendar provides important dates for you as a matriculated graduate student, including when you may register for classes, deadlines for withdrawing or dropping classes, and more.
Specific information for graduate students on registering for classes can be found at the registrar’s website. If you have difficulty with registration, please contact the registrar’s office.
Buying Your Books
Information about the books needed for your classes can be found when you click on the Course Reference Number (CRN) in your course search on Banner Web or at the college bookstore. A new law requires that textbooks for courses be posted early so that students may order them from a variety of sources, finding the cheapest versions available.
Branch campus graduate students can order books online from the college bookstore and have them shipped to their homes for a small fee.
To contact the campus bookstore, call 518-564-4460 or 888-778-4438.
Taking Online Graduate Courses Through Moodle
Depending on your graduate program, you may take a course through online learning at SUNY Plattsburgh. Online learners enjoy the convenience of completing courses at home and at times that are convenient for them.
If you are registered for an online course, go to this website for information on accessing your course via Moodle.
- Cost & Financial Aid
- Resources & Services
Library Services for Graduate Students
Whether you are a graduate student at the main campus or online, you will have access to the Feinberg Library. You will find what you need to complete course assignments, conduct quality research, and improve your information-gathering skills.
If you are student near our branch campus at Queensbury, you will also have access to the ACC Library.
Email and other technology services
Graduate Student Support Resources
SUNY Plattsburgh offers a number of support services that you may access as you need them during your time with us:
- The Student Health and Psychological Services Center offers a wide range of services, including a walk-in clinic, psychological counseling, nutritional advice, educational programs and more.
- The Claude J. Clark Learning Center offers free workshops and tutoring in many subjects. The center also provides a central place on campus for students to study and get together with others to work on group projects.
- The Student Accessibility Services Office can help graduate students with classroom accommodations.
- The Career Development Center can help you start a job placement file and offers workshops and appointments on a variety of career-related subjects.
- Student employment opportunities, both on and off campus, are available to graduate students.
Campus Services for Graduate Students
In addition, the main campus offers the following general services for all its students:
- The Student Association is open to both undergraduate and graduate students and offers a variety of clubs and services.
- Recreation Sports offers a wide variety of sports programs and clubs to meet the recreational needs of student, faculty and staff to enhance the campus quality of life.
- Graduate students can take advantage of dining services on the main campus in a variety of venues.
- The Fitness Center is a component of the Department of Exercise and Nutrition. Offered for an additional fee, the center is managed by professional staff, while the group exercise program is coordinated by a half-time group exercise specialist. The Fitness Center staff is comprised of student trainers and supervisors, as well as aerobics, spinning, and cardio-kickboxing instructors.
- Health & Safety
Student Health & Counseling Center
Your acceptance packet also contains important health information.
The State of New York and SUNY Plattsburgh require that all students enrolled in six or more credits:
- Be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR);
- All SUNY Plattsburgh students who access any campus facilities in person are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 per New York State guidance. More information can be found on our COVID-19 Updates page;
- Forward a completed medical history, immunization record, and physical examination report to the center within thirty days from the first day of classes; and
- Enroll in the Student Accident and Sickness insurance plan or be covered by comparable and adequate insurance through another source. Failure to comply may result in dis-enrollment from the college.
- Students need a recent physical from their physician in order to complete the medical history, immunization record, and physical examination report.
If a student is covered by a comparable and adequate insurance company, the student has the opportunity to decline the Student Accident and Sickness insurance plan on their bill. Branch campus graduate students are exempt from this fee.
If you have questions, contact:
Student Health
Phone: 518-564-2187
Fax: 518-564-2188
[email protected]Psychological Services
Phone: 518-564-3086
Fax: 518-564-2376Visit Student Health & Counseling Center
University Police (UPD)
University Police offer a variety of services, including an escort service, jump-start kits for your car, lock out services, and more.
Emergency Services
Call 911 or University Police 518-564-2022
Toll-free: 866-858-4089Visit University Police
- Polices & Procedures