Access & Opportunity Programs

ACE provides personal, academic and financial assistance with a dedicated advisor and ACE peer mentor with the goal to help you stay on track to graduate within four years.

You might be the right fit if:

• You are a first-time, first-year student or a transfer student who has already earned an associate degree
• You are Pell-eligible

Learn more about ACE

ARO provides accommodations and support for students with a disability to ensure equal access to academic and campus life. ARO can help with housing accommodations, assistive technology and test-taking support.

You might be the right fit if:

• You are a student with a temporary or permanent disability seeking accommodations

Learn more about ARO

CAP is a program for first-year students looking to bridge the gap between high school and college. It includes academic coaching, mentoring and tailored support to help you thrive in your first year at SUNY Plattsburgh.

You might be the right fit if:

• You are a first-year student looking for academic support and to connect with our many campus resources.

Learn more about CAP

EOP offers academic, financial and personal support for historically underserved or economically disadvantaged students. EOP is an admissions-based program.

You might be the right fit if:

• You are a New York state resident (for at least 12 months prior to enrollment)
• You are ineligible for admission under traditional admission standards — students who fall slightly below the criteria for general admission 
• You qualify as economically disadvantaged according to income guidelines set by the NYS Education Department (financial eligibility is based on family income from prior-prior year)

Learn more about EOP

TRIO SSS is a federally funded academic support program  offering academic advising, financial literacy workshops and graduate school preparation. 

You might be the right fit if:

• You are a first-generation college student
• Income eligible
• Are a student with a disability

Learn more about TRIO SSS

Our on-campus food shelf and basic needs hub, helping students access free, nutritious food and other basic needs resources.

The Cardinal Cupboard is available to all SUNY Plattsburgh students.

Learn more about the Cardinal Cupboard

The Student Emergency Assistance Program provides emergency grants for unexpected and urgent expenses that could affect your ability to continue college.

You might be the right fit if:

• You are a currently enrolled student
• You can provide evidence of unexpected financial hardship

Learn more about the Student Emergency Assistance Program

• Academic Advising — SUNY Plattsburgh offers one-on-one academic advising to help you with things like understanding course requirements, signing up for classes and staying on track to graduate on time. Academic Advising is located on the first floor of Feinberg Library.
• Learning Center — Take advantage of free tutoring, open study sessions, academic personal trainers and more. The Learning Center is located on the first floor of Feinberg Library.
• Cost and Aid — Learn everything you need to know about loans and grants and get help with your FAFSA and TAP forms. Financial aid is located in the Kehoe Administration Building, Suite 401.
• Career Development Center — Work with career counselors, get coaching for resume and cover letter writing, help with your job search and information on graduate schools. Don’t wait until you’re a senior to check the CDC out; they help freshmen, alumni and everyone in between. The CDC is located in 118 Angell College Center.
• Center for Student Involvement — This is the place to learn how to get involved in activities that interest you! You’ll find more than 90 clubs and organizations to get involved with, including Fraternity and Sorority Life. The Center for Student Involvement is located at 106 Angell College Center.
• Student Health and Counseling Center — Visit the Health and Counseling Center to meet with physicians, nurses and licensed mental health counselors who work to make sure our students are both physically and mentally healthy. The Student Health and Counseling Center is located in the Health Center/University Police building behind Saranac Hall.
• University Police — Our fully commissioned University Police (UP) force is specially trained to work with college students to help create a respectful campus environment. University Police is located in the Health Center/University Police building behind Saranac Hall.

Mission

Access & Opportunity Programs at SUNY Plattsburgh are dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds by providing comprehensive support and resources. Our mission is to foster academic, personal, and professional growth for first-generation college students, low-income students and students with disabilities. We prioritize academic achievement, financial literacy, mental well-being and basic food and housing security, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive and fully engage in their educational journey.

Vision 

Our vision is to create an equitable and inclusive academic community where all students can achieve their fullest potential regardless of background or ability. We aspire to build a campus environment where students can access the necessary resources, support, and opportunities to succeed. By fostering resilience, empowerment, and lifelong learning, we aim to develop leaders ready to make meaningful contributions to society, break cycles of systemic barriers, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Values

Enhance Academic Success — We offer personalized academic coaching, tutoring, and structured workshops to help students develop critical skills such as time management, test preparation, note-taking, and study strategies. Additionally, we provide programming on graduate school preparation, career exploration, and internships.

Promote Educational Equity — We are committed to removing barriers for first-generation, PELL-eligible students and students with disabilities. We create a supportive environment where every student can excel by advocating for inclusive policies and equitable access to resources.

Enhance Financial Literacy — We equip students with essential financial skills through personalized coaching and workshops on budgeting, FAFSA completion, loan management, credit building, and long-term financial planning.

Support Mental Well-Being — We promote mental health awareness and self-care by offering resources on stress management, mindfulness, and wellness practices. We collaborate with campus counseling services to ensure students can access professional support and mental health resources.

Ensure Basic Food and Housing Security — We address food and housing insecurity through initiatives such as campus food pantries, meal programs, emergency housing support, and assistance with financial aid and housing resources.