Academic Advising
Each matriculated student is assigned an academic advisor who will give advice to assist the student toward timely graduation. However, the ultimate responsibility for understanding and completing degree and graduation requirements lies with the student, not the advisor. All students must consult with an advisor before they will be permitted to register for classes each semester. A student’s academic advisor will then release the advising hold, allowing the student to register for classes. Students will also have a faculty mentor assigned for each major.
Advising should be a continuing process not limited to selection and approval of courses. Students should discuss with their academic advisor any academic difficulties in their classes, problems outside of class that affect their academic performance. Students should also consult with their advisor before making important academic decisions, such as withdrawing from a class, selecting the S/P/U grading option, or attempting a semester credit overload.
If you have any academic advising questions, please email advising@potsdam.edu.
Note: Each student is responsible for satisfying requirements for graduation as listed under College, general education, and major/minor requirements.
Accommodative Services
SUNY Potsdam is committed to the full inclusion of all students who can benefit from educational opportunities. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the College endeavors to make reasonable adjustments in its policies, practices, services, and facilities to ensure equal opportunity for qualified students with disabilities to participate in all educational programs, services, and activities. The College will also strive to ensure that a person with a disability who is otherwise qualified will not, on the basis of that disability, be denied full and equal access to and enjoyment of academic and co-curricular programs or activities or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under programs or activities offered by the College.
The Office of Accommodative Services (OAS) is SUNY Potsdam’s designated office responsible for determining verification of a student’s eligibility for reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and auxiliary aids and services. OAS shall be the primary provider for academic adjustments, auxiliary aids or services that facilitate equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities .
OAS provides academic accommodations for all qualified students who have documented learning, emotional, and/or physical disabilities and have need for accommodations. Accommodations can include but are not limited to such services as note takers/note-taking supports, text readers, alternative testing arrangements or loan of some equipment.
Students seeking accommodations should begin the interactive process by filling out the online request form or by emailing oas@potsdam.edu to learn more about the process and what documentation is needed. It is the responsibility of the student to identify themselves as having a disability and to inform OAS that an accommodation is necessary. It is important to be aware that the laws that guide eligibility and reasonableness of accommodations differ from those in K-12.
Participation in OAS is voluntarily. All services are confidential, individually derived, and documentation and interactive process driven.
OAS will assist students requesting non-academic auxiliary aids or services in locating the appropriate campus offices to address the requests. Personal care needs are the responsibility of the student.
For more information visit https://www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/support/accommodative-services.
Orientation
Orientation is one of the most significant activities for new students and seeks to welcome students to the Potsdam community as they prepare to start their first semester. The orientation program accomplishes a number of critical functions:
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Provides students with a welcoming atmosphere in which to become comfortable with the campus and to meet and interact with their fellow students.
- Offers students the opportunity to register for classes with an academic advisor.
- Enables students to learn about the policies and procedures of the College.
- Connects students with the wide range of services and resources designed to support their transition to college and success in their first year.
You can learn more about Orientation for first year students here and transfer students here.
Military and Veterans’ Student Services
The Office of Military and Veterans’ Student Services provides the following services to assist military service personnel, military family members, and veterans, including: advising and advocating on behalf of our Veteran and military service members and family member students; conducting veteran student orientation; and serving as SUNY Potsdam’s designated School Certifying Official for veteran benefits.
This office serves over 100 students each semester. For additional information, please visit Military Affiliated Students | SUNY Potsdam.
SUNY Potsdam is a proud and active supporter of our Military, Veterans and their family members. As such, SUNY Potsdam remains in compliance with and supporting of 38 USC 3679(e).
Tutoring
Tutoring is free of charge and is available for various undergraduate and graduate level courses. General study skills assistance is also available through individual appointments. All tutoring sessions are facilitated by a trained and experienced peer tutor. Sessions are hosted in various spaces across campus and within the Lougheed Learning Commons. For more information, email vanderbl@potsdam.edu.
Special Programs
Bridges
The Bridges Program at SUNY Potsdam is a two-year, transition program for talented students who are not academically eligible for regular admission. Bridges provides support services to enhance their academic success. The transitional program includes academic advising, life coaching, mentoring, supplemental instruction, and course registration. Other services such as group content tutoring and learning skills workshops are provided through the Lougheed Learning Commons. All Bridges students sign a learning contract that specifies program requirements.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
EOP serves talented students who are not academically eligible for general admission but meet specific economic eligibility criteria. From their freshman year to graduation, students receive comprehensive support to ensure their academic and personal success. Program services include counseling, supplemental instruction, workshops, EOP Direct Aid, 1:1 tutoring, book voucher, and a summer orientation program. For additional information, please call (315) 267-2832 or visit www.potsdam.edu/admissions/apply/special/EOP/index.cfm.
TRiO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program designed to enhance academic skills and increase retention and graduation rates of eligible students. Services include peer tutoring, academic planning, academic monitoring, study skills assistance, financial literacy/planning, graduate school planning, counseling, cultural activities and peer mentoring. Through coordination with other campus offices, the program also assists participants with career planning and financial aid counseling.
Eligible students:
Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
Are first-generation college students and/or meet certain family income guidelines and/or have a documented learning or physical disability, as well as;
Have a demonstrated academic need for services.
Special note: Students with disabilities who require classroom accommodations should apply for them through the Office of Accommodative Services.
For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/trio or contact the TRIO Office at (315) 267-2347, or email trio@potsdam.edu.
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