Student Orientation

By the time Orientation rolls around, most new students will have attended a Delhi Advantage Day program and completed placement testing and preliminary scheduling.  Hopefully you will have met a few other new students during the student mixer as well.  Starting college for the first time, returning to college after an absence of some time, or transferring to a new college, is a big step.  It’s hard to know what exactly to expect and some nervousness and apprehension is normal.

The first day of Orientation is focused primarily on ‘moving in.’  Because we have over 1,000 new students arriving in late August, we make a special effort to roll out the red carpet and provide you with additional assistance unloading your belongings.  A big festive barbeque with live music makes for a lively and welcoming start to the semester and the Opening Convocation is your first opportunity to hear from our College President, Dr. Candace Vancko.  We round out the day with informative and entertaining skits by our Student Orientation Leaders, and then some late night entertainment.

The second day of Orientation is packed full of academic meetings, advisor meetings, financial aid sessions and many other offerings highlighting services such as tutoring, career guidance, counseling and health, leadership and community service opportunities.  There are meetings for returning adult students and a specially designed “transfer track” for transfer students.  Student Orientation staff are available to answer questions and show you around.    Live entertainment ends the day and provides you the chance to relax and meet other new students.

The third day of the Fall program provides us an opportunity to help you get to know and appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings of the Catskill Mountains.  We visit a local State Park….Bear Spring Mountain….and spend the day relaxing, eating, kayaking, hiking, playing volleyball and more.   It’s a wonderful way to wrap up the weekend and gives you the chance to relax and hang out with other new students before classes begin on Monday!

In choosing SUNY Delhi you have selected a fine academic institution with a caring and supportive faculty and staff.  Participating fully in Orientation will provide you with the information and contacts you will need to be a successful student.  We’re looking forward to your arrival on campus.  If you have additional questions check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.  Or feel free to email me at osterhlb@delhi.edu

Lori Osterhoudt, Director