First-Year

What to Expect at Orientation:

• Connect with Peers

  During the Orientation Program, students will have an opportunity to connect with their peers. Student will interact with other members of their class and student leaders through their Orientation Groups led by Orientation Leaders (OL), current Union College students who are selected and trained to welcome and support new students during Orientation and beyond. Students will meet with their Orientation Group each day of the program and OLs will help new students feel at home and form early connections with classmates through icebreakers, discussions, and group activities. New Students will have an opportunity to meet and interact with current student leaders involved in various aspects of campus life and the student experience.

• Explore Campus Resources

  During the program new students will meet and hear from administrators from the Dean of Students Office, Residence Education and Housing, Campus Safety, Intercultural Affairs, Wicker Wellness, Community Engagement and Outreach and more, as they share important information, policies and insight into the Union College campus culture. These presentations serve to teach new students how to navigate the many resources available to them as part of the Union Community.

• Prepare for Academic Success

  Orientation is the first step for students as they begin their academic journey at Union. During the Orientation Program, students will review their fall term schedule while meet with their academic advisor. Our OLs will provide new students with a customized tour of campus pointing out where their classes will take place. As part of orientation, new students will attend Opening Convocation, marking the official academic start of the year, where students, faculty, and staff gather to celebrate tradition and hear from our new president.

• Participate in Shared Experiences

  As part of our new program, students will also have the opportunity to join a Shared Experience — a day long activity or outing taking place on Sunday, August 31st, designed to help new students connect with their classmates and OLs, explore the area, and build community.

  Shared Experiences will be led by Union faculty and staff and offer a variety of fun and meaningful ways to start your time at Union. Over the summer, students will be asked to rank their preferences for the Shared Experiences they would like to participate in.

  Experiences include activities such as ropes courses, exploring museums, hiking, wellness and mindfulness activities, local area adventures, attending a Broadway show, and much more!

  There will be something for everyone and it’s a great way for students to begin their Union journey with memorable experiences and new friendships.

• See Schenectady

  Students will have opportunities to experience aspects of the Schenectady community, helping them get to know our vibrant local area and understand how Union students engage with and contribute to our surrounding city. In partnership with Community Engagement and Outreach, new students and OLs will participate in John Calvin Toll Day of Community Engagement on Saturday, September 6th.

• Have Fun and Make Connections!

  Orientation is a great way for students to get comfortable on campus. Each night students will have an opportunity to engage in a different social event like West Beach Welcome, Bingo, Minervolympics, and more. During orientation, students will learn a lot, be introduced to many of the available resources to them, make new friends, meet new mentors, and most importantly, have fun while starting to create your Union memories.

• Information for Parent and Families

  We are excited to offer optional opportunities to help parents and family supporters support your student’s transition to life at Union

  Here’s what’s coming up:

  • "Ready to Launch: A Conversation for New Union Parents" – A live webinar on July 15 at 7 PM EST featuring a panel of Union representatives.
  • Q&A Zoom Sessions – Additional virtual events will be held later in the summer (dates shared in our FYE newsletters).
  • First-Year Spark – An optional on-campus summer preview event on Saturday, July 26, with parent/family programming from 4:30–6:00 PM.
  • Welcome Receptions – Union alumni will host casual gatherings in Boston (July 30) and Westchester, NY (July 31).

  Parents and families are also invited to join their students during the Move-in Day experience. We will have many student leaders onsite during our New Student Move-In to assist students with getting their belongings into their rooms. Parents and Families are invited to join us for a Class of 2029 farewell Picnic Dinner, our Campus Partners Resource Fair, and our Official Class of 2029 Welcome all taking place on August 29th as well.

  After the welcome, once our Orientation programs begin, we kindly ask that parents and families head back home so our students can be fully present in our programing.

  Stay Informed:
  Details and registration links for all events will be shared soon in our bi-weekly FYE newsletters sent directly to students’ Union.edu email addresses and posted below under "Class of 2029 Summer Communications."

  Have questions?
  We're here to help! Contact the First-Year Experience Office at firstyearexperience@union.edu.