Division of Student Success

The Division of Student Success provides opportunities that support student engagement and learning that take place outside the classroom in order to create a positive and healthy student experience. The departments within the Division of Student Success include: Residential Life; New Student and Family Programs; Health Services; Counseling Services; Career Services; Student Involvement & Leadership; Campus Recreation; Intercultural Student Engagement; Campus Center Management; the Disability Resource Center; University Police; and Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility.

The Vice President for Student Success

The Vice President for Student Success has the responsibility for the leadership and administration of all the departments within the Division of Student Success and oversees all services, activities, and programs designed to promote a positive total educational experience for every student. The Office of the Vice President is located in University Hall and can be reached at (518) 956-8140.

Residential Life

Living on campus is an integral part of the overall college experience. The Department of Residential Life provides both traditional style and apartment style living for over 7,200 students. Traditional residence buildings that are both suite and corridor style are located on both the main campus and downtown campus. All students living in traditional residence halls are required to be on a campus meal plan. There are also three apartment style complexes, equipped with kitchens. All students are provided with cable hook-up and wireless internet connections. Laundry rooms are conveniently located in all buildings and are free of charge to resident students.

Freshmen students who live outside a 50 mile radius are required to live on campus for their first two years and are assigned to areas designed to enhance their first year experience and to build a solid foundation in their first year of college study. The environment for first year students encourages community, promotes responsibility and positive social interaction, and supports solid academic preparation. There are several Living-Learning Communities available for freshmen students. These programs are designed for students to live with other students who have similar interests and/or majors.

Apartment housing is available to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. There is no family housing currently available. All residence halls and apartments are smoke free.

For additional information, including scholars housing and the availability of living learning communities, go to the Residential Life website at: www.albany.edu/housing.

The Office of Residential Life is located in the basement of Eastman Tower on State Quadrangle and can be reached at (518) 442-5875.

New Student Orientation

Orientation facilitates the transition of new students into the University at Albany by preparing them for educational opportunities and social responsibilities; integrating them into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the University; and introducing parents and families to appropriate support resources. Students entering the University as newly matriculated freshmen or transfers for the fall semester are invited to participate in a Summer Orientation Program. Transfers attend a one-day program, while freshmen attend a two-day program that includes a one-night stay in a residence hall. Summer Orientation Programs include presentations by University administrators, small group discussions, and an opportunity to meet with advisors and/or representatives in academic departments to finalize fall semester classes. Information sessions for parents of new students are offered concurrently with freshman programs and transfer programs. Students who are unable to attend a Summer Orientation Program will attend an orientation program prior to the start of classes in the fall. All freshmen and transfer students also attend Great Dane Beginnings Opening Weekend programs in the fall prior to the beginning of classes. For new students enrolling in the spring semester, an orientation program also occurs prior to the start of that semester.

The Orientation Office is located in the Department of Residential Life in the basement of Eastman Tower on State Quadrangle and can be reached at (518) 442-5509.

Note: International Students and students accepted into the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) attend Orientation programs that are offered through those offices. More information can be found at https://www.albany.edu/isss/ and at https://www.albany.edu/eop/.

Parent and Family Services

Family involvement at the University at Albany is fostered through various programs and services coordinated by the Director of New Student Programs. New Student Programs assists families with their student’s transition from high school to college, as well as with their college experience through graduation. Programs and services include individual parent advisement, Family website, electronic communications, and the coordination of events during Parents Weekend. Family services are available through the Department of Residential Life located in the basement of Eastman Tower on State Quadrangle (518) 442-5875 or [email protected] or www.albany.edu/parents.

University Health Center

The University Health Center (UHC) is the primary health care facility for registered students. Services include General Medical Clinic, Women’s Health Clinic, Immunization Clinic, Self-Help Center (where over-the-counter medications can be obtained at no cost), psychiatric services, and an on-site pharmacy. The UHC is open Monday – Friday and sees students by appointment. Appointments with a health care provider are available for registered students only and are free of charge. Call (518) 442-5229 or visit the Health Center website to schedule an appointment by phone or online. The UHC is located at 400 Patroon Creek Blvd. Suite 200, across the street from the Uptown Campus. Shuttle bus service is available during regular business hours from Collins Circle and the Science Library Bus Stop. Shuttle schedules are available on the Parking and Mass Transit website. The main office telephone number is (518) 442-5454. Health Center requirements including immunization requirements and additional information can be found at www.albany.edu/health_center/. 

Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service

 Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service is a New York State certified ambulance agency serving the campus community. It is operated exclusively by UAlbany students and funded by the Student Association. Since 1973, volunteers have provided Basic Life Support (BLS) 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the academic year. Five Quad operates two ambulances with 50-90 active members (all certified in CPR and First Aid) and 20-30 members-in-training. In addition, some members are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The phone number is (518) 442-5555 (for emergencies call 442-3131) and the website is https://www.albany.edu/~fivequad/.

University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center (UCC) provides psychological assistance to help UAlbany students reach their educational and personal goals. The staff is culturally inclusive, accessible, and available to meet the needs of all students. Staffed by psychologists and a health promotion specialist, the Center also provides supervised training for doctoral interns from throughout the United States and Canada. There is no charge for Counseling Center services.

UCC is located in Suite 104 at 400 Patroon Creek Blvd. across Washington Ave. from the UAlbany uptown campus. Shuttle bus service is available during regular business hours from Collins Circle and the Science Library Bus Stop. Reception hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Please call with questions or to make an appointment (518) 442-5800. Email [email protected], or visit the website at www.albany.edu/counseling_center/ for directions and additional information.

Psychological Counseling and Consulting: UCC provides psychological counseling (individual and group) and evaluation for emotional, social, and academic concerns. Students may also consult with UCC staff by telephone, email or in person regarding issues that impact students or someone they care about. UCC also offers anonymous online screenings for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and alcohol and other drug use.

Sexual Assault Resources: Prevention and Victim Support: UCC provides training and programs to students, staff, and faculty regarding sexual assault and gender violence prevention. In addition, it offers confidential and compassionate support to students who have been victimized by sexual assault and relationship and intimate partner violence. The staff works together with other departments and organizations on campus, as well as community agencies, to foster and promote individual and collective action to reduce sexual assault. Men are recognized as allies, and there is emphasis on the great power of positive bystanders in the prevention of sexual assault. UCC staff listens to the concerns of a culturally diverse student community and encourage students and family members to consult with UCC regarding campus and community sexual assault resources. Call (518) 442-5800 or visit the website at www.albany.edu/counseling_center/sarc/index.shtml.

Prevention: To support the success of UAlbany students, UCC offers workshops, informational exhibits, and interactive social media campaigns about alcohol and other drug use, body image and eating awareness, sexual assault and intimate partner violence prevention, sexuality and sexual health, sport psychology and performance enhancement, and suicide prevention. The Center offers resources on reducing stress and supporting wellness and happiness in life, as well as delivers workshops on how students can help other students through a program called STEP UP UAlbany! (www.albany.edu/counseling_center/step.shtml).

As part of prevention services for students, UCC oversees two peer assistance programs on campus and trains and supervises undergraduate students to help other students. These programs are:

• The Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program. Middle Earth is a nationally-recognized peer assistance program that trains students to help other students. Through a hotline service, Middle Earth peers lend a listening ear, assist with problem-solving, and provide information or referrals. Middle Earth also provides peer-to-peer workshops and interactive theatre presentations for the campus community as well as a peer career advisement service staffed by students working in Career Services. The Middle Earth hotline (518-442-5777) is open from 1:00 PM to midnight Monday through Thursday, and 24 hours a day from 1:00 PM on Friday until midnight on Sunday when classes are in session. Students providing peer services in Middle Earth earn academic course credit. For additional information about Middle Earth services or how to join Middle Earth, go to www.albany.edu/counseling_center/aboutme.shtml.
• Project SHAPE: Sexual Health and Peer Education. The Project SHAPE program is comprised of students who volunteer their time to educate their peers on sexuality and sexual health. Members complete two semester-long training courses in human sexuality and conduct programs on a variety of sexuality topics such as preventing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, contraception, sexual orientation, gender identity, healthy relationships, and communication with a partner. These programs are presented in academic courses, residence halls, and for student groups. Project SHAPE also presents a variety of week-long events such as the annual World AIDS Week, Sex Sense Week, and Mixin’ Up the Sex Week: Contemporary Issues in Sexuality. In addition, Project SHAPE is involved in community service by facilitating programs at local high schools and after school programs in the Capital Region. Members of Project SHAPE can earn academic course credit. For more information about Project SHAPE, go to www.albany.edu/counseling_center/shape.shtml or call (518) 442-5800.

Student Involvement & Leadership

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership supports the academic mission of the University by emphasizing student involvement in the campus community which research has proven to positively affect student retention, satisfaction, and academic success. The Office promotes major events and programs and enhances the efforts of the student government, all student groups, and fraternal organizations by providing quality advisement, assistance, and effective leadership development programs. This Office also coordinates campus-wide programs, including the Danes After Dark late night programming and game room. By overseeing all reservations, tabling, banners, and posting on the podium, the Office assists student organizations with their marketing initiatives and events. The Office motto is: Student Involvement Leads to Success.

This Office is located in Campus Center 130, and can be reached at (518) 442-5566. Visit the Student Involvement website at https://www.albany.edu/involvement or visit MyInvolvement to view the calendar of events and browse involvement opportunities.

Campus Center Management

The Campus Center is the hub of university activity. Student service offices, meeting facilities, student government, as well as dining and retail operations make this a popular destination for the university community and a center of daily campus life. The Campus Center also hosts and facilitates an extensive schedule of meetings, programs, and special events involving both the university and local communities and is the site for the Danes After Dark program on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

For more information, stop by Campus Center Room 137, call (518) 442-5491, or visit the Campus Center website at: https://www.albany.edu/campuscenter/.

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides a broad range of personalized services to people with disabilities, learning disabilities, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The DRC also proudly serves wounded warriors with both physical and psychiatric disabilities. Services include pre-admission information, orientation, assistance with registration, personal attendant referral, assistance with alternative testing, lending of tape recorders and adaptive equipment, advocacy, and personal counseling. Students may schedule appointments for assistance with developing various study skills, receive coaching in time management and setting goals, or test taking skills. The office also maintains a large multimedia library of disability resources and organizes learning strategy groups.

The DRC provides information and referrals for disability-related questions and issues. In addition, the office makes recommendations to offices and departments regarding individualized reasonable accommodations. Particular emphasis is placed on assisting students in developing their talents and abilities in preparation for professional and graduate training and for employment. Professional staff of the DRC are also available to meet with prospective students and their families who may be considering attending the University at Albany. The DRC also interacts with local, state, and federal agencies concerned with disability issues. The office is located in the Campus Center, Room 137 and can be reached at (518) 442-5490. Visit our web page at https://www.albany.edu/disability/.

Intercultural Student Engagement

The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement is committed to developing and maintaining a culturally inclusive and supportive campus environment that promotes and enhances the academic excellence, personal growth and leadership development of African, Latino, Asian, and Native American heritage (ALANA) students. The office also provides advice and guidance to multicultural student groups and sponsors and cosponsors a number of cultural programs and special events. Some of these include the Annual Martin Luther King Jr./Black History Month Luncheon, the National Latino Collegiate Conference, the Asian-Pacific American Conferences, the OMSS Leadership Retreat, and the Spellman Achievement Awards. Intercultural Student Engagement also provides support and guidance to the LGBTQ student population and oversees the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center in Campus Center 332. For more information stop by the Campus Center Room 130, call (518) 442-5566 or visit our website: https://www.albany.edu/multicultural/. To contact the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center call (518) 442-5015. 

Career Services

Career Services assists undergraduate students of all majors and class levels, graduate students, and alumni with exploring majors and career options, making decisions about graduate study, and identifying internship and full-time employment opportunities.

Career Services assists students and alumni in specifying career goals and expanding their knowledge of career alternatives through individual consultation sessions. Working closely with academic departments, student organizations, and other Student Success departments, Career Services provides educational opportunities and workshops related to career planning.

Numerous resources for students and alumni to research major and career information, graduate school programs, career changes, as well as review part-time and full-time employment and internship vacancies can be accessed by visiting the career library or visiting the website at www.albany.edu/career. It is recommended that all students and alumni register for UA Career Path, an online database of opportunities.

Career Services also offers an extensive Internet-based on-campus recruiting program for internships and full-time employment. For more information, stop by or contact the office at Science Library G-50, (518) 437-4900, or visit the website.

Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility

The Office of Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility is responsible for interpreting, communicating, and implementing Community Rights & Responsibilities (CR & R), which is the student code of conduct. This includes educating students regarding the values of the University community, as well as holding students who violate community standards accountable. This office provides consultation services to faculty and staff who are dealing with student issues with regard to CR & R. It also provides conflict resolution through mediation and informal problem solving and adjudication and resolution of formal student conduct complaints.

For questions regarding the University’s judicial processes and the other functions of the Office of Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility, please contact us at (518) 442-5501 or visit the website at https://www.albany.edu/studentconduct/.

University Police Department

University Police Department is responsible for providing a safe and secure campus environment, one in which students, faculty, and staff can pursue their educational and career goals with a minimum of distraction and disruption from crime. It works closely with the departments of Residential Life, Health and Counseling, Physical Plant, and Student Involvement to achieve the highest levels of personal safety possible. The department has state commissioned and academy trained police personnel as well as uniformed civilian communications and security officers. They provide an extensive array of law enforcement and public safety services to the University community, including mobile foot and bike patrols, community outreach and crime prevention education, traffic enforcement, K-9 patrol, crime reporting, and follow-up criminal investigations. UPD is located in the University Police Building. The emergency number is 911 from a campus telephone or (518) 442-3131 from any cellular telephone. The non-emergency number is (518) 442-3132.