Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs provides Great Danes with inclusive, innovative, and impactful educational experiences to learn, lead, and thrive today and throughout their lives.
Units within the Division of Student Affairs are Assessment and Planning, Campus Recreation, Career and Professional Development, Center for Leadership and Service, Counseling and Psychological Services, Enrollment Marketing, Financial Aid, Registrar, Residential Life, Student Financial Services (Student Accounts), Student Services Center, Student Health Services, The Great Dane Union (which includes the Campus Center and Student Activities and Orientation), The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement, The Office of Health Promotion, and Undergraduate Admissions. Student Affairs also houses the Office of the Dean of Students, which is comprised of Community Standards, Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services, Off-Campus Student Services, Student CARE Services, and Veteran and Military Student Services.
The Vice President for Student Affairs
The Vice President for Student Affairs has the responsibility for the leadership and administration of all the departments within the Division of Student Affairs 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.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation provides diverse, stimulating, and engaging recreational opportunities that enrich the UAlbany experience. These programs include fitness and wellness programs, intramural sports, group exercise classes, club sports, outdoor pursuits, and open recreation.
Facilities include two fitness centers equipped with aerobic, free weight, and circuit machines; a spin & dance studio and racquetball courts. Outdoor spaces include basketball and tennis courts, grass and turf fields, and a softball field.
The Recreational Services Office is located on the main level of the SEFCU Arena (near the Fitness Center), and can be reached at (518) 437-3739 or [email protected].To learn more, visit the Campus Recreation website or follow the office on Twitter (@UAlbanyRec).
Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development assists and supports students of all majors and class levels with exploring majors and career options, making decisions about graduate study, and identifying and preparing for internship and job opportunities.
The office provides support through one-on-one appointments as well as drop-in hours for quick questions and resume or cover letter feedback. Working closely with academic departments, The Alumni Association, student organizations, and other Student Affairs departments, Career and Professional Development provides workshops and events related to a variety of career topics.
Also offered is an on-campus recruiting program for internships and full-time employment, as well as industry-based job and internship fairs. To learn more, students should access their account on Handshake, UAlbany’s career development platform.
Resources to research major and career information, graduate school programs, resumes, and cover letters can be accessed by visiting their website.
For more information, visit the office at Science Library G-50 or contact (518) 437-4900.
Center for Leadership and Service
The Center for Leadership and Service creates an inclusive and respectful environment that challenges students to become positive agents of social change, whereby students are empowered to lead and follow as example, engaged in the community and recognized as world-class leaders.
Learn to lead. Be a leader. Serve through leadership.
The Center for Leadership and Service is located in Campus Center 361 and can be reached at (518) 442-5446. Visit the Center for Leadership and Service website for more information.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides psychological assistance to help UAlbany students reach their educational and personal goals. CAPS is culturally inclusive and accessible, and CAPS staff members are diverse. CAPS also provides supervised training for doctoral interns from the United States and Canada, as well as UAlbany students working toward becoming therapists in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, and social welfare.
CAPS provides brief individual therapy; skills groups, support groups, and therapy groups; psychiatric consultation; consultation related to adverse experiences; and evaluation for emotional, social, and academic concerns. CAPS also assists with referrals when longer-term or more specialized care is needed. Students may consult with CAPS staff by telephone, email, or in person regarding issues that impact them or someone they care about. If urgent support is needed, including after office hours, students or concerned faculty, staff, family, or peers, can call CAPS 24/7/365 at 518 442-5800. There is no charge for CAPS services.
To support the success of UAlbany students, CAPS also offers workshops, informational exhibits, and interactive social media campaigns about mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention. CAPS also provides wellness workshops to help students get better sleep, overcome procrastination, manage stress, and manage smartphone use.
Sexual Violence Prevention, Education, and Support Services
Counseling and Psychological Services also offers confidential support services to student survivors of all types of sexual violence. In collaboration with the Office of Health Promotion and the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center, educational, prevention, and health promotion-focused student programs are offered to the campus community.
Counseling and Psychological Services is located in the Health and Counseling Services building. The Health and Counseling Services entrance is on the south side of Dutch Quad, across from the Athletic fields. Please call (518) 442-5800 with questions or to make an appointment. For additional information, including hours of operation and directions, visit the CAPS website or email [email protected].
Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students (DoS) serves as a single point of entry and central resource for students, families, faculty, and staff when navigating complex issues that impact the student experience. DoS units and staff support student success by cultivating a diverse and inclusive campus culture through education, campus engagement, and student self-advocacy. The Office will work directly with students to assist them with a variety of concerns and connect them to appropriate resources on and off campus.
The following units comprise the Office of the Dean of Students:
Community Standards supports and promotes a safe and civil community through the establishment and administration of the student code of conduct, Community Rights and Responsibilities. Staff in this unit consult with students, faculty/staff, and community partners and facilitate a variety of resolution processes to address concerns, conflicts, and violations of University policy.
Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services (DAISS) supports students by ensuring a fully accessible living and learning environment for the University’s programs, services, and activities in order to prepare them for a successful future in a diverse and global society.
Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) provides support, resources, programming, outreach, and accountability to students who reside or plan to reside off-campus with an emphasis on safety and security, community engagement, being a good neighbor, locating housing, and tenants’ rights. OCSS strives to promote positive University/community relations by working collaboratively with internal and external partners to address issues and concerns that impact the college community off-campus.
Student CARE Services administers programs to help students overcome personal, social, and financial barriers to academic success, especially those related to emergency and basic needs. Support may include collaborative needs assessment, resource coordination, financial and in-kind grants, and on-going mentorship.
Veteran and Military Student Services provides support to University at Albany students who are veterans, veteran-dependents, active duty personnel, Reserve and National Guard members, and ROTC cadets to secure Veterans Affairs educational benefits, facilitate connections, and create a sense of community through veteran-centered events and activities.
The Office of the Dean of Students is located in Campus Center 137 and staff can be reached at (518) 442-5501 or [email protected].
Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid helps students pay for college. Financial Aid administers federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs for undergraduate and graduate students. These programs include: Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, the New York State Grants and Scholarships, the Educational Opportunity Program, and University at Albany Foundation and Benevolent Association Scholarships. Financial Aid is located in the Campus Center, Room G26, (518) 442-3202, www.albany.edu/financialaid.
Registrar
The Registrar's Office at the University at Albany supports the instructional mission of the University and serves the needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni and other constituencies with whom it interacts. To this end, it promotes utilization of available technology to deliver services and information in an efficient and secure manner. The services of the Registrar's Office are provided in a caring, fair, respectful manner, adhering to the principles of professional practices and ethical standards enunciated by its professional organization, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO).
The Registrar's Office safeguards the integrity of the institution's academic records and degrees. It is the unit responsible for registration related activities, the University's academic calendar, issuance of official transcripts, awarding of undergraduate degrees and issuance of all diplomas and certificates, the schedule of classes, managing academic space, grading, maintenance of degree audits, certification of enrollment and degrees, maintenance of student academic records, and the administration of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The Registrar's Office assures that academic policy, related to student records, is carried out and communicated to all constituents. Records are maintained and released in accordance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies.
The Registrar's Office is located in the Campus Center, Room B-52.
Phone: (518) 442-5540, Website: www.albany.edu/registrar.
Residential Life
Living on campus is an integral part of the overall college experience. The Department of Residential Life provides traditional and apartment-style living for 7,000 students. Traditional residence buildings that are both suite- and corridor-style are located on the main campus. All students living in traditional residence halls must be on a campus meal plan. There are also three apartment-style complexes equipped with kitchens. All students receive access to wireless internet connections. Laundry rooms are conveniently located in all buildings at no additional charge to resident students.
All incoming freshmen and transfer students living outside a 50-mile radius must live on campus for their first two years. These residents are assigned to areas designed to enhance their overall experience and build a solid foundation in their first and second years of college study. First-year students can elect to participate in one of several Living-Learning Communities (L-LC) that allows them to live with other students with similar interests and majors. There are also several L-LC options offered for transfer students.
Apartments housing is only available to juniors, seniors, and graduate students except for the Freedom Quad apartment complex, which is also open to sophomores. There is no family housing currently available. All residence halls and apartments are smoke-free.
For additional information, including Honors College housing and the availability of Living-Learning Communities, visit the Residential Life website.
The Department of Residential Life office is located in the basement of Eastman Tower on State Quadrangle and can be reached at (518) 442-5875 or [email protected].
Student Financial Services
Student Financial Services offers "one-stop" assistance to students in matters related to their student account, including financial aid, billing and payment activity. This consolidated service is designed to increase the ease with which students are able to conduct routine business transactions and to offer initial assistance, referral, and follow-up for more complex matters.
Student Financial Services is located in the Campus Center, G-26 and can be contacted by phone at (518) 442-3202 or [email protected]. Visit the Student Financial Services website at https://www.albany.edu/cost-aid.
Student Health Services
Student Health Services (SHS) provides quality medical care for registered students. Services include treatment for acute illnesses and injuries, gynecologic and sexual health care, immunizations, travel health counseling, and pharmacy services.
There is an onsite pharmacy where students may fill common prescriptions written by SHS clinicians and a Self-Help Center for over-the-counter medications.
SHS Pharmacy medications are provided at a low cost and charged to the student's account. The SHS Pharmacy does not accept insurance.
SHS is open Monday – Friday and sees students by appointment. Appointments with a health care provider are free of charge to all registered students. Please visit the Student Health Services website for information about services, scheduling online appointments, and information about immunization requirements. Appointments may also be made by calling the appointment line at (518) 442-5229 during business hours and speaking directly with a staff member. When the Student Health Services facility is closed, an after-hours nurse advice line is available. The main office telephone number is (518) 442-5454.
SHS is located in the Health and Counseling Services building. The Health and Counseling Services entrance is on the south side of Dutch Quad, across from the Athletic fields.
The Great Dane Union (previously the office of Student Involvement)
Located in the Campus Center – literally the heart of the campus in Edward Durrell Stone’s grand vision for a modern University campus, the Great Dane Union is more than just the “living room” of the campus. It serves as the connection between the students, faculty, staff, and guests who eat, meet, learn, and relax in our Union every day. Through shared culinary, educational, cultural, social, and recreational experiences, the Union provides the single most common experience for every Great Dane and helps build long-lasting relationships.
The Union is designed around the principle that the UAlbany experiences involves learning outside of the classroom. Through intentional design, passive and interactive activities, events, partnerships and hosting numerous educationally enriching activities, the Union is an innovative and impactful collaborator in the UAlbany experience.
The Union administration is coordinated by the offices of Student Activities and Campus Center Management. The Great Dane Union office suite is located in Campus Center West B91 and can be reached at (518) 442-5566. Visit the MyInvolvement engagement platform to view the calendar of events and browse involvement opportunities.
Campus Center Management: As a New York State landmark, the Campus Center provides an inclusive, welcoming environment where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are treated daily to first class service and memorable experiences with a focus on creating a sense of belonging, student learning and student development.
Student service offices, meeting facilities, resource centers, student government, and the University Bookstore make this a popular destination for the University community and the center of daily campus life. Diverse dining venues and several technologically enriched meeting rooms expand the availability for social, cultural, and educational events and bolster the opportunity for student leadership and engagement.
The Campus Center is truly that third space on campus, between the classroom and residence, where it all comes together. For more information, stop by the Great Dane Union office suite in Campus Center West B91, call the Campus Center Connections desk at (518) 442-5491, or visit the Campus Center website.
Student Activities & Orientation: New students entering the University are required to participate in Orientation programs that support and introduce them to the academic, social, and cultural aspects of the University. Family Orientation programs are offered concurrently with student programs and provide the opportunity to learn more about University resources available to incoming students.
During the semester, Student Activities provides intentional community building opportunities and programs for all students, supports student organizations and student government as well providing leadership training and opportunities to student leaders. Student Activities also supports the 28 diverse fraternities and sororities that make up our fraternity and sorority community as well as the many volunteer faculty advisors.
Student Activities & Orientation includes the Involvement Center located in CC West B74 as well as the Student Organization Resource Center located in Campus Center West 183 and can be reached at (518) 442-5566. Visit the Student Activities & Orientation website or MyInvolvement to view the calendar of events and browse involvement opportunities.
The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE)
ISE is committed to developing and maintaining a culturally inclusive campus environment where all students can engage in meaningful relationships with other students, faculty, and staff. These experiences enhance the academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development of all UAlbany students. Additionally, the Office oversees the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, the Interfaith Center, and the Multicultural Resource Center, the Connections Peer Educator Programs, the Intersections initiative and the Women’s Resource Center; intellectually engaging and inclusive spaces and initiatives where meaningful intercultural experiences and dialogues are encouraged and supported. The centers provide advocacy, academic, and social support for students from historically underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to, students of African, Latino, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) descent; various faith and interfaith communities; the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Ally community; and first generation college students. The goal is to assist students to succeed socially and academically. More information is available in the Student Involvement suite (Campus Center West B91), on their website, or by calling (518) 442-5566.
The Office of Health Promotion
The Office of Health Promotion enhances our diverse student body's academic and personal success by advancing innovative, evidence-based practices that address mental health promotion, positive psychology, sexual violence prevention and education, and alcohol and other drug use. To further support the success of UAlbany students, health education and health promotion services are delivered with the collaboration and support of Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Campus Recreation. Please visit their website for additional information on health education and health promotion services.
The Office of Health Promotion provides training opportunities in behavioral health at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. It contributes to scholarship addressing best practices to support the behavioral health and well-being of college students within UAlbany and nationally.
The Office of Health Promotion is located in Seneca Hall, Indigenous Quadrangle, adjacent to Middle Earth Peer Services. For further information or questions, please call (518) 956-8488 or visit their website.
CAPS and the Office of Health Promotion oversee the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program, a nationally-recognized peer assistance program that trains students to help others. Middle Earth peers lend a listening ear, assist with problem-solving, and provide information or referrals through a hotline service. Middle Earth also provides peer-to-peer wellness coaching services and workshops for the campus community. 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. Learn more about Middle Earth services or how to join.
Undergraduate Admissions
Admission to the University is based on evidence of high school graduation or the equivalent, rigor of high school program, record of academic achievement, and desirable personal characteristics without regard to age, sex, race, color, creed, disability, marital status, or national origin. The University welcomes inquiries from qualified high school students, students interested in transferring from other colleges or universities, and adults wishing to begin or resume their undergraduate programs.
Students interested in obtaining additional information about the University or its admission processes and policies should visit www.albany.edu/admissions or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (518) 442-5435 or [email protected].
