Required Orientation Programs

Are orientation programs mandatory for new students?

Yes, all new students (both transfers and first-year) on West Campus (main Stony Brook campus) are required to participate in our orientation programs. These include Orientation Part I, known as “Summer Orientation” or “January Orientation” and Orientation Part II, known as “Experience Stony Brook.” Some groups, such as EOP/AIM or International Students, will have additional orientation requirements as a component of their admission. Second Bachelor’s students who did not complete their first degree at Stony Brook are also required to attend our orientation programs.

Is the orientation fee mandatory?

The new student orientation fee is required for all new students (both transfers and first-year) on West Campus. Some groups, such as EOP/AIM or International Students, may have reduced or additional fee requirements as a component of their admission. Scholarship students, such as Honors College or athletes, are not waived from the orientation fee, although for some students, the fee may be covered by scholarships and/or grants. Non-attendance at orientation programs will not result in an orientation fee refund.

Why are orientation programs mandatory?

Stony Brook University strongly believes that student orientation and acclimation to our university is important to new students. The council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) has developed standards and guidelines for student orientation programs (SOP) that are essential to student development. Stony Brook is also required by the State University of New York (SUNY) to provide new students with information regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and sexual assault at Stony Brook University. The office of Student Orientation & Family Programs must provide documentation to Internal Audit regarding our Certificate of Compliance with these SUNY mandates, which may include student attendance. SUNY approves new student orientation fees every three years, as a means of administering comprehensive orientation programs to new students.

What happens if I do not attend part I, summer (or January) orientation?

All students will have an Orientation Hold on their account. This hold is normally removed at orientation once students meet with an advisor and register for classes. Students who do not attend orientation part I will continue to have a hold on their account until they attend orientation or meet with an advisor. The Orientation Hold prevents a student from registering for classes. Students who cannot attend their orientation date should contact the Orientation office at 631-632-6710.

What happens if I do not attend part II, Experience Stony Brook?

Students who do not attend Experience Stony Brook will be required to participate in the Required Orientation Makeup Experience (ROME). Students will receive an Orientation Hold and will be enrolled in the ROME course via Blackboard. Students participating in ROME must make up the required program information through a series of 3-5 assignments throughout the semester. Once students complete all assignments, the Orientation Hold will be removed. Students who do not complete the program during the semester will be unable to advance register for their next semester of courses. Syllabus and course requirements for ROME are available via Blackboard to students enrolled in the program.