Fall 2024 New Student Orientation Schedule

Orientation at SUNY Geneseo will help you transition smoothly into college life. It’s designed for first-year, international, and transfer students. 

At orientation you will learn more about the campus, start to make friends, and hear about the many activities, groups, and academic options that Geneseo has to offer. 

The orientation schedule includes:

• Activities to help you explore the campus
• Orientation groups to meet fellow students
• Programs introducing you to campus offices and resources
• Opportunities to hear from academic departments and meet faculty
• Events to prepare you for your first day of classes

All new students must attend orientation.

All events are open to new students residing both on and off campus.

First-Year & International Student Orientation Schedule

Tuesday, August 20: Welcome!

Time	Activity
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.	International Student Orientation | Various Locations Welcome international students! We're thrilled to welcome you to Western New York and the beautiful Geneseo community! Join your peers for a specialized orientation program that addresses your needs and familiarizes you with campus resources. For more information, visit the international student orientation page.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.	New Student Move-In | S Lot Welcome to Geneseo! We are so happy you’re here with us. Visit our Fall 2024 Move-In page for more information on when to show up, where to go, and what to bring. See you soon!
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Geneseo Legacy Program Check-In | MacVittie College Union Lobby Geneseo’s Legacy Program celebrates, honors, and acknowledges families who have made attending SUNY Geneseo a family tradition. A legacy student has a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or cousin who is a Geneseo graduate. We invite Legacy families to stop by our table on move-in day, Tuesday, August 20, 2024 between 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: pick-up a Geneseo Legacy pin for your current student grab a $5.00 voucher for Aunt Cookies (one per family, registration required, valid 8/20/24 only) pose for a Legacy Family snapshot (or submit your photo online) Complete the online legacy form and/or RSVP to stop by on Tuesday at: geneseo.edu/legacy Parent and Family Mingle | MacVittie College Union Lobby & Patio Calling all parents, families and supporters! Take a break from helping your student move in and join faculty and staff from across campus for a quick snack and good conversation (in the air condition!)! You can use this opportunity to connect with faculty and staff and ask any burning questions you might have! It also allows you to meet some familiar faces in-person!
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Letters from Home | MacVittie College Union Lobby Letters from Home gives parents, families and supporters an opportunity to write a letter of love, encouragement and support to their student that will be mailed to them two weeks from today.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Commuter Mingle | Erie Commuter Lounge The start of our Orientation Program for students commuting from home. Meet other commuter students, see the commuter lounge, and get a welcome from the Community Orientation Leaders (COL). Feel free to park in R Lot!
4:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.	Dinner on Your Own/Free Time  Move-In can be exhausting! Use these next few hours to settle into your room, grab dinner with your family on Main Street, eat with your new friends in the dining hall, or take a last minute trip to Walmart for room essentials. Dining halls will be open for dinner starting at 5:00 p.m.!  Some of our Main Street favorites are Aunt Cookies and Bar-Eat-O! You can also check out other local eateries here.
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.	Commuter Student Dinner | Letchworth Dining Hall We hope you enjoyed the Commuter Mingle! Let’s continue the fun with the Commuter Student Dinner with the Community OLs in the dining hall!
7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.	Community Welcome Meetings | Residence Halls  Community and belonging are at the forefront of the Geneseo experience. Students will have a chance to connect with others, meet key staff such as Resident Assistants (RA) and Area Coordinator or Residence Directors who will help you get the lay of the land and help start making connections. Commuter students will be assigned a residence hall floor to be with during this meeting to have an on campus home base and connection as well as meet people in your class year. You are welcome and encouraged to continue this connection throughout the year.
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.	First Knight Celebration! | Saratoga Field To mark your first night at Geneseo, come celebrate with us on Saratoga Field! Mingle with new friends, try different local foods, dance along to some tunes or enjoy novelties! Events are sponsored by the Department of Student Life, Division of Student and Campus Life, Undergraduate Alumni Association (UAA), and Campus Scheduling and Events.

 

Wednesday, August 21: Day of Belonging

Time	Event & Location
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Breakfast in the Dining Halls! | Mary Jemison Dining or Red Jacket Dining Hall Head down to Letchworth or Red Jacket (whichever is closest to you!) and grab breakfast! Once you’re done eating, head back to your floor for your New Student Community Meeting!
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.	New Student Community Meeting | Residence Halls  Bring your breakfast with you back to your floor and eat with your floormates for your New Student Community Meeting! Mandatory for on-campus students. Sharing a home can be really hard! In this session, you'll get together with your floor or your living-learning community to develop a community pledge and then create a roommate agreement to lay the foundation for an open and honest relationship with your peers. Residence Hall rules, procedures, and discussions about living independently will also occur during this meeting.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.	Welcome to Geneseo! | College Stadium We are thrilled to welcome you to the Geneseo community! Hear from some of our campus leaders as they share advice and encouragement for the start of your Geneseo experience. Students will be dismissed by OL groups at the conclusion of the welcome.
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.	Orientation Group Time | Orientation Group Locations Meet your Orientation group for the first time! For forty-five minutes, you will spend time meeting your new peers and learning more about Geneseo!
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Lunch in Your Orientation Groups | Mary Jemison Dining Hall or Red Jacket Dining Hall Enjoy lunch with the members of your orientation group at one of our dining halls! Meal plan, retail dollars and credit cards are accepted. Students will be assigned lunch times based upon their orientation group. You Belong Here  | Orientation Group Locations Belonging can mean a lot of different things to different people. As a value of the College, the ability to cultivate belonging involves creating and sustaining an inclusive community that relies on all members of our diverse community. Let’s embrace our Community Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: “Together, we commit ourselves to pluralism, cultivating a community that respects difference and promotes a sense of inclusion and belonging.” In this session, you will discuss the meaning and importance of belonging and approaches for finding where you belong at Geneseo.    *Between 11:30am-2:00pm, lunch and You Belong Here will run concurrently. Students will be assigned lunch times based upon their orientation group.
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Design Your Geneseo Experience: Finding Belonging and Ways to Get Involved | Newton Hall One of the main goals of Orientation involves learning more about resources and discovering new experiences. This session will operate on a rotation schedule of two 25- minute sessions. Students will have the choice to attend two sessions that address their needs and interests, thus tailoring your experience.
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Affinity Group MeetUps | Various Locations At Geneseo, we embrace and celebrate different cultures, identities and traditions. As a day that focuses on belonging, it’s important to provide spaces for individuals who share a common identity as members of a marginalized group. Be sure to check out the meetups happening in the Multicultural Center, LGBTQ+ Lounge, the ISSS office and Erwin Lobby (First Generation Students) Multicultural Center: Off the Sturges Quad LGBTQ+ Lounge: 2nd floor of the College Union International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) : Erwin 217 First Generation: Erwin Lobby Optional Campus Tours | MacVittie College Union Lobby Join the OLs for a campus tour! Tours will leave from the Union Lobby at 3:40pm, 4:00pm and 4:15pm. eGarden Open House and Tour The eGarden is a one acre, on-campus research facility that provides students with hands-on experiences in sustainability, focusing on organic gardening, renewable energy and organic waste collection. Students and staff will be present to show the facility and answer questions.  Free Time It’s been a long day! Take a break and head back to your room, or hang out in one of the Union lounges!
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.	Dinner in Orientation Groups | Red Jacket Dining Hall and Letchworth Dining Hall Enjoy dinner with the members of your Orientation group at one of our dining halls! Meal plan, retail dollars and credit cards are accepted. Be sure to check the schedule as orientation groups will be assigned a specific dining hall for dinner.
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.	Free Money Game Show | MacVittie College Union Ballroom Calling all pop-culture fanatics! Go wild in a “Name That Tune” style trivia game covering music, movies and TV. You have the chance to win up to $200 in CASH!

 

Thursday, August 22: Day of Academic Success

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Breakfast | Mary Jemison Dining Hall or Red Jacket Dining Hall Food is the key to sustaining your energy throughout the day ! Be sure to fuel your body with some delicious food from one of our dining halls before the day starts.
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.	Orientation Group Time | Orientation Group Locations Welcome to the second full day of New Student Orientation! We have a fun-filled day planned for each of you. Today is all about setting you up for academic success at Geneseo!
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.	New Student Convocation | Wadsworth Auditorium and Doty Recital Hall New Student Convocation marks the College’s official welcome to campus and the start of your career at Geneseo! You will join your peers, along with faculty and staff, for this memorable moment at various locations around campus.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.	New Student Picnic | MacVittie College Union Plaza Join us for a lovely picnic on the Macvittie College Union Plaza! Featuring a BBQ and other tasty treats, there'll sure be something for everyone!
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Meet Your Major | Various Locations This is your first opportunity to get to meet faculty from your major department and learn more about your classes! For students who are exploring majors, connect with our staff from the Office of Advising and Career Design Center!
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Advising Drop In Hours | Newton Hall (Main Entrance)  Have questions about your schedule? Looking to change your major? Stop by the Office of Advising Drop In Hours in Newton Hall to speak with an advisor!
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Design Your Geneseo Experience (Academic-focused) | Various Locations One of the main goals of Orientation involves learning more about resources and discovering new experiences. This session will operate on a rotation schedule of two 25 minute sessions. Students will have the choice to attend sessions that address their academic concerns, needs and interests, thus tailoring your experience.
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.	Language Replacement Exam | Welles 216 As part of their Geneseo Education for a Connected World requirements, students need to demonstrate basic proficiency in the understanding and use of a language other than English, as well as knowledge of the distinctive features of culture(s) associated with the language they are studying. At Geneseo, this is usually done by taking courses 101 and 102 in the same language. It is not always possible to determine the appropriate level for every student based on high school experience alone. The Placement Examination is thus the best way to get into the appropriate language course. Language Placement Examinations are offered at Geneseo in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Check your email for more information on whether or not you need to take this!
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Advising Drop In Hours | Erwin Hall Lobby Have questions about your schedule? Looking to change your major? Stop by the Office of Advising Drop In Hours in Erwin Hall lobby to speak with an advisor!
3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	G Photo | College Green An annual tradition, the G Photo is photographic documentation of the start of your journey at Geneseo! Often a photo that is looked back on for years, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to be a part of history. Make your way to Geneseo’s College Green to be a part of this tradition and wear your blue and white!
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Free Time We hope you had a great day! Use this time to reflect on your second day of orientation, preparing for the start of classes or resting in your room!  Meet A GPS Guide GPS Guides are knowledgeable staff who work in a variety of areas around campus and are available as resources to all students all year round.  Essentially - if you don't know where to start - ask a GPS Guide!  Come by for some snacks and conversations. Campus Tours | MacVittie College Union Lobby Grab your class schedule and prepare for an in-depth tour of campus! Starting location is the MacVittie College Union lobby. We will help you identify your classrooms to prepare for your first week of classes and locate your advisors office! Be sure to bring the name of your advisor and where their office is located!
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.	Dinner In Your Orientation Group | Letchworth Dining Hall or Red Jacket Dining Hall Enjoy dinner with the members of your Orientation group at one of our dining halls! Be sure to check the schedule as orientation groups will be assigned a specific dining hall for dinner
7:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.	Grocery Bingo | MacVittie College Union Ballroom Join the Orientation Leaders for Grocery Bingo! Meet new friends and fill up your bingo board to win a prize!

 

Friday, August 23: Day of Wellness

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Breakfast | Mary Jemison Dining Hall or Red Jacket Dining Hall Food is the key to sustaining your energy throughout the day ! Be sure to fuel your body with some delicious food from one of our dining halls before the day starts.
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.	Orientation Group Time | Orientation Group Location Welcome to the third full day of New Student Orientation! We have a fun-filled day planned for each of you. Today is all about self-care as a new college student and well-being!
9:15 a.m. -1:30 p.m.	Advising Open House | Erwin 106 Stop by the Office of Advising in Erwin 105 to meet the advisors, ask questions about their schedule and learn more about their services! Lunch in Your Orientation Group | Mary Jemison Dining Halls or Red Jacket Dining Hall Enjoy lunch with the members of your Orientation group! Meal plan, retail dollars and credit cards are accepted! Title IX Talks: Health, Safety & Support Services| Wadsworth Auditorium Students will participate in an interactive and engaging format to learn about community responsibility, healthy behaviors, and safe partying. Students will receive information on important policies, resources and support that pertain to Title IX and the student conduct process.  The above sessions will run concurrently. Be sure to check with your orientation leader to determine your schedule for this time block.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Student Services Fair/Break | MacVittie College Union Lobby The Student Services Fair gives you the opportunity to learn more about the student services available to you and meet the individuals who will support you on your journey!
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Choose Your Own Adventure: Wellness Style | Various Activities Self-care means something different for everyone. During this session, you will have an opportunity to engage in different self-care activities around campus based upon your interests. We will also provide spaces for students to relax and meditate.
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Free Time What a day it’s been! Enjoy some time exploring campus or hanging out with your new friends!
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.	Dinner on Your Own | Red Jacket Dining Hall or Letchworth Dining Hall It’s been a fun day of programming and connecting. Enjoy dinner on your own or with new friends!
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.	Orientation Leader Talent Show | Wadsworth Auditorium Come see your Orientation Leaders battle it out in Geneseo’s Orientation Leader Talent Show! You will get to watch the OLs perform their best talents for all the new students. Come prepared to cheer on your favorite OL with signs, pom poms, and your voices! The winner of the talent show is in your hands! Make sure you follow @geneseo_orientation to vote on your favorite act!

 

Saturday, August 24: Day of Connections

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Brunch | Dining Halls Happy Saturday! You’ve had a busy few days! Enjoy your morning by sleeping in and grabbing some brunch at one of our dining halls.
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Knights First Day of Service | MCU Ballroom & Lobby The Office of Student Volunteerism and Community Engagement annually offers an opportunity for new students to participate in community service as part of their Orientation experience at Geneseo. This year, there will be a combination of a few on-campus and nearby off-campus options available to those who would like to participate. Projects will be followed by group reflection that will allow a discussion of what it means to engage meaningfully in a community. As we are limited to 200 students participating, sign-ups are first-come, first-serve. Sign up information will be made available on Friday, August 23 from your OL.
12:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.	Off-Campus Excursions | Various Locations Check out our off-campus excursions! The trips are first come, first serve so be sure to show up early if you’re interested! Interested students should meet at the MacVittie College Union Bus Loop at least 30 minutes prior to departure. *Be sure to grab brunch before departing campus and bring $1-$2 (Cash) for the bus driver tip. Small snacks will be provided on the bus. Any additional food or souvenir purchases will be the responsibility of the participants. 12:00pm-5:30pm: Buffalo Zoo (Zoo Concessions) 12:30pm-7:30pm: Darien Lake  1:00pm-7:00pm: Niagara Falls State Park & Niagara Falls Outlets (Outlet Food Concessions)
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.	Pop Up Activities | Various Locations Join your OLs in some pop up activities created and led by the OLs! Information about the various activities will be available closer to the start of the year!
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Kangaroo Farm | Saratoga Field Bringing the ‘Roo Ranch to campus! Enjoy visiting and petting Kangaroos, Wallabies, Bearded Dragons, Tortoises, Pentagonian Maras, Armadillos, and African Crested Porcupines! There’s something for everyone!
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.	Dinner | Dining Halls Enjoy dinner with your new friends in the dining halls!

Transfer Student Orientation Schedule

Friday, August 23: Transfer Student Orientation

9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.	Transfer Student Move-In | S Lot Welcome to Geneseo! We are so happy you’re here with us. Visit our Fall 2023 Move-In page for more information on when to show up, where to go, and what to bring. See you soon!
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Settle In! Use these next few hours to settle into your room, grab food with your family on Main Street, eat with your new friends in the dining hall, or take a last minute trip to Walmart for room essentials.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Student's Choice)	Optional Campus Tour Whether you’re new to campus or need a refresher, grab your class schedule and take a campus tour with our Community Orientation Leaders. Tours will depart from the MacVittie College Union starting at 11:00 a.m. Transfer Student Meet Up | MacVittie College Union Ballroom Spend some time connecting with other transfer students in the MacVittie College Union College Union Programming Space (2nd floor of the College Union, near Starbucks).
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.	Transfer Student Welcome Lunch | MacVittie College Union Ballroom We are thrilled to welcome you to the Geneseo community! Hear from some of our campus leaders as they share advice and encouragement for the start of your Geneseo experience. Towards the end of lunch, we will review the schedule for the day!
12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.	Transfer Student Advisement | MCU Ballroom Adjusting to a new academic culture can be overwhelming. In this session, you will hear from our Office of Advising and learn more about academics at Geneseo.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Student Services Fair | MacVittie College Union Lobby Stop in at the Student Services Fair in the MacVittie College Union Lobby to ask questions and learn more about our student support resources and services! Don’t worry if you are unable to attend during this time slot. We are offering the same fair later in the day, just for transfer students! Optional Campus Tour Whether you’re new to campus or need a refresher, grab your class schedule and take a campus tour with our Community Orientation Leaders. Tours will be conducted in your orientation groups.
2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.	You Belong Here | Multicultural Center Hear from current students as they share experiences and ways they found belonging at Geneseo. Held in the Multicultural Center, you’ll have an opportunity to explore the new center and hang out!
3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Transfer Chats | Newton 204 The needs and interests of transfer students vary from those of first year and international students. This session will focus on assisting transfer students in their transition and acclimating them to campus resources. You will also have an opportunity to create a Handshake account, Geneseo's system for college-to-career networking, helping connect students with jobs, internships, employers, and events to help launch your career!
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.	New Student Glossary Game Put your new Geneseo knowledge to the test with the New Student Glossary game! Navigate its sections to learn more about Geneseo’s ins and outs and show off your expertise!
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.	Dinner in Your Orientation Groups Enjoy dinner with the members of your Orientation group at one of our dining halls! d. Be sure to check the schedule as orientation groups will be assigned a specific dining hall for dinner
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.	Orientation Leader Talent Show | Wadsworth Auditorium Come see your Orientation Leaders battle it out in Geneseo’s Orientation Leader Talent Show! You will get to watch the OLs perform their best talents for all the new students. Come prepared to cheer on your favorite OL with signs, pom poms, and your voices! The winner of the talent show is in your hands! Make sure you follow @geneseo_orientation to vote on your favorite act!