SUNY Potsdam Celebrates the Incoming Class of 2028 & Greets Returning Students for Fall Semester
SUNY Potsdam welcomes new students with its New Student Funnel every fall, with faculty and staff gathering to cheer on new first-year and transfer students as they arrive on campus. This year’s event will be held on Friday, Aug. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
SUNY Potsdam is preparing to welcome its 208th class of new students, as the Class of 2028 is set to settle in on campus and hundreds of students get ready to return for the fall semester.
“As we open the doors to a new academic year at SUNY Potsdam, I extend a warm welcome to both our returning students and the Class of 2028. I just know that your energy and enthusiasm will infuse our campus with renewed life and purpose this fall. We can’t wait to greet you and your families, as we look forward to a new semester and a successful start to the academic year,” said President Dr. Suzanne Smith.
New programs
As students return, they can choose from new and updated academic programs. SUNY Potsdam’s Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science now offers concentrations in cybersecurity and data analytics, to keep up with industry demand. There is a new fully online version of the College’s Master of Science in Teaching degree in mathematics education, continuing to expand the campus’s growing portfolio of flexible virtual programs—which has expanded beyond graduate programs to include a 100 percent online option for the Bachelor of Arts degree program in political science as well, with more offerings in development.
This fall, SUNY Potsdam will welcome its second cohort of 150 students in the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) Initiative, which provides support to help students finish in four years. SUNY Potsdam is one of 25 campuses that were chosen from across the SUNY System to join in the effort, with support from the historic New York State-funded SUNY Transformation Fund.
Campus improvements
Extensive renovations to Carson Hall, including a new elevator, classrooms and dean’s suite, are now complete, and the campus is planning a special opening ceremony for the building. The new Carson Commons on the first floor will serve as a campus collaborative/co-working space, allowing students or campus groups to reserve one of the rooms easily online for discussions, group work, meetings or presentations.
Construction continues on several other improvement projects across campus. The iconic Satterlee Hall clocktower is completing a full refurbishment and restoration, while the Raymond Hall lobby near the Office of Admissions is receiving a full renovation, including improvements to the restrooms. In the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex, the bleachers and scoreboard in the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium are set to be fully replaced later this fall.
Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend will take place from Thursday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 25. The incoming Class of 2028 will arrive on Thursday, Aug. 22. First-year students and their families will be buzzing around campus and the village on move-in day. That evening, the campus will host fireworks, s’mores and outdoor games in the Marshall Park Bandshell, beginning at 9 p.m.
New students will be greeted by faculty, staff and upperclassmen during the New Student Funnel the following morning, on Friday, Aug. 23 at 8:30 a.m., in Minerva Plaza. Campus community members will cheer on the long line of new students, as they walk to Orientation.
President Smith will continue a new tradition, presenting all new students with a special silver challenge coin. The coins are meant for each student to keep throughout their journey at SUNY Potsdam, as a reminder of the importance of finding a support system and considering the important role that others play in our personal success. As students approach Commencement, they will be invited to share their coin with someone who made a difference in their education and in their life—whether it be a professor, a staff mentor, a family member or friend. In return, all new graduates will receive a special maroon challenge coin of their own to keep at Commencement.
The celebrations will continue through Sunday, Aug. 25, with a Welcome Weekend Carnival open to students, faculty, staff and families, from 1 to 5 p.m., in the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex. The carnival will feature games, activities, food, open skate and open swim sessions to kick off the academic year.
The Fall 2024 semester kicks off on Monday, Aug. 26, with classes commencing in the morning.
To find out more about what’s going on at SUNY Potsdam this fall, explore www.potsdam.edu.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.