SUNY Potsdam Welcomes New and Returning Students with Fireworks and Activities
SUNY Potsdam Celebrates the Incoming Class of 2025 and Greets Returning Students for 2021-22 Academic Year
Potsdam, NY (08/25/2021) — SUNY Potsdam is preparing to welcome its 205th class of new students this week, as the Class of 2025 settles in on campus and hundreds of students return for an in-person fall semester. With numerous public health protocols in place, SUNY Potsdam is back to offering a wide range of face-to-face academic and campus life activities this year, and welcomes visitors to take in the best that the campus community has to offer.
The incoming SUNY Potsdam Class of 2025 arrives on Thursday, Aug. 26. First-year students and their families will be buzzing around campus and the village, beginning tomorrow morning. Freshmen and incoming transfer students will be greeted by faculty, staff and upperclassmen during the First-Year Funnel at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Campus community members will cheer on the long line of new students, as they walk to their New Student Convocation. After sunset, SUNY Potsdam will set off fireworks to welcome the Class of 2025.
Orientation will continue on Friday, Aug. 27, while returning students continue to arrive on campus and in town. In addition to the typical move-in activities, all students must complete COVID testing upon arrival and provide proof of vaccination, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption (in line with the new SUNY requirement). More than 85 percent of SUNY Potsdam students are already fully or partially vaccinated, and more continue to provide proof of immunization every day. The College is working with the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department to sponsor a free vaccine clinic open to students and employees on campus next week. Face coverings will be required indoors on campus to start off the semester safely, and the policy will be reviewed after two weeks, based on case numbers both on and off campus. To find out more about Potsdam's Fall 2021 plans, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/prepared.
Students will get to know each other and familiarize themselves with campus clubs and organizations during the Welcome Weekend Carnival, on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29. More than 40 student organizations will have activity stations and host tours of buildings across campus, with games and giveaways for students. Incoming Crane School of Music students will present the traditional new student concert -- their first chance to take the stage together at the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall, performing music for fun with little to no rehearsal beforehand.
Other weekend highlights include an outdoor movie screening in Marshall Park, and late-night activities in the Center for Diversity Lounge. Welcome Weekend events are open to students only.
The Fall 2021 semester kicks off on Monday, Aug. 30. Visitors to campus are welcome again this year -- whether taking in a performance or exhibition, or cheering on the Potsdam Bears at a game. Guests are asked to follow the latest campus event requirements at the time of their visit. Keep track of the latest events and news at http://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 3,600 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 http://www.potsdam.edu.
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Emily Painter '22, left, and Samantha Sherry '22, walk through SUNY Potsdam’s Minerva Plaza. Students are returning to campus this week, with classes set to resume on Monday for the 2021-22 academic year.
An annual tradition returns this year with incoming students being welcomed to campus during the First-Year Funnel at SUNY Potsdam. This year, face coverings are required on campus for the first two weeks of the semester.