New Student Resources

New Student Programs, in collaboration with other departments throughout the University, assists new students and families with the transition to Binghamton University. New Student Programs has three specific programs to help new students with this transition: Orientation and Transition Programs, First Year Experience Classes, and the Emerging Leaders Program.

Orientation and Transition Programs

Orientation and Transition Programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of the students who attend these sessions. Throughout these sessions, students are introduced to a number of resources on campus, especially those that focus on assisting students in succeeding academically. During Orientation, students will have an opportunity to meet with academic advisors, speak with faculty and peer advisors, register for courses, and meet other new students. For more information about each specific orientation and transition programs, visit http://orientation.binghamton.edu.

Advising Information

• Harpur College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office
• College of Community and Public Affairs
• Decker School of Nursing
• School of Management
• Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science Student Services

Sites to Assist with Course Selection

• University Bulletin
  Provides information about academic programs and majors
• Schedule of Classes
  Provides classes offered for upcoming semesters included meeting times and course descriptions; also provides the opportunity to view classes by General Education requirement

For more information about each specific orientation and transition program, visit the Orientation section.

First Year Experience Classes

          HDEV 105: College Students in Transition

HDEV 105: College Students in Transition is a two-credit seminar course for new students to assist in their transition to the University. Students will be provided with opportunities to explore campus resources, potential majors, and personal learning styles, as well as develop skills in oral presentations, critical thinking, and time management. As the course is developed in collaboration with the Human Development department and the Discovery Program, each student will also have a Discovery Advisor as a peer mentor for the semester to assist with any questions or concerns from a student perspective. Multiple sections are offered each semester. To find specific meeting times and locations, visit the Schedule of Classes website.

HARP 101

HARP 101 is a two-credit seminar course for students in Harpur College on an interesting course topic that will also assist new student with their transition to the University. Students will be involved in discussions with a small group of other new students, faculty, and staff member on a specific topic of interest. (For example, one course may examine the life and events of Abraham Lincoln while another may discuss the psychology behind relationships with others.) The course will also allow opportunities for students to explore campus resources, develop critical thinking and writing skills, and improve time management. Multiple sections are offered each semester, each with a different academic course topic. To find specific topics, meeting times, and locations, visit the Schedule of Classes website.

Emerging Leaders Program

The Emerging Leaders Program is a certificate program for first or second semester students (freshmen or transfers) who are interested in learning about leadership, becoming connected to the university and developing important skills for success in college and life. Emerging Leaders will join a small group of approximately ten new students in a specialized “knowledge community”, based on their area of interest.  Each knowledge community will be led by a trained undergraduate Peer Mentor and will be advised by both a faculty member and professional staff member. The program runs during the fall semester.

For more information about Emerging Leaders, visit the Emerging Leaders website at http://www2.binghamton.edu/emerging-leaders/index.html.