FYE SUMMER NEWSLETTER EDITION 2!
Whether you’ve already walked across the stage at your high school graduation or your big day is just around the corner, we’re celebrating with you and can’t wait to welcome you to Union!
As you shift into summer mode, don't forget to keep an eye on your Enrolling Student Checklist in your applicant portal, it’s the best way to stay on track. A big reminder: your Advising and Course Registration Form is due today!
If you haven’t set up your Union computer account yet, now’s the time. Once you’ve completed the ITS Computer Account Agreement, be sure to follow the instructions in the Computer Account Information section on your applicant portal (just below the box with my contact info).
Next week’s episode of the Charging Up Your First Year podcast will focus on one of our favorite topics, Union’s campus traditions! Be sure to listen for stories and insights that will help you feel more connected to what makes Union unique.
I also wanted to include a correction from our last newsletter: In the Bursar's Office section of Newsletter 1, we mentioned that student health insurance coverage for the 2025–2026 academic year would be offered through MVP. This was incorrect. Coverage will actually be through Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield. All other information shared in the Bursar’s Office section was accurate.
As always, if you have any questions, reach out to me at firstyearexperience@union.edu. I’m here to help!
AILEEN SCHATZ
Director of the First-Year Experience
403E Reamer Campus Center
firstyearexperience@union.edu | schatza@union.edu | 518.388.6061
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If you missed our first newsletter, no worries! You can find it on the First-Year Experience website, toward the bottom of the page under Class of 2029 Summer Communications. All newsletters will be posted there as they go out. |
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ACADEMICS
Michelle Osborn, Dean of Studies
As a reminder, today—May 27—is the deadline to submit your Advising and Course Registration Form, available through the applicant portal. If you have any trouble accessing the form, please contact us by phone or email. For more details on academic advising, first-year courses, and placement exams, please consult our New Student Academic Planning Guide.
Questions? Email or call (518) 388-6234.
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RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION AND HOUSING
Catie Straube, Director of Residential Education and Housing
Housing Registration and Commuter Exemption Requests are now open in your Union College student housing portal. When you are ready, please log into your housing portal and complete your registration. It is so important that you complete this independently to really help us learn about you. Your registration will directly impact your room and roommate placement.
All first-year students have the option to opt in and be priority assigned to the gender-inclusive floor. Gender-inclusive housing provides a safe and affirming living environment where students can live together regardless of their gender identity. It allows students to choose roommates based on shared preferences rather than traditional gender-based assignments. If this is something you are interested in, please make sure to note it on your application.
In the meantime, start thinking about what to bring and what to leave at home.
Questions? Email or call (518) 388-6117.
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ID CARD PHOTOS
Your Union ID card is your key to campus, it gives you access to residence halls, classrooms, dining, the library, and more. To have it ready for pickup with your room key on move-in day, please upload your ID photo through your applicant portal by August 1.
Be sure your photo meets the requirements (plain background, forward-facing, no hats or filters, etc.). If your photo doesn't meet the guidelines, FYE will contact you to resubmit.
Questions? Email the Card Access Office.
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MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE ORIENTATION COMMITTEE!
Each edition of our summer newsletter will introduce you to one of the six student leaders on our Orientation Committee (OC). These dedicated upper-class students work closely with the Office of First-Year Experience to help plan Orientation and support your transition to Union. They’ve been in your shoes and are here to make sure you feel welcomed, supported, and excited for what’s ahead!
You’ll hear from each OC member as they co-host an episode of our Charging Up Your First Year podcast, and in the newsletter that follows, you’ll get to know them even more through a spotlight feature. We’ll share who they are, what they’re involved in on campus, what they love most about Union, and their best advice for incoming students. We’ll also include a fun fact or two—because we want you to start feeling connected even before you arrive.
Keep an eye out each week as you get to know the friendly faces that will be there to greet you in August!
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MEET BEN!
Hello First-Years!
My name is Ben Sperling! As you heard on the podcast, I am a rising senior on the Orientation Committee! Outside of orientation, I am on the swimming and diving team, as well as being involved in fraternity life. A little bit about myself, I love spending time outdoors, being with friends, and being at Union! I can’t wait to see you all on campus in the fall! If you have any questions from a student's perspective feel free to reach out to sperlinb@union.edu!
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Favorite Union Tradition: Run Ribs and Reggae, I love running the race and then getting to have a bunch of good BBQ after! The best advice I have for incoming students is to take advantage of office hours.
Fun Fact About Me: I am the oldest of four children!
Best Piece of Advice for New Students: The best advice I have for incoming students is to take advantage of office hours.
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TELL US WHAT YOU'RE EXCITED ABOUT!
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We know there’s a lot to look forward to as you get ready to join the Union community, so we want to hear from you! What are you most excited about as you prepare for your first year? Whether it’s meeting new friends, diving into your major, or exploring campus traditions, in 2-3 words, tell us what you're excited about! Responses will be feature in an upcoming newsletter! |
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FINANCIAL AID
Linda Parker, Director of Financial Aid
Students who are receiving need-based financial aid may have received notification from our office requesting additional information to verify income and finalize the financial aid offer.
To ensure that the financial aid award is confirmed prior to our first billing cycle in early July, forward the required information to the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. Once income verification is complete, our office will follow up with information regarding student loans.
Questions? Email or call (518) 388- 6123.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Robin Olinsky, Class Dean and International Student Advising
Throughout the summer, join International Advising for four information sessions for incoming students and their families. Information session topics include preparing for the visa interview, arrival planning, finances, and maintaining visa status. Register here to attend the sessions. The first session is tomorrow, May 28!
In addition to the information sessions, International Advising will be holding drop-in Zoom advising sessions throughout the summer to answer your questions. Drop-in hours will be held on June 5 and June 12 from 8:30am-9am Eastern Time. No pre-registration is required, join here.
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We encourage you to check out our Charging Up Your First Year podcast series throughout the summer. New episodes will be released bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Our first episode released on May 21st. Throughout each episode, you will have the opportunity to learn about different topics and offices on campus and hear about what to expect when you arrive on campus. Our current students will even share some of their favorite things about Union and tips and tricks to help you with your transition to the College. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.
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