Congratulations on making the decision to transfer to Suffolk University! Orientation is a great way to learn how to make your transition as seamless as possible.
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Transfer Students
Transfer students will participate in a one-day summer orientation. While orientation is mandatory for students, we highly encourage family members to attend our separate Family Orientation. You’ll be able to register your family members when you register yourself.
The deadline to register for orientation is June 5.
Transfer students are also required to meet one-on-one with the Transfer RAM Supporter in person between September 2-6. Information scheduling this meeting will be sent to you in mid-August.
*Students with an F1 or J-1 visa please refer to the International Students section for orientation information.
Transfer Student Orientation Details
Transfer Student Orientation Program (Required)
All full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students must participate in a Summer Orientation in June and Fall Orientation in September before starting at Suffolk. Once you have paid your enrollment deposit, you may register for a Summer Orientation session. Transfer student Summer Orientation will take place over one day in June. Fall Orientation will take place on September 4th. Students with possible schedule conflicts should contact Orientation & New Student Programs.
The cost of the orientation program is included in the new student fee on your tuition bill.
Orientation serves many purposes for our incoming students. We seek to help you understand Suffolk University's academic environment and expectations, become familiar with utilizing academic resources, develop a sense of comfort within the Suffolk Community, gain knowledge about co-curricular opportunities, and become familiar with Suffolk's global culture and the institution's appreciation for diversity. We are looking forward to meeting you at orientation!
Transfer Student Family Orientation Program (Encouraged)
Transferring to a new institution is an exciting adventure, not only for students but for the entire family. While it is not mandatory for family members to attend transfer orientation, it is strongly encouraged.
Family Summer Orientation program runs concurrently with, but separately from, student orientation. For family members, orientation offers an exciting opportunity to interact with skilled faculty and staff members who are committed to excellence on campus.
Orientation provides an opportunity for family members to learn about your student's academic program and requirements, get answers to financial questions, policies, and deadlines, understand academic and co-curricular resources, gain details about health, wellness, and safety, and more! We hope to see you there!
Your student can register you for Family Summer Orientation through their applicant portal when they complete their own orientation registration. Fall Orientation is for students only.
Action Items
Congratulations again on your acceptance to Suffolk University! To help you make your way to our amazing community in downtown Boston, we’ve created a list of action items.
Step 1: Register for Orientation (starting March 5)
Mark your calendars!
Transfer students will participate in a one-day summer orientation. While orientation is mandatory for students, we highly encourage family members to attend our separate Family Orientation. You’ll be able to register your family members when you register yourself. The deadline to register for orientation is June 5.
Transfer students are also required to meet one-on-one with the Transfer RAM Supporter in person between September 2-6. Information scheduling this meeting will be sent to you in mid-August.
Check the map to see which orientation best fits your needs.
Summer Orientation Sessions
Gold Region: Students living inside the gold region on the map must attend the June orientation session. Due to space limitations the orientation dates in August are reserved for students traveling from further away. If you have concerns about date conflicts or other extenuating circumstances, please email us for assistance.
Blue Region: Students living inside the blue region on the map (or in other countries**) can choose to attend orientation either in June or August. If you have concerns about date conflicts or other extenuating circumstances, please email us for assistance.
**Students with an F1 or J-1 visa please refer to the International Students section for orientation information.
| Session Type | Session Date(s) | Early Arrival Option* (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| June Transfer Session | June 26 |
Open to all transfer students (Gold and Blue regions) |
| August Transfer Session | August 30-31 |
Open only to transfer students in the Blue region and international students. Residential students attending this session can move into their University-sponsored housing assignment on August 30. |
*Through the Early Arrival Program, new students can come to campus the evening before their orientation. This unique initiative—facilitated by our highly trained and friendly Orientation Leaders—aims to introduce students to Boston and our campus, and help them connect with their peers. Get excited for get-to-know-you activities, a private Boston Duck Tour, and dinner. This opportunity is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be able to register for an Early Arrival Program when you register for orientation in your applicant portal.
Early Arrival Program registration fee: $40 (nonrefundable)
Fall Orientation 2024
| Session Type | Session Dates |
|---|---|
| Transfer Session | September 2 |
If you have any questions, reach out to Orientation, New Student & Family Programs via email or phone at 617-573-8321.
Step 2: Set Up Your Suffolk Student Email
Beginning in mid-April, students will receive information on accessing their Suffolk University email account. Keep an eye on your personal inbox for more information on how to set up your Suffolk email.
Starting in midsummer, the University will send you information exclusively via your Suffolk email account. Checking it often is the best way to get important updates.
Tip: Download the free Microsoft Outlook app to your web-enabled device!
If you have any questions, reach out to the Information Technology Help Desk via email or phone at 617-557-2000.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment with the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center and Create a Saved Schedule
Starting in mid-April, students will be able to make an academic advising appointment to finalize their course schedules. Click on the “Schedule Academic Advising Appointment” button in your applicant portal. You’ll only be able to do this after you’ve set up your Suffolk University email. It’s important to book your appointment by June 5. Ideally, it will take place before your orientation session.
To help your appointment run smoothly:
- If you have already taken a math or writing class before enrolling at Suffolk, hold off on taking either or both of the placement exams until you speak to an academic advisor
If you have any questions, reach out to Undergraduate Academic Advising via email or phone at 617-573-8034.
Step 4: Complete Your Housing Portal Questionnaire (Residential Students)
Starting in early June, students who have made their deposit to live in University-sponsored housing will receive an email detailing how to log into the housing portal to complete the Housing Portal Questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed by early July.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Residence Life and Housing via email or phone at 617-305-2500.
Step 5: Submit Your Photo for Your Student ID
The RAM Card is essential and required on campus. Students must submit a photo ahead of time to make sure that this student ID will be ready when they arrive at Suffolk.
You will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your ID photo in mid-to late June. To complete this task, you must have set up your Suffolk email. The submission deadline is August 1.
If you are a residential student, you’ll receive your RAM Card at move-in.
If you are a commuter student, you can pick up your RAM Card at Commuter Services September 3-6.
If you have any questions, reach out to Ram Card Services via email or phone at 617-570-4882.
Step 6: Complete Your Online Modules
We’ve designed online modules to help you prepare to join the Suffolk community. You must complete them before the start of the semester. Sometime in June, we’ll email you access to:
- Get to Know Your College (College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School)
- AlcoholEdu for College
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Students
- Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates
- Suffolk University Community Standards Training
You must set up your Suffolk email account so we can send you instructions on completing this task. The deadline to complete your online modules is August 1.
If you have any questions, reach out to the Information Technology Help Desk via email or phone at 617-557-2000.
Step 7: Submit Proof of Immunizations and Your Health Insurance Waiver
Ensure a smooth start by submitting your immunization documentation, completing your health insurance waiver, and setting up your communication preferences in the MyHealth Portal. This is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and secure environment for all students. Failure to do so will cause delays in other key action items.
- Using your Suffolk credentials, log into your MyHealth Portal
- Update your local contact information, emergency contact details, and profile. The information entered in the portal is for use by CHW only. You can also enable text reminders
- Upload your immunization documentation to “Forms and Requirements”
- Upload your insurance information under “Insurance Card”
- If you will be under 18 years old at the start of the semester, upload the Consent to Treat Minor form under “Forms and Requirements”
The deadline to upload your health information is September 1.
If you have any questions, reach out to Counseling, Health & Wellness via email or phone at 617-573-8226.