New Students

*If your first semester at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ will be Fall 2026, stay tuned for more information about your Orientation checklist and registration process!

  • New Transfer Students: you will meet with Harpur Advising in early- to mid-June
  • New First-Year Students: you will meet with Harpur Advising in late-June through July

Welcome to Harpur College!

Congratulations! The Harpur Academic Advising team is here to support you and help you begin your journey at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ. Below, you’ll find your guide to getting started as a new student. Be sure to check your Binghamton email regularly soon after you pay your depost - your advisor will be sending important updates and next steps there. For students joining us in the fall semester, emails sent to your BU email start as early as May. For students joining us in the spring semester, emails sent to your BU email start as early as October.

We can't wait to meet you!

All the best,
Michelle and the Harpur Advising Team

New Student Academic Advising and Course Registration Process

STEP 1: 

STEP 2: 

  • Complete your New Student Orientation Homework

    Before you attend Orientation, you must complete the following:

    • (due January 5th, 2026): This required survey is a key part of the Orientation Checklist for all incoming students. Your responses help advisors register you for appropriate Spring 2026 courses based on your academic interests, goals, and course preferences. If you do not complete the survey by the deadline, advisors will still create a schedule for you—but you will miss the opportunity to share updated goals, course preferences, and other important input that help ensure your schedule reflects your interests.
      • You will receive a "Schedule your Appointment" email a few business days after you submit your Survey. Check your BU email regularly for the link to schedule this appointment.
    • : Required only if your major/minor/program requires Calculus I and you do not have credit for MATH 224 & 225. If applicable, enroll in the free online summer Calculus Workshop.
    • Chemistry Readiness Assessment: Required only if your major/minor/program requires CHEM 104 or 107 and you do not have credit for CHEM 104 or 107. The Chemistry Readiness Assessment is only for those enrolling in CHEM 104 or 107 in the fall semester. The CRA is not needed for students enrolling in CHEM 104 in the Spring semester.
    • Explore Options & Tell Us ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Your Interests: In the Advising and Registration Survey, you’ll be asked to share more about what you’re curious about or excited to study—even if you’re undecided! You’ll also be asked to:
      • - You'll be asked to list your top 8–10 choices in the Advising and Registration Survey.
      • - You’ll also be asked to rank your top seminar course preferences in the same survey.

Step 3:

  • Attend your Academic Advising Appointment
    • During your advising appointment, your advisor will:
      • Review your Spring 2026 schedule
      • Discuss your academic goals and next steps
      • Answer any questions about Spring 2026 course planning
    • You will receive a "Schedule your Appointment" a few business days after you submit your Survey. Check your BU email regularly for the link to schedule this appointment.
    • Students who do not schedule / do not attend their advising appointment are at risk of being dropped from Spring 2026 classes.

Step 4:

Step 5:

  • Materials to Review After your Academic Advising Appointment
    • - Wrap up any remaining checklist items, and don't forget to mark them as complete.
    • - The answers to many of our most popular questions can be found in our Brightspace portal.
    • - What is needed to earn a Bachelor's degree from ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ? This helpful resource will provide you with an overview.
    • - Through General Education courses, you will become engaged global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, thoughtful problem-solvers, and conscientious analyzers. The knowledge and skills learned through General Education can be applied across all disciplines and in any career field.
    • Understanding the Schedule of Classes - the Schedule of Classes is the official listing of all courses being offered in a given semester. It lists course descriptions, pre- and co-requisites, fees, and waitlists that may impact proper enrollment in a course.
    • - DegreeWorks helps you to track your degree progress, explore majors and degree paths, plan your schedule each semester, and chart a path to graduation!
    • Be on the lookout for text messages from Baxter! Our behaviroally smart SMS chatbot will check in with you about your experience at Binghamton and will provide resources for any challenges you might be facing