History
More than 200 years ago, the residents of Potsdam, N.Y., founded the St. Lawrence Academy – one of America’s first 50 colleges. Over the next two centuries, the college became a public university, eventually joining the new State University of New York system upon its founding.
Education
You can choose from more than 40 majors and 40 minors, and we offer both bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Among these classic academic pursuits you'll find interdisciplinary programs that seamlessly converge courses from several different departments, such as Criminal Justice or Women's & Gender Studies.
Research
The Frederick B. Kilmer Undergraduate Research Apprenticeships supports student-faculty collaborative projects during the academic year and summer.Awards are competitive and funding is $300 for semester projects; $500 for academic year projects, and $1,000 for summer.More information about this award is available on our website.
Career
The Office of Career Services is here to help explore, get focused, and take action! From major/career exploration to landing that job or internship, we are here to coach you through it.
Student services
- The Student Success Center can connect you with resources on advising, accommodative services, tutoring, study skills and special programs.
- The following programs also offer specialized support services: EOP, Bridges, TRiO, CSTEP, NCSTEP.
- Are you a veteran, service member or in a military family? SUNY Potsdam is military-friendly; we offer veteran support services to help you access benefits and find the support you deserve.
- Accommodative Services can help students with documented disabilities, so all members of our community can benefit from our educational opportunities.
Housing services
- We are preparing to house all students who wish to live on campus. Returning students will be housed within the accommodations they’ve already selected (townhouse, suite, standard room, etc) and will have either a single or a double room within this accommodation.
- First year students will be housed in doubles in a standard rooms based on their housing preference.
- New incoming transfer students will be housed in double rooms in a variety of accommodations based on their housing preference.
- Students with health concerns will be supported to complete their studies virtually, or to receive accommodations through the medical housing process.
Library services
Many SUNY Potsdam graduates are familiar with the breadth of information resources provided by the College Libraries, and many alumni miss having that seamless access to high-quality online information. Designed for the research needs of the post-college professional, this database provides full text for nearly 2,400 journals as well as indexing and abstracting for more than 7,370 journals.
Medical services
Student Health Services (SHS) is committed to providing our students with a safe, welcoming environment providing culturally competent and inclusive healthcare. We collaborate with students to identify and meet their individual goals, identify barriers to learning and empower them to develop a personal wellness program that lays the foundation for a healthy life.
Campus life
Campus life is vibrant, and our students are crazy-involved. SUNY Potsdam has everything from brand-new laboratories, to award-winning theatres, to 17 different dining locations, plus a fully-stocked athletic complex to keep you busy. Just steps from the Quad are our residence halls, with everything from classic two-bed rooms, to townhouses with full kitchen suites. And you don’t have to go far for a change of scenery. SUNY Potsdam also has a park leading right up to the shores of the Raquette River, and our campus is just a short walk or bike ride away from historic downtown Potsdam.
Sports facilities
Club Sports exist for the purpose of furthering a common interest in physical activity through competition, instruction, participation, or performance. Club sports are a great opportunity to meet others who desire to participate in a particular sport! You'll learn new skills, improve existing skills, become more educated about fitness and health, engage in competition, and enjoy recreational and social time with friends. Some of the more competitive clubs may compete in postseason play and regional and national championships.
SUNY Potsdam is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.