New Students

Welcome to Harpur College!

Congratulations! The Harpur Academic Advising team is here to support you and help you begin your journey at Binghamton University. Below, you’ll find your guide to getting started as a new student. Be sure to check your Binghamton email regularly starting in May—your advisor will be sending important updates and next steps there.

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: 

• Sign Up for New Student Orientation
  You will sign up for Orientation through New Student Programs. Watch your BU email starting the week of May 5 for instructions on how to register.

STEP 2: 

• Complete your New Student Orientation Homework

  Before you attend Orientation, you must complete the following:

  • Advising & Registration Survey (due by June 27): This is required for all students. It is vital that you submit the Survey to continue the course registration process for Orientation 
    • After you submit your Survey, You will receive your "Schedule your Appointment" email. Check your BU email regularly for the link to schedule this appointment.

  • Calculus Placement Test: 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.

    • Do I need to take the Calculus Placement Test?
  • 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.  If applicable, enroll in the free online summer Chemistry Workshop.
    • Do I need to take the Chemistry Readiness Assessment?
  • Explore Options & Tell Us About 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:
    • Review First-Year Appropriate Courses - You'll be asked to list your top 8–10 choices in the Advising and Registration Survey.
    • Review First-Year Experience Seminar Courses (coming May 5). You’ll also be asked to rank your top seminar course preferences in the same survey.

  STEP 3:

First-Years	Transfers
Attend your Two-Day New Student Orientation Session This is your official introduction to the BU community - don't miss it!	Schedule an Appointment with your Advisor You will receive a "Schedule your Appointment" email after you submit your Advising & Registration Survey. Check your BU email regularly for the link to schedule this appointment.

Step 4:

First-Years

Transfers

Attend your Academic Advising Appointment The virtual appointment will take place 1-6 business days after your Orientation session. Your advisor will: Review your fall 2025 schedule Discuss your academic goals and next steps Answer any questions about fall 2025 course planning You will receive a "Schedule your Appointment" email after you submit your Advising & Registration Survey and approximately 2 business days before your Orientation session. 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 fall 2025 classes.

Attend your New Student Orientation Session This is your official introduction to the BU community - don't miss it!

Step 5:

First-Years	Transfers
Prepare for Move-In! You have completed the Academic Advising portion of your Orientation - great work!! Now, continue to the next step to explore additional resources that will support your transition to Binghamton.	Receive your registration PIN and register for courses Transfer students need to complete the following steps to receive their registration PIN: Complete their Advising & Registration Survey Meet with an Academic Advisor, and Attend New Student Programs Orientation If you have completed all of these steps, you will receive your PIN the day after your New Student Programs Orientation session.

Step 6:

• Materials to Review After your Academic Advising Appointment
  • Harpur Advising Brightspace Portal
  • Components of a Harpur College Degree
  • What is General Education?
  • Understanding the Schedule of Classes
    • Harpur Advising's Guide
    • Schedule of Classes Tutorial Video
  • Navigating your DegreeWorks audit