SUNY Poly welcomed 400 first-year students and nearly 300 transfer students to campus earlier this week, with classes slated to begin on Monday, August 28.
 
Among the activities was the traditional bridge crossing and class photo, followed by Officer-in-Charge Dr. Andrew Russell addressing first-year students in the Campus Center gymnasium.
 
“To all of our new students (first-year and transfers) – welcome home. To our returning students with us today, welcome back.  And to all those in attendance today … to share in this wonderful tradition together … welcome to SUNY Poly’s 2023-2024 academic year!

“A special thank you to each member of our dedicated faculty and staff.  All of you are instrumental in delivering a top-tier education to our students, and collectively positioning SUNY Poly as New York’s premier public polytechnic,” Dr. Russell continued.
 
“Students - as you begin your careers here, I want to make something clear. It should be obvious, but I think it’s worth emphasizing … you belong here. You are entering an incredibly caring, welcoming community.  Sure, the faculty, staff, and your fellow students will support your progress in the classroom, but they will also care about how you are doing outside of the classroom as well. I promise … it won’t take long until you are blending in with the entire community and feeling right at home. So please, get to know your classmates …look out for one another; care about each other.
 
“As we kick off each academic year, we have a tradition where our new students cross the Wildcat bridge. Crossing the bridge is a tangible gesture that has symbolic meaning. It represents your welcome into our community as an official SUNY Poly Wildcat. As you cross the bridge, I want you to think of the legacy you want to leave on campus — whether in academics, student life, athletics, or other areas that are important to you. 
 
“Please keep in mind that the next time you will cross this bridge together, as a class, will be at your commencement. We look forward to that day and all the days in between on your successful Wildcat journey. Welcome to SUNY Poly … Welcome home,” Dr. Russell concluded.

To view WKTV’s coverage of Move-In Day, click here.
 
For a video capturing Move-In Day’s activities, click here.
 
More photos can be viewed on SUNY Poly’s social media channels.