Your Student's First Semester

Everything your student needs to navigate the college during their first semester.

The first semester is a big adjustment. Here's what your student should know about academics, where to find support, and how to get involved on campus.

Academics

Attendance and Absences

Each instructor must provide an attendance policy in the course syllabus, allowing for a minimum of one week's worth of absences, including absences due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

Absence Policy | Medical Withdrawal Policy (PDF)

Final Exams

Suffolk does not have a separate finals week. Final exams, projects, and other end-of-semester assessments take place during regular class meetings near the end of the semester. Each course syllabus lists exam dates and how much they count toward the final grade.

Student Support

Suffolk offers free support services to help students succeed, from tutoring and advising to health and counseling.

Common Hour: Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Few classes are scheduled during Common Hour, so students can attend campus events and club meetings and connect with faculty outside the classroom. Events are posted on campus bulletin boards, digital signs and the college Calendar of Events. Getting involved is one of the best ways for your student to feel at home at Suffolk.

Questions?

Visit sunysuffolk.edu or call 631-451-4111.

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