SUNY Oneonta is buzzing with life once again, celebrating the arrival of approximately 1,250 new students and the return of 3,230 undergraduate and 465 graduate students.
A crew of more than 60 staff and student volunteers in “Red’s Squad” T-shirts braved heavy rain on Wednesday to welcome members of the Class of 2029, who came to campus from nine different states, from Rhode Island to Colorado, and as far away as Hong Kong.
As new students moved in, volunteers directed traffic, answered questions, shared smiles and helped unload and bring belongings into residence hall rooms in Golding, Tobey, Littell, Wilber, Hulbert and other halls.
A special guest, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., greeted new students and families at check-in and, later, toured campus alongside SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle. Move-in continued Thursday, Friday, and into the weekend for returning students.
Once settled into their new home, members of the Class of 2029 began to get acquainted with campus and each other during orientation. They connected with Dragon Guide peer mentors, attended lectures and fun events, learned where to find everything from academic tutoring to Starbucks, and got tips for success from faculty and staff.
A little rain didn't tamper spirits during SUNY Oneonta's Fall 2025 Move-In! Thanks to all our helpers and volunteers who keep things running smoothly.
Class of 2029 Fast Facts
- Most popular majors: Business Administration, Psychology, Early Childhood/Childhood Education, Biology and Exercise Science
- Most common first names: Olivia (18!), Matthew, Ava, Daniel, Emily and Anthony
Campus Traditions
On Saturday, new first-year and transfer students officially joined the SUNY Oneonta community by participating in Academic Convocation and Pass Through the Pillars.
Designed to welcome new students into the scholarly community and give them a sense of belonging and unity, the Academic Convocation ceremony, held in the Alumni Field House, featured several speakers, performances by a cappella group Hooked on Tonics and student band The Pikes, and a special bell ringing, using a bell from the university archives. Adrian Suriel, a first-year student from the Bronx, was picked to ring the bell on behalf of his classmates.
Being chosen to ring the bell was such a surprise, and the love I’ve gotten since has been incredible.”
“Coming to SUNY Oneonta has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the start, I’ve felt so much love from the faculty and students, and the AOP program has supported me through everything, making the transition from the Bronx feel easier. Here, I finally feel like I can be myself, and that’s been life-changing.”
Remarks were given by Vice President for Student Affairs Tracy Johnson, Associate Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason, and President Alberto Cardelle, who told students that college is “about learning to engage with people who see the world differently, and developing the skills to navigate complexity with respect and confidence.” He encouraged them to think of college “like a superhero movie, where each hero brings a different superpower.”
But here at SUNY Oneonta, you don’t need a cape or special effects to have a superpower.”
“Your greatest power is the power to show up—fully, intentionally, and ready to engage. Every time you walk into class curious, step into a club meeting open to new friendships, or have a conversation, you’re using your superpower. And just like the Marvel heroes, when you each bring your unique powers, together you create something greater than the sum of its parts.”
After taking a class photo together, new students participated in the Pass Through the Pillars tradition, walking between the pillars of Old Main—the university’s first building—and into a welcoming, cheering crowd, signifying the beginning of their journey at Oneonta. They will pass back through in the opposite direction as seniors before commencement.
The academic semester officially kicked off with the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 25, and a celebratory campus-wide Opening Picnic near Milne Library.
The Class of 2029 gets a warm welcome at Pass through the Pillars.