Housing

Welcome, returning students! The Residence Life and Housing Office has set up a web area chock full of resources for you as you live on campus on BobNet, the Paul Smith’s College Intranet.

Click here for BobNet

Please utilize these resources to enhance your time on campus. Follow the links for resources, and remember: your Resident Assistant (RA) is available to you in your building, and so are the staff members in the main office. Find us in the JWSC in room 005, or shoot us an email at residencelifeandhousing@paulsmiths.edu.

Check out these frequently asked questions (FAQ) for answers to common questions! If you have a question not answered here, we recommend reaching out to your RA. If you still require assistance, please reach out to residencelife@paulsmiths.edu. For emergencies, contact Campus Safety at 518-327-6300.

Q: What does the Residence Life and Housing Office oversee?
A: The Residence Life and Housing Office oversees student residential housing on campus, providing enriching activities and programs in the residence halls, overseeing the student Resident Assistants (RAs), Residence Halls, and more! Feel free to reach out to us: if we aren’t quite the office to assist you best, we will connect you to those who are. Our email is residencelife@paulsmiths.edu.

Q: What can my RA help with?
A: Your RA is a well-trained, talented student leader who is there to assist you as you navigate life in college and living in the residence halls. RAs are available to help with physical concerns such as work orders, but also personal concerns. Talk to your RA if you need assistance with things like adjusting to college, making friends, and more. Likewise, RAs can assist with referrals to knowledgeable offices with class concerns, tutoring, finding assistance with the Counseling Center, Health Office, and getting involved on campus. While our incredible student leaders are widely available, please note they are also students and are not always available. If you have a concern, you can also reach out to the Residence Life and Housing email address.

Q: How do I put in a work order?
A: Work orders can be put in by clicking this link!

Q: What is the cost of my housing and meal plan?
A: You can check out the cost of room and board for the year via the Student Accounts Office. Their website updates this yearly and is reflected under the “Tuition and Fees” tab.

Q: How do I move my room?
A: Generally speaking, room moves are uncommon and are heavily reliant on circumstance and room availability. Reach out to your RA and they can best assist with this topic, including potentially facilitating roommate mediation and connecting with Residence Life and Housing.

Q: How long can my guest stay? How do I register my guest?
A: The current guest policy as defined in the Community Guide notes guests can stay for a maximum of six nights per semester, no more than three consecutive days at a time. Any one host student may have up to two guests at a time. A guest is defined as anyone who is not assigned to live in that space and are staying overnight, generally considered after 11:59pm. A guest is also considered a PSC student, even if they live in the same building. For example: if Jules lives in Hillside 111 but stays the night with her friend Alix in Hillside 112, she is still considered an overnight guest because she doesn’t live in Hillside 112.

To register a guest, speak to any RA and fill out a guest pass for your guest(s). All overnight guests, including fellow students, must be registered via a guest pass and no more than six per semester will be issued. Please note: abuse or overstay of the guest policy will result in action via the Student Conduct Office. The host student is responsible for all actions of their guest and any guest must be with their host at all times. All roommate(s) and suitemates must agree to the guest pass and sign off on it.

Q: Do I need to get a parking pass every year?
A: Yes! You need to get a new parking pass each year, in the fall. This process is really easy and requires you to simply go online and register your vehicle with Campus Safety (link). A new sticker is produced each year. There is no fee for parking, though if you do not have a current parking pass, you will be ticketed.

Q: I lost my key. What do I do?
A: Click this link.

If you are locked out of your building or room while the Office is closed, come see us as early as possible the next business day for a replacement. In the meantime, consider asking your roommate to assist you in re-entering your building and room. Likewise, you can connect with Campus Safety at 518-327-6300 for a lockout request. It may take Campus Safety a few minutes to get to you.

Q: What am I not allowed to have in my room/suite?
A: A list of prohibited items can be found in the “What Not to Bring” tab on this page. Please note: this is not an exhaustive list and we recommend connecting with us at residencelife@paulsmiths.edu before bringing a questionable item to campus or your living space.

Q: How do I select housing after my first year on campus?
A: Housing Selection takes place in April each year and all students are able to choose their housing for the follow fall semester. Incoming Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are able to choose from any upperclass housing but cannot choose first year housing (Franklin, Currier, LMS). Housing Selection is done by a “lottery” – students are given a random lottery number based on their class year. Seniors choose first, then Juniors, then Sophomores. A number closer to 1 chooses first for that year.

Here’s an example: Rajesh is going to be a sophomore in the new year; last year, he lived in LMS. This is his first housing selection. He checks his email in late March and finds he is assigned a lottery number for the sophomore class of 25. Rajesh’s friend Mariana is also going to be a sophomore next year, and her lottery number is 70. Rajesh will be able to pick his housing before Mariana, because his lottery number is lower (closer to 1 chooses earlier).

Students not in first-year housing (Franklin, Currier, LMS) are able to “stay” in their room by filling out the “Room Stay Application Form” which reserves that space for them. Once you have opted to select a room stay, you cannot select housing at Housing Selection. Likewise, those who opt to “room stay” in their current space can “pull” one peer with them, even if that person is not doing a room stay or has a late lottery number. This process takes place before Housing Selection and deadlines for this process are posted in March and are well-advertised.

Here’s an example. Martin lives in Essex 202, and wants to live there again for the new year. He fills out the “Room Stay Application” on time. Martin will therefore be living in Essex 202 again for the new year. His roommate will not be living in Essex 202 again, so an open space is available there. Because of this, Martin decides with his friend Lin to “pull” Lin into Essex 202 with him. They fill out the appropriate forms online in time. Now, Martin and Lin will live together. Neither attend Housing Selection nor are given a lottery number, since they’re all done with the housing process!

Q: How do I live off-campus?
A: This depends! Are you a student who entered the College before Fall 2019, or after Fall 2019? Click this link.

Q: How do I become a RA?
A: Being an RA is a wonderful opportunity for student leadership experience, an incredible resume builder, and an excellent opportunity to be part of a strong, tight-knight group on campus. RA Selection is typically held twice a year: typically towards the end of the semester. The number of RAs being hired varies based on how many open positions are available, and spring hiring is generally largest. Emails and posters go out in advance letting interested students know the opportunity is available and how to apply.

Typically, RA selection begins with interested students applying online. Then, a process known as “Group Process” is scheduled, wherein applicants come together and do a group interview that includes activities, information sessions, and more. This process gives applicants an opportunity to explore the role and highlight their strengths. Next, those who attend Group Process are invited to individual interviews, where they meet with the Residence Life and Housing professional staff and a current RA, if available. From there, deliberation occurs. Candidates are emailed on the basis of: hire, not hired, and alternate position offer. Those who are offered an “alternate” position can choose to accept, and if an offered position is declined or an RA position becomes open, they may be contacted and offered a role.

Resident Assistants are compensated in the form of a large housing waiver. RAs are expected to go through twice-yearly trainings, both of which take place before students return from either winter break or summer break. They are expected to uphold a variety of duties, including: programming events in the residence halls, creating educational bulletin boards, door decoration name tags, duty/rounds rotation, attending RA “in-service” trainings once a week, attending one-on-one meetings with the Area Coordinator, and other duties.

Your residence hall room becomes your home away from home. Bringing items from home to help make the space yours will help keep you comfortable! Here is a breakdown of items we recommend bringing with you to ensure optimal comfort in your room.

Items You Will Need:

• 1 or 2 sets of twin XL bedding including pillowcases, fitted sheet, and flat sheet
  • Regular twin sheets will not fit these longer beds
• 1 comforter/blanket set, sized twin XL
• 1-2 pillows
• 1-2 body towels and wash cloths
• Shower caddy to hold toiletries
• School supplies
  • Notebooks, pens/pencils, stapler, tape, paper clips, correcting liquid, folders, binders
• Warm weather clothing
• Cool weather clothing
  • A very warm jacket is a must! Waterproof or resistant boots are recommended
  • Cool to cold weather clothing is usually needed by October
• Any prescription medications you take
• Laundry supplies
  • HE detergent is recommended. Laundry pods work well!
• Warm winter coat, gloves, hat, scarf
• Laptop
• Cell phone*
  • Cell phones are hugely recommended. Public phones are not available on campus to call home with. Currently, Verizon is the only carrier that works in the area

Recommended Items: 

• Mattress pad and mattress topper (foam or memory foam)
• Small desk lamp and bulb
• 1-2 power strips
  • Extension cords of any type are not permitted
• Hamper with wheels
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener or dryer sheets/balls
• Fan(s)
• Clothing hangers
• Shower shoes
• Ice-gripping crampons for shoes/boots
• Rain coat and/or umbrella
• Digital television
  • Non-digital TVs cannot pick up the television signal
• Personal gaming devices
  • Playstations, Xboxes, Nintendo systems, and the like can operate via the network for online gaming
• Ethernet cable
• Basic first aid supplies and OTC medicines
  • Bandages, antibiotic cream, ibuprofen, cough drops, allergy medicine, etc.
• Flashlight
• Small vacuum cleaner (stick vacuum recommended)
• Fully-collapseable additional seating
  • This includes folding “butterfly” style chairs and folding cloth “sport” style chairs. Only seating that can fully collapse and fold is allowed in residence hall rooms
• Small area rug
• Plastic “drawer” storage bin
• Small personal appliances
  • Keurig or similar coffee maker
  • Electric kettle (no exposed heating element)
  • Microwave under 700 watts (must be equipped with Safety Sensor)
  • Miniature refrigerator 4 cubic ft or less
• Command-style hooks and/or adhesive
  • Blue painter’s tape is also recommended for hanging pictures, posters, and similar
• Over-door or standing fashion mirror
• Boot/shoe tray for wet winter shoes
• Toiletries
  • Shampoo, conditioner, brush/comb, straightener, curling iron, blow dryer
  • Toothbrushes (bring extra!), toothpaste, floss, toothbrush holder
  • Body wash or soap bars
  • Tweezers, nail clippers
  • Facial washes and facial cleansers
  • Menstrual products
  • Tissues
• Household plants
  • Evergreen trees, boughs, wreaths, and similar items are not permitted
• Vacuum storage bags
  • Vacuum storage bags allow students to more easily store their off-season clothing before it can come home. This is usually a better alternative to large, bulky bins which can be hard to store.
• Cleaning supplies
  • A few cleaning supplies like cleaning sprays or wipes are recommended to keep your space clean and tidy!
  • Air fresheners like the gel cone style and squishy bead style are recommended for freshening your space. Oil diffusers with no exposed heating element and rod diffusers are permitted
• For your car in fall/winter:
  • First aid kit with blankets or space blankets and instant hand/foot warmers
  • Emergency car kit (reflector triangles, flashlight, jumper cables, etc.)
  • Small snow shovel
  • Cat littler for traction
  • In winter, standard snow tires are helpful on vehicles. Studded tires are not permitted in the area after April

Essex & Hillside Halls, the Suites (rooms with en suite bathrooms):

• Cleaning supplies for bathroom
  • Toilet cleaner + toilet brush
  • Cleaning spray
• Foot towel/bath mat (easily washable is recommended!)
• Small bathroom trash can
• Plastic “drawer” storage containers for bathroom items, toiletries, etc.

The Suites (Overlook, Upper, Lower St. Regis Halls):

• Cooking supplies (connect with your suitemates to agree on who brings what!)
  • Baking sheets, brownie pan
  • Pots, pans
  • Utensils like forks, knives, butter knives, spoons
  • Cooking utensils like spatulas, wooden spoons, can opener, potato peeler, measuring cups/spoons, whisk, ladle, slatted spoon, colander, etc.
  • Ice cube trays, spices, dish soap, oven mitts, kitchen towels, dish washer detergent/pods, paper towels, etc.
• Living room extras
  • Collapseable* optional seating like butterfly or camp-style chairs
  • Decorations (excluding tapenstries or fabric hangings)
  • Throw pillows and blankets
  • Living room television
• Boot tray and/or door mat
• Cleaning supplies – kitchen & bathroom
• Additional larger trash can (13 gallon recommended)

Things You Don’t Need to Bring:

• Toilet paper
  • Toilet paper is provided to students at no cost and is of good quality!
• Window treatments like shades, blinds, or curtains
  • All rooms are equipped with window treatments. No additional treatments (shades, curtains) can be installed.
• Additional furniture
  • Mattresses, beds, desks, chairs, dressers, and the like are provided. No additional furniture is welcome in the rooms.
• For a list of prohibited items, please click the “What Not to Bring” tab.

A number of items are not permitted to be brought to campus or in the residence halls in the interest of safety. Please see the below list to learn more about what is not permitted on campus and/or in the residence halls. Prohibited items that are found in the halls are subject to confiscation by Campus Safety. Possession of prohibited items can, in addition to confiscation, lead to documentation via the Student Conduct Office. If you have questions about an item being permitted or not, please reach out to residencelife@paulsmiths.edu early so we can best assist you!

Prohibited Items:

• Multi-bulb “medusa” style lamps
• Halogen bulbs
• Lava lamps
• Beanbag, recliner, or wicker-style furniture
  • Only furniture that is fully collapsible, such as “butterfly” and “camp” style chairs are permitted.
• Futons, couches, or love seats
• Mattresses or bed frames not provided by the college
• Wardrobes, dressers, and other large furniture not provided by the college
• Dartboards and darts
• Taxidermies
• Wall tapestries, flags, or any type of fabric wall hanging
• Curtains or additional window treatments
  • Window treatments are provided in every room
• Nails, screws, self-adhering cork or tile, and other types of fastener hardware
• Natural evergreen trees, boughs, and wreaths
  • Synthetic, small “holiday” style trees are welcome provided they are under 2 feet tall
• Pets
  • Pets are not permitted in the residence halls unless the animal can live underwater 24/7 in 10 gallons or less
  • Unapproved “emotional support animals” are not welcome in residence halls
  • Unapproved animals in the residence halls are subject to removal and/or fines
• Fireworks, sparklers, and similar
• Candles, incense, wax melters, candle melters (including bulb style), and plug-in scent releasers
• Extension cords
  • Power strips are welcome, and should have a fuse within them
• Multi-plug or “cube” power adapters
• Air conditioner units of any kind
• Portable heaters of any kind
• Electric blankets
• Personal routers
  • Wireless internet and Ethernet ports are available to all students. Additional routers causes significant network disruption
• Amplified musical instruments (subwoofers, etc.)
• Binary exploding targets (example: Tannerite)
• Weapons, guns, knives or utility pocket knives over 3 inches, etc.
• Illicit drugs and paraphernalia
  • Marijuana is not permitted on campus for any reason
  • Prescriptions should be kept securely away and hold the individual’s prescription on the original container
• Items with exposed heating elements
  • Toasters, toaster ovens
  • George Foreman-style grills
  • Charcoal grills
  • Single burners
  • Electric pans
  • Hot Pots
  • Crock pots (can be used in suite kitchens only)
  • Air fryers
• Microwaves over 700 watts
• Microwaves not equipped with a Safety Sensor
• Refrigerators over 4 cubic feet
• Culinary knives must be stored inside their original case
• Class-use axes must be in a case
• Class-use chainsaws must be unassembled and have the gasoline removed in a case
• Vaporizer units (“vapes”) due to their risk of fire/explosion cannot be stored or brought into residence halls
• Propane, gasoline, and similar items may not be stored in the residence halls

Note: Individuals living in suite-style buildings (Overlook, Upper St. Regis, Lower St. Regis) are welcome to have crock pots in use only if the unit is being used in their kitchen area.

For all mailroom questions, contact Jill Susice at jsusice@paulsmiths.edu

All on-campus students are given a student mailbox located at the Student Mailroom in the lowest floor of the Student Center. Mailbox numbers for new students typically are distributed to deposit-paid, housed students in late summer before the beginning of the year. There is no additional cost to have a student mailbox.

How do I send mail to the campus?

Sending mail or packages to your on-campus box is easy! Please be sure to properly address your packages: frequently, family and friends send packages or mail to the College with a student’s residence hall room name or number. This is not how mail is delivered and will slow down the delivery of your mail. Please address your packages with your legal name, as we do not have nicknames on file.

Example:
Student First & Last Name
7777 State Route 30
Student Mailbox (your number here)
Paul Smiths, NY 12970

How do I get my mail?

Traditional mail like letters, magazines, and the like can be accessed via your mailbox whenever you’d like. To pick up a package, you must do so when the Mailroom is open and attended by Mailroom Staff. (Hours for the semester are posted and students are notified at the beginning of the semester.) You will know you have a package by a brightly-colored package slip in your mailbox. This tag should be brought to a Mailroom Staff at the desk, who will ask for ID — your student ID or your legal photo ID. They will get you your package and have you sign for it. Then, are all set!

Can I ship items before I arrive to campus?

The answer is: somewhat. Please do not send mail to the campus before you have been given a mailbox number, as it will be returned to sender. Once you have been given your mailbox number, you can send mail and packages to the campus. These items cannot be picked up until the Mailroom has opened for the semester (time to be determined). Do not send time-sensitive items or perishable items before the semester begins! Students often ship mini fridges (under 4 cubic feet), microwaves (under 700w), online purchases, and similar to the Mailroom before arriving to save space in the car. Your package must be correctly addressed to avoid being returned to sender!

Can I have an on-campus box if I’m living off campus?

Yes, you can have an on-campus mailbox if you are a current student approved to live off-campus. Email jsusice@paulsmiths.edu to request one, and please do so in advance. If you have moved off-campus, and not immediately requested to keep your former on-campus mailbox, you may lose your former mailbox number and a new one will be re-assigned to you. If you are an off-campus student with no on-campus mailbox and mail is sent to the Student Mailroom, it may be returned to sender. The Mailroom cannot forward packages for off-campus students without additional mailing costs.

I’m having trouble entering the campus address on (website):

This happens sometimes! Amazon.com and USPS.com are sometimes challenging to work with for our student mailbox numbers. If this happens to you, try changing the address around a little bit, such as below.

Alternate Address Option (online vendors):

Student First & Last Name
7777 NY-30
#(box number here)
Paul Smiths, NY 12970

If an online vendor continues to give you trouble, please reach out to us at jsusice@paulsmiths.edu and we can try to find other solutions with you to get your package here.

Can someone else pick my mail up for me?

No, only you can pick up your mail. Please do not share your box combination with others. Packages can only be released to the owner of the package via photo ID. If a medical or extenuating circumstance requires mail pickup by others, communicate with Jill Susice at jsusice@paulsmiths.edu.

What happens if my mail is not sent right?

Our Mailroom staff works hard to figure out what belongs to who even if address information isn’t all there. However, incorrectly addressed packages increase the chance a package will be delivered late or returned to sender. Please ensure your full, legal name, correct box number, and correct general address are on the package! Packages and mail that cannot be identified is generally brought to the Office of Residence Life and Housing, where it is then examined to attempt to find the owner. If none can be found, the item is returned to sender.

What can I ship to the Mailroom?

Nearly anything can be shipped to the Mailroom, provided it is: legal to ship, legal to have, allowed to be on campus (no weapons, etc.), is not harmful, and not dangerous. We request that items that may cause disruption, such as animal urine and scents, are purchased from reliable suppliers to ensure their intense smells do not leak. Packages should be sent in good condition (well-taped boxes, not overstuffed, etc.) to avoid issues or breaking. Paul Smith’s College and the Student Mailroom are not responsible for items damaged or lost in the shipping process. Student packages and mail are treated with great care in their time at the Mailroom.

Can I buy stamps, send mail, etc. from here?

No, you cannot. The Student Mailroom does not sell stamps, package supplies, or mail items/mail out. However, a USPS Post Office is located on campus by Campus Safety that can assist you. The Post Office is open with an attendant with limited hours (click here to learn more). You can purchase stamps, shipping supplies, mail packages, buy Post Office Money Orders, and more during these open hours and they accept cash and credit/debit. To mail standard mail, a blue large mailbox sits outside of the Post Office and collects mail Monday through Saturday.

I need my mail forwarded!

The Student Mailroom is able to forward some mail: generally, unless previously notified, mail addressed to a former student (or someone who has moved off campus) is returned to sender. Packages mailed to the campus in error are taken by the Area Coordinator and reasonable attempts to contact the student/alumni are made. The cost associated with forwarding a package are the responsibility of the student/alumni: packages shipped via USPS are typically able to be forwarded at no cost. If you have mailed a package to the campus in error as a current student between breaks and require it to be forwarded, the above situation stands and you are encouraged to contact jsusice@paulsmiths.edu.

Helpful Facts:

• Students sometimes wonder why a package may say it’s delivered but is not yet at the Mailroom. Here’s why! Before your item or mail comes to the Student Mailroom, it first goes through either the on-campus USPS Post Office or goes to our Facilities Department, which sorts and handles all campus mail. Vendors like Amazon will reflect this delivery and say it’s on campus, even though it is not yet in the Mailroom. From Facilities, the mail then comes to the Student Mailroom where it is sorted. In short, if your package says it’s delivered but you do not yet have a package slip, don’t fret! It likely just hasn’t quite made it’s way to you yet.
• If you forget your mailbox number or combination, or struggle to open it, a Mailroom staff member can assist you. If you have forgotten your combination and the Mailroom is not open, email jsusice@paulsmiths.edu via your PSC email and we can resend. Please give us time to respond to you.
• The Mailroom cannot sign for packages via certified mail or similar needs. If a package needs to be officially signed for, you may have a cream-colored tag from USPS in your mailbox describing what to do to pick up that mail. This is really easy with a post office right on campus!
• If you are sending mail with items such as money, gift cards, checks, passports, and other items of value, it is recommended to insure these parcels and/or send via USPS Certified Mail and/or a means that provides tracking information.
• If you are a parent, family member, or friend reading this and considering sending your student a package or care package … definitely do it! It is always a wonderful gesture for students to receive care packages! It is helpful to let students know you plan to send them one, though, so they can be on the lookout for a package. This is especially true with perishable items.

We know that our students’ success is uplifted by the help, caring, and love of their family and friends. Your help for our students is so sincerely appreciated, and we hope that the resources below can better assist you in supporting them on their college journey, as well as providing you with positive resources as you walk with them on their journey, too!

We definitely understand: supporting your student is your #1 priority, and it’s ours too! The Residence Life and Housing Office has worked hard on the resources below to give you tools to support your new or returning Paul Smith’s College student during their time at the College. We have reached out to dozens of previous parents, family, and friends of students and gathered questions (plus answers) to common queries about student support from loved ones.

Q:  How do I best support my student while they’re at PSC?
A: That is a great question, though definitely one without a clear-cut answer. Every student is a unique individual with their own needs, struggles, triumphs, and more. But, we do have a few tips on great ways to best assist your student!

Support & Explore: It is natural to want everything perfect and streamlined for your student, after all, they’re working hard at college! It is also tempting to desire to do things for them to ensure this is the case: but, it is not recommended. When students run against friction, perhaps a roommate tiff, or struggling a bit in class, our Paul Smith’s College faculty and staff are prepared to support them and allow them to do so in a way that helps them grow. You may find your student is nervous or unwilling to call or email about a struggle they are having. A great way to support them would not be to call for them, as this doesn’t help them grow, but instead help them learn accountability and still provide support by discussing what is happening, leading them to resources such as office email addresses, and supporting their decisions: even if these are not going in the timeline you may expect.

For example, it is very tempting to call on your students’ behalf when they are upset with their roommate. But, this can be a problem: your student didn’t learn or get to experience reaching out about their issue with the office(s) that can best assist them. They may also feel discouraged to do so in the future, since it was done for them in the past. Likewise, the experience of working through person-to-person conflict hasn’t been as effectively addressed and the student hasn’t learned the valuable inter-personal communication skill a variety of departments are working to help them learn. Allowing a student to develop their own sense of identity through working through struggles is a valuable skill that they will need in their everyday life as well as in their professional careers.

Give & Take: Not every situation is cut-and-dry, or easy to work through. Sometimes, despite best efforts all around, students may continue to be reluctant to seek out support or helpful connections. This can be very frustrating for family and friends alike, but is natural. There may be situations where your student is not seeking out assistance in a situation that may seem very simple to you, but for them, something is in the way from reaching out or doing it. Things like stress, nervousness, and many other factors can be at play in this dynamic and make tasks like reaching out about an issue not get done.

In this moment, more than ever, it becomes even more tempting to reach out on behalf of the student to a resource on campus. But, again, this can be very problematic for a variety of reasons. While the temptation to “fix” an issue for your student may be growing and growing at this point, communicating for them is not necessarily the answer. Frequently, family members or friends will call on a student’s behalf on an issue, and will ask our department to “not tell the student (they) called.” This action often causes stress and may create a feeling of lack of confidence from family/friends by the student. It also may insight a bit of distrust in the student, and communication in a positive way may become more challenging.

Instead, we recommend staying positive and being patient with your student as they learn to support themselves. Try to talk to them about what is happening, though know they may not tell you everything. Stay positive: your support can do wonders! Even if your student is not super open about a topic that they’re struggling with, encourage them gently and lead them to resources that may help them. It can seem like a daunting task for students to seek contact information for a helpful resource: consider talking with them about who or where they think they can find assistance on campus. Also, consider looking with them at the available online resources departments have created and the contact information for these relevant offices. Offering to practice what your student plans to discuss with a faculty or staff member, or offering to proofread an email, can help students recognize they have your support while also giving them the space to learn to try. Gently following up now and then can also encourage your student to continue to seek support both with those at the College and with you!

A variety of offices have helpful webpages. Here are a few we recommend looking into!

Academic and Career Success: Tutoring, academic probation, career services, and the like.
Accommodative Services: Accommodations, disability services, and lots more.
Campus Safety: Parking needs, general security, and similar topics can be found here.
Counseling Center: Connect with professionals on-campus for support (services are confidential).
Dining Services: Have food-related needs like allergies or restrictions? They can help!
Financial Aid: Get answers to questions regarding paying for college, loans, etc.
Health Services: Feel well, be well, and get connected to local health agents in the area if needed.
Registrar: Class schedules, registration, transcripts, and similar needs can be found here.
Residence Life and Housing: All things about living on campus, including work orders (hey, it’s us)!
Student Accounts: Need to pay or adjust a bill? This office can assist.
Student Activities: Getting involved helps students succeed.
General Directory: Can’t find it listed here? The Directory can assist you.

Help & Heart: Not every issue is one that can be waited on, and some require direct action or support from family and friends, in addition to the diligence provided by our campus’ trained staff and faculty. If you are concerned for your student’s immediate well-being or safety (for example, concerns about self-harm, suicidal ideation, danger of harm, sexual assault, and similar), please immediately contact the Campus Safety Office. Their phone number is 518-327-6300 and they are available 24/7. Our campus’ Campus Safety Officers are highly-trained, compassionate individuals who want to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on our campus.

At times, your student may go without communicating with family and friends for a little while, or longer than you may be used to. This is usually just a natural response to becoming more independent and also being busy with school work, clubs, a job, and even just catching up on sleep. If you have not heard from your student in a significant length of time, or notice a sharp decrease in communication that is worrying or out of character, attempt to reach out to your student. This may also be a time to reach out to Campus Safety if you are very concerned.

There may come a time when your student has not reached out to those who could assist and support them on campus, and their studies may be hurting for it. We still encourage family and friends to not reach out on behalf of the student (unless it is an emergency), and encourage loved ones to remember students are independent and the path of learning is ultimately theirs to walk. Conversations that remain positive and supportive, rather than angry or accusatory, are helpful– especially in-person. Discussing goals, desired outcomes, and plans of actions can help students and their loved ones work to figure out how to help the student succeed, or decide if taking a break may be best. There’s no denying it: conversations like these can be tough to have sometimes. Loved ones and students are encouraged to write down their thoughts and communicate in person. Additionally, communicating with the student’s adviser and/or those in the Academic and Career Success Center is advised: these friendly folks are here to help!

Takeaways:  In essence, we recommend allowing your student to hold the reigns of their experience and encourage family and friends to provide direct support as their student grows while at Paul Smith’s College. Allowing your student to guide their experience helps them develop a sense of independence, self-efficacy, accountability, and shape their identity. The faculty, staff, administrators, and peers of your student are working to help them grow and succeed. Students may wobble, stumble, and even trip: but with your help, their hard work, and the care given to them by the College, they won’t fall!

You may be on the hunt for information that relates directly to you, the parents, family, and friends of those studying at the College! We have compiled a list of resources that may be exactly what you’re looking for in one easy to access spot.

Important Dates:

There are a variety of important-to-know dates that can help you support your student and keep you in the know. Check out the College’s Calendar to learn more about important upcoming items such as when students will leave the residence halls for breaks, when class registration is, and more. Dates are subject to change: your student will likely receive emails and see posters if this is the case.

Permission to Share Information:

This is a big one! Not all information about your student is able to be freely given, even if you are a parent or guardian. FERPA essentially protects your student’s information from the time they enter college, regardless of their age, and prohibits others from accessing it. This includes information about grades, student conduct, classes, and more. Please note that as a family member or friend, even if you are assisting in financing their schooling, offices cannot and will not release certain information to you, unless your student has chosen to fill out a FERPA Educational Records Release in its entirety, and returned it to the Registrar’s Office. If this form is completed, a “password” is required by on-campus offices to release information to specifically-named individuals on the form. If you do not correctly give that password or are not an individual named on the release, the information will not be given to you.

Helping to Pay:

Many families support their student financially and therefore have questions about paying for college, loans, billing, and more. If you have a question regarding billing, connect with the Student Accounts Office. For questions regarding financial items such as loans, grants, and scholarships, reach out to the Financial Aid Office. Please note that some information may not be able to be dispersed unless a FERPA Waiver (above) has been filled out.

PSC Pride:

Smitty Pride is huge on campus, and students and their loved ones alike enjoy representing their campus. If you’d like to purchase PSC-related gear you can any time by going to the Online College Store!  The Mercantile is located in the main floor of the Student Center. In addition to college gear, the College Store also sells useful items for residential living, textbooks, snacks, and more.

Mail:

If you are looking to mail something to your student, be it snail mail or a package, you can do so via our Student Mailroom. If you are planning to mail to a student who has not yet started college, please be careful, as mail to students who are not yet assigned a student mailbox will be returned to sender. The most detailed information can be found in our new student “Explore” tab under Student Mailroom at this link. If you plan to send your student a package, we recommend letting them know, as students have a habit of not checking their mail! Please take care if you are shipping items that are time-sensitive or perishable.

Local Resources:

Your student may be looking for off-campus resources, such as where to get their car fixed, visiting a nearby DMV, and more! We recommend checking for these resources via the internet (Google) though know that a search is only as good as the spot you look for it in! Here is helpful information for you that may refine your search query. Local town and city names include:

Nearby Towns:  Brighton, NY | Gabriels, NY  |  Harrietstown, NY |  Saranac Lake, NY  | Bloomingdale, NY  |
Nearer Cities:  Lake Placid, NY  |  Malone, NY  | Plattsburgh, NY
Farther Out:  Wilmington, NY | Keene, NY | Saranac, NY  | Potsdam, NY

Student safety and well-being is a priority here at Paul Smith’s College. Here are some quick-link tools to help you get information on safety, getting campus-related alerts, and more.

Bobcat Alert System:

The Bobcat Alert System is an automated tool that can be signed up for, where individuals will receive emergency and weather-related alerts. Sign up for this system at this link.

Campus Safety:

The Campus Safety Office has a number of resources available on its website, which can be found at this link. Campus Safety is available 24/7 and is located in the Admin Bulding, lower level. These friendly staff members do frequent patrols of campus and are easy to talk to—they love connecting with the students they serve! Their phone number is 518-327-6300.

Cars & Winter Driving:

It’s no secret: Paul Smith’s College gets a lot of snow each year! With this in mind, we highly encourage students with cars to prepare for the weather and be mindful of driving. Even if your student is familiar with snow, encourage them to take heed: the area near PSC is rural and may not be maintained in snow in a way they are used to. Taking it slow and driving carefully is a must in snowy or icy conditions. All students should strongly consider having at least a snow brush/scraper in their car, as well as a shovel of some sort. Campus parking lots are plowed, but individual spaces are not. Students can borrow shovels from Facilities provided supplies are available. Likewise, students should consider an appropriate car emergency kit, consisting of: jumper cables, first aid kit, road flares or triangles, water, blanket (“space” blankets recommended), and clean cat litter. Cat litter can help stuck tires or those in a small rut gain traction.

Many students consider getting snow tires on their cars, even if they have all-weather tires. This is highly recommended, as snow tires are usually more pliable and “grip” to the road better in cold conditions. These tires can be installed at a variety of locations, and many allow the original tires to be stored at the store’s location. Tires cannot be stored in the residence halls. Some students desire to have studded tires, which can grip to icy (not snowy) conditions better than other tires. These tires may be of benefit, but note that the local area demands these tires to be removed by April.

Gas:

Local gas stations are most available in Saranac Lake, which is about 17 miles from the College. Students should be careful to make note they have enough gas to get into town to refill. A small, new convenience store in Gabriels, NY offers a single pump at a higher cost if students should need it. Students who do not have enough gas to get into Saranac Lake may take advantage of this pump for a gallon or two on their way there. Local gas stations can be found at this link.

Keys and Room Access:

Residence Halls cannot be accessed by those who do not live there; all front doors correspond only to their respective residents’ keys. Students in buildings with keys are given a single set of keys for their respective buildings.  Those who have lost a key should fill out the linked form here as soon as possible to have it replaced for a fee. Lost ID cards are also replaced by the Campus Safety Office for a fee. These fees are not due in cash, but instead appear on the student’s bill at the end of the year/semester.

The Residence Life and Housing Office always recommends that students lock their room doors, in the interest of protecting their property. It is recommended to lock room doors when not present. Some doors, such as suite doors and bedroom doors, lock automatically. The College recommends not propping open external doors or keeping the door open for those who do not live in the building or if an individual does not know them, in the interest of safety for the community.

Cameras:

The Office of Campus Safety monitors buildings throughout campus with live cameras, positioned in various locations. These cameras are used in the interest of safety and security for our students, staff, and faculty.

Reminders:

Please note that weapons, including those for the purpose of safety or defense, are not welcome on the Campus. These include firearms, knives (over 3 inches), pepper spray, “brass knuckles,” and similar. If you have questions about what is welcome on campus, contact Campus Safety at 518-327-6300 before you bring these items.

Paul Smith’s College is located in the heart of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. If you are planning to come to campus for move-in dates, to pick up your student on a break, or just to visit, check out the information below!

Visiting Your Student:

Make sure you let your student know before you visit, as you may find they are busy working on a project or test, or may not even be home! Family and friends of students have a variety of accommodations locally to choose from throughout the year. The winter and high summer seasons in the area see increased tourism and may limit some availability in hotels. Popular hotel locations include those in Saranac Lake (15 minutes), Lake Placid (25 minutes), Malone (30 minutes), Tupper Lake (30 minutes), and Plattsburgh (60 minutes). Here is a link to local hotels in the area. The College does not endorse these listings: this link is for convenience.

Accommodations are not available for rent (“hotel-style”) at the College. Visitors, including family and friends, are able to stay per the campus’ guest policy: to learn more about the guest policy, see the “How Long Can My Guest Stay? How Do I Register My Guest?” question on the “Current Student Resources” tab. Please check in with your student regarding parents/family/friends staying on campus, as your student will need to get approval from their roommates/suitemates before hosting guests. Please note guests may never stay/sleep in lounges, hallways, public spaces, or in suite living rooms.

Getting to PSC:

Planning to visit, or to pick up your student for a break, or sending your student home? No sweat. We recommend planning your visit via a map service such as Google Maps or a similar app for directions if traveling by car. If you are far from campus, services such as Amtrak trains and Greyhound busses are popular options.

The closest flight departure areas are Albany International Airport (3 hours), Burlington International Airport (2.2 hours), and the limited Saranac Lake Airport which travels only to Boston, MA. For breaks that require students to leave campus, the Student Activities Office offers a discounted van shuttle to the Albany International Airport and Albany Bus Station. Information about these services is distributed to students in advance of breaks and payment is collected through Student Accounts.

A ride share board is available for students to seek rides with peers on the lowest floor of the Student Center, near the Residence Life and Housing Office and is operated by the Student Government Association. Information about local Uber/Lyft drivers is also available in this area.

Things To Do:

There is a lot to do in this area, both on and off-campus. If you are visiting and wish to maximize your experience in the area, take a look into internet recommendations in the Adirondack Park. Popular spots include visiting the VIC trails and amenities just a mile from campus; visiting Saranac Lake and its charming downtown areas; and visiting the shops in Lake Placid or the Olympic areas there.

Dining:

While you visit, your options for meals are as vast as the Adirondack Park! Off-campus favorites can be found here. On campus, meals from the Dining Hall can be purchased via cash or credit/debit card. The Dining Hall has a large number of options including those for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies.

If you’re looking for a snack, the on-campus Mercantile has a wide array of treats available from packaged cookies, candies, chips, ice cream, and frozen meals. The campus Bakery, operated by students in various culinary programs, is available during the semester and sells hand-made treats of a wide variety. Their menu varies, but popular snacks include homemade doughnuts, croissants, pastries, and so much more. These two establishments accept cash and credit/debit with a $5 minimum purchase.

Q: Does my student have to have a cell phone?
A: They do not have to have a cell phone to be at PSC, but one is extremely strongly recommended. We recommend students have a cell phone of some type so they can be contacted in an emergency and so they have reliable access to connect to on-campus entities if they desire. It can be very hard to get in touch with students if they do not have a working cell phone number.

Q: What provider(s) work best in this area?
A: We now have Verizon and AT&T towers located on campus. Service in the immediate Paul Smith’s area is severely limited to Verizon, and non-Verizon plans operate poorly going towards the Saranac Lake and Malone area at times.

Lydia Martin Smith (LMS) Hall

Lydia Martin Smith (LMS) Hall is a first-year only building and recently underwent renovations. This building is a traditional-style build where two roommates live in a large room together and share a bathroom by gender with their wing. LMS boasts a two-story lounge that is great for relaxing with friends or studying.

Currier Hall

Currier Hall is a first-year only building and is a “traditional” corridor-style building. It is slated for renovation in the summer of 2019! The photos shown are pre-renovation. Rooms are shared by two people and are very spacious. Each wing has shared bathrooms by gender which have individual stall showers and toilets. Currier is located by the Alumni Basin, a large outdoor space great for relaxing in warm weather and sledding in winter. It is also located centrally on campus and is near the gym, Campus Safety, the Library, and more.

Franklin Hall (Transfers)

Franklin Hall is a building specifically for transfer students. This building is a “twin” to its neighbor, Essex. Like Essex, Franklin boasts a prime location just a short walk away from the Library and Student Center/Dining hall. It is also steps away from the lake! Those in Franklin are able to enjoy its spacious rooms and share a bathroom with only their roommate.

Essex Hall

Essex Hall is an upperclassmen building located in the heart of campus and is very close to not only the Library but the Student Center/Dining Hall. This building boasts a small community feel with great lake views and a two floor lounge area. Residents enjoy the covered entrance area and are known for relaxing under it until it is frigid cold! This building has traditional two-person rooms where residents share a bathroom with only their roommate.

Hillside Hall

Hillside Hall is known for its cabin-meets-lakeside-villa appearance and proximity to classrooms. Rooms inside of Hillside are spacious and two rooms share a bathroom in a “Jack and Jill” style. Residents are frequently found sitting in the comfortable window seats that overlook the porch or in one of two lounges. Hillside is directly across from three major academic buildings, which ensures a quick walk to class.

Lambert Hall (Osgood Living Learning Community)

Lambert Hall is a living-learning community for upperclassmen and is located in the center of campus. Lambert is reserved for upperclass students in the Osgood Pond Program. For more information on that program, click HERE. Those in this program and hall have similar interests in rustic outdoor skills, homestead skills, and much more. Lambert Hall is beautifully appointed with very large rooms and private baths shared by two people. Most rooms have a (non-functioning) fireplace and mantle along with lovely windows and views. Lambert residents are known for stringing hammocks across their porch banisters and enjoying the breeze.

Overlook Hall

Overlook Hall is the campus’ newest building and is for upperclassmen. Overlook was built to look over the entirety of campus on one side, and on the other is built into beautiful wooden and pasture space. This hall is air-conditioned and suite-style where each suite houses four students. Each suite has a kitchen, dining space, living room, and private bedrooms. Two people share a private bath. Overlook is uniquely appointed with a laundry room per wing. Parking at this residence hall is abundant.

Saratoga Hall

Saratoga Hall is an upperclassmen building with traditional corridor-style rooms and bathrooms. The building hosts mostly two-person rooms but also has a number of triple rooms, all of which are very large. Saratoga’s bathrooms are divided by gender and shared by the wing. Multiple gender inclusive bathrooms are present in Saratoga. Residents in “Toga” have ample parking, a spacious yard, and have a kitchen that was recently given new appliances. Saratoga has classrooms in its lowest floor, which can make walking to class a breeze.

Upper & Lower St. Regis Halls

Upper and Lower St. Regis Halls are upperclassmen buildings that were recently constructed. These two buildings are separate but “twins” of each other. They are suite-style and feature a shared kitchen, dining room, and living room space for four. The bedrooms are single rooms with two people sharing private baths in the suite. These buildings boast comfortable central air and heat and large common area lounges. Residents of these halls enjoy a sense of community while also enjoying a more independent living option.