Knight Shift: Preparing for Life as a Golden Knight
Knight Shift: Preparing for Life as a Golden Knight
Clarkson sets you up for success before you even arrive with special programming and support starting right after deposit.
As soon as you commit to Clarkson, you're part of the family.
Our commitment back to you is this - we'll give you every resource possible to make becoming a Golden Knight a seamless process. Here's just some examples of what's next:
- A virtual spot to meet your fellow classmates and start forging lifelong friendships
- Free online microcredentials to start boosting your resume from day one
- Access to current students and parents of current students to get your questions answered
- Guidance from our CU Connect Mentors Program, setting you up with a Clarkson pro to help along the way
- Regional summer Welcome Picnics to mingle with other families and alumni from your area
- Math refresher workshops in the summer to brush up your skills
- Pre-Orientation experiences to acclimate you to our area and our most popular clubs
- A memorable Move-in & Orientation Weekend
- Activities, events and courses in your first semester created for just for first-year students
After Deposit
Whether you make your deposit on December 15 or May 1, we've got a few resources and activities up our sleeves to help prepare you for Golden Knight life!
Spotlight On: Summer Welcome Picnics!
Each summer, our staff in undergraduate admissions, student life, and alumni relations work together to host a number of in person welcome picnics across New York and New England to bring together our newest Golden Knights with our alumni, staff and current students. These picnics typically take place in mid-late July and sometimes even early August.
Welcome Picnics are fun for the whole family and are designed to get you even more excited for your first semester!
Additional Summer Activities
Spotlight On: CU Connect Mentors Program
You’ve made your commitment to become a Golden Knight…now what? We’ve got you! There is a lot to do to get you ready for your journey at Clarkson University, and your CU Connect Mentor will be there every step of the way! From navigating your next steps—like how course registration, housing selection and orientation happen—to answering any questions you might have about campus life, your mentor is here to ensure a smooth transition.
Your CU Connect Mentor is a dedicated professional staff member who knows the ins and outs of Clarkson and can provide personalized guidance tailored to your interests and needs. They'll be in touch with you after you make your deposit, usually in early-mid May but sometimes sooner, and you are welcome to get in touch with them earlier. Whether it’s connecting you with campus resources, helping you build your network, or just offering support as you settle in, they’ll be your go-to person from the moment you commit through your first semester.
Welcome to the Clarkson family—we’re excited to support you on this journey!
Moving In & Orientation Weekend
We pack a lot into one weekend! You'll be moving in, experiencing your first Clarkson tradition, Convocation, and participating in Orientation activities during your first days on campus.
Convocation
Convocation is an honored Clarkson tradition. During this special event, all new students gather in Cheel Arena for inspiring remarks and the celebration of the start of another year. You'll hear the Clarkson bell ring for the first time, just like you will at the end of your Commencement!
Your First Semester...
New Knight Expo
A new event in 2024, the New Knight Expo takes place within the first few weeks of the fall semester. Departments from across the University come out to showcase how they support students and how students can get involved. Prizes, giveaways, games and more make this a fun introduction to all the resources our students have at Clarkson.
First Year Seminar
First Year Seminar (FYS) is a one credit, pass/fail course required for all first year students at Clarkson. The goal of FYS is to serve as a college transition course, helping new students successfully become part of the Clarkson community. Current students help create the curriculum and teach the course as peer educators, master peers and student coordinators. Learn more about FYS in this blog post.
First Year Cup
The First Year Cup (FYC) is an engaging and competitive initiative that promotes student involvement and community spirit within residential floors. Each floor participates by attending various campus events listed on the FYC calendar, earning a point(s) for each event attended. The winning floor, determined by the highest point accumulation, is rewarded with prizes for housing opportunities and a catered dinner with the Clarkson University President. Events included in the FYC calendar cater to a diverse range of interests and activities, such as athletic events, sustainability initiatives, career fairs, international fairs, guest speakers and more. This ensures something for everyone, encouraging broad participation across the student body with educational and physically active events. Events are also tied in annually to the First Year Seminar class.
Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities are residential environments where students with shared interests live together. They engage in programs that support their academic, social, and personal growth. Students benefit from diverse community interactions while exploring common interests. All first-year Living Learning Communities are located in “The Quad,” which includes Brooks, Cubley, Reynolds, and Ross House residence halls. Residence Life programming is open to all students living on theme floors. Learn more about our current LLCs.
Family Weekend
Hosted every fall around our home DI hockey games, Family Weekend is filled with activities for families of our current students to enjoy on our campus. Events like open skating, DIII athletic competitions, family receptions, hiking and 5Ks, open houses and showcases, meals, pumpkin painting, SPEED team demonstrations, shows, concerts and games all bring our Clarkson community closer together. Learn more about Family Weekend.
Academic Advising
At Clarkson, we have many forms of academic advising. Advising is done differently in each of our schools and institutes. A new webpage is forthcoming with information about all advising, including specialty advising for health careers, law studies and accelerated programs.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
We're a Best Value College
100%
of Clarkson undergraduate students receive financial aid.
That means that 0% of Clarkson students pay full tuition
Nearly 60%
Of Clarkson students pay less than half of the total cost of attendance.
$41,285
Is the average yearly financial aid award for Clarkson students, compared to a national average of $7,535.
$77,735
Is the average starting salary for Clarkson graduates and increases to $82,900 within five years according to PayScale.
25%
Of Clarkson students graduate without debt, and for 80% of graduates, their debt totals less than their starting salary.
$200M
In scholarships and aid awarded to the Class of 2028
$100M
In scholarships and aid awarded to the Class of 2028
Tuition and costs
Review the total cost of attendance for the upcoming academic year — from tuition and fees to housing, books and other projected expenses — based on how you’ll attend Clarkson.
Net Price Calculator
If you’re an incoming, first-time undergraduate student, calculate how much a Clarkson education could cost based on last year’s tax return and your academic record.
Scholarships and Other Types of Financial Aid
We’re a community where leaders take shape and ideas progress into innovative concepts. Scholarships and other merit- and need-based awards support your endeavors here and harness your potential to propel you to many different places. Explore all awards available to you.
Undergraduate Students
As an incoming undergraduate, you’re eligible for institutional, federal and state need-based grants as well as several merit-based scholarships and Alumni Connection awards, along with work-study and loans. While submitting your FAFSA® places you into consideration for need-based grants, certain awards may involve a separate application.
Transfer Students
As you start the next segment of your educational journey, Clarkson opens up multiple awards to transfer students, including space in our Honors Program.
Graduate Students
Pay for your education and build your résumé with research and teaching assistantships. Clarkson also extends industrial and government fellowships, stipends, partial-tuition scholarships and corporate partner discounts to graduate students.
International Students
Our hands-on, discovery-fueled programs draw students from all over the globe. We embrace the talents and perspectives our international students bring — and we also reward them with merit-based scholarships, Honors stipends and assistantships.
The Clarkson School Students
These awards recognize your ambition and outstanding academic record as a high school student getting an early start on college — with many carrying over once you choose Clarkson University for your bachelor’s degree program.
Military and Veterans
You’ve dedicated your service to our country, and now, we dedicate ourselves to your next adventure. Understand how to apply the benefits you’ve earned toward a Clarkson education, from the Yellow Ribbon and Tuition Assistance programs to ROTC and Air Force
scholarships.
Grants and Outside Scholarships
“What’s the difference between a scholarship and a grant — and what other options do I have to pay for my education?” Our resources break down the details and point you toward additional funding.
Loans
Beyond your awards, loans help you finance your studies but need to be paid back with interest. While our institution has low default rates compared to other schools (1.6% versus a 10.1% average), you’re advised to thoroughly review this funding source, including terms and other factors, before you approve your aid package.
Ignite Presidential Fellowship
Open to incoming first-year, transfer, international and Clarkson School students, this merit-based award covers all tuition costs over eight semesters for 10 first-time students.
I decided to attend Clarkson because, as a Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) student, I have amazing aid. I figured if I was getting this much financial aid, why wouldn’t I accept? I wanted to leave for college. I didn't want to stay in the city, so with my aid, I was able to go away for college like I wanted.
Adriana Gonzalez '26
Solinsky Engineers Program
Up to 100 first-year engineering students each receive $5,000 per year for all four years they attend Clarkson. Along with this scholarship, participants have access to networking opportunities, mentorship, research projects and company visits and can get a head start on their master’s.
How to Apply for Aid
The first step to receiving financial support is submitting the FAFSA®. Whether you’re applying as a first-year, transfer or graduate student, are incoming or are continuing your education, completing this form allows us to accurately select awards in line with your background. Get a step-by-step overview of this process, or review our FAQs for additional information.
Key Undergraduate Financial Aid Deadlines
December 1
Early Decision deadline for scholarships and the FAFSA® for the Fall semester.
Transfer student FAFSA® deadline for the Spring semester.
February 1
First-year student FAFSA® deadline for need-based aid.
Last day to submit recommendations for the Holcroft Alumni Recognition Awards.
February 15
Deadline to submit the Ignite Presidential Fellowship application.
April 15
Transfer student FAFSA® deadline for the Fall semester.
"I chose Clarkson University not only for the education but also for the good mentorship from truly distinguished professors and the opportunity to meet students who are equally driven and motivated. Clarkson's network of people is one of the motivating factors in my decision to attend Clarkson."
Bizimana Valesi '25
Have Questions About Financial Aid?
The Clarkson’s Office of Financial Aid and Student Achievement Services (SAS) are ready to help. Here’s how you can contact us.
Office of Financial Aid
Phone: 315-268-6413
Email: finaidletters@clarkson.edu
CU Outing Club (CUOC)
CU Outing Club (CUOC)
About CUOC
We love summiting mountains, scaling rock faces and soaring down river rapids. We foster a supportive community for all outdoor enthusiasts on campus — whether you prefer to lounge in a hammock or plan a weekend backpacking excursion. Our group schedules trips throughout the year, supplying you with the essentials to do what you love or try new things. See what we’re up to, or stop by one of our Wednesday 8 p.m. meetings in the ADK Lodge.
CUOC is working to make the outdoors accessible to everyone. CUOC provides gear and safety equipment needed to participate in outdoor activities, reimburses gas for travel, funds safety training and certifications and provides education from previous experiences. Introductory trips are organized and facilitated by students weekly to provide ample opportunities to get outside and learn. CUOC strives to create an outdoor community focused on promoting safe and responsible use of the outdoors. We are a student-run community that allows members the equipment and training for a broad range of outdoor activities.
What We Do
Whether you’re a casual hiker, an avid kayaker, a mountain biker, or an avid skier, the Clarkson University Outing Club (CUOC) welcomes you and serves as your all-encompassing introduction to our region’s outdoor activities.
Activities
- First Aid
- 46 Climbs
- Backcountry Skiing
- Canoeing
- Caving
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Forest Management
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Service
- Slacklining
- Rock Climbing
- Whitewater Rafting
Spring Break Trips
We send members all over for spring break trips, including but not limited to:
- Climbing at the Red River Gorge, KY
- Mountain Biking at Pisgah National Forest, NC
- Backcountry Skiing in the Chic-Choc Mountains, Quebec
- Caving in Bloomington, IN
- Hiking in Shenandoah National Park, VA
Events
Pre-Orientation Trips
Venture into the Adirondack Wilderness for four days and three nights under the guidance of upperclass students who have received wilderness first aid, wilderness first responder and NOLS leadership training. Explore itineraries based on varying degrees of difficulty for incoming first-year and transfer students. This is a great way to meet upperclassmen, other classmates, and explore the Adirondacks.
46Climbs
The fundraising event started by a pair of Clarkson students in 2014 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention encourages you to climb at least one mountain from the Friday before Labor Day through National Suicide Prevention Week. Learn More about 46Climbs.
Canoefest
Join the Outing Club on the beautiful Raquette River, right on campus, and compete in canoe races and competitions for awesome prizes on a beautiful Fall weekend day!
Winterfest
Join the Outing Club at Seven Springs, a retired 200-vertical-foot retired ski resort 20 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, snowman building, and other winter celebrations. With music, games, and prizes, this is one of the best winter events of the year!
Get Outdoors with CUOC!
First Aid
Hiking and Forest Management
Additionally, the forest management chair of CUOC serves as the student liaison, responsible for overseeing the Clarkson Woods, also known as the Back 40. This position involves coordinating with the Institute for a Sustainable Environment (ISE) to organize freshman service projects at the beginning of the year focused on improving commonly used trails and fire pits in the Back 40. Maintaining the Back 40 on campus is an important part of giving back to our community.
XC Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a fun, full-body winter workout that lets you glide through and explore the woods. There’s multiple styles: classic skiing, skate-like motion of skate skiing, or backcountry which can go anywhere in the woods (no trail needed!). It is a great way to explore the outdoors, build endurance, and enjoy winter to the fullest!
XC on campus
- Munter
- Back 40
XC near campus
Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. When ski resorts get busy and crowded and you hate waiting in lift lines, backcountry is the way to go! We have a fleet of skis with touring-capable bindings and skins, both alpine and telemark, that you can take out to ski cooler lines than you ever have before! CUOC’s funds students to receive safety training like AIARE 1, an avalanche education course, to stay safe when enjoying backcountry skiing. After completing the course take out our avalanche rescue gear and ski slides in the Adirondacks or anywhere else in the East!
Climbing
Caving
Caving is exploring the cool and awesome caves that we have near and around campus. Whether it’s going to the Adirondacks and exploring the various caves around the Hudson River gorge or bushwhacking to find new and exciting caves, there is always a good time. Caving is accessible to everyone, all you need is a headlamp and a helmet and you can start exploring. CUOC has all the gear you may need, and the knowledge to teach you how. So if you like getting muddy and exploring new places few people in the world have seen, caving is for you!
We have helmets, headlamps, gloves, and knee pads that can be checked out by club members. We also have some gear for vertical caving, including ascenders, descenders and harnesses.
Canoeing and Fishing
Canoeing is one of the best activities anyone can do. At Clarkson the canoe chairs utilize the boat house to lend out canoes most days during the week so people can paddle after classes. Canoeing is a great way to relax and explore the wonderful Raquette River that runs through Potsdam. We also run trips off campus to the lakes in the Adirondack Park. Canoeing opens up a whole new side of the Adirondacks and nature as a whole.
Additionally, fishing is a relaxing and rewarding way to escape into the great outdoors. Whether you’re casting your line into a tranquil river in the fall, or jigging through the ice in winter, you can experience the adventure and calm of fishing in all seasons of the North Country. Regardless of your skill level, fishing is fun for newbies and master anglers alike. It’s a great way to unwind from the stresses of the day, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and connect with nature. Just get out there and start casting!
A great place to start is the campus boathouse!
Slacklining
Slacklining is one of the easiest ways to get outside, because all you need is the line (which we have) and two trees! Slacklining is a sport that involves setting up a tensioned line between two hard points, typically trees, you have to stand on the line and balance as you try to walk across, it's relaxing and great fun and a great way to get some activity in while improving your skills. On any day with nice weather, we’ll have slacklines set up down by the Raquette River, right on campus, and you can almost always find friends sitting in hammocks, slacklining, and enjoying the day! We have a couple different difficulties of line so there is something for everyone. You can either try walking on a line for the first time with us or take one of our lines with you to enjoy the outdoors on campus or anywhere else!
Giving Back
46 Climbs is an organization that focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The organization was started in memoriam of a student who was attempting to become an Adirondack 46er, but sadly died of suicide before they could reach their goal. Using the outdoors to promote better mental health, the organization encourages people to spread the word about mental health in the Adirondack High Peaks and the outdoors in general. 46 Climbs has now transformed into an annual event that encourages everyone to get outside, and continue to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) with their proceeds. While promoting mental health, the organization also promotes backcountry safety and Leave No Trace initiatives with their packages they sell annually.
Additionally, CUOC strives to give back to the outdoor spaces, combining our involvement with the outdoors with a goal to give back to the community. Through outdoor service projects, we work on local trails and trails in the Adirondacks.
Why Join the Outing Club?
We don’t just plan group outings; we talk about conditions and tactics and ensure everyone has the gear they need to stay safe as they explore the vast natural world surrounding our campus. During our meetings and trips, first-year and transfer students get tips from upperclassmen about where to go and how to tackle the terrain ahead.
We know everyone takes to the outdoors at their own pace. Our club’s range of activities reflects this diversity. We further classify adventures based on difficulty and inform you of the appropriate gear to bring.
Here at Clarkson, brainstorming and strategizing bring students together. The Outing Club’s inviting and inclusive approach to adventure builds from here, setting the stage for lifelong connections over a shared interest in exploration.
Where We Go
Our expansive backyard takes you along rivers, below tree lines and up 4,000-plus-foot peaks. Sometimes, we’re watching the leaves change; at others, we’re snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding through fresh powder.
Student Spotlights
Jasper Wiech '27
Mia Greco '26
Allison Cogan '28
What our students have to say about CUOC
"The Outing Club has plenty to offer in the way of backcountry skiing, whether you are brand new to the sport or have some experience already. The club has all the equipment you need to try it for the first time and they lead intro trips to get you started. They also offer opportunities for more experienced skiers to improve their skills. I was able to expand my backcountry and avalanche education through the AIARE 1 course that the club offers, then on spring break, I got to ski the best snow of my life on the annual trip to the Chic Chocs. I love that the club is open to people of all skill levels and there is always someone willing to talk to you about skiing and help you learn."
"I love hiking and CUOC is what sparked that passion by providing me with the proper gear to safely go on sick adventures!"
"I got involved in the club when I signed up for a pre-orientation hike so I could enjoy the outdoors and come to campus before all the freshman chaos started. It really helped me adjust to everything and meet tons of new people that I could ask any questions I had, and took a lot of stress off a huge thing. CUOC has taught me a lot about an activity that I already loved and gives so many opportunities to do fun things inside or a little outside your comfort zone, whether you're experienced at your sport or just starting out."
Contact CUOC
Here’s where we are and how to get in touch:
Clarkson University Outing Club
8 Clarkson Ave
Potsdam, NY 13699
Email: cuoc@clarkson.edu