Getting Started at the College

First Step:

Establish signing into your MyESC student services portal.

Which best describes you?

I am a newly accepted undergraduate student.

Please check your email for a message from SUNY Empire, which contains your username, an account activation link, and instructions on setting your password.

I already have a SUNY Empire account.

If you applied to SUNY Empire before July 2018 or are a returning student, you already have a MyESC account. If you forgot your password, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

TIPS:

• Look for an email from SUNY Empire with the subject line, “SUNY Empire State College New Login Account.” Check your SPAM or JUNK folders just in case.
• Whitelist your esc.edu email so that you do not miss hearing from your mentor or college offices.
• Username format is: firstname_lastname###@esc.edu. The ### is the last three digits of the ID number you received upon acceptance to the college.
• Visit our student technology page for answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
• Contact our IT Service Desk for assistance.

Online Orientation

If you received your acceptance to SUNY Empire, you have been enrolled in an online orientation. Completion of this orientation is required for college enrollment.

If you have questions or concerns about accessing or completing orientation, email Orientation@esc.edu.

Access the online orientation. (Login required)

Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome are recommended browsers as they are compatible with the orientation.

Please enable browser pop-ups to assure optimal functioning of the orientation.

How to Connect with your Mentor

Three to five days following your acceptance you will receive an email containing your mentor’s name and contact information. We recommend that you email your mentor as soon as possible to schedule a conversation.

What does a Mentor do?

• Provides individual academic advisement throughout your enrollment at SUNY Empire
• Helps you develop a degree program that meets your educational and career goals

If you have questions or concerns about your mentor, email begin@esc.edu or 800-847-3000 ext. 2259, choose option #2.

How to Pay for College

SUNY Empire supports you by helping you determine the best way to pay for college. The Office of Student Accounts offers a time payment plan along with other services to support your enrollment.

Apply for Financial Aid

SUNY Empire’s financial aid office assists in administering funds from a variety of federal and state sources to students on the basis of need. Need is determined by a formula set by the funding source. Your need and income determine whether you will receive financial aid.

Visit the Introduction to Financial Aid to get started.

If you’ve already applied for financial aid and are awaiting your status, visit the MyESC financial aid page.

Register for your courses

Watch how to register or read the Registration Quick Guide. Learn about the available at SUNY Empire.

After discussing your upcoming term with your faculty mentor, log in to MyESC and browse the term guide to register for your courses.

If you wish to register for Express Term 2, view how to choose “Express Term 2” as you Begin or Modify (your) Registration.

View your bill and check payment deadlines:

Do you have questions about tuition and fees? Payments or payment arrangements? Want to be sure your charges are paid so your registration is not cancelled? You'll find the answers at Student Accounts.

Verify Covid vaccination status

If you plan to visit any of our locations during the Spring 2022 term, the SUNY COVID-19 Vaccination Policy requires that you either verify that your COVID-19 vaccination series is complete or obtain an exemption. Additionally, recent guidance requires students who have received the initial vaccine series to provide proof of a booster. You are eligible for a booster if more than six months have passed since completion of your initial vaccine series.

SUNY Empire considers the health and safety of all of members of our college community and visitors. Learn more about our COVID-19 response. 

Submit your immunization forms:

If you plan to register for six or more credits of coursework, New York state public health law requires you to submit documentation regarding meningitis and immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. Review the Immunization Requirements and submit your documents so you can register for courses.

Order your textbooks as early as possible:

Login to MyESC to visit the college’s online bookstore to access the list of materials required for your course(s). Have your course number(s) handy to look up and order course material. View our knowledge article on How to Purchase Books in the Bookstore.

After you've met with your mentor and registered, here's what comes next:

Log into MyESC

Go to MyESC (log in) and familiarize yourself with your student account pages.

Prepare for your classes

Learn how we offer our courses.

View this Orientation to college technology

Check out Moodle online course space

Explore the online environment with The Begin Team and your classmates! Go to MyESC, click on My Online Classes, and choose the New Student Community at SUNY Empire State College course in Moodle. You will be able to ask questions, review helpful information, and introduce yourself to your peers.

If you have registered for an online course, Login to MyESC, click on My Online Moodle Courses. Most online courses open a week before the term begins. If you do not see your course in Moodle on the first day of classes, please contact your instructor.

Request your Student ID card

Request your SUNY Empire ID card

Who to contact

Who to contact for what services.

1 Stop Student Services

Your 1 Stop student services references page.