Student Life
Class Size
Classes at Albany Medical College are limited to approximately 130 students, small enough for close and informal associations with faculty and staff. The class, however, is large enough and diverse enough to provide students with a variety of opportunities for personal growth and an excellent educational experience.
Student Affairs Office
The Albany Medical College Student Affairs Office prides itself on providing a pleasant atmosphere where students can feel comfortable and confident in seeking assistance. Students are free to bring questions or problems relating to College policies and resources, as well as any issues relating to daily life, to the Student Affairs Office. The Office serves as a referral network and a hub for many student activities.
Counseling and Student Support
The Office of Student Affairs, through its assistant dean, provides assessments, crisis and short-term counseling, and confidential referrals to a broad range of counseling professionals.The College Student Mental Health Service is available for both short- and long-term counseling. Student problems and issues may also be addressed through the Medical Student Peer Support Program. The Peer Program offers help to students with academic or personal problems. This service, organized by upperclassmen, is designed to provide easily accessible support and may be the first line of assistance sought by a student. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources.
Activities
The Student Council, as well as other student groups, organize important formal and informal social activities throughout the year to enhance the congenial college atmosphere. Some of these activities include an evening river cruise on the Hudson, a winter semiformal dinner dance, a spring picnic, a talent show, concerts and social rounds once a month. YMCA memberships are provided for all students at a nominal charge to encourage good health and fitness.
In addition, intramural soccer, basketball, and softball leagues are organized each year. Basketball, squash, and tennis courts, as well as a universal weight room, are available on or near the campus. Various clubs sponsor hikes, climbs and canoe trips. Some of the student clubs include a Chamber Music Club, an Outing Club, an Athletic Club, a Students with Children Club, a Tae Kwondo and a Tai Chi Chuan Club, and a Student Support Group. Faculty participation in many of these activities encourages the "esprit de corps" that exists between the faculty and students.
Organizations
Chapters of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and the American Medical Association/Medical Student Section of New York (AMA/MSSNY) are active on campus.
Nexus
Albany Medical Nexus, the student newspaper, is published monthly during the academic year. It features news of the Albany Medical College community, legislation affecting the medical profession and medical students, recent research advances and news from other medical colleges. Nexus welcomes participation by writers, humorists, editors and others interested in healthy intellectual diversion.
Alpha Omega Alpha
Members of the national medical honor society are elected in their junior and senior years on the basis of their scholastic achievement, personal attributes and future promise for a career in medicine. To be eligible for selection, the student must be in the upper quarter of the class. The total number of students elected to membership from a class cannot exceed one-sixth of the total class number at graduation.
Coalition of Albany Medical Center Programs (CAMP)
C.A.M.P. includes representatives from all academic programs at the Medical Center-medical students, physician assistants, graduate students, residents, medical technologists, radiation therapy technologists, social work students and cytotechnologists. The coalition provides a forum for the exchange of information and recommends and sponsors academic, artistic, athletic or social activities to enhance the student experience. Some of the initiatives of this group include Student Recognition Week, seminars, a student/leader social, and student/faculty mixers.
Housing
The Office of Student Affairs maintains a listing of housing available in the community. These include apartments, studios, and rooms in private homes. Students are welcome to come into our office and look through the listings, or request that copies be mailed to them. Office staff is available to answer questions and offer suggestions, Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00 pm., 518/262-5634.
In addition to off campus listings, the Office of Student Affairs maintains a separate listing for roommates. You may list yourself as having no apartment and needing one, or having an apartment and needing a roommate. Please contact our office for a roommate listing form.
You may also find housing and roommate information on the bulletin boards located just outside the Student Lounge, near the AMC Bookstore. You may post your housing needs in flyer form; mail to the Office of Student Affairs, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave., MC-1, Albany, NY 12208. We will post them for you.
The local newspaper, the Times Union, is an additional resource in the housing search. We recommend you look in the Sunday edition for the largest assortment of apartment listings. Their circulation office can be reached at 518/454-5454. Their web site address is www.timesunion.com
Temporary housing for late accepts looking for permanent housing is arranged by the Freshman Orientation Coordinator, a first year medical student who works in our office during the summer between first and second year. Arrangements are made with members of the current first year class for a period of time ranging from a few days to generally not more than 2 weeks, at no cost.
Student Government
Class Officers
Each class is represented in the Student Council by its elected president, vice president and three representatives. These officers serve as the liaisons between the students, faculty and administration by coordinating intraclass matters such as course evaluations and activities of the student curriculum committees, as well as addressing more general class issues.
Student Council
The Student Council provides an important contribution to the College as the governance body for student and student/faculty activities, both academic and social. Student interest in determining and implementing educational policy at the College is represented by student participation in the Academic Governing Council. In addition, students are represented as members or advisors on many committees, including the Student Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Education Council. Students also serve on the Admissions, Financial Aid, Library, and Student Health Committees.
