Starting college is a big move—and at Pace, it’s your moment to take the lead. From finding your rhythm to navigating new responsibilities, the choices you make now help shape your experience. We’ve curated five smart, straightforward tips to help you start strong and thrive as a first-year student.
The Top 10 People (and Offices!) You Need to Know at Pace
At Pace, you’ve got an entire team in your corner. These are the top 10 people (and offices!) every new student—and their families—should know, right from the start.
Starting college is exciting—but let’s be real, it can be a lot. Knowing who’s who on campus can make all the difference when you need answers, advice, or support. At Pace, you’ve got an entire team in your corner. These are the top 10 people (and offices!) every new student—and their families—should know, right from the start.
#1 Your Academic Advisor
Your advisor is your personal guide to navigating majors, choosing classes, and staying on track to graduate. They’re one of the most important people you’ll meet at Pace—reach out early and check in often.
#2 Your Professors
They’re not just here to teach—they’re mentors, connectors, and champions for your academic success. Go to office hours, introduce yourself after class, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
#3 The Dean for Students
The Dean for Students oversees student life and support services and advocates for your overall experience. If you’re not sure where to go for help, this is a great place to start.
#4 Your Resident Assistant (RA)
Living on campus? Your RA is a fellow student trained to help you with everything from roommate questions to connecting with campus life. They’re also your go-to for building community in your residence hall.
#5 The Center for Student Engagement Team
Whether you want to join a club, plan an event, or get involved in leadership programs, this is the team that makes it happen. They’ll help you find your people—and your purpose.
#6 Your Career Counselor
It’s never too early to visit Career Services. They’ll help you build a resume, prepare for internships, explore job options, and plan for what comes after graduation.
#7 Your Financial Aid Rep
Questions about your aid package? Need help navigating the FAFSA or scholarship options? The Financial Aid team can walk you through your options and keep your finances on track.
#8 Staff in the Learning Commons
Whether you need help with writing, math, or any other subject, the Learning Commons offers free tutoring and study support. They’re a major key to academic success.
#9 University Health Care and the Counseling Center
Your physical and mental health matter. These licensed professionals provide everything from wellness visits to mental health counseling—confidentially and at no extra cost.
#10 Campus Safety
On every campus, Safety and Security is available 24/7, 365. They’re your resource for emergency alerts, safety escorts, and peace of mind for students and families alike.
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Moving away from home for the first time can be both exciting and challenging. Here are key topics to discuss to help your student succeed academically, manage their finances, stay healthy and safe, and maintain open communication.
Clubs and Orgs at Pace
With more than 100 student clubs and orgs at Pace University, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
With more than 100 student organizations at Pace University, there’s something for everyone to get involved in. Each semester, the Center for Student Engagement hosts involvement fairs, where you can meet all of our clubs and organizations, chat with representatives, and find out how you can sign up. Here's an overview of the different types of student clubs and orgs offered on the New York City and Westchester campuses.
Use SetterSync to Connect with Current Clubs and Orgs
Student clubs and orgs at Pace use SetterSync to stay connected, share updates, and promote events. See what's happening and who's hosting at:
New York City Campus SetterSync Westchester Campus SetterSync
Academic Interests
Whether you’re a nursing major interested in getting involved with SNAP or a crime buff interested in the Criminal Justice Society or Forensic Science Student Organization, take your interests to the next level with these student orgs.
Business Professionals
From marketing plans to market analysis, choose from more than 20 Pace student clubs and orgs that are getting down to business.
Media and Entertainment
Whether you’re interested in writing, reporting, TV, or concert-planning, Pace has got you covered. Now back to you, Jillian!
Visual and Performing Arts
Can you dance your tail off? Put on a show? Do you have the pipes that will make people feel aca-awesome or fill them with irrepressible joy? Our performing and visual arts student organizations are looking for you!
Cultural and Social
From Latin flavor to rainbow pride, Pace has more than 20 cultural student organizations to choose from!
Politics and Advocacy
Change makers in the movement to end cancer; promote peace; and save our planet. All in a day’s work for a Pace student.
Greek Life
If you want to go Greek, then you’re in the right place! From the Alpha to the Omega, check out which sororities and fraternities are on campus.
Student Governance
SGA, RHA, BAC, SAAC. If you don’t know these acronyms, then you don’t know the student leaders of your University.
20 Things Every New Pace Student Should Do
New here? We’ve got you. From ID cards to goat yoga (yeah, you read that right), this list has everything you need to kick off your Pace experience the right way.
New here? We’ve got you. From ID cards to goat yoga (we've included a baby goat in this list), this list has everything you need to kick off your Pace experience the right way.
- Upload your Pace ID photo before arriving on campus. This unlocks access to everything from dining halls to campus events.
- Meet with your academic advisor. They’ll help you build a class schedule and stay on track to graduate on time.
Explore your First-Year Experience or Transfer Experience programming. Tailored support ensures your transition to Pace is smooth and meaningful.
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- Download the Pace Mobile app. Stay connected to campus events, resources, alerts, and more.
- Log in to SetterSync. It’s your portal to student orgs, upcoming events, and campus opportunities.
- Stop by the Center for Student Engagement. Get involved, build your network, and make your mark.
- Visit the Learning Commons. Whether you need tutoring or just want a study boost, it’s your academic support hub.
- Tour the Pace Library. Grab a quiet corner or tap into 120+ databases—it’s your research HQ.
- Attend Weeks of Welcome (WOW) events. From goat yoga to campus carnivals, these are can’t-miss memory-makers.
- Set up your meal plan and scope out your favorite spots. Try acai bowls at Pace Fit, milkshakes at Pace Perk, or pizza at Rosella’s.
- Learn your campus inside and out. Whether it's the 6th floor of 15 Beekman or the Kessel Student Center, find your go-to spaces.
- Explore the Counseling Center and Center for Wellbeing. These services are here for you—use them when you need support.
Familiarize yourself with Pace’s Safety and Security resources. Update your Pace Alerts info and download the PaceSafe app.
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- Explore New York City or Westchester like a local. From Broadway trips to nature trails, Pace gives you access to it all.
- Visit the Auxiliary Services office. Set up essentials like your mail, textbooks, and meal plan info.
- Follow Pace University on Instagram. It's the easiest way to stay in the loop.
- Attend a campus tradition. Homecoming, SpringFest, Late Night Breakfast—these are Pace must-dos.
- Visit Career Services. Yes, even as a new student. Start building your resume early.
- Check out the food resources if you need support. Pace Provisions and the Fare Trade program are here to help.
- Say yes to something new! Join a club or student organization. Go to an open mic. Try goat yoga. You never know what you’ll love.
More from Pace
At Pace, you’ve got an entire team in your corner. These are the top 10 people (and offices!) every new student—and their families—should know, right from the start.
Starting college is a big move—and at Pace, it’s your moment to take the lead. From finding your rhythm to navigating new responsibilities, the choices you make now help shape your experience. We’ve curated five smart, straightforward tips to help you start strong and thrive as a first-year student.
From our emphasis on career readiness and real-life learning to our strategic locations that leverage the unparalleled opportunities of the New York metro area, the advantages of a Pace education are endless.
Lester Holt Commencement Address at Pace University
Commencement also received national attention this week, with C-SPAN airing NBC anchor Lester Holt’s commencement address to Pace graduates. Holt encouraged students to challenge conventional wisdom, take risks, and remain persistent in pursuing their goals, reflecting on his own early career setbacks before joining NBC News.
Pedro Rivera Delivers Commencement Speech At Pace University
Eyewitness News ABC7NY highlighted ABC News anchor and Pace alumnus Pedro Rivera ’12 returning to his alma mater as a 2026 commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient.
Op-ed | Broadview 6 Debacle: Judge ‘Shocked’ And ‘Sickened’ By Prosecutorial Subversion Of Grand Jury
Professor Gershman co-authors an amNewYork op-ed examining the Broadview 6 case and calling attention to alleged prosecutorial misconduct before a grand jury.
‘Doping Olympics’ Bets On Booming Biohacking Market Despite Ethical, Safety Concerns
- Read more about ‘Doping Olympics’ Bets On Booming Biohacking Market Despite Ethical, Safety Concerns
Dyson Economics Professor Veronika Dolar speaks with Channel News Asia about the so-called “Doping Olympics,” noting that investor interest may be fueled by the rapid growth of consumer health, weight-loss, and biohacking markets.
Mamdani Unveils New Housing Plan to Build 200,000 Affordable Homes Over Next Decade
Dyson Professor Laura Tamman joins NY1’s Inside City Hall political roundtable to discuss New York City housing policy, generational divides in politics, and growing political engagement among younger voters. Tamman notes that students are entering classrooms “more engaged than ever before,” pointing to heightened interest in local and national politics among younger generations.
‘I Regret Asking My Depressed Friend to Be My Roommate’
Pace University’s McShane Center for Psychological Services received a mention in New York Magazine’s The Cut as a recommended low-cost counseling resource for individuals seeking mental health support and clinical services.
NY Nursing Shortage Crisis Fueled By Trump | Opinion
College of Health Professions faculty Catherine S. Finlayson, Heather Dennis, and Vidia Saleem, along with several contributors, co-author an op-ed in Lohud warning that new federal student loan limits could worsen the nation’s nursing shortage by excluding nursing from the Department of Education’s list of “professional degree” programs. The authors argue the policy could create major financial barriers for graduate nursing students, reduce the pipeline of future nurse educators and practitioners, and deepen healthcare shortages in underserved communities.