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Graduate Student
Resource Guide

Welcome to the Graduate School
at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University is one of America’s most dynamic public
universities, a center of academic excellence and an internationally
recognized research institution that is changing the world. After less
than 60 years of existence, it is ranked among the top 100 universities
in the nation and the top 40 public universities. Your choice to attend
Stony Brook University will prepare you well for your future career
and professional endeavors.

Your graduate educational journey begins here, and we want to make
sure you are well equipped to immerse yourself in your academic and
professional development to make the most out of your time spent at
Stony Brook University. This resource guide will help you find the
right support channels within the university, and also give you helpful
contacts you may need along the way.

If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact
The Graduate School directly at (631) 632-GRAD or visit our offices
in Suite 2401 of the Computer Science Building.

Well Wishes,
The Graduate School

Quick Reference Directory

Bursars Office …………………………………….. (631) 632-9316
Campus Recreation……………………………..… (631) 632-7168
Campus Residences ………………………………. (631) 632-6750
Career Center …………………………………….. (631) 632-6810
Child Care Services ………………………………. (631) 632-6930
Commuter Services & Off Campus Living ………. (631) 632-7353
Counseling & Psychological Services……………. (631) 632-6720
Disability Support Services ……………………… (631) 632-6748
Faculty Student Association ……………………… (631) 632-6517
Financial Aid Services ……………………………. (631) 632-6840
Graduate School …………………………………... (631) 632-4723
Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU) …….. (631) 512-0587
Graduate Student Organization (GSO) …………… (631) 632-6492
Ombuds Office …………………………………… (631) 632-9200
Registrar’s Office ……………………………….... (631) 632-6175
STALLER Box Office ………………………….... (631) 632-2787
Student Accounts …………………………………. (631) 632-2455
Student Health Insurance ………………….……… (631) 632-6054
Student Health Services Center …………….…….. (631) 632-6740
Title IX Office ……………………………….…… (631) 632.6280
Veterans Affairs …………………….…………….. (631) 632-4143
Visa & Immigration Services …………….……….. (631) 632-4685

Police (EMERGENCY ONLY) ….…… (631) 632-3333

Additional Resources

SINC SITES are public computer labs open to all students. Students
are provided with a semester long quota of pages in the SINC sites for
printing use. You will need your Student ID card to access printing
services. Refer to it.stonybrook.edu/services/sinc-sites for hours and
locations throughout campus

LIBRARIES on campus include Melville (West Campus) and HSC
(East Campus). More info and hours at library.stonybrook.edu

CAREER CENTER offers services to students seeking jobs and
internships, resume review, interview help, and other services. The
HANDSHAKE system is SBU’s online career portal. Visit
stonybrook.edu/career for office hours and additional info or call 631-
631-6810 or email [email protected]

BANKING & ATM’s are both available on campus. Island Federal
Credit Union is SBU’s banking partner. Two locations of branches
include SAC Lower Level and HSC Level 2.

UPS STORE is available on campus for printing and copying needs.
Located in lower level of Melville Library. More information at
stonybrook.edu/fsa/services/the-ups-store

CAMPUS RECREATION has a fitness center on campus open to
graduate students at an additional fee. Visit
studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/rec for more information

STALLER CENTER is SBU’s home for the arts. It has
performances, movies, and art exhibits throughout the year. Visit
stallercenter.com for more information and show times.

ZIPCAR is a car sharing service located on campus. Having a valid
driver’s license, students can rent a car for daily use for a fee. See details
and register for an account at zipcar.com/sbu

SBU WOLF RIDE BIKE SHARE allows all students to rent a
bicycle for on campus use and it is FREE for up to 60 minutes. More
information can be found at stonybrook.edu/sustainability/biking-at-
stony-brook/wolf-ride-bike-share

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Graduate Student Leadership

Graduate Student Organization (GSO)

The GSO is the graduate student government at the Stony Brook
University. The GSO is committed to providing services to
graduate students that help with professional and personal
development and are geared to increase both the academic
success and quality of life of all master and doctoral students at
Stony Brook University.

The GSO office is located in Room 227 in the Student Activities
Center (SAC). Visit sbgso.org for office hours and how to
become involved.

Graduate Student Employee Union (GSEU)

The Graduate Student Employees Union represents all Teaching
and Graduate Assistants enrolled in SUNY, the largest state
university system in the nation. It is run by and for graduate
students, and works to improve their living and working
conditions. It tries to maintain and extend graduate student
employee’s benefits, wages, and rights. More information at
cwa1104gseu.com

Graduate Student Advocates

Graduate Student Advocates (GSAs) can help resolve problems
you may encounter during your graduate studies at Stony Brook.
In many situations, you may simply need more information or
assistance finding and contacting the appropriate people within
the University. Email [email protected] to contact
Doctoral or Master Student Advocate for any inquiries or
concerns.



Opportunities & Awards
Funded by GSO

Resource Access Project

The RAP provides travel grants to graduate students attending
scholarly conferences and/or workshops. Each graduate student may
be reimbursed up to $350.00 each fiscal year. Reimbursement for
lodging costs at conferences in the 5 boroughs of New York City or
on Long Island will not be given.

Distinguished Travel Award

The Distinguished Travel Award is a special line of funding
designated to support graduate students who present their work at
prestigious conferences, performances and professional meetings that
will contribute to and build the national and international reputation
of their department and the University. This is a competitive award
funded by the Graduate School and the Graduate Student
Organization.

Inter-University Doctoral Consortium Travel

Graduate students enrolled in courses at IUDC universities can
qualify for a reimbursement of some expenses incurred in traveling to
class. The maximum amount for reimbursement is to be decided by
the Budget Committee based on the number of applications, and may
not exceed 50% of the total cost incurred.

Cold Spring Harbor and BNL Travel

Commuters to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Brookhaven
National Laboratory will be reimbursed for 50% of the total costs
incurred for their travel using public transportation such as LIRR or
bus services.

Seminar/ Workshop Travel

Graduate students attending an academic workshop or seminar in
New York City can qualify for a reimbursement of travel costs.
Reimbursement is limited to 4 times per semester.

For more information please check sbgso.org/index.php/funding

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IREP Opportunities

IREP stands for the Integration of Research, Education, and
Professional Development.
This office guides graduate students from all disciplines for
available fellowships. Examples of fellowships include the U.S.
Fulbright Student Program, Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation
Award Program, DAAD Study Scholarships, Boren Scholarships
and Fellowships, and Schwarzman Scholars Program.
Individual deadlines for these programs and for filing applications
with the IREP office are very strict- explore and apply early!
In addition, IREP provides guidance for abroad research
opportunities?
Check out upcoming IREP events at stonybrook.edu/irep
The IREP office is located in the Graduate School suite, on the
second floor of the (old) Computer Science Building. Check the
website for appointment and walk in hours. IREP can be reached
by calling 631-632-1151 or emailing [email protected]

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Table of Contents:

Getting Started…………………………………… 6
Health Services
Student Health Services Center……………………. 7
Student Health Insurance

Domestic Students…………………..…… 8
International Students…………...……….. 9
Visa & Immigration Services……………………. 11
Student Living
Housing …………………………………………… 12
Parking…………………………..………………… 13
Campus Dining…………………………….……… 15
Campus Dining Map……………………… 16
Wolfie Wallet ……………………………………... 17
Nearby & Off Campus Dining…………………….. 18
IREP Opportunities …………………………….. 19
Opportunities & Awards………………………… 20
Additional Resources……………………………. 21
Quick Reference Directory…………..………….. 22

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Nearby & Off Campus Dining

East Campus
- Stony Brook Hospital Dinning Hall
- Stony Brook Hospital Starbucks

Off Campus
Around the University:
Curry Club, Noodle House, Green Cactus Fresh Mexican
Grill, The Bench Bar & Grill, Subway, Cabo Fresh, Jake
Starr, Kumo Japanese Steakhouse, Domino’s Pizza, Mc
Donald's, Burger King, Greek To Go, Bagel Express, O’
Sole Mio, Long Island Bagel Café, Quiznos, Station Pizza
& Brew, Jamba Juice, Crazy Beans Coffee Shop in Stony
Brook Village
Smithaven Mall:
Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Bobby’s
Burger Palace, P.F. Changs, Bahama Breeze Island Grille,
Bonefish Grill, T.G.I. Fridays
Grocery Stores:
Stop & Shop: 158 NY-25A, East Setauket
Wild by Nature: 198 NY-25A, East Setauket
University Asian Market: 1099 N Country Rd, Stony Brook
Stony Asian Mart: 1087 N Country Rd, Stony Brook

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Wolfie Wallet

When you arrive on campus one of the most important items
you’ll receive is your campus ID card.
Wolfie Wallet* is a campus administered prepaid declining
balance debit account encoded on your campus ID. It is a safe
and convenient way for students, faculty and staff to make food
purchases from off campus merchants, wash and dry your
laundry, make purchases from vending machines, mail packages
in the residential mailroom, purchase tickets through the ticket
office, and shop at campus dining and retail locations.

Wolfie Wallet can be used at these local merchants:

To access your account and add money, visit:

http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/fsa/accounts/wolfie-
wallet/
*Wolfie Wallet is not part of the meal plan or Bookstore Campus
Account.

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Getting Started

SOLAR is Stony Brook University's primary administrative system
used by students to register for classes, print schedules, view and pay
bills, view transcripts, update personal information, report student
employment hours, and more. Log in using your SB ID number (sent
to you previously) and the initial SOLAR password is your date of birth
in mmddyy format (ie: January 5, 1973 would be typed as 010573).

SB ALERT Sign up for SB Alert to be in the loop about weather and
campus emergencies. Sign up on SOLAR under SB Alert.
NET ID The NetID and SOLAR ID are two different identifiers!
Information regarding your NetID and NetID password is obtained by
logging into SOLAR and clicking the NetID Maintenance link. This is
where you find out what your NetID is and how to change your NetID
password. Use your NetID to access Blackboard, Library Databases,
Email, etc.
ID CARD This multipurpose card serves as a campus ID and library
card. Details on how to get the card are available at
stonybrook.edu/campuscard. You will need to bring one form of
government-issued photo ID. Tip: Use your ID for discounts at major
retailers!
EMAIL Go to stonybrook.edu/mycloud and use your NetID to sign
on.
ACADEMIC CALENDARS Keep up to date on important deadlines
using the Academic Calendar available at
stonybrook.edu/commcms/registrar/calendars/academic_calendars
PARKING Get a parking pass here at
asa.stonybrook.edu/parking/permits
Parking maps are available at stonybrook.edu/parking/parkingmap
SB Bus and Public Transportation information can be found at
stonybrook.edu/transportation/campusbus/bus_map

6

Student Health Services Center

The Student Health center is located in Stadium Road, opposite to
the Student Union Building. You can make an appointment by calling
(631) 632-6740

 Services Provided are
o Dietician/Nutrition Services
o Gynecologist Clinic
o Laboratory
o Medical Clinics
o CAPS / Social Work Services
 Services provided are confidential counseling,
support, and advocacy
 CAPS is located at Student Health Services -
Second Floor. For questions and
appointments: (631) 632-6720
o Immunization
 Upon arriving on campus, you will need to
submit your Immunization History Form and
Health Form to this office to remove the
related hold on your student account
 Flu shot available during fall semester
o Pharmacy - Prescriptions are filled for registered
students who have paid the health fee and the
pharmacy will only fill prescriptions written by
student health service providers
o Self-Care
 There is a guide to evaluate your symptoms
without seeing a physician
o You could also pick up limited number of non-
prescription items that may be useful for your
particular problem free or at substantial saving price
o Travel Health
o Travel Consultations for Stony Brook University
students visiting other countries e.g. required vaccines

7

Campus Dining Map

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Campus Dining

Official on campus dining locations:
 Student Activities Center
 Roth food Court
 West Side Dinning
 Jasmine
 Food truck
 Simon Center
 Starbucks
 Tabler Café
 Center for Global Studies and Human
Development (Opening Fall 2016!)

West Side Dining

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Student Health Insurance

Domestic Students

Domestic students WITHOUT stipend

◦ All full-time, matriculated, domestic students at Stony
Brook are automatically billed for the University
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at the
beginning of each semester.

◦ More information about this plan, other available
options and comparison between SHIP and NYS
Marketplace, are provided at Student Health Service
website, Student Insurance or visit Student Health
Insurance Office located in Stony Brook Union, Suite
250, Phone: (631) 632-6054

Domestic students WITH stipend (TA/RA/GA)

◦ As a Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant
(RA) and in some cases Graduate Assistant (GA), you
are eligible to enroll in Student Employee Health
Insurance Plans and you can/should waive “SHIP”.
Waivers must be completed on SOLAR at the start of
every academic year by the due date.

◦ For more information, check Human Resources
website, Benefits or visit Human Resource Services
located in 390 Administration Building, Phone (631)
632-6180

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Student Health Insurance

International Graduate Students on F-1 Visa
WITH Stipend

 Eligible TA and GA students and their dependents have the
option to obtain coverage under the SUNY Student
Employee Health Plan (SEHP), NYSHIP

 Eligible RA students could enroll for health insurance plan
provided by Research Foundation of SUNY

 Once you enroll in the employee health insurance and payroll
deductions begin, apply for waiver through your solar
account to remove the mandatory health insurance fee from
your student bill.

 Please note failure to have or sign up for employee health
insurance within 30 days of your appointment date will make
you liable for full payment of the mandatory international
student health insurance charge

 For more information, check Human Resources
website, Benefits or visit Human Resource Services
located in 390 Administration Building, Phone (631)
632-6180

Please note if your employment status changes from State to
Research Foundation (GA/TA to RA) or from Research
Foundation to State (RA to GA/TA), you MUST sign up
AGAIN for employee health insurance within 30 days of your
appointment date.

9

Parking Map

Parking

To park on campus, your vehicle must be registered and display a
valid parking permit. Parking permits are color coded and correspond
to signs posted at each parking lot. Additional information can be
obtained online at stonybrook.edu/parking

You can apply for parking permit online or by visiting the Office of
Parking Services which is located in the 2nd floor lobby of the
Administration Building.

Parking Meters:
Parking meters now exclusively accept credit or debit cards at all pay
lot stations. Metered parking lots (orange color-coded) must be paid
from 07:00AM to 07:00PM, Monday through Friday but are free at
all other times.

Lots are generally unrestricted and available for anyone to park from
4:00pm to 7:00am, Monday-Friday, and at all times Saturday &
Sunday unless otherwise noted. Check for signs at parking lot
entrances for restrictions.

Premium parking lots (brown color-coded) all require a Premium
permit. These lots include the following Brown Zones: Stadium Lot,
Life Sciences 1 & 2, Simons Center and Dental School.
The Administration Garage is free on Saturday and Sunday.

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Student Health Insurance

International Graduate Students on F-1 Visa
WITHOUT Stipend

 International Students will be automatically enrolled for
mandatory Student Health Insurance (ISHI).

 Spouse and/or children on F-2 or J-2 visa must also have
health insurance and you must pay the additional cost for
dependent coverage. This MUST be done through Student
Health Insurance Office within 30 days of arrival of your
dependents into the country, OR within 30 days of the birth
of a new baby, or your marriage, OR within 30 days of the
beginning of an enrollment period.

 For more information on student insurance check Student
Health Service website, Student Insurance or visit Student
Health Insurance Office located in Stony Brook Union, Suite
250, Phone: (631) 632-6054

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Visa & Immigration Services

 International students on visa are obligated to comply with
the immigration laws and regulations of the United States.
VIS provides information and services regarding these
regulations for students and their dependent spouse/child

 Services provided include but not limited to travel signature,
visa status change, employment permission

 In addition, you could find information on how to apply for
Social Security Number(SSN) , NYS Driver’s License and
Federal and State Tax Returns

 Make sure to contact VIS if there is any change in your
degree program, education level, source of funding or any
intention to research/study abroad

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Housing

On Campus Housing

On campus housing location options for graduate students:
 Chapin
 Schomburg
 West

If you are not currently living on campus and would like to
relocate if there is an opening, register for the housing waitlist
with your Net ID and password in the housing portal and read
about the Housing Application process on the Campus Residence
Website at studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/res

Off Campus Housing

SBU does not have any University owned off campus housing.
All off campus listings are privately owned.
Office of Commuter Student Services & Off Campus Living
maintains an up to date rental listing service and Roommate
Search through their website at och.stonybrook.edu

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