2015–2016 A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
produced by in partnership with
For more information, please contact
Dr. Jules Tetreault Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Affairs Southern Connecticut State University 501 Crescent Street (203) 392-5556 www.SouthernCT.edu www.universityparent.com/southernct
About this Guide UniversityParent has published this guide in partnership with Southern Connecticut State University with the mission of helping you easily navigate your student’s university with the most timely and relevant information available. Discover more articles, tips and local business information by visiting the online guide at: www.universityparent.com/southernct The presence of university/college logos and marks in this guide does not mean the school endorses the products or services offered by advertisers in this guide. 2995 Wilderness Place, Suite 205 Boulder, CO 80301 www.universityparent.com Advertising Inquiries: (866) 721-1357 ads@universityparent.com
Sarah Schupp Publisher JESSICA NELSON DESIGN
Connect: facebook.com/UniversityParent twitter.com/4collegeparents Š 2015 UniversityParent
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Southern Connecticut State University
contents
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SCSU Guide Comprehensive advice and information for student success Welcome Parents and Families Academic Programs and Services Student Services Health and Wellness Alcohol and Drugs Hoot Loot Card Dining on Campus Parents’ Access to Student records: FERPA Helpful Tips for Parents Recommended Readings for Parents and Guardians Emergency Notification System Financial Aid Parent Fund Frequently Asked Questions Important Dates 2015–2016 SCSU Area Resources
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Welcome Parents & Families
On behalf of the administration, faculty, staff, and students of Southern Connecticut State University, welcome to the SCSU community! The first years of college can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time for both students and parents. Please be assured that this University, and particularly the many professionals within the Division of Student Affairs, is ready to provide your student with direction, advice, and support to make these colleges years successful. 4
Parents often ask how they can be more supportive of their student’s academic success. I hope you will encourage your student to get involved in the many academic and non-academic offerings here at SCSU. Studies show that students who are actively engaged in on-campus activities are more likely to graduate and more likely to report a high degree of satisfaction with their overall college experience. In addition, I hope you will encourage your student to take advantage of the many resources provided by the University. This year the newly established Southern Connecticut State University
Academic Support Center, Office of New Student and Sophomore Programs, and Office of Financial Literacy and Advising will help students navigate through their academic and financial worlds and guide them to success! Important contact information is provided in the pages of this guide. Finally, I hope you will encourage your student to get to know the faculty, staff, and student leaders who will be part of his or her daily interactions on campus. The quality of this interaction will help determine your student’s awareness of and involvement in the life of the campus. www.universityparent.com/southernct
This parent guide provides a basic introduction to our community. Feel free to contact us at DeanofStudents@Southernct.edu if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to share. We welcome you to partner with us to make your students’ college years the most rewarding years of their lives! Sincerely, Jules Tetreault, Ed. D. Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Affairs ■ 5
academic Programs & Services
The Academic Advisement Center helps new students, transfer students and undeclared majors choose required and elective courses. (203) 392-5367
The Office of Academic Affairs oversees all academic operations of the university and is committed to providing students with excellent instruction and outstanding opportunities facilitated by a superior faculty. (203) 392-5350
There are five academic schools: The School of Arts and Sciences offers programs in: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6
Anthropology Area Studies Art Biology Chemistry Communication Computer Science Cooperative Education Criminal Justice Earth Science Economics Engineering Concentration English Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies Forensic Science Geography History
• Honors College • Interdisciplinary Studies • Journalism • Judaic Studies • Liberal Studies • Mathematics • Media Studies • Music • Philosophy • Physics • Political Science • Pre-Law • Pre-Medical • Pre-Dental • Pre-Veterinary Medicine • Psychology • Religious Studies • ROTC • Sociology • Theatre • Urban Studies • Women’s Studies • World Languages and Literatures (203) 392-5468
The School of Business offers programs in: • • •
Accounting Economics and Finance Management and Management Information Systems • Marketing • Master of Business Administration • Accelerated MBA Program (203) 392-5632 Southern Connecticut State University
The First Stop is a one-stop area for incoming or current students to access answers to any questions regarding academic or administrative policies and procedures at SCSU. (203) 392-5367
The First-Year Experience Program (FYEP)
The School of Education offers programs in: • • • • • • • • •
Counseling and School Psychology Education Educational Leadership Exercise Science Information and Library Science School Health Special Education Reading 6th Year Professional Classroom Teacher Specialist (203) 392-5900
The School of Graduate Studies oversees more than 45 master’s degree and Sixth Year Professional Diploma programs as well as doctoral programs in Educational Leadership and Nursing Education, and more than 250 members of the graduate faculty. gradinfo@southernct.edu (203) 392-5240
The School of Health and Human Resources offers programs in:
The FYEP introduces first-year students to the demands of academic and social development by fostering intellectual inquiry, encouraging community involvement, and instilling a passion for lifelong learning. As part of this process all first-time, first-semester students take part in a learning community during their first semester at the University: www.southernct.edu/FYE (203) 392-6671
INQUIRY 101 Inquiry Learning Community Brings together students to study, learn, and create together in a Critical Thinking course and a 3-credit First-Year Seminar course designed to assist small groups of first-year students with becoming academically engaged members of the University. www.southernct.edu/FYE/inq (203) 392-6646
Honors College A four-year program designed for a small group of exceptionally well-prepared students who must apply for acceptance. www.southernct.edu/honorscollege (203) 392-5499 ■
• Communication Disorders • Marriage and Family Therapy • Nursing • Public Health • Recreation and Leisure Studies • Social Work (203) 392-6906
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student Services Academic Success Center provides services to help students gain scholastic independence and achieve academic success. The Academic Success Center’s aim is to help students become more independent and self-motivated learners, master course material, and develop and apply effective study strategies. (203) 392-5186 Barnes and Noble University Bookstore carries books, academic supplies, art supplies, clothing, magazines, toiletries, and greeting cards. (203) 392-5270 Bursar’s Office is responsible for student billing and revenue collection and processes refunds from overpayments, class withdrawals, University withdrawals, and status changes. (203) 392-6140 Center for Adaptive Technology (CAT) helps students with disabilities gain access to the same technology other 8
students use to achieve their educational goals, and trains them to use adaptive hardware and software. (203) 392-5799 Center for Career Services and Cooperation Education offers career resources for all students enabling them to explore and prepare for career objectives. Job opportunities and on-campus employment are also available. (203) 392-6536 Commuter Student Services offers special programs and services for commuter students. (203) 392-5782 Financial Aid Office helps students to understand the financial aid process and assists with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. (203) 392-5222 Financial Literacy and Advising Office provides financial literacy and planning Southern Connecticut State University
John Lyman Center for Performing Arts features a 1,568 seat theatre and 175-seat drama lab, providing the setting for both university and public entertainment. www.southernct.edu/lymancenter (203) 392-6161 Judicial Affairs Office enforces the rules, regulations, policies, and code of conduct at the University. (203) 392-6188 Multi-Cultural Center is where ethnic groups explore their distinctiveness and unite in common activities, and where everyone comes together to share cultural interests and concerns. (203) 392-5888
information for current and prospective students as well as their families. (203) 392-8862 The Fitness Center offers a place for students to improve or maintain their physical health and fitness level. With purchase of a membership, students can utilize a wide variety of equipment and participate in group fitness classes. (203) 392-8971
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Registrar’s Office is responsible for registration, add/drop, withdrawals, maintenance of official academic records, auditing degree program requirements, compiling the Dean’s List, and processing transcripts and certification for teachers, social security, and other government forms. (203) 392-5300 Residence Life/Housing Office provides on-campus housing for fulltime matriculated undergraduate and graduate students. All residence halls and apartments include lounges, study areas, 24-hour welcome desks, vending machines, laundry facilities, recreation areas, and kitchen areas. ⊲
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A convenience store is located at North Campus, ATMs are located in West Campus, Wilkinson, North, and Schwartz Halls; Computer Labs are in North Campus, Chase Hall, and West Campus. Rooms include Digital Cable, refrigerators, microwaves, and are fully furnished with beds, dressers, closets, desks, and chairs. (203) 392-5870 Sexuality and Gender Equality (S.A.G.E.) Center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and allies provides a positive academic, cultural, and social environment for people of sexual diversity. (203) 392-8989 Student Affairs Office empowers students to reach their full potential by providing programs and services that nurture the intellectual, psychological, physical, cultural, and social development of students, and by promoting initiatives that encourage students to become engaged and effective leaders in the community and the region. It sponsors universitywide events that foster an appreciation of cultural, ethnic, and individual differences and promote a life-long commitment to wellness, learning, and community service. (203) 392-5556 The Assistant Vice President/Dean of Student Affairs oversees key areas of student services including the Multicultural Center, Counseling Center, Health Services, Wellness Center, Academic 10
Support Services, Disability Resource Center, Women’s Center, Drug and Alcohol Resource Center, Sexuality and Gender Equality Center, Career Services, Veterans Center, Campus Ministry, Graduate Intern Program, and Judicial Affairs. The Assistant Vice President/Academic Success oversees the academic support services including the Academic Success Center, Office of New Student and Sophomore Programs, Disability Resource Center, Veterans Center, Tutorial Center, and Writing Center. Michael J. Adanti Student Center is a 125,000 square foot, multi-purpose facility that provides educational, cultural, social, and recreational programs. It features a state-of-the-art fitness center, grand ballroom, 200-seat movie theater, bookstore, fireplace lounge, computer lab, game room, restaurants, information center, and access to email terminals and wireless services. (203) 392-5500 Student Life Office oversees over 100 clubs and organizations, community service programs, student councils, programming board, governing organizations, club sports, and special events such as Spring Week and Earth Day. All organizations are run by students with the advisement of an administrator or faculty member. (203) 392-5782
Southern Connecticut State University
University Access Programs provides an array of academic and personal services for students. (203) 392-6814
Writing Center provides free general consultation and assists students in addressing writing concerns. (203) 392-6824
Academic Skills Workshop Program and Study Center provides workshops designed to improve study skills and help with academic planning. (203) 392-6820
University Police The SCSU Police Department provides police services to the university population of approximately 12,000 faculty, staff, and students. The campus is located in New Haven and Hamden Connecticut on 171 acres and there are approximately 2,800 students residing on the campus. The Southern Police force consists of 27 sworn POST certified members consisting of a Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, Lieutenant, four Sergeants, a Detective, five Dispatchers, an Administrative Assistant, a Building and Grounds Patrol Officer and twentyfive University Assistants that assist with access control in buildings and the parking lots. University Police also supervise the shuttle services on campus. The Southern Police operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be contacted by calling (203) 392-5375.
International Students Office helps international students with campus details, from admissions and registration to housing and transportation. It also assists with federal forms and regulations that are a part of international study. (203) 392-6947 New Student and Sophomore Programs Office supports the out-of-class experience for first-year, second-year, and transfer students through a wide range of programs. These initiatives focus on fostering the transition and engagement of students in the SCSU Owl community. (203) 392-5168 Tutorial Center offers free individual and small-group assistance to many introductory-level courses. (203) 392-6824 Veterans Services provides both personal and academic counseling and helps with VA paperwork. (203) 392-6822
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Women’s Center provides information, referral, and services on issues related to women, men, and gender. It offers advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and has an information resource room on sexual assault, dating violence, sexual harassment, healthy relationships, stalking, body image, and health issues for women. (203) 392-6946 â–
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Health & Wellness
alcohol & drugs
Student Health Services has a physician, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses on staff who provide ambulatory health care to students regardless of their health insurance. With tertiary care hospitals in New Haven, referrals in emergency situations can be done expeditiously. (203) 392-6300 The Wellness Center offers information and resources about topics related to health. It sponsors programs and maintains resources on nutrition, fitness, illness and disease, sexuality, and stress management, among others. (203) 392-6526 Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides assistance and information on issues of access and full participation for persons with documented disabilities. Assistance includes arranging accommodations and auxiliary aids that are necessary for students with disabilities to pursue their academic studies. (203) 392-6828 The Inter-Faith Office considers spiritual growth an important part of personal development. Several Chaplains are active on campus, enabling students to make appointments or stop in. (203) 392-5331 The Drug and Alcohol Resource Center (DARC) provides information and resources on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It offers confidential screening, assessments, and harmreduction skill-based programs. (203) 392-5087 â–
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The university recognizes that the misuse of alcohol or the use of illegal drugs represents a serious threat to the wellbeing of its students and the community. Our goal is to foster a university community that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs.
Alcohol Campus policy permits the lawful possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages at SCSU under controlled conditions at registered special events. All state laws concerning alcoholic beverages are observed. Any person or organization violating state law or campus regulations will be subject to disciplinary action and/or referral to the appropriate civil authorities. To minimize the health and safety risks associated with alcohol abuse, the University enforces the following policies: Students (and their guests) residing in West Campus, Neff, Hickerson, Chase, Wilkinson, and Farnham Halls will not be permitted to register alcohol in any quantity. Residence Life staff are Southern Connecticut State University
Drugs
required to notify University Police of all incidents involving possession of alcohol by underage students, involving individuals who are of legal age who are believed to have provided alcohol to underage individuals, and “party� situations involving multiple residents and/ or their guests. University Police have the discretion of issuing citations for providing or possession of alcohol. Individuals found responsible may face criminal penalties in addition to University judicial sanctions. For more information, contact the Office of Residence Life. www.southernct.edu/residencelife (203) 392-5870
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The possession, distribution and consumption of illicit drugs and the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and anabolic steroids are strictly prohibited. The University recognizes that drug problems are complex and will make every effort to assist students who have a problem. However, drug problems revealed or uncovered in the normal course of administrative operations will be treated as disciplinary matters. Students found guilty of violations will be subject to disciplinary action that may include suspension or expulsion which may impact the following: tuition, residence hall costs and fees, financial aid, athletic participation, health insurance, campus meal plan, access of university resources and facilities, immigration status for international students, internships, campus jobs and other benefits. Criminal prosecution may also be initiated. If you believe that your student may have an alcohol or drug problem, please refer them to the SCSU Drug and Alcohol Resource Center for information, advisement, and support. (203) 392-5074 The University reserves the right as permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to notify parents and guardians if their student, under 21 years old, has violated the alcohol and drug policies. â–
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HOOT LOOT CARD
DINING ON CAMPUS The SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card is the university identification card. It provides The Campus Dining halls, Services access to residence mealoffers plans, a wide array of meal plans that can computer labs, and also functions as a accommodate different diets, library card andmany a campus debit card. schedules, and lifestyles for both residential and commuter students. Each card contains a unique eight-digit identification number that serves as the To figure out ID thenumber. right meal plan cardholder’s for your student, consider his/her dining routine. Do they eat three meals a day? Does their class schedule, extracurricular activities, studying, jobs, sports, and social events interfere with regular dining hours? Do they live in an apartment with a kitchen so that that they may cook some meals on their own? The answers to these questions will help you to select the meal plan that best fits your student’s needs. A new meal plan program will be available after July 1. www.southernct.edu/studentlife/campus-life/food-services/ meal-plans.html ■ 14
As an optional campus pre-paid debit card, the Hoot Loot Card allows students to make purchases at all on-campus locations and select off-campus locations. Students don’t have to worry about credit card interest or charges, the possibility of overdrawing the account or carrying cash around campus. There are no fees and the account balances decline with each purchase. The debit account can be used year-round and the balance will carry over from year-to-year. It is protected if reported lost or stolen. Report lost/stolen cards to (203) 392-7077 or to University Police after hours (203) 392-5375.
Hoot loot FAQ What is the difference between Hoot Loot and Food Loot? Hoot Loot is also the perfect way for you to send money from home to your student. Food Loot is part of your student’s meal plan. Food Loot can only be used at oncampus dining locations. Unlike Hoot Loot, Food Loot cannot be used at vending machines, the SCSU Bookstore nor at off-campus locations. Students living on campus can have both Food Loot and Hoot Loot on their SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card.
Southern Connecticut State University
How do I add money to my student’s Hoot Loot Card? Parents can easily add money in two ways:
Credit Card – Online, Anytime. The easiest way is to use a credit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa) to add money via our web site. We’ve created a secure online deposit form to add money to your student’s Hoot Loot Card anytime. Simply visit our “Hoot Loot” section and click on Deposit Funds to be taken to our secure form. You’ll need your student’s ID number in order to add money to his/her account. http://hootloot.southernct.edu/hootloot/ deposit.funds.php
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Check/Money Order. Parents can make checks and money orders, payable to SCSU, to deposit into a student’s account. Be sure to include your student’s ID number and “Hoot Loot” in the memo portion of your check and send it to: University Card Office SCSU 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT 06515 Parents may also add money to their student’s Hoot Loot account from their checking account online. Our eCheck feature allows users to process electronic check payments and have the money added in about an hour. ⊲
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How much money should I put on my student’s card?
Can students get cash off the Hoot Loot Card?
It depends on what your student will be using the card for. You can deposit as much or as little as you’d like. The chart on the right is a breakdown of sample expenses you’re student might incur during the semester.
No, funds deposited onto the Hoot Loot Card are not available for cash withdrawal. Hoot Loot can only be used at approved locations and no cash refunds are given.
Where can students use Hoot Loot?
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) the University can’t disclose student account information (balances, spending history, transaction totals) to anyone other than the student. Please consult with your student regarding their Hoot Loot account information. ■
Students can use their Hoot Loot at on-campus locations http://hootloot.southernct.edu/ merchants/on.campus.php and select off-campus locations http://hootloot.southernct.edu/ merchants/off.campus.php. Hoot Loot Cards cannot be used to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.
Estimated Semester Expense
Minimum Cost
Optimum Cost
Textbooks & Supplies
$375
$600
Vending (snacks, laundry)
$50
$100
$5
$10
Photocopying Restaurants & Take-out
$70
$150
University Apparel
$25
$100
On-campus Entertainment
$25
$50
Miscellaneous
$50
$90
$600
$1,100
Suggested Deposit Amount
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How do I get access to my student’s Hoot Loot account information?
Southern Connecticut State University
Parents’ Access to Student Records: FERPA Student records are considered private documents, according to the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Once a student reaches the age of 18 or enters a postsecondary institution, a school is prohibited from disclosing information to parents and guardians without the student’s consent. Personally identifiable information such as ID numbers, financial transaction information (i.e., student bills and Hoot Loot Card transactions), enrollment information, and transcripts (i.e., grades) can only be provided to that student or, only in certain cases, to the parents and guardians without prior consent. www.southernct.edu/offices/ registrar/FERPA.html ■
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helpful tips for parents College parents and guardians everywhere experience the pangs of anxiety when their students leave for college. The transition from high school to the world of university life can be just as dramatic for families as it is for the students! To help you adjust to these changes, we suggest that you read through some of the Recommended Readings on page 20, and visit UniversityParent’s resources for college parents: www.universityparent. com/page/college-and-high-schoolparent-enews
Here are some additional tips that may be useful. Recognize this is a time of ambivalence for all parents. The excitement and joy about opportunities awaiting your student are mixed with the waves of nostalgia and a sense of loss. Talk with other parents who are going through the same thing.
Recognize your student’s conflicting emotions. Your student, like you, is being pulled between past, present and future ... one day exclaiming “leave me alone; I’m 18 years old. I’m independent” and the next complaining, “you’re never around when I need you.” Your student’s ups and downs are a sign of the ambivalence of this transitional time.
Take comfort in the knowledge that part of you is going with your student. The foundation you have provided over the past 18 years will accompany your student across the miles and throughout the years.
Don’t tell your student “These are the best years of your life.” No one is happy all the time between the ages of 18 and 22, and when a student is homesick or overtired from studying all night, it’s not reassuring to have parents imply that this is as good as it gets!
Enjoy this time of celebration. Try not to focus so much on the upcoming
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Southern Connecticut State University
departure that you might miss the full impact of the senior year festivities and the joy of summer days ahead.
Make a financial plan and discuss expectations with your student. Develop a tentative budget and be clear about who will pay for what. For example, some parents pay for books and supplies, while their student is responsible for incidental expenses such as snacks, movies, and CDs. Other students are responsible for earning a percentage of their tuition. Teach your student about responsible use of credit and debit cards.
Discuss academic goals and expectation ahead of time. Remember, many freshmen do not do as well academically first semester as they did in high school, and many change their minds about their proposed course of study. Ask them what they hope to accomplish academically during their first year. It is important for them to take ownership of their education. Grades are not the only indication of learning.
Talk to your student about how you’ll keep in touch. Do you want a planned time to talk or do you want to be more spontaneous? A cell phone can be a wonderful way to keep in touch, or it can be, as one student described, an “electronic leash.” Encourage your student to use it with discretion and not just to fill in the spaces. Email and instant messaging are also
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wonderful ways to keep in touch. Just don’t count on a reply to every message.
Be a coach rather than trying to solve your student’s problems yourself. You’re likely to hear more than your share of problems. College students usually call their parents for reassurance when things aren’t going well, and call their friends with the latest exciting news. When you get those late night phone calls, and you will, you can encourage your student to use the appropriate campus resources — to go to the health service or career center, to talk to an advisor, dean, a counselor, or tutor. Read resource information sent to you by the college so you can be an informed coach for your student.
Be an anchor. Keep your student informed about changes at home. College students want their parents to accept all the changes they are making but want everything at home to stay the same. So it’s important to keep them informed about changes at home, whether it’s moving a younger sibling into their room, or, on a more serious note, about illness in the family or the death of a pet. They need this from you in order to feel secure and maintain a sense of trust. These tips are excerpted from the article “Letting go: Tips for parents of new college students.” www.uwsuper.edu/fye/parents/upload/ Letting-Go-FLSouthern.pdf ■
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Recommended Readings for parents & guardians UniversityParent Guide to Supporting your Student’s Freshman Year Schupp, Sarah (2014)
What to Expect When Your Child Leaves for College: A Complete Guide for Parents Spohn, M. (2008)
The iConnected Parent: Staying Close to Your Kids in College (and Beyond) While Letting Them Grow Up Barbara K. Hofer and Abigail Sullivan Moore (2010)
She’s Leaving Home: Letting Go As My Daughter Goes to College Jones, Connie (2002)
A New Beginning: A Survival Guide for Parents of College Freshmen (3rd edition) McGarry, K. B. (2008) Millennials Go to College: Strategies for a New Generation on Campus Howe, Neil and William Strauss (2007) 25 Ways To Make College Pay Off: Advice For Anxious Parents From a Professor Who’s Seen It All, Coplin, Bill (2007) Survival Tips for Parents: Fostering Growth and Independence in Your Kids Hall, Ceil (2008)
Sending Your Child to College: The Prepared Parent’s Operational Manual Carr, Marie, et al. (2009) You’re On Your Own (But I’m Here If You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years Savage, M. (2003) A Parent’s Guide to Sex, Drugs and Flunking Out: Answers to Questions Your College Student Doesn’t Want You to Ask Epstein, Joel (2001) Parenting College Students: 27 Winning Strategies for Success Yohn, Debi (2008) ■
EMERGENCY
NOTIFICATION SYSTEM The safety of our students is our top priority. We are committed to keeping the university community aware of important — and, at times, urgent — matters through multiple communication channels including text messaging, emails, Siren and Public Address System, University web site, WeatherChek snowline (203) 392-7669, phone calls, voiceover fire alarms, media, and the Emergency Notification System (The SouthernAlert System), which distributes information via telephone, email, text message, and or voice message. 20
If you would like to be a part of our Emergency Notification System, please ask your student to log into this web site SouthernCT.edu/southernalert using his or her university email address, and add your home phone, cell phone, or email address to the list of those wishing to receive the notifications. For more information, call (203) 392-5375. ■
Southern Connecticut State University
FINANCIAL AID Paying for a college education can often be a stressful burden, but financial aid packages are available for eligible students. In order to receive student financial assistance at SCSU, your student: •
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States
•
Must be registered with the Selective Service Administration (if a male)
•
Must be formally admitted by the Office of Admission
•
Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
•
Must be enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours per semester
•
Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): see policy at www.southernct.edu/financialaid
For detailed information about eligibility, priority dates, and the application process, please visit: www.southernct.edu/financialaid or call (203) 392-5222. ■
PARENT FUND Southern’s Parent Fund donors play an integral role in providing support to our University community. An extra commitment from parents who have already supported Southern through tuition and fee payments is especially meaningful and supports initiatives such as scholarships, student activities, and academic programs. Tuition, fees, and state support represent only a portion of the actual cost of a student’s education. Top quality academic opportunities require additional support from dedicated parents, alumni, and friends.
Your gifts make a difference! Please visit https://southernct. ejoinme.org/MyPages/ DonationPage/tabid/85974 to make a donation online or contact Jaime Toth at (203) 392-6514. The Southern family thanks you! ■
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: A:
When will my student need to declare his/her major?
Q: A:
How much access will my student have to faculty?
Q: A:
Can my student live on campus, and if so, can he/she bring a car?
Q: A:
Is help available if my student is having trouble in class?
Q: A:
Does the University require students to have health insurance?
Q: A:
If we own a house in Connecticut, are we eligible for CT residency?
Q:
My student has a disability. Whom should we contact at SCSU to discuss disability issues?
A:
SCSU is committed to providing access to a quality education for students, including those with documented disabilities. Please consult the Disability Resource Center homepage for further information www.southernct.edu/drc or call (203) 392-6828/TTY (203) 392-6131.
More than half of incoming freshmen do not declare a major. Students are not limited to any major and may change at any time. However, many major course areas need prerequisites, or only a select few of the courses may be offered during a particular semester. This situation could postpone a student’s graduation. Students should contact the Office of Academic Advisement for guidance. www.southernct.edu/advisement
With a student to faculty ratio of 15:1, students find it easy to keep in touch and develop strong relationships with faculty. Faculty keep office hours that are posted on the course syllabus. In addition, email and the internet have opened up whole new avenues for communication between students and faculty, making it even easier to stay in touch.
Residence Life provides on-campus living accommodations for students who meet established eligibility criteria. University Police issues all parking decals, and Residence Life issues overnight and visitor passes, for all students residing in the residence halls. However, parking spaces for students who live on campus are extremely limited as Southern also serves a large population of commuter students. First-year freshmen residential students are prohibited from having a car on campus. www.southernct.edu/residencelife
All professors hold office hours and encourage students to ask questions and work collaboratively amongst themselves. Moreover, the Academic Success Center, Tutorial Center, and Writing Center are resources for students who are having difficulty with a particular course as well as for students who aim to maintain a high academic standing. The centers provide information and academic enrichment for all students seeking assistance in writing, math, science, and nearly all other courses offered at SCSU. All services are free and available upon request.
Yes. The university requires mandatory health insurance for all full-time students unless he or she is covered by other medical insurance. If your student already has health insurance and wishes to waive the health insurance charge on the bill, he/she must go to www.aetnastudenthealth.com, search by school name, and follow waiver instructions. For more information, please contact Aetna Student Health at (877) 375-4244 or visit their web site.
To qualify for in-state tuition, your family needs to reside in Connecticut. Owning a house in Connecticut alone does not qualify a student for CT residency tuition. To change your student’s status from out-of-state to in-state, you will need proof of residency, including CT income tax and Federal income tax forms for the most current year.
Southern Connecticut State University
important dates 2015–2016 DATES
EVENTS
August 31
First Day of Classes
September 7
Labor Day – No Classes
October 12
Homecoming
November 26–29
Thanksgiving Recess – No Classes
December 11
Reading Day
December 12–18
Final Exam Period
January 15
First Day of Classes for Spring Semester 2016
January 18
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – No Classes
February 12–15
Presidents Holiday Recess – No Classes
March 21–27
Spring Recess – No Classes
March 25
Day of Reflection – No Classes
May 5–6
Reading Days
May 7–13
Final Exam Period
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