2022-23 Parent Guide

SEU Parent Guide

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Welcome!

We’re excited that you and your student are considering Southeastern University as their college home for the next few years. At SEU, we work hard to ensure that every student feels fully welcomed into our community, is given every opportunity to succeed, and above all, grows in faith as they discover God’s call on their lives.

This guide is designed to help you and your family during your time preparing for this exciting next step ... college!

Please feel free to reach out to our team at any time … we’re here to serve you.

Sincerely,

Sarah Clark EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT

community

At SEU, we know that the transition to college life can be a time of questions and uncertainty for students and their parents . The entire process of college applications, acceptance decisions, finances, and preparation for starting classes can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be .

That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you feel connected to your son or daughter’s new “home away from home” at SEU, and help you both begin to navigate this next exciting chapter!

You’ll find answers to those questions that you’ve been wondering about (what is a FAFSA anyway?) and information that will put your mind at ease like knowing they’re getting a solid Christian education

It will definitely give you peace to know that your student is in a college environment that truly cares about, encourages, and wants the best for them (just like you do) . That’s what they’ll get at SEU .

Application basics

It only takes a few minutes to complete our application process online! Here's how it works.

1

Complete the application online at SEU.edu/apply

2

A personalized Application Status link will be generated. Use the link to submit:

 Christian Character Reference form

 Biographical Essay

 High school transcripts*/GED scores

If transferring in less than 60 college credits.

 College transcripts*

If applicable; for dual enrollment credit or classes taken after high school graduation (even if no credit was earned or grades received).

Your student can start their application even if they don’t have all of the pieces listed However, their application can only be processed for an acceptance decision once all of these items are submitted . Documentation can be submitted electronically through the online application .

*Copies of your student’s transcripts can be used for admission decisions. All final transcripts should be requested from your student's school(s) and sent to SEU prior to their first semester.

SEU IS NOW TEST OPTIONAL

SEU has moved to new methods for determining academic scholarship awards . Students may choose to submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, however, these scores are not required for admission purposes or for receiving academic merit scholarships **

 If your student does not take or submit scores from the SAT, ACT, or CLT exam, their weighted high school GPA will determine their SEU academic scholarship tier .

 If your student does submit exam scores, a strong score will benefit their scholarship tier Test scores will only be factored in if they help your student reach a higher tier .

**Scores should be requested via the test's website and are not required for transfer students.

Your enrollment counselor

Have questions about the admission process, financial aid, classes, or campus life?

Your SEU enrollment counselor is your expert on all things SEU, so they’re a terrific resource for you and your student. Visit SEU.edu/connect.

Admission FAQs

Are there admission deadlines?

Early decisions* come with perks!

December 1 — SEU Priority Application Deadline

Students who apply before this date will be guaranteed a spot at SEU once they are accepted and deposited, have more opportunities for scholarships, and receive their financial aid award letter early .

January 15 — SEU Priority Acceptance Deadline

Students who turn in all required application pieces, are accepted, and have submitted their FAFSA before this date are eligible to apply for additional scholarships .

May 1 — National Decision Day

Students who deposit (save their spot) at SEU on or before May 1 will receive the above perks PLUS get priority housing and class registration!

What is the enrollment confirmation fee?

This $200 deposit is required to secure your student’s spot at SEU and is applied as a credit to their student account

Does SEU accept existing college credits?

Yes! We accept dual enrollment and advanced placement credits for incoming freshmen . Transfer students are invited to work with our admission team to see how their existing credits will apply toward finishing their degree at SEU Details are available at SEU.edu/transfer.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS

Additional applications may be required based on major of interest, such as nursing, education, or music. Ask your enrollment counselor for more information.

* Note: SEU offers rolling admission if your student misses the above dates. However, classes, housing, and financial aid options are greater the sooner the process is started.

Securing your student’s spot

Once the application review process is complete, if your student is accepted to SEU, they will initially be notified via email (and then get a surprise via “snail mail” too!).

Just like the admission process, making sure that your son or daughter’s spot at SEU is confirmed is quick and easy. Just visit the personalized link that your student receives when they are accepted to submit your Enrollment Confirmation Form and payment, and you’re good to go!

Next steps

Once the Enrollment Confirmation form is in, here’s what to do next.

1 2 3 4 5

Check out our scholarship and grant programs

View your student’s housing options

Complete the financial aid process

Submit additional forms (as needed; your enrollment counselor will let you know what they need)

Ensure that your student is Fire Ready (see page 14) before they arrive on campus

Fire Athletics

If your son or daughter is a prospective student-athlete, visit our athletics website at SEUfire.com to contact coaches and email videos.

Our award-winning athletic teams compete and claim championship titles within the NAIA (The Sun Conference, the Appalachian Athletic Conference, and the Mid-South Conference).

MEN’S SPORTS

Baseball

Basketball

Cross Country

Football

Golf

Soccer

Tennis

Track & Field

Wrestling

WOMEN’S SPORTS

Basketball

Beach Volleyball

Cheerleading

Cross Country

Golf

Soccer

Softball

Tennis

Track & Field

Volleyball

Winner of 3 National Championships in 2021–2022

Financial Aid

As you explore your options for covering college costs, you’ll find important tools and information at SEU.edu/financial.

99% More than 99 percent of SEU students receive some form of financial aid

$20,938 average award amount

$36.3 million in financial aid awarded in 2021–2022 Scholarships

SEU offers multiple scholarships and grants

seu.edu/financial

sfs@seu.edu or 800.500.8760

FAFSA basics

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to applying for financial aid, including Federal Student Aid programs and SEU grants/scholarships.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Submit it annually

All students are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year . As you complete the application, indicate that you want your financial aid analysis information sent to Southeastern University (the SEU FAFSA code is 001521)

Track your status

Once we get your FAFSA information from the federal processor, we’ll email you login instructions for the web, so you can track your financial aid status and any missing items .

File early

Students can file a FAFSA as early as October 1 .

Use the correct tax year

Beginning with the 2017–2018 FAFSA, students were required to report income information using earlier tax information . For example, a student starting college in the 2023–2024 school year can submit their information as early as October 1, 2022, using 2021 tax income information . (Confused? No worries … check out SEU.edu/FAFSA for a table outlining the tax year requirements )

Please note that if your family income changes significantly after the FAFSA is submitted, or if your income was impacted by the pandemic, contact our Student Financial Services department to determine if your student is eligible for a Professional Judgment review (which could result in a student's increased eligibility for need-based aid).

Scholarships from SEU

We’re dedicated to making higher education as affordable as possible, so we’ve made sure that we have a variety of scholarship opportunities available, many of which are renewable for up to four years. From academics to athletics to the arts, to missionary and pastoring families, and much more, chances are you’ll find a scholarship that will help supplement the other aid you’re getting. Many institutional scholarships have a February 15 application deadline, so don't wait!

Honors Student Scholarships

Scan to view scholarship options

Students in the SEU School of Honors qualify for a Chancellor’s Scholarship and will receive $3,000 more per year as a member of the program .

SEU.edu/honors

Financial aid glossary

Academic Scholarships from SEU are based on academic merit, and are renewable by maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2 . 5 . Your student may qualify for up to eight consecutive semesters for this type of scholarship .

SEU Need-Based Grants are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA . Award amounts vary and may change as resources increase or decrease

Parent PLUS Loan eligibility is dependent on a modest credit check and approval by the Department of Education . If you as a parent are denied a PLUS loan, your student may be eligible for $4,000 in an additional unsubsidized loan .

Subsidized Direct Loans are based on financial need . You won’t be charged interest before you begin repayment, because the federal government “subsidizes” the interest during these times *

Unsubsidized Direct Loans are not awarded based on financial need . Any eligible student can take out unsubsidized direct loans . The student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed to the time the loan is repaid in full . *

*Note: Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans require students to complete loan documents, and will automatically be processed for the entire amount for which a student is eligible (unless SEU is notified otherwise).

Important: A note about third-party scholarships

We gladly accept scholarships that don’t originate from SEU . If your student has received a scholarship from a third party, it is their responsibility to work with the source of the scholarship to submit paperwork and get the scholarship funds sent to SEU

For Florida Residents

Your student can use funds from these Floridaspecific programs toward their college costs:

 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

 Florida EASE Grant (formerly the Florida Resident Access Grant or FRAG)

 Florida Prepaid College Program

Military & Veteran Benefits

SEU gladly works with students who are eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit SEU.edu/veterans for details.

Financial Aid FAQs

How many credit hours does my student need to take to be eligible for financial aid?

They must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours for federal loans and at least 12 credit hours for state and institutional financial aid

Does SEU offer a payment plan for expenses not covered by financial aid?

Yes! Southeastern offers payment plans for school expenses . These plans charge no interest and are available to all students regardless of financial need . Get more details at SEU.edu/paymentplans .

Are jobs available on campus?

Yes! Students can find hundreds of employment opportunities throughout campus (some of which are eligible for Federal Work Study) We also offer student leadership positions, which may qualify for scholarship funds .

ACCESSING YOUR STUDENT’S RECORDS

The Parent Portal within our JICS system gives parents and other designated parties the ability to view student information based on what a student wants to share . . . helping SEU meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) . This portal is a helpful communication tool between you as a parent, your student, and SEU . However, in order to abide by FERPA, your student must designate you as an approved party before you can see any of their SEU-related records . For more details, visit SEU.edu/parentportal.

Get Fire Ready!

Fire Ready is the official clearance process of SEU. In order for your student to be able to start their semester on time, please ensure that all steps in this process are completed before their arrival on campus each semester. Your student can check their Fire Ready status at any time in the JICS Student Portal.

Academics

Registering for classes

The sooner students register for classes, the more options they will have available. Fall registration for new students generally opens between late spring and early summer (depending on when the semester begins).

Programs of study

When your son or daughter earns a degree at SEU, they’ll learn in an innovative, Christ-centered environment. They’ll be equipped to serve as a competent professional through Spirit-empowered, ethical practice informed by critical thinking, lifelong learning, and leadership.

SEU is proud to offer degrees in multiple disciplines. For a complete listing of current programs, visit SEU.edu/academics . Here are some highlights from each of our colleges.

Barnett College of Ministry & Theology

Whether your student’s goal is to become a pastor, minister, missionary, or to work in parachurch ministries, at SEU they’ll learn to prayerfully teach others about the Bible and lead them in their pursuit of faith . Our programs require active participation in ministry during the college years . They’ll interact with some of the nation's most influential pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders .

School of Music

Tune in to the engaging, hands-on programs in the School of Music to prepare for a successful career in the music industry Or, if your son or daughter loves music but they are called to a different career, we offer all students (regardless of major) the opportunity to participate in our music ensembles .

College of Social Sciences & Humanities

From degrees in helping professions such as social work and criminal justice, to humanities designed for today’s world, to our innovative political science program, your student will gain both the knowledge and the experience to successfully forge a career path with the potential for global impact .

College of Education

It takes a big heart to shape young minds If your son or daughter is called to the teaching field, they will learn how to consistently exceed the expectations of their students, coworkers, and school administration .

College of Natural & Health Sciences

Dedication and tenacity are as essential as in-depth knowledge when working in the fields of medicine, nursing, kinesiology, science, or mathematics Our experienced, caring faculty will help your student build a solid foundation that will help them to meet the needs of their future patients or teams; prepare them for advanced graduate studies or medical school; or give them skills to confidently enter the workforce .

Jannetides College of Business, Communication & Leadership

The Christ-centered environment of your student’s classes and relevant learning experiences will prepare them to be a servant leader who can change the world . Our programs in business, finance, communication, and visual arts teach them how to intentionally blend their God-given talents with their calling and to carry those skills wherever God leads them .

Aviation Pilot Program

Our innovative aviation degree programs give students the ability to become certified flight instructors while still in college .

Faculty who truly care

Ask any SEU student or graduate to tell you who made the difference in their college years and the majority will say the same thing . . . our faculty . That’s because our faculty know that students aren’t just knowledge tanks to fill . . . they’re souls to be nurtured and guided

As authentic Christians who lead by example, SEU faculty members voluntarily use their own time to provide your student with support and true caring . While they are highly accomplished in their fields and bring practical experience to the classroom, they are also effective teachers who make learning engaging and meaningful .

26:1

Classroom faculty-student ratio

71% Percentage of SEU instructional faculty that have earned the highest possible degrees in their field

Job placement & postgraduate success

Students from SEU get noticed! Through our relationships with local, national and international organizations, our students regularly intern with companies that later hire them, or help pave the way for their first jobs out of college Our alumni have gone on to successful and impactful careers around the world Our Career Services team and our faculty provide resources for successful internships and job placement .

Our graduates who decide to pursue advanced degrees after their undergraduate years often do so at SEU Still others have received full scholarships to other prestigious graduate programs, medical schools, and law schools

“If you could look at the DNA of my heart and soul, you’d find influencers from SEU all over it. I am who I am because of SEU.”

— KENDALL PHILLIPS, FOUNDER OF THE PENNY STORY, SEU ALUMNA, '13+'15,

Campus life

Where will I live?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions for both parents and students. SEU’s modern residence halls allow students to live comfortably right on campus, with easy access to classes and campus amenities.

Dorm Features

Connectivity

Wi-Fi & phone hookup

SpectrumU App

Free access to 150 TV channels + on-demand streaming content

Common areas

Laundry facilities

Weekly housekeeping

Secure swipe card access

Room furnishings: twin bed, desk, chair, closet space, dresser, and mini blinds

What to bring

Bed linens (blanket, bedspread, pillow, mattress pad, and sheets)*

Towels and washcloths

Toiletries/medications

Clothes/shoes and hangers

Laundry supplies such as a laundry basket or bag, detergent, and dryer sheets

School supplies

Day-to-day necessities such as an umbrella, sunglasses, and a flashlight

Mini-refrigerator; 4 cubic feet or less (approximately 20" x 20")

Small microwave

Bedside or desk lamp

Pictures or wall art **

Bulletin board/dry erase board

Snacks

Organizing bins

Coffeemaker

Television

Bathrobe

Curtains**

Tech gear

Phone charger

Headphones or earbuds

Laptop computer***

*Twin beds measure 80" length (packaging often labels this size “extra long”)

**Bring white sticky tack or similar non-damaging materials for hanging wall items.

***Students are not required to own a computer, though many students find that bringing their own laptop is very helpful. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout campus.

Meal plans

If your student will be living on campus, we require all residents to have a meal plan . There are multiple plan options, and each comes with a varying number of meals in Tuscana, our campus restaurant, and Fire Funds to use at our other campus dining locations: Chick-fil-A, Back Yard Burgers, Einstein Bros Bagels, Papa John’s Pizza, Portico Coffeehouse, and Mi Casa Café . Commuter students have the option to purchase meal plans, too . There is a dedicated kitchen (free of the top 8 allergens) and trained staff in Tuscana to prepare allergen and gluten-free meals for students . There are vegan and vegetarian options as well .

Transportation

Our campus is conveniently designed so that students do not need to drive between classes in order to get from building to building . . . everything is within walking distance!

Students register their cars through our Safety and Security office and receive a car decal All students are permitted to have a car on campus (even freshmen)

No car? No problem! The City of Lakeland’s bus service, Citrus Connection, ensures students can still get around town as needed . Bus service is available 6-days a week and is free for SEU students (with valid student ID), and we even have a bus stop on campus

Commuter Life

If your student is not going to live on campus and will be commuting, we have specific programming designed just for them to help them get connected with campus life . We also offer lockers in several campus locations so that students can store their belongings in between classes and save extra trips to their car (Students must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify to live off campus Ask your enrollment counselor for details .)

Safety and security

The safety of our students is as paramount to us as it is to you. That’s why we’ve heavily invested in multiple measures to make our campus environment as safe and secure as possible.

On-Site Security

We have a long-time, established partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Two members of the PCSO are stationed at SEU and are intricately familiar with all areas of campus We also employ additional security guards who keep campus under surveillance 24-hours a day with the use of video cameras stationed strategically in the public areas of campus .

Sentinel Program

In 2017, in partnership with the PCSO, Southeastern launched the first-ever Sentinel Program in the State of Florida This program was added as an additional layer of security Highly-trained special deputies, sworn in by the PCSO, are stationed anonymously throughout campus for the sole purpose of reducing the risk of injury in the unlikely event that the campus is threatened by an active shooter situation .

Dorm Card Key Access

Dorms are only accessible via a programmed key card, ensuring that only students who live in a dorm are able to access that room . These cards also serve the dual purpose of ensuring that our residence life staff knows that each member of their floor is home safely .

Text Alerts

Students and parents can sign up for e2Campus text alerts, which provide information directly from our security officers about security-related activity on or near campus, severe weather updates, road closures, and more

As with any area of the country, Florida also has its share of occasional weather events — namely, tropical systems (hurricanes and tropical storms) We have detailed procedures in place to ensure that our students remain safe in the event that impact from a tropical system is expected . These procedures and updates are communicated regularly before, during, and after these weather events via email, our text alert system, website, and social media .

The Southeastern Emergency Response Team is operated in partnership with our on-campus police officers from the PCSO In the event that students must shelterin-place during a storm, members of the PCSO operate a command station on campus to ensure the continued safety of our students .

(Note: SEU is not considered to be in a flood zone and does not usually require off-campus evacuation. Storm damage is rare and generally minimal if it occurs.)

Acclimating to college

Whether your student is coming from across town or across the country, getting used to college life is an adjustment period for everyone. At SEU, we have multiple ways to make this time of transition a memorable and joyful one.

SEU 101 & 102

These classes, required for all incoming first year students, are designed to acclimate them to the Christian college environment Students are introduced to three elements of the SEU experience: academics, spiritual formation, and social responsibility .

First Year Experience Program

The mission of the First Year Experience (FYE) program is to come alongside first year students as they navigate their first year of college Through academic, spiritual, and social events, FYE offers students ways to make new friends and connect through prayer .

SEU Groups

Small groups don’t stop after the first year! Every student has the opportunity to be a part of an SEU Group each semester These groups, led by our caring and dedicated staff and faculty, are wonderful opportunities for mentorship and spiritual growth .

Campus Involvement

There are many ways for your student to get involved on campus . Clubs and organizations, student leadership, and local/global outreach and missions opportunities are provided to help students feel connected

We love Lakeland

SEU is located in Lakeland, Florida, which is right in the heart of the Sunshine State between Orlando and Tampa. Lakeland has a quiet, hometown feeling with the perfect mix of things to do and places to work both during and after college. Plus, beaches, theme parks, entertainment, and two major international airports (Tampa and Orlando) aren't far away!

Why it’s worth it

Why it’s worth it

Looking at the value of college means seeing more than just dollar signs Attending a Christian university is a worthwhile investment At Southeastern University, we firmly believe that our campus culture and commitment to integrating faith into our classrooms helps students not only to maintain their faith, but also to make it stronger .

Spiritual life

When your student is immersed in a Christian environment, like SEU, during their college years, they will not only be encouraged in their spiritual walk and maintain their Christian values, but their faith will also grow and flourish

Career satisfaction

Students who graduate from SEU report higher long-term career satisfaction after graduation, owing to the fact that they were encouraged to pursue a degree, and subsequently a career, that is in line with God’s call on their lives .

Mentorship

At SEU, mentorship is everywhere Our community is full of people who are here to help guide your student in their spiritual walk as they discover their potential and become the person God created them to be .

Why SEU?

When your son or daughter brings their God-given gifts, talents, and passions to SEU, we’ll help them use those gifts in ways they never knew were possible. College is a time when a lot of life decisions are made: their field of study, their career, and maybe even where they’ll live after graduation. SEU will give them a foundation to rely on the Lord to guide them through all of these decisions, and set the stage for them to rely on Him for the rest of their life. We provide our students with strategies and opportunities to grow as future professionals, to maneuver through challenges in pursuing their calling, and to become people we are proud to call alumni.

SEU rankings

Top 1% fastest-growing private universities in the U.S. The Chronicle of Higher Education

Top 25% in affordability Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.

243% increase in enrollment from 2010

Florida is #1 in the nation for higher education.

U.S. News & World Report

The #1 reason students choose SEU is the spiritual atmosphere. SEU Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Faith Ownership

Our students develop a well-rounded faith that they feel confident in sharing or applying in multiple ways and with many types of people

Weekly Chapel Services

SEU offers multiple chapel services per week, all with the goal of filling our students’ hearts and strengthening their faith . Students are also involved in the coordination and production of chapel services, giving them firsthand experience in this aspect of ministry .

Calling

Our greatest joy is to see our students use their gifts to glorify God . That’s why we’ll help guide and support them in finding their God-given purpose … their divine design . From spiritually-guided career services, to SEU Groups, to everyday classroom interactions, we’re here to help point them down the path that’s been designed for them by Someone with a higher plan

Missions

One of the most distinctive parts of the SEU community is our heart for mission work . Hundreds of students participate each year in fundraising, planning, and even leading domestic and international mission trips or outreach initiatives .

2,300 Main campus enrollment

60+ different foreign countries & territories represented 100+ degree options at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels

Testimonials

“Two of our daughters graduated from Southeastern University. Every time we visited, we were blown away by the physical beauty of the campus and buildings nestled among the palm trees! But even more so, it is beautiful because of the atmosphere that is created by the faculty, administration, and students, who have a such a vibrancy in their faith.

We love that our daughters have made incredible, life-long friendships and have also been encouraged consistently by the professors to live out servant leadership. What a difference these years have made for all of us, to be able to launch them into the job market and ministry field with bold confidence.”

MIKE

—

& CONNIE HAMMER, PARENTS OF SEU GRADUATES TORI, ’15, AND TIFFANY, ’17

“Southeastern creates an environment where it’s natural for you to fall in love with Jesus.”

HOLLY TURLINGTON, ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, ’19

“Our goal for the discipleship of our students is that they learn that their faith is with them wherever they go. As they travel through their journey here at SEU and near graduation, they exude a confidence that they didn’t have, or didn’t have as strongly, when they arrived. Then they begin to share the Gospel with others …. that’s when they live

— DR. BETHANY THOMAS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

it, own it, and love it.”

Success With Every Step

From campus to career, our job is to help our students be as successful as possible, so our variety of support services makes it easy for students to find the help they want and the resources they need. Examples include:

Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE)

ACE provides student success webinars, tutoring, and more.

Collaborative Advising

Academic and faculty advisors ensure students take the correct courses to stay on track for graduation.

Department of Student Outreach & Support

This team wraps support around students experiencing academic or social challenges.

Take Care

These essential services have been designed with our students' health in mind.

Health Services

In partnership with Lakeland Regional Health

Right here on campus, students have access to unlimited, comprehensive, professional medical care with no copay .* Services include sick visits, physicals, certain point-of-care lab services, and more . Plus, they can learn how to manage their health and develop healthy habits!

Mental Health Services

Comprehensive mental health support services are also included in our student fees, so they pay nothing out of pocket!* Individual or group counseling is available through licensed mental health care providers at our Campus Counseling Center . Students also have 24/7 online access to individual mental health counseling with Timely MD

Our Department of Student Outreach & Support also identifies and assists students who could benefit from additional support .

*Student fees allow for unrestricted access to campus-based services at Health Services or at the Counseling Center, and virtually via Timely MD. Off-campus services are not included.

+ ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY; BIOLOGY/PRE-MED,

“Our students’ health isn’t just my job — it’s my ministry. They can walk into Health Services with any concern whatsoever, and know they will be taken care of.”

MEGAN HUDSON, DMSC, PA-C, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

’08

Tips for Success

Top 5 ways to pray for your student as they decide on their college

Pray your student will find a university that will help them discover their God-given purpose … their divine design.

Pray that your student will find a university that can provide them with a life-giving community.

Pray that your student will find a university that will come alongside them on their spiritual journey.

Pray for a positive roommate experience and the establishment of life-long friendships.

Pray that your student will find a university that equips them professionally, not just for a career, but for work that gives them personal fulfillment.

Tips to help your student adjust to college life

Visit ahead of time

While visiting a university's campus and surrounding area should be a key part of the decision making process, it should also be part of the preparations before campus arrival, because then the campus and city will feel more like a second home . Sign up to visit SEU anytime at SEU.edu/visit . In fact, SEU offers in-person and virtual Fast Track Orientation sessions each summer for students who are starting classes in the fall These sessions give students the chance to not only visit campus and meet other students, but also to take care of many items that are usually handled during Welcome Week in August .

Set up a budget

If your student hasn’t managed a budget before, now is a great time to start . Before they leave for campus, discuss the expenses they are responsible for and the anticipated source(s) for how they will be paid (e .g . financial aid funds, their wages from a job, help from you, etc .) .

Advise healthy time management and life balance

Students who focus too hard on academics burn out quickly, while students who don’t focus enough struggle to achieve their goals Encouraging balance between activities and studying is key . . . and remember, we have plenty of resources at SEU to show them how .

Encourage healthy relationships with their friends/roommates

College friends and roommates can become a wonderful source of support for your son or daughter Encouraging them to form friendships from the beginning makes for a much more pleasant and productive college experience and can result in long-term friendships .

Give them the freedom to change their mind

College is a time of learning, but it’s also a time of self-discovery . Many students end up majoring in the same field as originally planned, but just as many have an experience that shows them a new path Knowing that they have the freedom to go where they feel they are being called will set them up for an even higher level of success

Encourage them to get involved on campus

The more students are engaged in campus life and activities, the more connected they feel to the campus community . In fact, most students who have transferred to SEU from other institutions are quick to say how welcoming the SEU community is in contrast to their prior schools .

Allow them time and space to get adjusted to campus life

Adjusting to college life takes time … and just how much time varies from person to person

There is no set time frame in which students will feel adjusted Some students feel settled after just a few days while others feel more acclimated after several weeks (or even months) have gone by .

Quick Reference

Admission 800.500.8760 | admission@seu.edu

Application | SEU.edu/apply

Application Requirements | SEU.edu/requirements

Next Steps | SEU.edu/accepted

Visit | SEU.edu/visit

Student Financial Services

800.500.8760 | sfs@seu.edu

Financial Aid | SEU.edu/financial

Fire Ready | SEU.edu/fireready

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) | SEU.edu/FAFSA

Scholarships | SEU.edu/scholarships

Payment Plans | SEU.edu/paymentplans

Campus Information

SEU Central | 800.500.8760

Housing | SEU.edu/housing | housing@seu.edu

Safety & Security | SEU.edu/safety | 863.667.5190 or 863.712.3950

Central Florida & Lakeland Activities | SEU.edu/explore

Virtual Tour | experience.SEU.edu

Programs

Athletics | SEUfire.com | 863.667.5046 | athletics@seu.edu

Career Services | SEU.edu/careerservices | careerservices@seu.edu

Programs of Study | SEU.edu/academics | advising@seu.edu

School of Honors | SEU.edu/honors | honors@seu.edu

Students with Disabilities:

Office of Academic & Auxiliary Services

863.667.5283 | ADAservices@seu.edu

We are committed to ensuring equal access to all programs for all of our students. Our Office of Academic and Auxiliary Services coordinates accommodations for students with documented physical, learning, and/or psychological disabilities. View our policies and available resources at SEU.edu/ADA.