frequently asked questions
Click on the underlined phrase and find answers below.
I live in/near Syracuse. Do I have to live on campus during the program?
No, you are not required to live in the residence hall. Each program has a commuter option. Commuters do not pay room and board fees or related residential programs fees. Please note, in an effort to create a cohesive community, commuter students are invited to be in the residence hall for socialization, study groups, special events, etc. Commuter students are encouraged to participate in residential programming and be part of the Summer College residential community as much as their schedule allows.
I can’t afford the cost of the full program. How do I determine financial aid?
Financial aid is available for the 6-week credit programs only. Approximately 75% of students who apply for financial aid receive some award. We award as little as $500, with a maximum award for 2010 of $1925. Generally a family adjusted gross income of $75,000 or more precludes the possibility of any award being offered, though we do allow for extenuating circumstances. You should look for other sources of funding (local church, service clubs and organizations, school) if our offer is not sufficient. Financial aid is not available for the 2 & 3 weeks programs.
Who attends Summer College?
Approximately 80% of Summer College students attend during the summer before their senior year. Female students generally outnumber male students: 60% female to 40% male. Students come to Summer College from an average from 20 states and more than half a dozen countries. International students represent approximately 10% of the study body and recently represented countries include: Canada, China, DR Congo, Italy, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Korea, and Turkey.
I am a current high school sophomore. Are there any limits to my eligibility?
Yes and no. While there are no programs that specifically exclude rising juniors, each program does have variations in what they are looking for in applicants. Therefore, your year in school is taken into account in the review of your application materials. It is very much an individualized decision.
I am a current high school freshman. Do you offer any programs I could attend?
Because the classes are small and the work is very individualized, students in the summer prior to their sophomore year are permitted to apply for the studio-based art programs only.
While the application asks me to select a program, it does not give me the opportunity to pick the classes I want within the program. When do I choose my classes?
This question only applies to students selecting the following programs: Engineering, Law, Liberal Arts, and Public Communications. Upon acceptance into the program, you will be directed to a course registration form where you will select your course(s). Many classes fill up so it is important to submit the course registration form in a timely manner.
I am home schooled. What do I do about recommendation letters and transcript?
We require two letters of recommendation, one from the high school counselor and one from an instructor. Your primary instructing parent should write the counselor letter. Someone else who can speak to your academic abilities should write the teacher recommendation. If you have done any study elsewhere, (taken classes at a local college, other private lessons, etc.) that instructor would be a good source. We're looking specifically for someone who can comment on your level of maturity as well as your academic and personal abilities. As for the official transcript, you may submit a listing of the classes taken with final grades, and your parent's certification of mastery. We will, of course, be particularly interested in standardized test scores, such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc. You should send a copy of any such score reports directly to us as part of your application.
What’s a typical Summer College day like?
Weekdays, students in the Liberal Arts Program as well as those in the non-studio/lab programs have three to four hours of classes per day, four or five days per week. Students typically spend the rest of the day and some of the evening on class assignments, group projects and studying. Students in the studio/lab programs are in class and the studios, labs, or theater from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with an hour for lunch Monday through Friday. Weekends offer opportunities for outdoor activities, trips and evening social events. Most students also spend considerable weekend time on academic pursuits.
What do Summer College students do outside of class time?
For those living on-campus, one of the primary components of the Summer College experience is to learn how to live on your own, to manage your time, and to be responsible for your actions. Therefore, as a Summer College Student, you will have a good deal of autonomy and freedom in your schedule. You will spend between 16 and 30 hours per week in the classroom, studio, lab, and/or theater. The remaining time is to be organized around studying, writing papers, rehearsing, doing laundry, attending (optional) residential activities, socializing, etc. Off-campus weekend trips and activities are planned in addition to the in-hall and on-campus activities that occur in the evenings during the week.
Do Summer College students have access to SU’s recreational facilities?
Yes, you will have full access to University recreational facilities while in Summer College. These facilities include: multiple fitness centers, playing fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, racquetball/squash courts, a pool, and an ice rink. Recreation Services also provides numerous and varied classes (fees apply), to which you can register.
Do Summer College students have a curfew?
Yes, you are required to sign in at the main desk of the residence hall prior to curfew each night and then remain in the residence hall for the rest of the night. Curfew is 11:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Are students permitted to leave campus?
Yes, you are permitted leave campus during the day and evening hours as long as you sign out prior to leaving and sign back in upon your return. Students enjoy exploring the Syracuse area together by way of the Syracuse Centro bus service or by taking a taxi to the mall or other locations.
What if a Summer College student needs academic help?
We’re ready for whatever student needs come up. Our staff can help students connect with professors and teaching assistants to get the course-specific assistance they need to excel. Resident advisers can help arrange study groups, tutoring, and can guide students to access University resources. One of the ways a Summer College experience prepares high school students for success as undergraduates is by showing them how to navigate the academic system. The process of needing help, asking for it, and solving the problem at hand boosts competence and confidence.
What if a Summer College student has a disability?
Syracuse University welcomes people with disabilities. We are committed to providing all students with equal access to the educational experience, and the S.U. Office of Disability Services coordinates a wide array of support services for students with documented disabilities. The Summer College office will be happy to assist students in contacting this office, or, students may make contact themselves at Room 309, 804 University Avenue; phone 315-443-4498 (VOICE), 315-443-1371 (TDD).
What if a Summer College student needs medical attention?
The health and wellbeing of our students is of the upmost importance. Summer College students in need of routine health care have access to SU Health Services much as do matriculated SU students. In addition to SU Health Services, there are several hospitals within a few blocks of campus. SUA (Syracuse University Ambulance) service provides medical transport when needed during the day. The University has an established relationship with Rural-Metro (Ambulatory Service) for the evening and overnight hours. DPS (Department of Public Safety) is also used in conjunction with getting students from the hospital after they have been discharged. As for routine first aid, it is the policy of ORL (Office of Residence Life) to call DPS for all medical situations. Therefore, medically trained professionals attend to all situations potentially requiring medical treatment.
How is the residence hall set up?
The hall is coed by floors and/or wings and rooms are doubles, triples or suites that accommodate two to six students. Roommates are assigned. Large bathrooms on each floor are shared. Residence halls also typically contain a large common room and several smaller lounges. Dining facilities are in the hall or in a nearby dining center.
How are roommates selected?
Roommate selections are made by the RD (Residence Director) & ARD (Assistant Residence Director) within a few weeks of the beginning of the program. Roommate pairings are made in the same manner as the regular academic year, at random.
May students choose their own roommates?
Yes. Students attending Summer College with a friend from high school may request to room together, and we’ll make every effort to honor that request, although we cannot guarantee placement with late requests. Many students enjoy the adventure of rooming with a new acquaintance, so we encourage students to consider this option. We match students based on their programs of study.
What if a Summer College student wants to change classes or roommates?
Students are not generally permitted to change classes or roommates. A student desiring to change classes must contact the Director of Summer College as soon as possible to discuss the situation. Part of the residential experience is to learn how to get along with having a roommate. Students first work with their RA’s to find a solution to roommate conflicts. If necessary, the RA’s will involve the ARD or RD to assist in mediating the conflict.
Are Summer College students permitted to bring a car?
No, Summer College students are not permitted to bring or have automobiles (or any other type of motor vehicle) on campus during the program. The only exceptions are for commuting students who need to drive to class each day. Students are not permitted to ride in/on any motor vehicles owned or operated by other students. Students who are invited to ride with the parent of another student must provide documentation from their parent expressly granting permission on a case by case basis.
What about safety at Syracuse University?
The Syracuse University campus is considered safe and secure. Entrance to residence halls and dining facilities is by ID card only, and the campus is patrolled by Syracuse University Public Safety officers. The campus is well maintained and lit. A “blue light” system of emergency call boxes puts students in almost instant touch with Public Safety when needed. Summer College educational programs orient students about how to help protect their own personal safety and security. The programs include information sessions run by Public Safety officers and resident advisors. The sessions provide information for students on how to use safety and security information and how to be involved in helping to maintain their own safety. We expect students to use this information and to be involved in maintaining their own safety. For more information on the University's Public Safety Crime Prevention Programs, visit the web site.
I plan to apply to Syracuse University next year. Will attending Summer College strengthen my chances of being accepted?
Admission to Syracuse University is very competitive and acceptance to the Summer College Program is no assurance that a student will be admitted to the University. At the same time, you have the opportunity to excel, prove yourself at the college level, and make a positive impression on your professors/instructors. In so doing, I recommend you request a letter of recommendation from your professors/instructors.
How much spending money are students likely to need?
Of course, this varies from student to student and family to family. Remember, the cost of the program includes all meals and most of the Summer College trips and activities. Floor members or other groups sometimes plan theater, concert or amusement park trips for which ticket money would be needed. You can also take a 10-minute bus ride to a nearby mall for shopping and movie theaters and you will need pocket money for snacks, school supplies and toiletries. 6-week program students should estimate about $150 per course for textbooks. In the spring you’ll receive information on opening a bookstore charge account if you’re interested. There will be at least two optional Saturday trips that will cost approximately $25 each. These day trips are optional and include destinations like Niagara Falls and Darien Lake Amusement Park.
How do I get my grades and transcript after the program is over?
GRADES: Faculty are required to have their grades submitted during the last week of August. Students can check their grades anytime by logging into their MySlice accounts via the SU website. All students have a NetID and password to access: computers on campus, the SU network with a personal computer, personal email, the internet, MySlice, Blackboard, etc. SU does not mail grades home to students. TRANSCRIPTS: To request a transcript, students should visit the following Office of the Registrar webpage for the procedures and options: http://registrar.syr.edu/students/transcripts.html. Summer College does not have access to grades and only the students can request transcripts. This is in accordance with SU policy and FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) regulations.
Will my Summer College credits transfer to another college?
Credits earned through Summer College credit programs are Syracuse University credits. These credits are eligible for consideration at SU and as transfer credits at other colleges and universities upon matriculation and a credit-transfer request. The student’s college of matriculation (SU or other) determines whether and how credit transfer applies. The variables involved in the transferability of credits (and applicability of the credits at SU) are manyfold:
- Does the University/College accept transfer credits from other institutions?
- What are the degree requirements within the undergraduate program of study where the credits are to be applied and do the earned credits fulfill any of those requirements? If not, can they be used to fulfill elective requirements?
- Are the Summer College courses taken regularized (for undergraduate study)? (Summer College has both regularized courses and courses that are designed by faculty and academic departments specifically for Summer College students. These “designed” courses are sometimes viewed by other institutions as less transferrable than “regularized” courses.)
Because of this variability of potential credit transfer, it is recommended that the interest in the specific coursework you have chosen be your primary reason for attending Summer College rather than the potential transfer of the credits. Please call/email the Summer College office if you have any questions regarding the variability of potential credit transfer with specific courses.
