SOAR Important Notes for 2024-25

FIRST-YEAR STUDENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS ATTENDANCE AT NEW STUDENT WELCOME WEEKEND REQUIRED?

Yes, it is mandatory for you to attend. You will receive a brief schedule in mid-July for New Student Welcome Weekend. Checkin for residents and commuters will take place Friday, August 16, 2024. Welcome Weekend will begin on Friday and the first session of the Foundation 1 course also meets during Welcome Weekend. Students who need to discuss virtual options should contact njohnson@stfrancis.edu

SHOULD MY PARENTS ATTEND NEW STUDENT WELCOME WEEKEND WEEKEND?

Your families are welcome but not required to attend on Friday. We understand that some families are not able to attend because of work schedules, travel challenges or other conflicts. Therefore, on Friday, there will be sessions that you and your family can attend together if they are on campus. The Saturday sessions are for students only.

HOW DO I EXPLORE AND APPLY FOR ONCAMPUS HOUSING?

Information about living on campus and the housing application can be found at stfrancis.edu/student-life/residents. The application and $50 housing deposit may be submitted there—students are encouraged to submit their application and deposit before June 1.

HOW ARE ROOMMATES ASSIGNED? IS IT POSSIBLE TO PICK MY ROOMMATE?

Roommates are assigned based on their answers to questions found on the housing application. Those individuals with similar interests and lifestyle habits are placed together to the best of our ability using the information from your application. Students may request a roommate by creating a roommate profile and roommate group within the housing system. In order to be placed together, both individuals must list the other as their desired roommate. Both students must submit their roommate prefrerence by June 1.

WHEN ARE HOUSING ASSIGNMENTS MADE?

Staff members begin making housing assignments for first-year and transfer students in May and continue through August. Letters that include room placement are mailed in June and July. Please contact the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) if you feel housing accommodations are needed due to a disability, including a request for an air conditioner. Questions about housing assignments may be directed to the assistant director of Residence Education at resed@stfrancis.edu

WHEN CAN I MOVE IN?

Friday, August 16, 2024. An email with the opportunity to sign up for a move-in time will be sent to each resident’s USF email address.

WHAT ARE MY MEAL PLAN OPTIONS?

The cost of a meal plan is included for residents in their room and board charge. You get to choose between three meal options. Students are automatically placed into the 17 Meals per week block and $100 in Dining Dollars. They can request to be switched to 15 Meals and $150 in Dining Dollars, 10 Meals and $200 Dining Dollars or 19 meals per week in the Terrace Café when they arrive on campus and during the first two weeks of the semester. Commuter meal plans are available as well—learn more at usfdining.org

WHAT ARE DINING DOLLARS?

Dining Dollars is money that is applied to your ID card, which can be used at the Snack Shop, Terrace Café, Three Oaks Bistro or Bernie’s Pub by resident/commuter students, faculty, administrators and staff. You can add Dining Dollars to your account throughout the semester.

HOW BIG IS A TYPICAL ROOM IN MARIAN HALL?

The dimensions of a Marian Hall double room are approximately 13’ x 15’.

WHAT IS PROVIDED IN THE ROOMS?

» Twin, extra-long bed for each roommate

» Desk and chair for each roommate

» Dresser and wardrobe for each roommate

» Cable and internet connections

» Overhead light fixture

» Recycling bin

» Microwave on each floor’s social lounge

» Specific disability accommodation requests should be sent to the Office of Accessibility Services

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR MY ROOM?

» Bedding: extra-long twin sheets, comforter, pillow and mattress pad

» Toiletries

» Towels, hand towels and washcloths

» Clothes hangers

» Alarm clock

» Cable cord

» Fan

» Flip flops for the shower

» Laundry supplies: laundry basket, detergent, fabric softner etc.

» Blinds and window treatments: each Marian room has windows that are 2’8” across by 4’2” high— 32” blinds will fit the window frames

» Mini-refrigerator (optional)

Visit stfrancis.edu/student-life/residents for more info or call Residence Education at 815-740-4293

Next Step Links:

Suitable & uSF

Suitable is an app used to help stay up to date with all campus events, from club meetings to academic seminars. Never miss out on an opportunity to connect with your peers or explore new interests.

Build points and compete with your fellow classmates on the leaderboard. While earning points you can unlock achievements for teamwork, social and intercultural competency, critical thinking and many more!

Ready to take your college experience to the next level? Download suitable on the App Store or Google Play Store and join other USF students in getting engaged!

Google Play Apple Store

First Year Transition

Earn College Credit in the Summer!!!

Connect with Peers and Faculty Understanding college expectations A personal plan for learning success benefits

Session 1: July 11, 18, 25 & August 1st, 2024

Session 2: July 29August 1st, 2024

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WE ARE HIRING!

S c a n h e r e t o a p p l y !

A p p l y t o b e a

S a i n t s A m b a s s a d o r

f o r t h e O p p o r t u n i t y t o :

- G i v e c a m p u s t o u r s

- W o r k o n - c a m p u s e v e n t s

F o l l o w u s o n I n s t a g r a m t o s e e

w h a t A m b a s s a d o r l i f e i s l i k e

@ U S F A m b a s s a d o r s

BE SURE TO SEND YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT TO USF BY THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES. THESE RECORDS ARE NEEDED TO COMPLETE YOUR ADMISSION FILE.

Transcripts are accepted…

• In a sealed envelope from the student

• Via email from the previously-attended school Email to: admtranscript@stfrancis.edu

• Via postal mail from the previously-attended school Mail to:

University of St. Francis

Admission Processing

500 Wilcox Street Joliet, IL 60435

Reminder

May 2024

Dear Student,

Below you will see an instruction guide for completing an online survey that all incoming first-year students at the University of St. Francis are required to take. The survey is called the College Student Inventory (CSI) The purpose of the survey is to get your thoughts on your first impressions of the university and what some of your concerns may be as you enter college. During the first two weeks of the fall semester, you will meet one-on-one with an advisor to discuss ways in which you can prepare yourself to succeed.

We are committed to your success and will use the results of this inventory to identify areas where we can connect you with programs and services that may interest you. Please complete the College Student Inventory™ online as soon as possible.

To access the College Student Inventory:

1) Type, copy and paste, or click on the following URL into your browser: https://studentsurvey.ruffalonl.com/UStFrancis/Fall2024

Expect to take 30-45 minutes to complete the survey. Take your time with the questions, and be honest. An accurate inventory will result in the best possible recommendations for your first year in college.

If you encounter technical problems while completing the survey, try retaking the survey immediately. Contact Mollie Rockafellow at mrockafellow@stfrancis.edu or your advisor if you’re unable to complete the survey after two attempts.

Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Sincerely,

Mollie Rockafellow Dean of Students mrockafellow@stfrancis.edu