Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is SSUI?
2. What is my commitment?
3. Am I eligible to participate in SSUI?
4. What is the fee for attending SSUI?
5. What exactly does the fee cover?
6. What exactly is the amount of financial aid available to me?
7. May I attend both sessions?
8. What is the last day I can sign up for SSUI?
9. May I work and still attend SSUI?

FAQs about the Courses:

1. Will I be guaranteed a place in the courses I want to take this summer?
2. How many credits may I take? Are there any specific requirements for course selection if I receive financial aid?
3. May I repeat a course to get a better grade?
4. What do I do if a class I need to take is offered for more than six-weeks? May I still participate in SSUI?

FAQs about Registration:

1. Is registration different for SSUI students?

FAQs about Academic Issues:

1. How do I remove a course from my transcript (because of an unsatisfactory grade)?
2. I am on suspension. If I attend SSUI this summer, can I come back to the university in the Fall?
3. What do I do if I'm not currently enrolled at SU but want to register for Summer courses as a SSUI participant?

FAQs about Housing:

1. What residence hall will SSUI students live in this summer?
2. Do I have to live in the residence hall?
3. Will I be able to choose a roommate?
4. Will I get a list of things I will be able to bring and use in my room?
5. What will my mailing address be?
6. May I have a phone?
7. Is there storage for my belongings before Summer Session I begins?

1. Email at Syracuse University

1. What is SSUI?
The Student SUccess Initiative (SSUI) is a University-wide summer residential learning community that assists Syracuse University students who are not satisfied with their academic performance. In partnership with colleges and schools, SSUI provides services for a more productive academic experience leading to increased student satisfaction resulting in greater retention through graduation. SSUI is not a remedial program or a program that offers non-credit courses. Rather, we offer students with different educational goals an opportunity to participate in enrichment activities that enhance their academic experience. Students enroll in courses offered through SU Summer Sessions..

Students must complete an application—available in the SSUI office or on our web site—to be considered for participation in the summer residential component of the program.

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2. What is my commitment?
When you make the commitment to join SSUI, you are making a commitment to work on improving your strategies for academic success. You are joining a community of staff, students and faculty who share your commitment. Through the admission process, you are building a team whose members will support the changes you want to make. During the summer you will be an active program participant who seeks and provides support.

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3. Am I eligible to participate in SSUI?
Each college and school has set specific criteria for students who wish to participate in SSUI. Please review the basic eligibility criteria for your college or school. Even if you meet the basic criteria, there are other factors to consider before you make a commitment to SSUI. The best way to determine if you would benefit from participating in SSUI is to review the application materials.

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4. What is the fee for attending SSUI?
The fee for 2008 was $5,687.00 for registration in one six-week session. We anticipate an increase for summer 2009.

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5. What exactly does the fee cover?
The fee covers your tuition for 6-8 credits (two 3 -4 credit courses or one 6 credit course) in one of two six-week summer sessions and program fees.  As a residential program, room and board are provided for one six-week session to all residential students.  Social and educational programs are part of the SSUI experience.  You will need to bring additional money for books, course fees, incidental expenses, and room and board that might exceed the normal six-week format. NOTE: If you expect to apply for financial aid, you will need to register for a minimum of six credits. If your courses meet longer than the 6-week format, there will be additional fees involved. Please discuss your plans with an SSUI representative to determine the total fee. See question #3 under Courses in this document.

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6. What exactly is the amount of financial aid available to me?
The financial aid available to students for summer study at SSUI is primarily loans that are based on the number of credits you have earned as a student. This is not a grant- based program. There may be small grants available to help offset some of the costs for the program but the bulk of the funding will come from your Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan eligibility for summer. Any type of grant allocation is based upon funds availability and your individual financial status as determined by paperwork that you have already submitted to the Financial Aid office. These grant allocations are need-based for students who register early, and offered only as a supplement after the loan has been factored in for payment of the majority of the program fee (you must take the loan to receive any grant funding). For additional information regarding your individual situation, please contact the Financial Aid Office directly. The Financial Aid Office is located at 200 Archbold North, phone (315) 443-1513.

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7. May I attend both sessions?
We strongly discourage students from participating in both of the six-week summer terms. This suggestion is based on feedback we have received from students who have participated in SSUI. They tell us that it is very difficult to maintain the necessary focus to succeed in both summer sessions, and then return refreshed for fall classes. Therefore, if you will be participating in SSUI during either summer session, try to avoid taking courses in the other summer session. Experience suggests you will need a break sometime during the summer from studying if you expect to come back refreshed and ready for the fall semester. Also, there is the added financial burden, as your loan and any grant you may be eligible for will cover AT MOST one summer session.

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8. What's the last day I can sign up for SSUI?
We are offering an Early Decision Option to help you clarify your summer plans as early as possible. All applications received between March 1 and April 1, 2009 will be processed immediately. After April 1, enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled. Due to the time and appointments necessary to complete the process, we cannot guarantee that all eligible candidates can be accommodated if they do not complete the process promptly. The deadlines for completing the process are Wednesday, April 15, for Summer Session I and Monday, June 1, for Summer Session II.

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9. May I work and still attend SSUI?
You may work up to ten hours per week as long as it does not conflict with any required classes, meetings with your coach, or mandatory residence hall activities. If a conflict occurs, SSUI and course activities have priority. We ask that you work the majority of your hours during the weekend.

NOTE: Internships or volunteer positions are considered the same as work.

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COURSES

1. Will I be guaranteed a place in the courses I want to take this summer?
Although the probability is high that you will be able to register for your first choice courses, enrollment in SSUI does not guarantee that this will happen. SSUI cannot control the enrollment of any courses. Furthermore, there are some courses that may be your first choice but they might not be the most appropriate in an intensive six-week format. It is best to make your selections after discussion with your college/school representative. If you wish to hold a place in a course, register early. You can always drop the course before classes begin, should you be advised not to take the course or you change your mind.

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2. How many credits may I take? Are there any specific requirements for course selection if I receive financial aid?
Because the summer session is condensed to a six-week period, it is more intensive than an academic year semester. We recommend that you consider a load of 6 to 8 credits (two courses). To be considered for any financial aid you must register for at least 6 credits. You may not remove an incomplete as part of those 6 credits, and receive financial aid. Your final registration should reflect discussions between you and your home college/school advisor.

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3. May I repeat a course to get a better grade?
Yes, as a general rule. Read the Academic Rules and Regulations (available at your school/college or the SSUI office) for complete details. A repeated course is defined as a Syracuse University course with the same department prefix and course number as the original course or, if a change has occurred within a department, the equivalent course. Your home college/school advisor or recorder will help you answer questions about the requirements for your program of study.

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4. What do I do if a class I need to take is offered for more than six-weeks? May I still participate in SSUI?
Yes. Students enrolled in classes that are held longer than the six weeks of the first session will be required to participate in all aspects of the program for the entire first session. For the remainder of your course(s), we will make arrangements on an individual basis to configure the Program to meet your needs. If you are residing in the residence hall, additional fees will be required for housing and meals every day in excess of the first 6 weeks.

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REGISTRATION

1. Is registration different for SSUI students?
Yes. In an effort to improve the registration process for SSUI students we have changed the registration and course approval process. We encourage you to register early for your courses; however, SSUI students must apply for admission and be accepted for participation in SSUI before they will receive the reduced fee and any available grant money. Because SSUI has a significantly reduced fee, your course selection must be confirmed by the SSUI office to guarantee the reduced fee. Briefly the procedure for admission and registration for SSUI students is:

1. Register for classes online as soon as you are eligible to register. Registration begins in late March.
2. Complete the application for admission and submit to SSUI.
3. Attend the group information session with an SSUI staff member. At this meeting, fill out the appropriate forms for housing and personal coaching and pick up the Participation Authorization Form.
4. Meet with your college or school representative to discuss your interest in SSUI and determine appropriate course selection. Get your representative's signature on the Participation Authorization Form.
5. Submit Participation Authorization Form to the SSUI office.
6. SSUI will code you for appropriate charges and billing. You will not be coded until SSUI receives your approved Participation Authorization Form and you are registered for college/school accepted courses.

Please note that you will not be housed until your registration has been processed and this may affect your roommate situation. Any course change, addition, drop, or withdrawal must be processed through the SSUI office. Failure to do so may result in incorrect bursar charges, incomplete course drop/withdrawal, or removal from the program.

Summer Session Two students may be living out of the Syracuse area and will submit most materials by e-mail or postal mail.

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ACADEMIC ISSUES

1. How do I remove a course from my transcript (because of an unsatisfactory grade)?

a. A course cannot be removed from your transcript.

b. You may, however, file a repeat petition (if your college/school offers that option) to have an unsatisfactory grade flagged after you have repeated the course at SU and received a satisfactory grade. You can start this process with your home college/school.

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2. I am on suspension. If I attend SSUI this summer, may I come back to the University in the Fall?
SSUI staff does not make decisions about a student’s academic status. The authority for those decisions rests with the Office of Assistant or Associate Dean of your particular college or school. Please contact your college/school to discuss your situation.

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3. What do I do if I'm not currently enrolled at SU but want to register for Summer courses as a SSUI participant?
If your college/school has determined that the summer program is appropriate for you and approves you to be readmitted, then you may proceed with the program admission process. After you have an interview with a SSUI staff member and are approved to register, you would request a Re-Admission Form at the Student Assistance Office located in 306 Steele Hall. Then take it to your college representative to sign. You will then need to go to Central Records, (located in 106 Steele Hall) and have them re-admit you to the University. Once that process has been completed, you may then participate in the registration process. If you are not currently in the Syracuse area, please contact your home college/school for assistance in starting this process.

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HOUSING

1. Is there storage for my belongings before Summer Session I begins?
Storage is not available through SU; you may contact local venders to arrange for storage at your own cost..

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2. What residence hall will SSUI students live in this summer?
The residence for summer 2009 has yet to be determined.

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3. Do I have to live in the residence hall?
Yes. The residence hall is an integral part of the learning community SSUI provides. However, for some participants whose individual circumstances make living on campus unrealistic or unproductive to their academic goals, we offer a commuter option. The commuter option allows students to choose their own housing. Some examples for granting this option include:

-necessary to support and care for dependent children

-living at home with parent or guardian

-health concerns

You must have at least junior standing and discuss your situation with an SSUI staff member in order to qualify for this option. Please note that if this option is granted, you must still participate in all other aspects of the program, many of which will be held in the residence hall.

There is no deduction in the program fee for commuter students.

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4. Will I be able to choose a roommate?
Yes. If you know someone who is also participating in SSUI and you would like to share a room with that person, please discuss your preferences with an SSUI staff member at the time of your information session. Both you and your roommate must agree to reside together. We will do our best to match you with your chosen roommate. Many single options are available. We will accommodate requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are not guaranteed single-room accommodations.

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5. Will I get a list of things I will be able to bring and use in my room?

You must abide by the same residential rules that apply during the academic year. A list of these rules will be distributed. You will need to bring all personal items, including bedding and towels. Stereos are permitted, but remember that there will be extensive courtesy hours and quiet hours in effect in the residence hall, since SSUI participants' main focus is on their academic work. Given this commitment to extensive quiet hours, we strongly recommend students’ use of headphones during these designated time periods. It is also recommended that you bring a fan, as the residence halls are not air conditioned.

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6. What will my mailing address be?
Your Name
TBD
TBD
SSUI
SS I or SS II
Syracuse, NY 13210-2418

You will have your own mailbox for incoming U.S. mail and announcements and correspondence from SSUI staff or your college or school representative. Please check your mailboxes on a regular basis for announcements. After sorting, U.S. mail is usually available by 3 p.m. each day.

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7. May I have a phone?
Yes, you may bring your own phone and order service at your own expense. Students have notified us that summer service for six weeks is fairly expensive, since the phone company requires installation fee and one month's service charges at the time of connection.

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COMMUNICATION

1. E-mail at Syracuse University
Due to Syracuse University's policy regarding offical e-mail, we can only use your campus e-mail address (@syr.edu). If you wish to have your e-mail forwarded to a different address, go to the its email web site and read the e-mail policy. Then click on the "syr.edu mail delivery" link and follow the instructions for the action you wish to take.

2. Primary means of Communication
Check your e-mail regularly, as this is our primary means of communication. Any issues that create obstacles to your participation in SSUI will be addressed though e-mail.

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