Q. I am having trouble registering for orientation, what should I do?
A. The first thing you should do is make sure Suffolk has received your admission deposit; you’re unable to register for Orientation until the deposit has been made. If you’ve recently made your deposit payment, please be advised that it takes three to five business days to process your deposit and get you set up to register. It’s a good idea to wait at least four days after you have made your deposit to attempt your Orientation registration.
Q. How do I register for Orientation?
A. Orientation registration is done online through your MySuffolk portal. Check out our instructions for completing your registration form.
Q. Where and when do I report for my Orientation?
A. Once you register online for orientation, you will receive a confirmation e-mail, which will include information on check-in. In general, New Student Orientation check-in for our August session begins at 8am at the Donahue building located at 41 Temple Street.
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. You should bring the following items with you:
- A photo ID (state ID, license, or passport)
- Pen and pencil
- Comfortable shoes and clothes
- Immunization documents, if not already submitted
- A list of any courses you have registered for (including SU101 or Seminar for Freshmen)
- Lots of questions and energy!
Q. What if I can't attend Orientation?
A. This is the only opportunity for you to attend Orientation and register for fall 2013 semester classes, so it’s mandatory for all new freshman and transfer students. If you cannot attend, please contact us to discuss alternate arrangements.
Q. Is there an Orientation program for parents and family members?
A. Yes! We encourage you to bring your parents and family members who will be supporting you financially and/or emotionally while you are at Suffolk. Family Orientation is a two-day program held on the same date as New Student Orientation in August. Interested families can register for Family Orientation through the student’s account in the MySuffolk portal.
Please be advised that there is a $30 fee for each participant (children under 12 are free). Also, the student and family programs run separately and participants will not interact with each other during these times.
Q. Can I bring a guest to Orientation?
A. As we expect more than 200 students at Orientation, we cannot permit guests. Please keep in mind that your family members are invited to participate in Family Orientation.
Q. Can I stay overnight in a residence hall as part of Orientation?
A. Because our August orientation session is held close to the start of the Fall 2013 semester, we cannot provide overnight accommodations for students or guests. Any student who will be living on campus will have the opportunity to move into our residence halls the day before their orientation program, as long as their housing assignment has been confirmed.
Q. Will I meet with an advisor and finalize my class schedule during Orientation?
A. Yes! You will go home with your class schedule after meeting with an academic advisor.
Q. How can I declare or change my major?
A. There will be an opportunity to declare or change your major prior to registering for classes. It’s always a good idea to discuss your major aspirations with an academic advisor before declaring. An Orientation session with an advisor is scheduled before your course registration.
Q. Will food be provided?
A. Yes! We will provide all meals during your stay, free of charge..
Q. Why do I have to take a math placement exam?
A. Our online placement exam will be emailed to you before Orientation and all students must take it for placement into the correct course. Math is a basic element of your college education. Placing you in the right course helps to ensure that you will have a positive experience instead of a frustrating struggle or a boring revisit of material you have already mastered. If, for some reason, you cannot take the exam prior to Orientation, you will have the opportunity to take it during Orientation.
Q. I have taken advanced placement examinations (or IB, dual enrollment, etc.). Will I receive academic credit for these?
A. Suffolk does award credit for examinations such as AP or IB. Official results need to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. If you have taken courses through a dual enrollment program, please have an official transcript sent from that college or university directly to Suffolk. Upon receipt of the official results or transcripts, Admissions will review and notify you if you will receive credit. If these are not received before orientation, please bring a copy of what exams and/or courses you have taken.
Q. Do I need to bring my tuition payment?
A. If you have submitted an enrollment/housing deposit before the stated due date, you will be issued an e-bill with an updated due date. Notification of this e-bill will be sent to your Suffolk e-mail address. This invoice reflects your financial aid award, if it has been awarded by Student Financial Services. After the deposit due date, students who are offered admission or are submitting an enrollment/housing deposit will be required to submit a deposit of $1,500 (commuter) or $3,000 (on campus resident). This higher deposit amount replaces the standard 50 percent payment required to register for classes and/or move in on campus. If you submit your deposit after the due date, you will be issued an e-bill if a balance exists on your account. If you still have questions about tuition or your bill, please contact the Office of the Bursar.
Q. After my financial aid is subtracted, I'll still have a balance. My family plans to borrow a loan to cover it. When should we apply for loans?
A. The sooner the better! While most loans can be processed fairly quickly, at peak processing periods it can take some time. As soon as you know you will have to borrow, it is wise to begin applying for your loan(s).
Q. Is work-study subtracted from my tuition bill?
A. No. Employment program awards cannot be subtracted from your tuition bill. Employment funds are set aside for you to earn and you are paid biweekly for the hours you work.
Q. I was awarded work-study. How do I get a job?
A. All students awarded employment are mailed an information packet. The packet will contain details on how to find a job, required paperwork/forms, how students are paid, a listing of all campus departments hiring student workers, etc. Most students are hired during the first three weeks of each semester.
