Suffolk University - First-Year Orientation FAQs

A. To confirm your space in the August orientation program, complete the online registration form by Monday, August 18, 2008. Since this is the last opportunity to attend orientation, you should complete the online registration form as soon as possible. If you are unable to attend orientation on August 25-26, please email us at orientation@suffolk.edu.

Q. Where and when do I report for my orientation?

A. Check-in for orientation is in the Donahue Cafe in the basement level of the Donahue Building located at 41 Temple Street at 8:00 a.m. We are unable to provide parking, so please plan accordingly. For a list of nearby parking garages, please click here. back to top^

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 emotionally during your four years here. For planning purposes, Family Orientation is a one day program that runs separately from New Student Orientation. It will be necessary to reserve your spot in advance to get your first choice of dates. If you have questions about Family Orientation, please do not hesitate to call the Office of Student Activities and Service Learning at 617.573.8320.

Q. Do students have to pay to participate in orientation?

A. No payment is required at this time unless you will arrive early due to your travel plans. The one time $95 New Student Fee that covers all your costs for orientation will be included in your first bill. However, if you are participating in an early arrival program, you may need to submit a $50 payment that covers all early arrival participation costs and an additional night in the residence hall.

Q. I was admitted to Suffolk through the University Achievement Program. Is there anything special I need to know about orientation?

A. Yes! First you must return your signed UAP contract before orientation, preferably by May 1st. If you did not receive a contract or have any questions, please contact Rebecca Fiore at 617.973.5393. Second, you should attend one of the first three orientation sessions in June to make sure you have access to the classes that you need.

Q. Will I meet with an advisor and have my class schedule completed during orientation?

A. Yes! You will go home with your class schedule at the end of the program after meeting with an academic advisor.

Q. Do I need to bring money to pay for my classes?

A. No, as long as you can attend one of the June sessions, you will not need to pay for classes at orientation. During the month of July, you will receive a bill for the classes for which you have registered during the Summer Orientation program. However, you may want to bring money to buy something at the bookstore.

Q. I will be a commuter - do I need to stay overnight?

A. Yes, the overnight stay is an important part of the experience for all students. Sessions will go into the evening hours and begin early the next day. You will also be developing your class schedule overnight with orientation staff and peers. In addition, you may enjoy any social events that will be taking place. Lastly, as a guest in the residence halls during the academic year, you will be held accountable for residence life policies, regardless of your residency status. This is a perfect opportunity to become familiar with them. Keep in mind that as a student, we want you to feel welcome to all aspects of campus life, whether you are a commuter or resident.

Q. Can I bring a guest to the orientation program or overnight?

A. Unfortunately, since we expect over 1300 incoming students and an average of 200 students per session, you will not be permitted to have guests for the duration of the orientation program. Please keep in mind that your family members are invited to participate in the Family Orientation Program.

Q. How can I declare or change my major?

A. Prior to registering for classes, there will be an opportunity to declare or change your major if you would like. However, you should discuss this with an academic advisor. A session with an advisor is scheduled before your course registration.

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 the college or university directly to Suffolk. Upon receipt of the official results or transcripts, the Admission Office will review and notify you if you are receiving credit. If these are not received before orientation, please bring a copy of what exams and/or courses you have taken.

Q. Which orientation program is for international students?

A. International students who use the F-1 or J-1 visa to attend Suffolk participate in 2 orientation programs. Students first attend International Student Orientation . This session offers information about the student visa, obtaining work authorization and adjusting to U.S. culture. This session is required for all new students. Following the International program, students then complete the University wide program. For additional information, write to oia@suffolk.edu

If you cannot attend orientation, you must visit the Center for International Education at 73 Tremont Street to submit a local address, your passport and I-20 (or DS20-19) during your first week at Suffolk. Students who do not provide this information to the CIE will lose their F-1 or J-1 student visa for failure to report arrival to the university immigration office. Immigration advisors may be contacted at: 617.573.8154 and via email: oia@suffolk.edu.

Q. How do I receive accommodations/services for a documented disability?

A. Incoming students should submit their documentation and contact information directly to:

Elizabeth Irwin
Coordinator for Disability Services
Suffolk University
8 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
Fax# (617) 573-8239
E-mail attachments can be sent to: eirwin@ Suffolk.edu

Upon review of the documentation, the Coordinator of Disability Services will contact you to schedule an appointment to discuss the accommodations process at Suffolk University.

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 can not be subtracted from your tuition bill. Employment funds are set aside for you to earn and you are paid bi-weekly for 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 by late July. The packet will contain details on how to find a job, required paperwork/forms, how students are paid, a listing of all on campus departments hiring student workers, etc. Most students are hired during the first three weeks of each semester.