#sfcorientation

[stfranciscollege]

New Student FAQs

Hi new Terriers! As you get ready to start your journey at SFC, we offer answers to frequently asked questions by our newest Terriers.

1. I was accepted to St. Francis College. What do I need to do now? 

Congratulations on your acceptance to St. Francis College! You should take a moment to read through your acceptance material and check the Accepted Students webpage to ensure that we have all the required documents (you can also access this info on the SFC Mobile app). Make sure to submit the Immunization Form and final high school transcripts to the Admissions office. Sign and submit your Financial Aid Award Letter to Student Financial Services. You can also sign up for an optional Tuition Payment Plan.

 2. Do I need to take a Placement Test? How do I schedule a placement test? 

Most incoming students will need to take a Placement Test for Math and Writing. You can schedule your Placement Test by signing up here or calling the Academic Enhancement Center at 718.489.5226. Please note: you may have received notice that you are exempt from the Placement Test and/or invited to the Honors Program at St. Francis College. If so, you will not need to take the Placement Test. If you have a high school GPA of 90 or above you will be waived from the placement exam.

3. What can I do to prepare for my Placement Test? Y

You can find sample placement tests here:

Sample Math section

Sample Writing section

Solutions to the Math section

While these questions will not be the same questions found on the Placement Test, the topics they cover are similar enough to prepare you for when you take your Placement Test. 

4. What is Orientation and do I need to attend? 

All new students must attend Orientation. You will only need to attend one Orientation session. Freshmen Orientations are on the following dates: 

June 19, 2018 

June 28, 2018 

July 26, 2018 

August 31, 2018 

The Orientation program is scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m. with check-in and expected to go until 4:45 p.m. Students are required to stay for the entire day of Orientation. Breakfast and lunch (food trucks!) will be provided! 

6. How do I RSVP for orientation? 

To RSVP for Orientation, visit this website and complete the New Student Questionnaire. This questionnaire is important because we ask you to indicate your intended major, preferred start time for classes, and which Orientation you would like to attend. Once you submit this questionnaire, the Center for Student Success will receive your RSVP for Orientation and begin making your customized fall class schedule. 

7. Why do I have to attend Orientation? 

Orientation is a program meant to help new students connect and adjust to college even before their first day of class. It's a great opportunity to meet your classmates and possibly your new best friend. Students will learn about services and resources at the College. Throughout the day, students will go to sessions where they will learn about how to pay for college, how to stay safe on and near campus, and how to get involved on campus. Students receive their schedules at Orientation, and it's a great time to discuss what courses you need to take. Students will also engage in fun activities that will allow them to get to know their fellow Terriers! 

8. How do I register for my Fall courses?

Incoming students will NOT register themselves for their courses. An Advisor in the Center for Student Success will work hard to build the best possible schedule based on your responses to the New Student Questionnaire. Advisors will take into account your intended major as well as preferred start time when building your schedule. Schedules are built to ensure students start off their academic careers with the best possible sequence of courses and to ensure students are on track to completing their degrees. 

9. Can I see my schedule before attending Orientation? 

Unfortunately, schedules and Placement Test results cannot be released prior to Orientation. Students are required to attend Orientation where an Advisor will explain the process of building an incoming student's schedule and why the combination of courses were selected. 

10. What if I am concerned my schedule will conflict with personal responsibilities? 

We understand that each student may have a number of responsibilities outside of school. The New Student Questionnaire asks when you prefer to start your classes and the Advisors ask that you take into consideration your responsibilities when responding. If you have work in the morning, you may want to indicate a later start to your school day. If you need to be somewhere in the mid-afternoon you may want to consider an earlier start to your day. If when you receive your schedule and you are not satisfied, the Center for Student Success will have Add/Drop days throughout the summer to allow students to request changes to their schedules. Please note: some classes do have limited availability. If an Advisor feels you will be behind in your progress by not taking a course, they will indicate this, but will work with each student to find a suitable solution. 

11. I RSVP'd for an orientation but can no longer attend that date. What should I do? 

We hope that when students RSVP for an Orientation date, they are able to make it. However, we understand that things can come up. If you can no longer attend the Orientation that you RSVP'd for, please contact the Center for Student Success at 718.489.3443. The Center for Student Success will work to help reschedule your Orientation date. 

12. I am taking a College Now course or AP Exam/I am in an IB program. Can I earn college credit?

You might be able to earn credit if you are taking a College Now course or AP exam. If you earn(ed) a grade of "C" or better in your College Now course, St. Francis College may be able to grant you credit for that course. You will need to send an official copy of the College Now transcript with your final grade. If you are taking an AP Exam you will need to make sure that scores are sent to St. Francis College. In order to earn credit you need to receive a score of "3" or higher. 

The deadline to submit any College Now transcripts and/or AP score reports is August 17, 2018. 

13. Do I need to bring anything with me to Orientation? 

If you still need to submit the Immunization Form, high school transcripts, or Financial Aid Award Letter, you will be able to do so at Orientation. You might want to bring your cellphone to download apps like SFC Mobile and Canvas (and snap selfies with Rocky the mascot and your new friends!).

14. Is there a dress code for Orientation? 

We do not have a dress code for orientation. We do recommend that you dress comfortably. Please note: your ID photo will be taken at Orientation, so be prepared. Orientation takes place indoors and the air conditioning will be on so students will want to plan for what will help them feel comfortable. We do encourage our students to show their #TerrierPride! 

15. I have decided that I no longer want to attend St. Francis College. What do I need to do? 

We understand that St. Francis College may not be the right school for every student. If you decide that you are no longer attending St. Francis College, email your personal Admissions Counselor or the Admissions Office at admissions@sfc.edu. 

16. When is the first day of class? 

The Fall 2018 semester begins on September 5, 2018, but plan on attending Terrier Tuesday on September 4, 2018.

Nick Sulicki is an Academic Advisor in the Center for Student Success. One thing he likes about Brooklyn Heights is that you get the city feel without the crowds of Manhattan. It’s also a quick train ride to Manhattan if you ever need to go there!