Questions and Answers
- When will the program take place?
- Fall Quarter doesn't start until September 20, 2008. What happens during that week between FSSP and the Fall Quarter?
- Are Freshman Summer Start Program students real UCSB Students? Do the classes I take work toward graduation?
- Is there an orientation for FSSP or do I need to sign up for an orientation during the summer?
- How much does the program cost?
- Is Financial Aid available?
- What is my status for Financial Aid?
- When are fees due?
- What classes should I take?
- Should I enroll in Writing 1?
- Are there going to be tutoring services available?
- Will I be able to bring a car to campus?
- What banks are on campus?
- Should I bring a computer? Will the room I am living in during the summer have internet access?
- My question was not answered here. What should I do?
1. When will the program take place?
Move-in will be Thursdsy, July 31, 2008. Orientation is August 1-2, 2008. the program runs from August 2 - September 13, 2008. Classes begin on August 4, 2008.
2. Fall Quarter doesn't start until September 20, 2008. What happens during that week between FSSP and the Fall Quarter?
On September 13th, students will be allowed to move their belongings into their new residence hall for the interim week. Students, however, will not be allowed to live in the residence halls during that week, as they will be closed.
3. Are Freshman Summer Start Program students real UCSB Students? Do the classes I take work toward graduation?
Yes, Freshman Summer Start Program students are real UCSB students! The classes students in the program take are regular academic classes. The units you earn this summer will contribute to the total units needed to graduate and will be computed into your UC GPA. In addition, all academic policies and the student code of conduct apply to you as a student in the Freshman Summer Start Program.
4. Is there an orientation for FSSP or do I need to sign up for an orientation during the summer?
Any student attending FSSP should sign up for the FSSP Orientation session that is on August 1-2, 2008. This Orientation will cover the same information as other Orientation sessions, but will be tailored specifically for FSSP students. Sign up for Orientation online at www.sa.ucsb.edu/orientation. For questions regarding Orientation, please contact Orientation Programs at 805-893-3443.
5. How much does the program cost?
Although our fees must still be approved by the Chancellor, we expect the cost of the program to be about $4,250. This fee includes student fees, double-occupancy housing, food, and all extracurricular activities. (Non-California residents pay the same as California residents during FSSP.) It does not include the cost of Orientation, textbooks, or incidental expenses. (Single occupancy housing includes a $248 additional fee.)
6. Is Financial Aid available?
Yes! Financial aid is available to students who qualify. In 2007, FSSP students received over $403,000 in grants and loans. Students will qualify for gift aid, such as scholarships and grants, that does not need to be paid back. Students who receive a financial aid package can usually expect to receive loans to be paid back. Most students have already filled out a 2008-2009 FAFSA. Students wishing to apply for financial aid for FSSP must also fill out a 2007-2008 FAFSA as soon as possible, but no later than June 30, 2008.
For students applying after June 30, 2008, only alternative loans are available.
7.What is my status for Financial Aid?
For specific questions regarding your financial aid package, please contact the Financial Aid office at (805) 893-2432. Remember, the sooner you complete your 2007-2008 FAFSA, the sooner you will know your financial aid status for the summer.
8. When are fees due?
FSSP billing statements will be sent through UCSB's Billing - Accounts Receivable (BARC) Office in late June or early July with a July 16th billing date. In order to be in good standing with the university, you must either pay the bill or make arrangements with the BARC Office by the July 15th date. You can reach the BARC Office at 805-893-3756.
9. What classes should I take?
After being accepted into the program, you will receive a schedule of classes and begin the process of signing up for classes. You should first read the course descriptions and mark classes that sound interesting to you. If you already have a major in mind, you may want to take an introductory course to see if the major is a good choice. If you are undeclared, you may want to try out a course in a major that sounds appealing. (To view and download major requirement sheets, please visit the Registrar's website at: www.registrar.ucsb.edu.) Also, you should know that you really can't make a bad decision since the courses listed will fulfill at least one of the following: general education requirement, a major requirement, or elective credit towards graduation. The courses to avoid are those that duplicate credit you have previously earned with AP/IB scores or with college courses you may have completed while in high school.
10. Should I enroll in Writing 1?
Have you satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement? (See Writing Program website for the various ways to satisfy this requirement.) If you have satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement do not enroll in Writing 1 as you will not receive credit for this course. You may consider enrolling in one of the subsequent writing courses (Writing 2) provided you are not duplicating credit that you have received from previous exams or coursework.
11. Are there going to be tutoring services available?
Tutoring services will be available through Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS). CLAS will be actively involved with the Freshman Summer Start Program and is available to all registered UCSB students. In addition to tutorial services, CLAS runs workshops in time management, study skills, how to take effective notes in a college lecture, and exam preparation. We heavily encourage all students to take advantage of CLAS services.
12. Will I be able to bring a car to campus?
You will be able to bring a car to UCSB, but the parking situation on campus is quite crowded. Most parking spaces for students are a significant walk from the residence halls. In addition, you will need to buy a quarterly or annual parking permit from Parking Services. You can call them at (805) 893-7275 (for automated information) or visit their website at www.tps.ucsb.edu.
13. What banks are on campus?
UCSB has ATM's from Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Golden 1 Credit Union. In addition, for a service charge of 75 cents, students can cash personal checks up to $50 and paychecks, UCSB, parents', and government checks for any amount at the UCen Cashier. Money orders, travelers checks, and a fax service are also available. A current UCSB Student ID Card is necessary for check cashing.
14. Should I bring a computer? Will the room I am living in during the summer have internet access?
Students may find it more convenient to bring their own computers. However, it is not necessary for students to own their own computer. San Nicolas Residence Hall has a computer lab open during the day. In addition, the UCSB campus has nine state of the art computer labs open to UCSB students. Hours of operation fluctuate, but computer labs are generally accessible during the day through early evening. Schedules will be available online shortly before the summer begins. All rooms in San Nicolas are equipped with high speed internet access.
15. My question was not answered here. What should I do?
You can call Jesse Bernal, the Program Manager for the Freshman Summer Start Program at (805) 893-2377 from 9am-noon and 1pm-4pm or e-mail him at j.bernal@summersessions.ucsb.edu. He can help you answer any specific questions you may have.
For additional information contact UCSB Summer Sessions
Phone: 805-893-2377 FAX: 805-893-7306 Email: Jesse Bernal
