UNF - Admissions - Freshman Experience FAQ

Freshman Experience FAQs

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What is the Freshman Experience?

The Freshman Experience — living and learning at UNF — ensures that you get plugged in to a robust residential life, forge relationships with a diverse group of peers and build a strong academic foundation. In our continuous effort to cultivate student success, UNF is excited to implement a campus living and dining requirement for first-time-in-college students effective summer 2012.
Who is required to live on campus?

All first-time-in-college students are required to live on campus in one of our vibrant residence hall complexes as part of the Freshman Experience. According to Florida’s Board of Governors, a student who has never attended a college or who has attended a college and earned less than twelve (12) semester credit hours of academic credit after high school graduation is considered a First-Time-in-College student (http://www.flbog.org/forstudents/ati/ftcs.php). If you are entering UNF directly after graduating high school or you are transferring from another institution with fewer than 12 credit hours, you are required to live on campus. Students who are in high school and taking courses on our campus through dual enrollment or early admission are NOT required to live on campus. But if they decide to attend UNF after graduating high school they will be required to live on campus during their first year as a full-time UNF student. Students who transfer to UNF from another institution and have earned 12 or more credit hours after high school graduation are exempt from this policy.
What happens if I do not sign up for housing and a meal plan?

First-time-in-college students who fail to participate in the Freshman Experience policy will not be allowed to register for classes. Course registration is conducted with trained advisors during freshman orientation. This means that students should take steps to secure housing and dining contracts beforehand. Course registration will not be allowed during orientation or afterward until a student has a signed housing and dining contract or an official exemption.
Why is UNF implementing this policy?

Contrary to remarks made by some, the Freshman Experience policy is not designed as a money-making venture. In fact, occupancy rates in our residence halls are consistently higher than 90 percent. We also do not plan to use this policy to expand our appeal solely to students outside the state of Florida. The University of North Florida is committed to ensuring the academic and personal success of all its students. In working to fulfill this commitment, throughout the past several years we have learned that living in on-campus housing can make a world of difference in what our students take away from their college experience and in their success rates. The benefits of living on campus are especially significant for students who have just graduated from high school and are attending their first year of college. Research tells us that those students who live on campus during their first year have higher grade point averages, make a smoother transition from high school to college, have higher retention and graduation rates, report greater satisfaction with their college experience and make better use of the educational and support services provided by their universities than do commuter students.
What specific research supports the benefits of living on campus?
What specific research supports the benefits of living on campus?
UNF has compiled a report of several studies that document the beneficial effects of campus living on students’ academic and social performance. Some include:
- “Crossing the Finish Line: Completing College at America’s Public Universities” by Bowen, William G., Chingos, Matthew M., McPherson, M.S. Princeton University Press, 2009
- “Measuring Outcomes of Living-Learning Programs: Examining College Environments and Student Learning and Development” by Inkelas, Karen Kurotsuchi, Vogt, Kristen E., Longerbeam, Susan D., Owen, Julie E. The Journal of General Education, Volume 55, Number 1, 2006, pp. 40-76
- “What matters to student success: A review of the literature” by
- Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Buckley, J., Bridges, B., and Hayek, J. C. Bloomington: Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research, 2006
- “Student Involvement: A Developmental Theory for Higher Education” by Alexander W. Astin (1984). Journal of College Student Personnel, 25(3), 297-308
- “The Other Curriculum: Out-of-Class Experiences Associated with Student Learning and Personal Development” by Kuh, G. D. (1995). Journal of Higher Education, 66(2), 123-155
- “Predictors of Academic Success for Freshmen Residence Hall Students” by Zheng, J. Lily; Saunders, Kevin P.; Shelley, Mack C., II; Whalen, Donald F. Journal of College Student Development, Vol 43(2), Mar-Apr 2002, 267-283
- “The Impact of College Residence on the Development of Critical Thinking Skills in College Freshmen by Patricia Inman, Ernest Pascarella Journal of College Student Development, v39 n6 p557-68 Nov-Dec 1998
- “Contributors to Student Satisfaction With Special Program (Fresh Start) Residence Halls” by Donald F Whalen. Journal of College Student Development. Washington: Mar/Apr 2005. Vol. 46, Iss. 2; pg. 176, 17 pgs
- “The Effects of Residential Learning Communities and Traditional Residential Living Arrangements on Educational Gains During the First Year of College” by Pike, Gary R. Journal of College Student Development, Vol 40(3), May-Jun 1999, 269-284
What are the costs?

There is a wide range of housing options to suit most students’ needs.
Housing plans start at about $2,240 per semester (based on fall or spring; summer rates are lower). When living in campus housing during the first year, students must also purchase an on-campus meal plan. There are several different meal plans to choose from depending on the student’s individual needs. The minimal plan provides for 10 meals per week and costs about $1,632 per semester (based on fall or spring; summer rates are lower).
Do I have to participate?

All first-time-in-college students must participate. Students who are married, 21 or older or have a dependent child may be exempted from this requirement. The University will also consider requests for exemptions based on medical or disability circumstances, as well as cases where significant personal hardship would be incurred. No student will be allowed to attend Orientation without signed, completed Housing and Dining contracts or official exemptions on file. Students who do not attend Orientation cannot attend UNF.
How do I sign up to live on campus?

We have provided a Housing Contract in a PDF format on our website at http://housing.unf.edu/contract.asp for you to download, complete and then return to the Housing and Residence Life office at 1 UNF Drive Building 14B, Jacksonville, FL 32224.
How do I sign up for a meal plan?

There are several options for you on our website: http://www.dineoncampus.com/unf/show.cfm?cmd=MealPlans
What if I have a medical condition?

Our residence halls offer options for certain medical situations, but in instances where our facilities will not meet your needs, we will grant an exemption. Please complete the form on the President’s website at www.unf.edu/president/Exemption_from_First_Year_Housing_and_Meal_Plan.aspx
How am I expected to pay for this?

UNF will do everything it its power to help you finance this investment in your future. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Financial Aid staff members will evaluate each student’s needs and make awards according to state and federal guidelines. We recommend filing your FAFSA as early as possible. For more information, please click here (http://www.unf.edu/onestop/finaid/).
What is UNF offering to make the Freshman Experience unique?

The Freshman Experience will offer students a chance to participate in Venture Studies (http://www.unf.edu/coas/venture/), living/learning communities (http://housing.unf.edu/llc.asp) and robust programming in the residence halls that will provide excellent co- and extra-curricular activities to enhance the academic experience. Life in the residence halls will offer students a chance to participate in many long-standing UNF traditions such as Midnight Buffets during midterms and finals, Swoop the Loop, Mudfest, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Haunted Halls, Spring Fling, Challenge on the Knoll and various competitions between each of the halls, not to mention individual programming in each of the residence halls and on the different floors.
What is there to do for fun on campus?

You’ll have access to all our campus has to offer including our miles of nature trails, the new Student Union with game rooms, the new student wellness complex complete with state-of-the-art work out equipment, a plethora of concerts in Coxwell Amphitheater, numerous Division I athletics events or just hanging out on one of Florida’s best nature preserves.
What is the minimum amount of time I have to live on campus?

UNF students who begin in the summer or fall terms are required to live in campus housing during their first fall and spring terms. Students who begin in the spring term will need to live on campus during that first spring term and during the next term the student is enrolled (summer or fall).
Can I bring my car to campus?

Yes, you may. Each residence hall complex has adjacent or other designated parking. Visit the Parking Services website for details about parking decals. Click here (http://www.unf.edu/parking/) for more details.
Can I pick my roommate?

You may make a roommate request and every attempt will be made to honor it.
What is the minimum meal plan to meet this requirement?

When living in campus housing during the first year, students must also purchase an on-campus meal plan. (This includes those students who elect to live on campus during their initial summer term.) We have a variety of meal plans to meet your needs. The minimum number of meals offered per week is 10. Please click here (http://www.dineoncampus.com/unf/show.cfm?cmd=residents) for more information.
What if I have dietary or religious restrictions?

Every effort is made to offer meals that are healthy and well balanced. If you have a dietary or religious restriction, please contact Chartwells on campus. Chartwells Dining Services (http://www.dineoncampus.com/unf/) can accommodate many religious and health requirements. Students are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with Dining Services staff in advance of submitting an exemption request.If you are concerned that your needs will not be met, you may request an exemption from the mandatory meal plan policy.
Can I appeal before I apply?

You must at least have an application on file before you can submit an appeal, although your application package does not need to be complete. We strongly recommend waiting until you receive your admission decision so we can fully assess your situation.
How are exemptions determined?

Exemptions for the mandatory first-year campus residency requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who are married, over the age of 21 or have a dependent child may be exempted from this requirement. The university will also consider requests for exemptions based on medical circumstances, as well as cases where significant personal hardship would be incurred. Supporting documentation will be required.
How does the appeals process work?

Requests for exemption consideration will be processed through the President's Office. More information is available at http://www.unf.edu/president/Exemption_from_First_Year_Housing_and_Meal_Plan.aspx .
If I receive an exemption for housing am I automatically exempted from the meal plan? Or vice versa?

Students who are exempted from housing will not be required to purchase a meal plan; however, students who are exempted from the meal plan requirement must still live in on-campus housing unless a separate exemption has been granted.

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