SEARCH:

Frequently Asked Questions

Ten FAQs: Applying for admission, audit vs. credit, deferred tuition, fees, parking, dropping a course, and much more:

#10—If I decide to apply for admission, what should I do?

We welcome your application! If you wish to apply to an undergraduate degree program, please contact the Admissions Office at (315) 470-6600 or esfinfo@esf.edu. Or, if you're interested in pursuing a graduate degree, please contact the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies at (315) 470-6599 or esfgrad@esf.edu. You may discuss with either office the courses taken as a non-matriculated student.

#9—What's the difference between auditing a course and taking it as non-credit?

Either way, we invite you to take the course! Audit vs. Non-credit . . .

Audit the course if you do not need a grade, but you want it recorded on an official college transcript. You will receive an evaluation of "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" audit on the transcript. Course requirements are established individually with the instructor. Full tuition is charged.

Take the course as non-credit if you are taking it for personal interest. No grade is assigned and no official record is maintained. Please note: A student will not earn credit for a course taken as non-credit; students are not permitted to change their status from non-credit to credit once registered. The difference in cost is approximately 33% less per credit hour for both undergraduate and graduate level courses.

#8—If my employer will pay for tuition, but not until the course ends, what should I do?

Once you register, a bill from the Bursar's Office will be mailed to you. Pay the student and college fees and request to defer the tuition portion of the bill. Request a form from the Bursar's Office (promissory note) to defer the tuition payment. Return the completed promissory note to the Bursar's Office by the due date on the bill. You may call (315) 470-6652 or email kggolden@esf.edu. You are ultimately responsible for payment.

#7—Can I use facilities at Syracuse University?

Non-matriculated students, taking courses for credit, will have access only to the libraries at Syracuse University.

#6—Where do I get my books?

The SU Bookstore in the Schine Student Center, or Follett’s Orange Bookstore in Marshall Square Mall. Your instructor should tell you where the books are available.

#5—Am I eligible for financial aid?

No. Only matriculated students qualify for financial aid, including part-time matriculated students.

#4—Will I receive an SU ID Number?

New, non-matriculated students taking courses for credit will be issued a 9-digit SU ID number to allow access to Blackboard and create a NetID. (Please note: this is not the same as an SU ID card issued to matriculated students.) Please maintain this SU ID number for your records as it will not change and will be needed for all future semesters. More information will be included in your Welcome packet. Students auditing courses or taking courses for non-credit will not be issued an SU ID number.

#3—How do I get a log-in and access library services?

To get your Network ID and a password, refer to my ESF NetID (SU ID number required) and Password.

To check out library materials, and for other library services, students taking courses for credit must present their CE ID card, their 10-digit SU ID number and a photo ID to the circulation desk. (Information on obtaining the 10th digit will be included in your Welcome packet.)

#2—Can I still drop a course and how much money will be refunded?

Yes, but check out the tuition details first. Check the academic calendar. You can drop a course with a full refund for the first week of classes only. After the first week, you will be liable for a portion of the tuition. Click on tuition details for an explanation of liability in the "Cancellation and Refund" section.

#1—Where can I park?

Evening Parking and Daytime Parking

If you’re coming to campus in the evening (after 5:00 pm) or on weekends, you can park on campus. Please obtain an evening parking pass from ESF University Police in Room 19, basement of Bray Hall. Present your completed automobile registration form, your CE ID card, a valid driver's license, and a valid vehicle registration when you apply.

Parking may not be available during major events at the Carrier Dome.

During the day, on-campus parking is not available. You may purchase a parking permit from Syracuse University or use on-street parking. For more information, contact SU's Parking and Transit Office at (315) 443-4652 or visit their web site at SU Parking and Transit Services.

Please be aware that vehicles found parked on the SUNY-ESF campus without a parking permit will be subject to ticketing and towing.