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 apply to a degree program, choose courses with the advice of a faculty curriculum advisor in that program. Courses taken as a non-matriculated student will be evaluated by your academic program. Your application will be evaluated through the Admissions Office for undergraduate programs or through the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies for graduate programs.

#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 may not earn credit for a course taken as non-credit.  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?

Yes, unless you are taking a course as noncredit. Many of the services and facilities at SU are open to you. You are entitled to use them because you’re paying a "student support services" fee. The fee becomes part of the contractual bill ESF pays SU for services such as libraries, computer facilities, and recreational facilities. Use your Continuing Education (CE) ID card for access to facilities. Non-credit students are not eligible for these services.

#6—What is a "Student Support Services" fee and a "College" fee?

It’s an administrative fee for registration processing.

#5—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.

#4—Am I eligible for financial aid?

Only matriculated students qualify for financial aid, including part-time matriculated students. Non-matriculated students can seek outside employment - check out the jobs locator service bulletin board on the first floor of Bray Hall.

#3—How do I get a log in and a library card?

To get your Network ID and a password, refer to my ESF NetID and Password.

To obtain a library card that gives you access to Moon Library on the SUNY-ESF campus and the libraries at SU, present your CE ID card and a picture ID (driver's license, etc.) at the Moon Library or SU Bird Library Circulation Desk.

#2—Can I still drop this course and how much money will I get back?

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, and a valid vehicle registration when you apply.

Spaces are limited during major events at the Carrier Dome. 

During the day, there is no on-campus parking. You may park on SU lots or use on-street parking. There is a SU parking lot adjacent to our campus, at Stadium Place and Standart Street (lot 9). You may also park at Manley Field House and take a shuttle bus to campus. The shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes. For more information, contact SU parking at 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. Syracuse University Public Safety and city police enforce the parking and towing regulations.