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Open Academy
Getting Started as a Visiting Student

Welcome! We’re thrilled to welcome you to SUNY ESF! Whether you are a visiting student, cross-registered student, audit student or high school student, once your enrollment is confirmed via email from the Assistant Director of Special Sessions, here are the steps you can take to be sure you’re ready to begin your course(s).

As, as a visiting student with ESF, you are expected to follow the student code of conduct within our ESF Student Handbook.

Step 1: Activate your SU NetID

Visit the SU NetID SelfServ webpage to activate your SU NetID. Because of the unique relationship ESF has with Syracuse University, you will be issued a 9-digit SUID, an SU NetID credential (username and password) and an SU email (NetID@syr.edu). Your SUID can be found in your confirmation of enrollment email. Your official student email will be your SU NetID@syr.edu email account. Your SU NetID will be used to access:

  • MySlice - The class registration portal for matriculated students, and where visiting students can search for courses
  • Blackboard - The learning management system used for most classes at ESF and Syracuse University
  • SUmail - Your @syr.edu email platform. Your SUMail address (SU NetID@syr.edu) will be your official student email. Login here: SUmail Log In
  • Other student services offered through SU - Other Student Services

If you experience issues with activating your SU NetID, please contact the SU Help Desk.

Step 2: Activate your ESFiD

Visit the ESFiD Activation webpage to set up your ESFiD. Your "ESFiD" credential is used to access various systems and information on our ESF campus. You will need to use the email address you provided on your Visiting Student Registration Form and your ESF PIN in order to set this up. Your ESF PIN can be found in your confirmation of enrollment email. Your ESFiD will be used to access:

  • MyESF - student records portal, including grade reports, FERPA waiver, financial aid information, emergency contact information
  • ESF.edu - student email ESF email log in
  • ESF Office 365 - Online versions of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneDrive, and more
  • SUNY Portal and other SUNY Systems

Step 3: Log into Blackboard

Most classes at ESF and SU use the Blackboard Learning Management System. You will receive a separate email from Syracuse University with instructions about how to log into your Blackboard account.

Step 4: Tuition, Fees and Billing

  • Tuition-Paying Visiting Students: Review the tuition and fees information to ensure you understand the cost of the courses. Bills can be accessed through your MyESFportal, which is also where you will pay your bill electronically. Please refer to the Bursar's website for payment due dates.
  • Cross-Registered Students: Please connect with your home university/campus Bursar's Office for more information.
  • Audit Students: Your bill can be access through your MyESFportal, which will reflect a $50 audit charge.

Step 5: Immunization History Form

Visiting students born after Jan. 1, 1957, and who are enrolling in 6 credits or more of on-campus courses in a semester are required by the NYS Public Health Law Section 2165 to provide proof of immunization against Measles-Mumps-Rubella. For more information about required immunizations and about how to provide documentation, please visit the Division of Student Affairs.

Step 6: Identification Card

To obtain your ESF identification card, you will need your SUID. This can be found in your confirmation of enrollment email. Report to 111 Waverly Ave (Housing, Meal Plan, and ID Card Services) on the Syracuse University campus (adjacent to ESF's campus) with your SUID and personal identification (driver's license or passport). Call 315-443-2721 with any questions.

Your ESF ID card will be used to access resources located on campus and for security purposes, you should carry it with you on campus at all times. If you are taking online only courses, obtaining ESF ID is not necessary.

Step 7: Ordering Textbooks

Please reference the procedures on ESF's buying textbooks p. Summer semester students are also encouraged to contact their instructor for textbook information if none is listed on the ESF buying textbooks web page.

Step 8: Campus Parking

Daytime Parking on Campus: Daytime parking is restricted due to the limited parking spaces available. If you wish to purchase a parking pass from our neighbor, Syracuse University, please connect with them directly (email: parking@syr.edu, phone: 315-443-4652 or website: https://parking.syr.edu/).

Evening (after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) and Weekend Parking: Parking during this time is generally available during these times on the SUNY ESF campus. You may encounter restrictions during major Dome events. To park on campus during evening hours or on the weekends, you must register your car with the ESF University Police Department, located in the basement of Bray Hall (19 Bray Hall). Present a completed automobile registration form, your ESF ID card, your current driver's license, and a valid vehicle registration.

Additional Information for the Semester:

Final Grade & Transcript Request: Upon request, final grades will be mailed by the Registrar's Office at the end of the grading period. To request a transcript, follow the instructions on the Registrar's web page and use the transcript request form. Please note this is not applicable for audit students.

End-of-Course Evaluations: As a visiting student, you are strongly encouraged to complete the end-of-course evaluation for the course(s) you complete. Your instructor will inform you when these evaluations are available for your completion. The end-of-course evaluations will be sent to your student @syr.edu email from the ESF Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies.

Withdrawing from a Course: Note that non-attendance, non-participation, informing the instructor, and/or non-payment of tuition is not sufficient notice of intent to withdraw from a course.

Complete an ESF Individual Course Withdrawal Form (with your instructor's signature) and return the form to the Assistant Director of Special Sessions in the Open Academy, smyurka@esf.edu, for processing.

Request for Special Accommodations: Visiting students can request special accommodations through the Syracuse University Center for Disability Resources (CDR) by submitting a registration form. After submitting the registration form, the visiting student will be contacted by an SU CDR Access Counselor who will assist with getting set up and provide a letter to the instructor of record. In addition, a welcome meeting will be arranged. You can find additional information on the CDR web page.

Best wishes for a successful semester at ESF.
Thank you for choosing ESF!