Summer Scholars Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Program Questions

Image: Fairfield bannerQ: What is the criteria for acceptance into the program?
A: Fairfield University is looking for engaged and curious rising junior and senior high school students to participate in the program. Qualified applicants must have earned a cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 to participate. Prior to the start of class, approximately five hours of pre-program reading or preparation is required (online).

Q: Can my daughter/son take more than one class?
A: Due to the rigorous nature of the two-week residential option, students will only be allowed to enroll in one class during that time. However, the entire summer course schedule, both in the classroom and online, is available to qualified students. Please contact Continuing Studies office to discuss additional cred options over the summer.

Q: Is there financial aid?
A: There is no financial aid available for the Summer Scholars program.

Q: Who will enroll in these courses?
A: High School students will take these courses alongside current college students. Courses will be no larger than 20 students.

Q: Can this college credit be transferred to other schools?
A: In many cases, credits earned through Fairfield University will be accepted at other institutions. Fairfield University cannot guarantee that credits earned on our campus will be transferable to other Universities. Therefore, students and their families are encouraged to check with individual schools regarding the transferability of Fairfield University credits.

Residency Questions

Q: Are there other options beyond the Summer Scholars Residence Program for my high school student?
A: Yes, students can commute from home, attend the two-week course, and participate in the extra-curricular and enrichment activities offered outside of class.

Q: Can my child come home over the weekend?
A: If your child takes part in the residence option, he/she must remain on-campus for the weekend. Commuting students do not stay on campus overnight or for the weekends. If students must go home for emergency reasons, students are required to contact their Resident Assistant and fill out the proper paperwork.

Image: QuadQ: Who is available to help my child outside of the classroom?
A: Resident Assistants are college-aged students who will live with the summer scholars during the duration of the program. They will host social programs for the residential students on a nightly basis. They will also accompany students on all field trips off campus. They are also available 24 hours a day if a question or concern arises.

Q: Where will my child eat?
A: Summer Scholars will eat most meals in the Barone campus Center Main dining room. Some meals will be served within their residential hall or at an off-campus location.

Q: What are campus amenities that my child can enjoy while on campus?
A:Summer Scholars will have access to the entire campus during their program. This includes but is not limited to the Recreational complex, University Fields, Library, dining facility and snack bar.

Q: What should my child pack?
A: Please refer to our 'what to bring' checklist.

Q: Is there security on campus?
A: Yes. Our Department of Public Safety is staffed with 27 full-time members who patrol campus on bike, foot, and vehicle 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Q: What is a typical day like?
A: Please view last year's schedule. Closer to arrival, participants will receive a finalized schedule.

Q: Can students bring their cars?
A: Residential students are not permitted to bring cars to campus. Fairfield University will provide transportation for off-campus activities.

Other

Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Contact Fairfield University's Continuing Studies at (203) 254-4110 and make sure to reference the Summer Scholars program. Or e-mail summerscholars@fairfield.edu.