Frequently Asked Questions
Career Planning
What types of services does the Career Planning Center offer?
- Workshops on using the Career Planning Center effectively, resume writing, interviewing skills, making the most of the Career Fair, professionalism and others.
- Strong Interest and Myers-Briggs assessments. These are great ways to help clarify interests and validate student career goals. They can be administered individually or in a group setting.
- Personalized one-on-one career counseling sessions. Call extension 4081 to make an appointment ... it's never too early!
- Alumni career panels that discuss careers in communication, finance, science, non-profit, and many more.
- Experience (eRecruiting) - a web-based career management system that Fairfield and over 500 other organizations use across the country. Students upload their resume and apply for positions electronically and employers review the resumes and invite them to interview.
- Two career fairs each year that attract between 80-100 companies, hospitals and non-profits looking for full-time and internship candidates.
- Fairfield Alumni Network (FAN) provides access to a network of alumni who are interested in helping students sort through career questions and perhaps network.
- The CPC has a resource room open to all students with information available on corporate annual reports, non-profit newspapers, resume writing guides, job search strategies, and graduate school preparation.
- www.fairfield.edu/cpc has job boards and industry information.
Can a first-year student meet with a Career Planning counselor?
Yes! First-year students can make an appointment with the Career Planning Center to meet with a counselor, talk about your goals, aspirations and how to best utilize the next four years.
Is there a timeline students should follow to be on track for graduation?
First Year
- Make an appointment with the Career Planning Center to meet with a counselor, talk about goals, aspirations and how to best utilize the next four years.
Sophomore Year
- Make an appointment with a Career Planning Center counselor.
- Consider taking one or both of the "self-assessment inventories" such as the Myers-Briggs, or the Strong Interest Inventory. These are not designed to tell students what they should do, rather to help them get a better handle on where their strengths might be directing them.
- Begin drafting a resume.
- Log into Experience to get familiar with how it works. If a student is an accounting or finance major there might be internships available here.
Junior Year
- Review resume with a Career Planning Center counselor to develop it further and add summer activities.
- Upload resume to Experience for summer internships. Internships are very important and employers look for them.
- Practice interviewing techniques with counselors and take advantage of mock interview opportunities with prospective employers.
- Attend workshops and employer presentations on campus.
- Participate in the Career Fair to see what it is like and begin meeting and researching potential employers.
Senior Year
- Fine-tune resume by adding summer jobs and senior classes.
- Sharpen interviewing techniques.
- Read the Experience calendar daily.
- Network with alumni through the Fairfield Alumni Network (FAN).
- Attend the fall and spring Career Fair.
- Update resume on Experience.
- Apply for specific jobs by uploading your resume to that job description.
- Participate in REAL interviews.
- Secure a position.
Does the Career Planning Center have career fairs?
Yes, Fairfield has one career fair each semester on campus in addition to a fair specifically for nursing students in early November. There are also many other career fairs around the area that the Career Planning Center encourages students to attend.
Where is the Career Planning Center located?
The Career Planning Center is located in the Kelley Center
Mail Service
What is my son/daughter mailbox number?
All undergraduate students have a mailbox. New students are informed of their mailbox number during the summer via e-mail from the Office of New Student Programs.
Do students keep the same mail box all four years?
Yes, unless the student withdraws from the University. If so, they must then re-apply for a mailbox upon returning.
Who signs the accountable mail?
The mailroom staff signs all accountable mail delivered by USPS, UPS, and FED EX. Notification slips are placed in student mailboxes when packages arrive for them.
What address should mail for students be sent to?
Use the following format:
Student Name
Box XXXX
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
To expedite delivery, do not use the term 'P.O. Box.' Rather, use only 'Box.'
What size packages can be mailed?
From cell phones to futons - just about any size package can be accepted.
What happens to the mail for students studying abroad?
All first-class mail is forwarded home on weekly basis.
What happens to student mail during the summer?
All first class USPS mail is forwarded home on daily basis unless the student has made arrangements with the mailroom if they are staying on campus. UPS or Fed-ex cannot be forwarded according to their policy.
Health Center
Will I be notified if my student is ill and goes to the Health Center?
Any student over the age of 18 years is an adult and is entitled to confidentiality protection under the law; therefore all student encounters at the Health Center fall under provider-patient confidentiality statutes. This being said, the Health Center staff recognizes students may be inexperienced in navigating the healthcare system and making healthcare decisions. We always encourage students to call their parent/guardian for input at such times. We will only speak with family members with written consent of the student. This consent remains in place only for the encounter at which it was signed.
What if my student signs a release of information prior to coming to Fairfield University and files it with the Health Center?
The Health Center requires that students sign a release for each visit. Releases that are signed in advance can be nullified at any time by the student. While this may be difficult for parents to understand, please keep in mind that your student is a young adult and part of the college experience is to learn to be responsible for your own health.
What about a medical emergency?
If a student is sent to the emergency room and is unable to notify his/her parents the Health Center will call the emergency contact. If we are unsuccessful the hospital staff will notify you. After hours an area coordinator from the Office of Residence Life notifies parents if a student is transported to the hospital by ambulance.
What should my student bring with him/her to school to care for his/her health?
One of the most important things that the student should bring is their insurance card. Please encourage your child to carry this with them in case of emergency and to bring it with them when they come to the Health Center for a visit. There is no charge for visits, however we often send students out for further testing. Please be sure to inform your student which laboratories they can use with their insurance and if they need a referral should they need a specialist appointment. The Health Center treats common illnesses and injuries, but we often send students for blood work or x-rays. If your insurance is an HMO or out of state plan please be sure that it can be used in Fairfield, CT. If not, we suggest that you purchase the Gallagher Koster policy offered by the University as a supplement to your insurance. All full-time undergraduate students are required to have health insurance.
If students take medications on a routine basis please be sure they have a supply that will last until they come home or that they have a prescription on file at a local pharmacy. This is especially important for medications that are controlled substances. Please be aware that the Health Center does not routinely prescribe narcotics, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics or ADD/ADHD medicines.
Send your student with things that you usually have in your medicine cabinet. These include a thermometer, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, decongestants, antacids, band-aids, and first-aid supplies.
Housing and Residence Life
Do you have First-Year-only residence halls? And are the student residences co-ed or single-sex?
All first-year students live together. Currently, first-year students are assigned to live in Jogues Hall, Campion Hall, Gonzaga Hall, and Regis Hall. All residence halls are co-ed, either by wing or floor.
When will my student find out his/her room assignment?
All first-year students will receive their room assignment and roommate information in mid-August to their University Gmail account. There may be a need for the Office of Residence Life to change a particular room assignment and students will be notified individually if this occurs. Students should contact their roommate after receiving this information to introduce themselves and determine who will bring what items, in particular those that will be shared (e.g., television, rug).
Do students need to be on a meal plan? Where do students eat on-campus?
Yes, all students living in one of the nine residence halls must purchase and participate in a meal plan.
The main dining hall is located on the fourth floor of the Barone Campus Center. Additional cash locations (which accept Dining Dollars and StagBucks) include the Stag Snack Bar (which includes a made to order deli, pizza, and grill stations) and Jazzman's Cafe. There is also Angelo's Pizza in the Levee, which is independently managed and accepts only StagBucks or cash.
Will my student be able to live at "The Beach" senior year?
Each year the Office of Residence Life releases a predetermined number of rising senior students to off-campus boarder status. This release terminates the University's housing contract, allowing students to live off-campus. Not all students will be released; therefore, students should not sign leases for off-campus housing until they are released to off-campus boarder status.
Campus Safety
How safe is campus? How many crimes occur on campus?
The Campus Crime Report 2010 is available online. The function of the Department of Public Safety is to ensure that the entire university community stays as free as possible from crime. Officers prevent, investigate and report any violations of state or federal law and/or University regulations on campus.
What happens if there is hostage situation, fire/explosion, hazardous material release/gas leak, bomb threat, violent intruder, weather emergencies, etc.?
The Department of Public Safety officers are highly-trained, first responders and are prepared to take action to any emergency situation that may arise on campus. A crisis management team and incident management team are in place to allow immediate response by individuals performing specific roles and functions already predefined. An emergency management plan has been developed by the Department of Public Safety as part of our ongoing effort to protect Fairfield University students, faculty, and staff. Faculty and staff have participated in informational programs where emergency guides are reviewed and distributed for initial actions and response options in the event of an emergency. Please visit the Emergency Plan website for detailed information.
What campus safety systems are in place?
- Residence hall card access system
- Emergency call box phone system
- Closed circuit television system
- Whistle defense program
- Connected Emergency Notification system
- Crime prevention seminars, security bulletins, and information via the campus television network
Dining Services
How does a student know which meal plan he/she should chose?
If a student eats breakfast every day, the 14 meals/week plan is better suited to their needs than the 12 meals/week. We recommend that students attend their classes for two weeks to be sure that their schedule permits them to eat as frequently as they are accustomed to and so that they may get a feeling for the offerings during each meal period. Most students will want some flexibility to be able eat in the Stag Snack Bar or just grab something quick at Jazzman's Café so the 19 meals/week plan is geared mainly towards certain student athletes. Most students choose the 12 meals/$100 dining dollars plan.
What kinds of options are available for students with allergies or other special dietary needs?
Although we do not use peanuts or tree nuts in any of the dishes prepared for service in the main dining room, there may be traces of nuts in some areas of the servery. It is imperative that students contact the Dining Services office, preferably before orientation, at (203) 254-4055 in order to have their individual needs met. We will schedule a meeting to discuss his or her specific eating habits and needs. Our chefs and managers will explain our weekly online menus and our gluten free menu so they may pick their meal choices for each day, and communicate them to us so that we may prepare their meal at the time that they specify.
Do Dining Dollars carry over to the next semester?
Dining Dollars, which may be used at any campus dining facility, are NOT carried over from fall to spring in the same academic year, nor do they carry over to future academic years. There is no credit for unused Dining Dollars. StagBucks, which may be purchased as "add on dollars" to be used after Dining Dollars are exhausted, are accepted at all dining facilities and are valid until a student's graduation withdrawal from the university. StagBucks are also accepted at the University Bookstore and campus vending machines, and can also be used to pay of additional laundry cycles or print jobs once those allotments have been exhausted. You can add StagBucks online at www.stagcard.com after they have opened an account, at the Value Station next to the ATM in the BCC, over the phone by calling (203) 254-4000 ext. 4009, or in person at the StagCard office located in the Kelly Center.
Can "meal swipes" be used in the Stag Snack Bar?
No, meal swipes may only be used in the main dining room one time per meal period. The Stag Snack Bar accepts Dining Dollars, Stag Bucks, credit/debit cards, and cash.
Where can we find more information about Fairfield University Dining Services?
Online at www.fairfielddiningservices.com or by calling (203) 254-4055
New Student Programs
Please note: Visit the new student orientation page for specific questions regarding the June orientation sessions.
What is the First Year Experience Program?
The First Year Experience (FYE) program, a requirement for all incoming, undergraduate first-year students, is focused on teaching Fairfield's core Jesuit values, cultivating student self-discovery, and exploring the importance of community. FYE includes a yearlong seminar, designated campus events for students to attend throughout the year, a mentoring program, and a service learning component. A faculty or staff Community Associate (CA) and a student First Year Mentor (FYM) lead FYE groups by teaching the FYE seminar and serving as a resource for students in their transition to Fairfield. An FYM is a student who was selected after an intensive hiring process to serve the role of mentor, advisor, acquaintance, facilitator, and resource for incoming students. The FYM co-teaches with a CA to discuss different issues and topics related to the first-year experience. A CA is a faculty or staff member who teaches the FYE course and brings professional experience, wisdom, and guidance to their group. Please visit fairfield.edu/student/new_fye.html
Transportation and Parking
As students are not permitted to have cars on campus during their first two years, how will my student get around campus? If he/she needs to get off campus to do some shopping, how would he/she do so?
All residence halls are a short walk from all classroom buildings, as well as the dining hall. Therefore, a student does not need to have a car on campus for normal activities of daily living. However, the University does provide a campus shuttle service for students. The shuttle also transports students off campus to local spots around Fairfield. As well, there is transportation assistance to major trains, airports, and ferries.
For more detailed information, you may log onto fairfield.edu/student/trans_getting_around.html
Student Records, Grades, Privacy
How do I get information on how my student is doing in his/her classes?
We strongly advise the cultivation of an open line of communication between you and your student to discuss, among other issues, academic issues.
The Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law which ensures the confidentiality of student educational records at Fairfield University. In accordance to this law, Fairfield University may not disclose information in a student's educational record to anyone without the express written permission of the student (unless disclosure is permitted by an exception set forth in FERPA, 20 U.S.C.A., Sec. 1232 et seq.) Therefore, parents are discouraged from directly contacting your student's professors for academic updates, as they are not permitted to speak with you without the student's permission.
In accordance to federal law, you will not be receiving any written updates from the University regarding your son/daughters academic progress.
It is understandable that a parent may be frustrated, or concerned by, lack of access to your student's academic records. If your concerns are urgent, and you feel you must speak to someone in the Academic Division, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate Dean's Office of your student's school (College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, Dolan School of Business, School of Engineering). An Assistant Dean will consult with you regarding the most appropriate way to proceed in communicating with your student and/or a faculty member.
For answers to additional questions regarding grades, academic records, and course registration, visit the Registar's site.
Financial Aid, Billing, and Payment
Is student financial aid automatically renewed every year?
No. Because family circumstances and demonstrated need changes from year to year, you must reapply for financial aid every year by completing the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Students receiving University grants or scholarships may only receive financial aid for eight consecutive semesters, provided they maintain eligibility.
When are payments due for each semester?
Full payment for the fall semester is due on August 1st and for the spring semester on January 1st.
Can I set-up a tuition payment plan?
The University makes available a monthly payment plan administered by Sallie Mae. The Sallie Mae monthly tuition payment plan offers a monthly system for paying all or part of the tuition and/or room and board or townhouse or apartment complex fees over a ten-month contract. While this plan carries an annual enrollment fee, there are no other fees or interest charges.
Please note: you can only budget your tuition and/or room and board or townhouse or apartment complex fees through this program; all other fees are due and payable directly to Fairfield University for the fall semester on August 1 and for the spring semester on January 1. The last possible date for enrollment is August 1, and no applications or increases in contracts can be made after that date. Sallie Mae contracts are renewed yearly.
For additional information, call Sallie Mae toll free at (800) 635-0120 (weekdays, 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET).
Are refunds available if a student is unable to attend or complete a semester for which payment has been made?
Refunds as the result of an official withdrawal from the University can be made and follow a strict schedule. Tuition insurance is available for students and their families to cover tuition, room and board charges in case a student is forced to withdraw from the University due to a personal illness (medical or mental health) or accident.
For answers to additional questions on financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (203) 254-4125 or finaid@fairfield.edu.
For answers to additional questions on billing and payment, contact the Office of the Bursar at (203) 254-4000 extension 2410, 4102, or 2165, or ebill@fairfield.edu.
Academics
What if my student wants to change his/her schedule after Orientation?
During the Fall Welcome, First Year Students will have an "add/drop" day. During that time students may change their classes before the class actually begins. There will be advisors there all day who can assist your student with their schedule. In addition, students may add/drop during the first week of classes (after classes have started). There will be no record on his/her transcript of the add/drop unless a course is dropped after the one-week add/drop period. Late withdrawal of a course will result in a withdrawal or "W" on his/her transcript.
What if my student does not have a declared major?
Many First Year Students enter college as undeclared or exploring with regard to the major. The Office of Exploratory Academic Advising assists all students who are undeclared, and who are in transition from one program of study to another. Students are encouraged to take classes that are of interest to them to help with their academic exploration. It is best for students to declare the major and/or a minor by the end of the second semester of the sophomore year. Also, students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the resources on campus to help them make decisions about majors and minors.
What if my student is struggling in a class?
There are many available resources in campus for students who may be experiencing some academic difficulty. There is tutoring in most major areas through Disability Support Services. Also, the Math Center and the Writing Center are easily accessible on campus. The Math Center is available to tutor and assist students with their mathematics courses, and the Writing Center is available to assist students with any stage of a writing assignment in any course. Disability Support Services does offer time management, note taking and study skills strategies.
The first year of college can be a difficult transition for any student in college. Therefore, First Year Students receive Mid-Term Estimates if they are receiving an average below a "C" in a course. Professors give grades of C-, D, or F to any student who is struggling with a course half-way through the term. Since these grades are given at the middle of the term, students have plenty of time to improve their grades in a course.
Will my student have an academic advisor and how will they be assigned?
Every student will be assigned a faculty member as an academic advisor. If your student has a declared major, a faculty member from that department will be the advisor. If your student is undeclared/exploring, a faculty member who has been trained to work with students who need assistance defining their academic goals and direction will be assigned. All students need to make appointments with their advisor to ensure that their academic plans are sound. During these meetings students should be asking about core and academic major requirements, potential electives, and what constitutes a reasonable course load.
What if my student has to withdraw from a course?
It is not uncommon for students to need to withdraw from a course. It is important that they meet with their academic advisor before they do so, and with their academic dean. Students need to be aware of the policies for withdrawing from a class, the withdrawal deadlines, and if withdrawing from that class will have an impact on courses taken during the subsequent term. Students also need to know whether withdrawing from a course will have an effect on financial aid.
Computing and Network Services
What operating systems are supported by Computing and Network Services?
Computing and Network Services supports the following operating systems: Mac OS X and Windows XP Pro and Vista Business, Enterprise or Ultimate Editions.
I already have an antivirus program, do I need to install Fairfield University's version?
The simple answer to this question is yes, you do need to install the antivirus program supplied by the university. This ensures that students are running an effective (and more importantly up-to-date) antivirus program across campus. We find that most users purchase a machine with antivirus installed, but never update it or purchase additional years of service. Failing to purchase additional years will render the antivirus program useless.
Fairfield University-provided antivirus is available to all current, full-time, registered undergraduate students free of charge and is licensed for the duration of a students' stay here at Fairfield University. This usually saves a student between $120 to $200 over their undergraduate career since you don't have to purchase or renew your antivirus software.
Also, if a student needs assistance with an infected computer, Computing and Network Services will only work on a machine that has the Fairfield University Symantec Anti-Virus software installed.
Miscellaneous
Where can students look for jobs on campus?
Students can visit the Student Employment Online Job Board or contact the Career Planning Center for more information. Students who qualify for federal work-study should read more about our program.