Frequently Asked Questions
Here are brief answers to some commonly asked questions about Part-Time Studies. For further details, see the sections noted or contact Academic Advising.
1. What does "matriculation" mean?
Matriculation is official enrollment in a degree program. In order to matriculate, you need a minimum of 12 credits taken here with a grade of "C" or higher in each course. You must fill out the matriculation form, pay a $60 fee, and have all official transcripts sent from high school and other colleges, and submit proof of immunization. Advantages to matriculation include:
a. You may pursue independent study or submit a portfolio to earn "life experience" credits
b. Your declared major will be established as of your matriculation date, locking in the required courses even if the program subsequently changes.
c. You receive official evaluation of transfer credits.
d. You will be eligible to apply for Part-Time Studies scholarships.
2. How many credits may I transfer to Fairfield University?
A BPS (Bachelor of Professional Studies) is the most flexible degree for transfer students. You may transfer up to 75 credits. All other bachelor's degrees allow 60 transfer credits. You must complete at least 60 Fairfield credits for a bachelor's degree and 30 Fairfield credits for an associate's degree in order to graduate from Fairfield University. This helps to ensure the integrity of the program. In addition you must complete at least half of your major here and must fulfill all academic requirements in order to receive your diploma. Any credits that you transferred in that cannot be used within the curriculum become excess credits and are not applied to the degree.
3. How do I know which courses will transfer into Fairfield University from courses taken at previous institutions?
There are a number of answers to this question:
a. We can accept transfer credits only from those institutions with accreditation similar to ours. While the institution may be accredited, it may not have the specific regional accreditation that Fairfield University has.
b. We cannot accept courses in which you received a C- or lower.
c. If the course does not have an academic equivalent at Fairfield, we cannot give credit. For example, we do not have a hotel management curriculum here. Therefore, we cannot accept those courses, even if you did take them for credit.
4. Why do I need to show proof of immunization?
We are following a state statute that requires all matriculated students to be fully inoculated. Measles and rubella are on the rise, and we wish to protect you and others from it. Different countries also have different standards for immunization, so if you are an international student, we must be sure that your immunization meets the requirements of the United States.
5. After matriculating to Fairfield University, may I take courses elsewhere?
You may do so if you can show a pressing need. You need prior written approval to be sure the course will transfer back to Fairfield University. A counselor can give you the appropriate form to fill out. However, the last 30 credits must be taken here. This would eliminate the possibility of taking CLEP exams as well to fulfill the last 30 credit requirement.
6. Can I get credit for life-work experience?
Yes, if your learning from experience is comparable to a course we offer. For example, if you have worked for a number of years as a Human Resources Director, your learning from work experience may be equivalent to our MG 235. You describe your learning in a portfolio process. Please ask your advisor for more details.
7. How do I get financial aid?
Loans: Matriculated students who are enrolled in a minimum of two courses per semester may apply for student loans through the Financial Aid Office by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal funds available to Part-Time Studies students include: Stafford Loans, Supplemental Loans for Students, or Pell Grants. You also will be eligible to apply for loans with provisional matriculation status. Ask your advisor for more information.
Scholarships: Matriculated students are eligible to apply for the three scholarships offered exclusively to our students to cover the cost of one course. These are: IRP Scholarship, ASL Scholarship, and Alumni Association Scholarship (awarded through financial aid office).
8. May I take more than Part-Time Studies 9 credits per semester?
Yes. However, 12 credits is a full course load. That also means a change in the tuition rate. Fifteen or more credits, however, requires special permission from the dean. Please make your request to take 15 or more credits in writing.
9. May I take courses through the day program?
Yes, but you must register on or after the date specified in the daytime schedule. Ask your advisor for more details. You may take no more than three courses from the day program in a given semester.
10. Can I transfer into a full time program?
Part-time students who wish to enroll in the full-time day school of the University must first be matriculated and have completed at least two semesters of study (excluding intersessions) at the University. A Request for Change of School form may then be submitted to the associate dean's office.
Upon approval, the student's file will be sent to the dean of the appropriate school (Arts and Sciences, Business, Nursing), who will review the student's request for admission.
The College of Arts and Sciences requires a minimum Q.P.A. of 2.0 or better for admission; the School of Business requires a Q.P.A. of 2.8. Please note that transfers to the School of Nursing are by special appointment only, and strictly dependent upon space availability. Students who wish to change from part-time to full-time status in nursing should firsts discuss this request with a advisor.
11. Where can I get...?
IDs: StagCard Office - Kelley Center
Parking pass: Office of Public Safety in Loyola Hall 2
E-mail: Fill out an Acceptable Use Form at the SCT Help Desk in Dolan Commons. Your account will be available in a few days.
Course information: Website or catalog
Grades: my.Fairfield. Grades are automatically posted once the instructor enters them. There is no need to wait for them in the mail.
Professor's e-mail addresses: my.Fairfield
Schedule: my.Fairfield. The registrar's office will NOT mail out class schedules; it is the responsibility of the student to log onto my.Fairfield.
12. What happens if I must withdraw from a course?
If a student withdraws from a course before it begins, there will be a full tuition refund and no record of the course will appear on the transcript. If a student withdraws from a course after it has begun, but before mid-term, a grade of W will be recorded. Failure to complete the official withdrawal procedure will result in an automatic grade of F for the course.
To withdraw from a course, students must submit a written request. The official date of withdrawal and any refund will be based on the date the request is received (if mailed, by date of postmark). Failure to attend class, or giving notice to the instructor of your intent to withdraw, does not constitute an official withdrawal. See current catalog for refund calculations.
13. Frequently used phone numbers:
Part-Time Studies: (203) 254-4100
Financial Aid Office: (203) 254-4000 ext. 4125
Bookstore: (203) 254-4262
Bursar's Office: (203) 254-4000 ext. 2165
Weather Closings: Visit www.fairfield.edu, call (203) 254-4000 for the official announcement, or listen to your local radio station.