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Frequently Asked Questions
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Housing
Technology Checklist
Medical Services
Dining
Freshman Activities
Student Life
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Q: What is FAFSA?
A: FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Any student who would like to receive financial aid must complete the FAFSA. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA online.
Indiana Residents: To be eligible for state aid, the FAFSA must be received at the federal processor by March 1st.
For more FAFSA information click here.
Q: How do I apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships?
A: Submit the FAFSA. Scholarships and grants are given to qualified students after acceptance to the College.
Q: Should I file my FAFSA online?
A: Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA online. The online system checks for errors and results are sent faster to the school.
Q: What is the Saint Joseph's College FAFSA Code?
A: The SJC FAFSA school code is 001833.
Q: How are Academic Scholarships determined and when will I be notified?
A: The Scholarship Committee awards academic scholarships based on adjusted GPA, class rank, and SAT or ACT test scores taken before January 31st of your senior year. Your notification will come approximately one week after your acceptance.
To learn more about scholarships and grants click here.
Q: Can my Academic Scholarship be increased prior to enrolling?
A: We will accept updated SAT/ACT scores and 7th-semester transcripts with new GPA and class rank until February 15. If your scores increase enough to bump you to the next scholarship level, then we will adjust your Academic Scholarship accordingly.
Q: What is a Performance Scholarship and how can I qualify?
A: Performance Scholarships are available at SJC in the following areas: Band, Cheerleading, Choir, Color Guard, Dance, Radio/TV, Student Athletic Training, Student Team Managing, or Theatre. Interested students must "perform" in their chosen area while a student at SJC. There is only one Performance Scholarship per student, and students who receive Athletic Scholarships may not receive Performance Scholarships. If you did not indicate an interest in a Performance Scholarship on your application for admission, please contact your admissions representative.
To learn more about scholarships and grants click here.
Q: What is a Financial Aid Package and how do I receive one?
A: A Financial Aid Package is a letter that breaks down the tuition, room and board, and additional costs for attending SJC and lists any scholarships, grants, and loans for which you qualify. You will receive this award letter once you have been admitted and the Office of Student Financial Services has received your FAFSA.
Q: When will I be notified about my Financial Aid Package?
A: In the middle of March, Financial Aid Packages will begin to be sent to new students who have been accepted and from whom we have received a valid FAFSA form.
Q: Can my scholarship increase if I do exceptionally well my first year?
A: No. However, you may be eligible for increased grants based on financial need if your financial need changes.
Q: How do I qualify for an Athletic Scholarship?
A: Athletic Scholarships are awarded to qualified students by the head coach of each sport. Please contact your respective head coach to learn more.
Q: Can I have a phone in my room?
A: Yes, telephone jacks are located in individual rooms in all residence halls. Complete instructions are listed here.
Q: Is on-campus housing guaranteed all four years?
A: Yes. We are a residential campus that requires students to live on-campus for their college career unless they meet the Commuter Student criteria.
Q: Is off-campus housing available?
A: Only commuter students with a primary residence within 60 miles of the College are allowed to live off campus.
Q: How are the residence halls secured for the evening?
A: Locked entrance doors secure the residence halls 24/7. Residents are provided keys to gain access only to their specific building.
Q: If I want a particular person to be my roommate, what do I do?
A: For new students, you and your desired roommate must indicate each other's name on the Housing Preference Form and submit both applications in one envelope.
Q: When will I find out who my roommate is?
A: New students who submit their completed Housing Preference Form by the second week of June will receive their housing assignment and roommate during the first week of July. All others will be mailed out as assignments are made.
Q: What if my roommate and I don't get along?
A: Discuss this concern with your roommate. If you are unsure how to approach him/her, talk with your Resident Assistant (RA) or Area Director (AD) and use your roommate agreement to get the conversation started. If your initial conversation with your roommate does not resolve your concerns, work with your RA and AD to find other ways to handle the conflict. If a solution cannot be found with your RA/AD, please contact the Assistant Dean for Campus Life for further assistance.
At times, living with someone else can be difficult, but it's one of the most valuable experiences you will have at SJC. The Housing and Residence Life staff will be happy to share practical negotiation and compromise strategies with you - information you can use for the rest of your life.
Q: Am I allowed to have a private room?
A: Freshmen are not assigned to private rooms unless they meet the requirements for special housing accommodation.
Q: Is on-campus married-student or family housing available?
A: No.
Q: Are the residence halls co-ed?
A: While we say that some of our residence halls are co-ed, men and women do NOT share bathroom space or floors. They may live in the same building, but there are locked doors between them.
Q: How big will my room be?
A: The average size of the rooms in our traditional residence halls are 11 feet by 14 feet. Visit the Housing and Residence Life pages for more information concerning residence hall descriptions and room measurements.
Q: How big are the beds?
A: The beds in all buildings, with the exception of Justin Hall East and Justin Hall West, are extra-long twin beds. The mattresses measure 36 inches by 80 inches, while the beds in Justin East and Justin West are 36 inches by 75 inches.
Q: Does each student have a dresser?
A: We provide one dresser per room; however, this can vary according to each residence hall. If residents of a room desire a second dresser, they should submit a work order through their Resident Assistant (RA) and if supply allows, one will be provided.
Q: Does each student have a desk?
A: The standard set up for the rooms of our new students consists of two desks and two chairs.
Q: Am I allowed to take furniture out of my room?
A: All SJC furniture must remain in the room.
Q: Am I allowed to move furniture around and create different arrangements in my room?
A: Yes, in most cases. In a few buildings, the closets and dressers are attached to the walls and not able to be moved.
Q: Are students allowed to have pets in their room?
A: No, with the exception of fish (10-gallon tank or smaller).
Q: What appliances are not permitted in the Residence Halls?
A: Open heating elements, including but not limited to: toasters, hot plates, broilers, space heaters, ovens, kerosene heaters, toaster ovens, electric grills, electric fry pans/skillets, or outside antennae.
Q: Do I need an answering machine?
A: No. You will receive a campus phone extension with free voice-mailbox service. You can use your voice mail to create a personal message for callers from on/off campus.
Q: Can I make long-distance calls from my room?
A: Yes. You will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to make long-distance calls from all campus phone lines. These charges will be billed to your student account each month.
Q: Am I allowed to have a satellite dish?
A: Satellite dishes are not permitted, nor are other outside antennae. However, the College provides basic cable for each residence hall, which includes a student-selected movie channel and on-campus stations. To access cable, you will need to provide your own coaxial cable cord.
Q: How are the bathrooms arranged?
A: All of our traditional residence halls have community bathrooms (one per floor), and there are several showers available. Each shower is enclosed with a curtain.
Q: Where can I do my laundry?
A: Each residence hall has laundry facilities.
Q: Should I bring all of my belongings at once?
A: We encourage you to contact your roommate prior to moving to campus. Discuss who will bring the items you want in your room. This avoids taking up precious space with duplicate items.
Q: How can I insure my belongings at school?
A: In some cases, your homeowners' insurance may cover any items you bring to school, so please check with the insurance company. If you wish to purchase separate insurance, you may want to contact National Student Services, Inc.
Q: Do the residence halls remain open during breaks and holidays?
A: The residence halls close for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring breaks. Students must vacate their rooms by the closing hours posted during those times. For Christmas break and May closing, students are to leave within 24 hours of their last exam. The residence halls will re-open once the College is back in session.
Parents and students should make travel arrangements well in advance so that students may leave the halls by the required time for each break period. Contact the Assistant Dean for Campus Life in case of special circumstances.
Technology Checklist (2007-2008 school year)
What you will need:
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What you will not need:
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Additional information:
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For more information visit the Computer Center home page.
Q: What medical services are available at Saint Joseph's College?
A: The Johnson Health Center, located on the first floor of Schwieterman Hall, is available to students with general health concerns or who may require routine nursing care. The services of the Health Center nurse carry no charge. The Health Center Nurse is Dixie Green, RN, (219) 866-6121.
Q: What medical services are available in Rensselaer?
A: Students who need medical attention beyond that provided by the College nurse are referred to area physicians in private practice, or to Jasper County Hospital (Rensselaer). Students are encouraged to maintain a connection to their family physicians at home and/or establish a relationship to one of the numerous physicians who practice in Rensselaer.
The offices of general practice physicians and the hospitals located in Rensselaer are:
Steven Beaver, MD
919 E. Grace Street
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-8971
The Clinic of Family Medicine
1103 East Grace Street
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-4135
Kenneth Ahler, MD
Mallik Chaganti, MD
Robert Darnaby, MD
Michael Louck, MD
Stephen Spicer, MD
James Wakefield III, MD
Jasper County Hospital
1104 East Grace Street
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-5141
Marianne Nelson, MD
College Square Medical Center
716 South College Avenue
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-4300
Krista D. Pellicore MD
College Square Medical Center
716 South College Avenue
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-9500
Patrick Sheets, MD
Rensselaer Health Centre
123 South McKinley
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-7555
Wabash Valley Hospital Outpatient Services
Counseling and Psychiatric Services
131 West Drexel Parkway
Rensselaer, IN 47978
219) 866-4194
Q: What mental health services are available to Saint Joseph's College students?
A: Saint Joseph's College provides mental health counseling by an Indiana Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Mental health counseling is available off campus in Rensselaer at Wabash Valley Hospital Outpatient Services, 131 West Drexel Parkway, (219) 866-4194.
Q: What immunizations do I need to attend Saint Joseph's College?
A: Newly enrolled students are required by the College and by Indiana State laws to file a record of all immunizations mandated for attending a postsecondary school.
Saint Joseph's College requires:
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): two doses are required
Tetanus - Diphtheria: a booster is required within ten years
TB Mantoux test: within one year
Polio: dates of original series
The College highly recommends:
SJC agrees with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation that students be vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, as well as Varicella (chickenpox).
Q: Do I need to immunization against Meningitis?
A: The Center for Disease Control recently released a report urging all college freshmen living in residence halls to be vaccinated for bacterial meningitis.
Indiana legislation now requires that all students either be vaccinated or sign a waiver indicating they have received and read a Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine Information sheet.
Q: I require frequent medical treatment for a chronic illness. Can I receive these treatments on campus?
A: Students who need medications administered by a physician (or under the supervision of a physician) or need medical attention for chronic conditions should contact a Rensselaer physician and make arrangements for care.
Q: Does Saint Joseph's College offer student medical insurance?
A: No. Saint Joseph's College does not provide student insurance. Families whose student participates in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) should familiarize themselves with the limits of coverage for both routine care and emergency care while the student is living outside the provider network.
Q: What if I cannot afford a necessary prescription while at school?
A: The College has an arrangement with the Rensselaer CVS Pharmacy that allows students to charge their prescriptions to their College accounts. Additionally, Walgreens offers a nationwide "Express Pay" program in which parents can leave a credit card number with any Walgreens location and students can charge their prescriptions to that card.
Q: What is a meal plan?
A: Your SJC ID card is encoded with your Meal Plan and associated Puma Points. Puma Points are the declining balance part of your dining plan that allows you to purchase entire meals at the Cafeteria, or a variety of a la carte items in The HUB (Halleck Underground Bistro). Your number of points is encoded on your SJC ID card. Puma Point balances may be used from the first day of fall classes through the last day of spring finals. Please plan to spend all Puma Points during this time frame, since we are unable to offer refunds on unused balances. Additional points may be purchased through Dining Services.
Every entrance to the Cafeteria is an electronic swipe of your ID card which allows for unlimited portions. As a first semester student, you are automatically placed on Meal Plan A, which is 19 meals per week and $25 in Puma Points for the semester. After your first semester, you may choose to change your plan.
Q: Can I be on a meal plan if I am a commuter student?
A: Yes. You have several options. You can purchase meals in packages of ten for a discounted rate, pay cash, or purchase Puma Points. Points work the same as a debit card; you deposit money with Dining Services to your account. This amount is encoded on your SJC ID card for your use in the HUB or Cafeteria.
Q: What happens if I don't use all my meals for the semester?
A: Meals do not carry over from semester to semester. Puma Point balances may be used from the first day of fall classes through the last day of spring finals. Please plan to spend all Puma Points during this time frame, since we are unable to offer refunds on unused balances.
Q: What is The HUB?
A: Halleck Undergraduate Bistro, also known as The HUB, is located adjacent to the Cafeteria in Halleck Student Center. The HUB offers students a relaxing atmosphere in which they can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, salads, beverages, snacks, "Sub Connection" subs, "Freshens" frozen fruit smoothies and ice creams, and "Pretzel Logic" gourmet soft pretzels.
Q: How does The HUB work with my meal plan?
A: At The HUB, you may choose to use your Puma Points from your meal plan, pay cash or charge to your SJC account.
Q: When do I choose my classes?
A: Students attend Early Registration in the summer to select their classes for fall. Students who cannot attend on the scheduled days may make personal appointments in June or July, register by a special phone appointment, or choose their classes when they arrive in August.
Q: What is Early Registration?
A: Early Registration days are specially set aside for new students to meet in individual appointments with their Freshman Advisors to register for classes. On this day, you may meet other new students, make preparations for other campus life necessities (e.g., housing), and have other questions answered.
Q: When is Early Registration?
A: Early Registrations are on-campus visits held throughout the month of June. Contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-447-8781 for exact dates and times.
Those students who cannot attend the scheduled days may make personal appointments in June or July, register by a special phone appointment, or choose their classes when they arrive in August.
Q: How do I choose my classes?
A: In your meeting with your Freshman Advisor, you will have all the information you need about the various majors and minors offered at SJC to discuss the best choices for you. If you are still deciding which areas to explore, you and your Advisor will determine which introductory courses will help you examine your options. Students who know the programs they want will take the recommended first courses in those majors. All students register for Core and Freshman Seminar.
We expect that a number of students will change their minds about the direction they want to take after they have registered. Changes to your schedule may be made when you arrive on campus in August and through the first week of classes.
Q: Who are the Freshman Advisors?
A: These faculty and staff members from a variety of academic departments and other offices across campus have chosen specifically to work with freshmen. Each Advisor works with about a dozen new students to help you get off to a good start in college.
They are resource people prepared to help you explore all majors so you do not feel pressured into making choices. You meet your Advisor when you register for classes and work with that person for most of first semester. Freshman Leaders and Advisors join you at orientation and teach your fall Freshman Seminar class.
Q: When do freshmen move in?
A: New students move in on Thursday, August 16, 2007 and orientation activities begin later that afternoon. (Students participating in some fall sports, specifically football, soccer, volleyball, track, and golf arrive on campus earlier. Early arriving athletes participate in all freshman orientation activities.)
Q: What is Freshman Orientation?
A: Freshman orientation is the time specially planned before classes start for you to move in, get to know the campus, meet your classmates and other important people, and begin your transition to college. For Fall 2007, orientation will be from Thursday, August 16 to Sunday, August 19. Classes start Monday, August 20.
Q: What kinds of activities happen during Freshman Orientation?
A: Freshman orientation activities are designed to keep you busy. Scheduled activities range from necessary to informative to social. Chances to socialize with your new classmates are a big part of orientation, with activities geared to different tastes. You will complete any remaining business you need to be a student: confirm your schedule from early registration, or register for classes for the first time; take care of details such as getting your ID card, textbooks, parking pass, and learning how to use your computer account; and unpack, arrange your stuff, arrange it again, etc.
Freshman Leaders and Advisors will make sure you have the information you need to get around. This includes knowing basic rules from Housing and Residence Life and Safety and Security, going on a scavenger hunt to find important places on campus, meeting some of your teachers for lunch at the Picnic with the Professors at Lake Banet, and attending the Area Church Welcome on Sunday to be sure you have access to a spiritual home. (You may find there's more to do in Rensselaer than you thought if you take the bus tour of the city!) You also will preview some of the many clubs and organizations that you can join to get the most out of your college years.
Q: Who are the Freshman Leaders?
A: These upperclass students specifically signed up to help freshmen like you. Leaders are available to help you individually with your transition to college life throughout the first semester, if you want more information, encouragement, or just need someone to talk to. (Many applied for the job because of the great help they got from their own Leaders when they started at SJC.) They return to campus before the rest of the students to plan and lead you in all the orientation weekend events. Along with the Freshman Advisors, Freshman Leaders co-teach your fall Freshman Seminar class.
Q: What is Freshman Seminar?
A: Freshman Seminar is a one-credit fall class, offered to all new students and designed to make sure freshmen have the knowledge and skills they need in this new setting. Taught by the Freshman Advisors and upperclass Freshman Leaders, groups of 12 students meet weekly. This also serves as a time for Freshman Advisors to check in with individual students and gives freshmen an opportunity to interact with other students who might be facing the same concerns they are.
In-class discussions include College policies, making friends, and other topics of interest to students. During different weeks, groups visit the library, hear from the Career Development Center, learn some of the College history, attend a College-wide activities call out, and perform a community service project.
Q: When do upperclassmen arrive on campus?
A: Returning students move in on Sunday, August 19, 2007. With the exception of the early arriving fall athletes who are very busy with their practices, the campus belongs to the new students and the upperclass students specifically here to help you: the Resident Assistants (RA) from Housing and Residence Life and the Freshman Leaders.
Q: How many students attend SJC?
A: Approximately 1000 students attend Saint Joseph's College.
Q: How many students live on campus?
A: 83% of all full-time students (90% of full-time freshmen) live on campus. All full- time Saint Joseph's College students are required to reside in College residence halls unless living with a spouse or parent(s) within a 60-mile radius of Rensselaer.
Q: How diverse is your typical freshman class?
A: On average, nearly 70% of entering freshmen are Indiana residents. While most out-of-state students came from surrounding states (MI, OH, KY, IL), there are students from as far away as Arizona, California, Oregon, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and Maryland. 15% of the freshman class are multicultural (non-caucasian).
Q: What are classes like?
A: With an average class size of 14 students and a student/faculty ratio of 15:1, classes are small and personalized to the individual student. SJC professors will get to know you on a first-name basis.
Q: What is the average course load?
A: The average course load is 15 credit hours. Full-time students are required to take between 12 and 18 credit hours each semester. Students are allowed to take over 18 credit hours but charged accordingly for the extra credits. Any student taking less than 12 credit hours is considered a part-time student who may be eligible for reduced financial aid and is not allowed to live on campus.
Q: Is there a freshman orientation?
A: Freshman Orientation starts on Thursday, August 16, 2007. This orientation weekend includes many activities to acclimate students to campus, make them comfortable, and encourage students to interact with each other. The upperclassmen move in Sunday, August 19, and classes begin Monday, August 20, 2007. If you have more questions about Freshman Orientation, please refer to the Freshman Activities section of this page.
Q: Can I study abroad?
A: Saint Joseph's College students are encouraged to study abroad when possible. If you would like to learn more about this program, check out the study abroad Web page.
Q: What can I get involved in at SJC?
A: At Saint Joseph's College our student body participates in over 50 clubs and organizations. Click here to learn more about SJC clubs and organizations.
Q: What intramural sports are available?
A: Intramural Sports (IM sports) are quickly becoming one of the largest organizations on campus. Click here to learn more about intramural sports.
Q: What community service opportunities are there?
A: SJC students strive to give back to the community. While clubs and organizations do community service, there are a few that are specifically dedicated to community service.
Campus Ministry encourages students to go out into the surrounding communities and make a difference. If you want to learn more about the Campus Ministry service opportunities, check out their Web site.
Saint Joseph's College has their own chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Between our Habitat and the Jasper County Habitat, we work together to make a difference in our community and communities around the world.
The Gallagher Charitable Society is an SJC organization dedicated to spreading the Christmas cheer to underprivileged families.
Q: What are the school colors?
A: SJC's school colors are cardinal and purple.
Q: What is SJC's mascot?
A: SJC's mascot is the Puma. Fun Fact: SJC is the only NCAA school in the whole country with a Puma as a mascot!
Q: What is there to do on the weekends?
A: There are many activities available for SJC students on the weekends both at the College and in the community. Rensselaer has many attractions, including several restaurants, a movie theater, and a bowling alley. If you would like to know more about the activities in the community, please refer to the City of Rensselaer Web page, Rensselaer Visitor's Guide, or Main Street Rensselaer Web site.
Saint Joseph's College takes pride in all of our clubs and activities. From comedians to bands to dances, there is always something to do. Visit the SJC Campus Life page for more information.
Q: Are freshmen allowed to have cars on campus?
A: All students are allowed to have cars on campus with the proper parking permits. Parking permits are $25 each.
Q: Do students have a curfew?
A: SJC students do not have a curfew.
Q: Can my friends visit me on campus?
A: Visitation hours are campus wide and regulate when students can have guests in their residence halls. Visitation hours for SJC students are Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Same-sex visitors are allowed to stay overnight with a guest pass from a Residential Assistant.
