Frequently Asked Questions:Loyola University Chicago

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Frequently Asked Questions

Application
Academics
Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid
Future
General
Housing
Dining
Guests
Parking
Religion
Social
Staff & Faculty

Application

Who can apply to the program?
Please refer to Eligibility and Admission. If you do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement, you may still apply for the program. We simply ask that you direct your recommendation to address your capability to be successful in the program. We review applications as a whole and one deficient aspect of your application will not derail your candidacy.
May I enroll into the program if I am already a senior in high-school?
No. If you are currently a senior in high school, please apply to enroll in our Summer Sessions. The Summer Scholars program is specifically designed for current sophomores and juniors in high school.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted, on a rolling basis, depending on availability in the course and housing openings. Please refer to the Important Dates section of our website for more information.
Is admission preferential toward residential or commuter students?
All students are given equal consideration no matter their residential status.
May I apply to one of the three-week Seminar courses as well as a six-week Academy class?
Yes. You will be considered a six-week Academy student. And as a six-week Academy student, you are required to enroll into (2) courses. If you wish to divide your courses between the six-week Academy catalog and one from our three-week Seminar - that will satisfy the course requirements.
Can I fax or e-mail my transcript and letters of recommendation?
No, we request that students send in original documents as part of the application process.
May I submit my application before I have my transcript and letters of recommendation?
Yes. Any application materials submitted will be used to start your student file. Once all material are received, your application will be reviewed for official admission.
Will I be notified if my application is incomplete?
Yes. You will receive periodic updates when you log into your application status page online. Once there, you will find out what documents are missing or if your application is in review.
How soon will I know if I have been accepted?
Students will hear back from us within two weeks after all appropriate materials are received and your completed application has been reviewed.
How will I be notified of acceptance?
You will receive a letter on your application status page informing you of your acceptance. Once your application is complete, we encourage students to check back periodically to find out their summer status. Students may also call our office directly at (773) 508-7772 to learn the status of their application.
As an admitted student, what other information should I expect to receive?
Once you have been admitted to the program, you may log into your application and to find follow-up information regarding move-in, both orientations and your first day of classes. This information will also available in the Downloadable Forms section of our website.

Academics

When do classes begin?

TITLE	START DATES OF PROGRAM

Environmental Scholars	Options for 2013 are TBA
Three-week Seminars	Seminar A: Begins on Monday, July 1, 2013 Seminar B: Begins on Monday, July 22, 2013
Six-week Academy	Begins on Monday, July 1, 2013

When do classes end?

When do classes meet?
Depends on which program you have been enrolled into:

The three-week Seminar students are required to be in class Monday through Friday from 9:00am and 12:00pm.

Any student enrolled into the six-week Academy program have the option to create their own schedules based on the courses they select.

Students in the Environmental Scholars program are enrolled into a one-week immersion mini-course which spans the entire day
How many courses may I take?
Students my only register for (1) course per three-week Seminar. Students may opt to take consecutive three-week Seminar courses.

Students enrolled in the six-week Academy are required to take two classes with the exception of those who enroll in BIO 101 or Chem 101. Students in those courses are restricted from enrolling in any other classes.
How many students are in each class?
Classes range in size from 12 to 20 students and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once accepted into the program, students will be asked to rank in order their course preferences. Enrollment will be based on availability; students will be notified if their top selection is not available.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. If a student consistently fails to attend class, his/her grade in the course will reflect this absenteeism. (Exceptions are made on an individual basis for such incidences as doctor appointments, family emergencies, etc.).
Can I drop or withdraw from a class?
Yes. If a student determines that a class does not suit his or her skill-set, s/he may withdraw from the class if they take another course in its place. This change may only take place before midnight after the first day of class.
How many credits do I earn per class?
Each class is typically worth (3) credit hours, although some variation may occur. Environmental Scholars take a one-week mini-course worth (1) credit hour.
Will I have an advisor during the program?

TITLE	END DATES OF PROGRAM

Environmental Scholars	Option 1: Concludes on Friday, July 13, 2012 Option 2: Concludes on Friday, July 27, 2012
Three-week Seminars	Seminar A: Concludes on Friday, July 19, 2013 Seminar B: Concludes on Friday, August 9, 2013
Six-week Academy	Concludes on Friday, August 9, 2013

Tuition & Fees

What is the cost of attending the Summer Scholars program?
For a complete listing of program fees, please visit the Tuition & Fees page.
I am not an Illinois resident. Is there a different tuition rate?
No. Tuition rates are the same for all students. Price variations occur when you compare residential versus commuter program rates.
Do you accept payment plans?
Loyola does not accept payment plans during the summer. Once enrolled, students and their parents receive a bill due in full. Loyola generates electronic bills (e-Bills) every month for student accounts that have balances. Students are notified by an email to their Loyola email account when a new e-Bill is generated. Paper bills are no longer available.
Are any other fees associated with the program?
Students who attend our program should anticipate bringing money for other expenses such as:
1. Textbooks: You can view which textbooks are required for your class, and even purchase them in advance through Loyola's online bookstore. Click on the textbooks tab; you will need your class course number.
2. Field Trips & Organized Activities: Students will be taken off-campus to participate in activities throughout the Chicagoland area during the evening hours and on weekends.
3. Lost items: Student IDs - each program participant will be issued a campus id card which contains meal plans and allows for building access; a lost card $25. CTA passes are issued to students during off-campus excursions, should the student lose this pass for any reason, they must replace it for the amount remaining on the card. Key replacements can be the most expensive charge any student will incur. Loyola takes student safety seriously, so any student who loses their key must pay $150 to have their locks changed.
Why is the deposit necessary?
A deposit, secures a student's place in the program. All accepted student are required to make a $500 deposit before they can be registered for classes. Once this deposit has been received, our office will register the student for his/her class(es). From that point, an official bill will be generated from Loyola and posted to the student's LOCUS account, reflecting the remaining balance for the program.
Do you require payment in full before I arrive?
If you proceed with enrollment into the Summer Scholars program, we request a $500 deposit, which will be applied directly to your overall program invoice.

Once you have been fully registered, you will gain access to LOCUS, our Web-based student information system. LOCUS generates your program bill and informs your of the date in which it is due. LOCUS also allows students to check their classes, view and process financial information, request official transcripts and more.

Financial Aid

Are the children/dependents of Loyola employees eligible for a tuition discount?
Yes, almost all undergraduate courses or programs are covered under the employee tuition benefit program. The spouse, legally domiciled adult and dependent child tuition benefit pays 100% of undergraduate tuition of full time benefits eligible employees, retirees and deceased employees. Note the benefit covers tuition only and does not include student activity or instructional fees; room and board or other expenses.
Employees with questions regarding whether they qualify for this benefit, should consult Tamika Love (who coordinates the Tuition Benefits program) in Human Resources for more information. Tamika can be reached at (312)915-7515 or tlove1@luc.edu.

Future

Does participation in the program affect my chances of getting into Loyola?
Participation in the Summer Scholars program does not guarantee you admission to Loyola. One goal of this program is to prepare students for the caliber of work that the university demands as well as providing transferable credit for the academic work completed.
The Summer Scholars admissions process is completely separate from the admissions process for the University. Future admissions decisions will be made by the Undergraduate Admissions office. For more information, please visit Undergraduate Admissions.
I want to go to Loyola after I graduate. How do I learn more?
Please refer to Undergraduate Admissions for more information or book a campus tour!

General

What is the weather like during the summer in Chicago?
A typical Chicago summer, temperatures ordinarily reach anywhere between 72°F and 84°F (23°C and 29°C). Summer in Chicago is prone to thunderstorms, and summer rain arises from short-lived hit-or-miss storms rather than prolonged rainfalls.
Where is Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore Campus located?
Lake Shore Campus, Loyola’s main residential campus, is located in the Rogers Park neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side, minutes from downtown Chicago and Loyola's Water Tower Campus. Its setting along the shores of Lake Michigan helps make Loyola one of the most picturesque universities in Chicago.
How big is the campus?
Our Lake Shore Campus is home to more than 40 buildings, including the 5,200-seat, 45,000 square-foot Joseph J. Gentile Arena; the Michael R. and Marilyn Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center, an innovative facility featuring state-of-the-art science labs; Cudahy Library, the main University library; and the Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons, a 72,000 square-foot environmentally friendly annex to Cudahy Library that is Silver Level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. For information about Loyola's campuses, click here.
Who else takes classes during the summer?
Current Loyola students as well as visiting students take advantage of summer session courses and campus facilities.
Do I need spending money?
Yes. Depending on your level of involvement, the program staff has designed weeknight and weekend activities. All organized events are voluntary - we try to develop an equal amount of free program as well as those which require an additional fee. Residential and commuting students are encouraged to participate and be involved; an updated calendar of events will be distributed during the Family Orientation. Please review our 2012 Activity Calendarfor an idea of the types of events you can expect.
Additionally, residential students can expect additional expenses such as laundry, cleaning supplies and personal items.
Do students have access to campus facilities?
Yes, the program fee paid with tuition includes access to Halas Sports Center, the Wellness Center and the university library system.
What is my mailing address?
All students should address their mail as follows:

(Student Name)
Summer Scholars Program
Loyola University Chicago
6431 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60660

Students will receive a notification to their Loyola email address to let them know if a package has arrived on campus.
Will there be someone who can pick me up from the airport?

Housing

May I live on campus?
Yes. The Summer Scholars program has designated Messina Hall for your summer stay.
If I am under 16, may I still live in the residence hall?
Students Yes, we have made provisions to policy due to the age range of our student population. While you are participating in a college program, you are still under the legal age of 18, and therefore policies have been adjusted to comply with Chicago rules and regulations.
Where are your residence halls located?
Please see the Residence Hall page.
What is the physical layout of the Messina Hall?
Please refer to the Messina Hall Video Walkthrough.
What materials do you provide in the room?
Basic amenities are provided such as a bed, dresser and desk.
Will sheets, towels and pillows be supplied?
No, students will need to bring all their own personal items. A list of what to bring will be included in your acceptance packet.
Are the rooms air conditioned?
Yes. Window air conditioning units are installed in every room.
Will I have access to a computer?
Computer usage is available at all the libraries on campus as well as in designated classroom buildings. A detailed list can be found online and will be provided to parents and students at the Family Orientation.
May I bring a computer with me into my room?
Yes. Each room is wired for Internet access, although you must bring an Ethernet cable from home. Additionally, Loyola's wireless network provides all Loyola students, faculty, and staff with access to the Internet from multiple locations on campus. Students, faculty and staff can use their wireless-capable devices (laptop computers, PDAs, cell phones) for Internet connections without the need to plug into a network outlet. Please refer to the website for on-campus wireless locations.
Are there accommodations for disabled students?
Yes. We ask that you inform our office ahead of time so that we can make provisions for your special needs, please email us at summerscholars@luc.edu.
What are the hall rules?
Summer Scholars students are subject the same policies set forth for Loyola's undergraduate students; please review the 2012-2013 Community Standards.

As Summer Scholar students, you are subject to additional policies such as:
1. A zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, smoking, and/or drug possession or use.
2. Adherence to Chicago curfew.
3. Expectation to participate in the classes and encouraged to participate in the organized activities.
Who is responsible for cleaning the residence hall?
Each student will be responsible for cleaning his/her own room. Loyola provides cleaning crews which come into the hall for trash removal and to clean common area spaces. We will hold students accountable for cleaning areas of the hall that have been made excessively dirty.
When are the move-in and check-out dates for the residence hall? Is it possible to come earlier or stay later?
Students can move into the residence hall the Saturday prior to the start of classes.

Check-out will be at noon on either Saturday following the end of the program. Any student requests which fall outside of these dates will be handled on an individual basis, please email us at summerscholars@luc.edu.
Will I be able to contact my roommate before the first day of the program?
If you wish to contact your roommate, you may send a message to us and we will relay it to them. If your new roommate consents to have us give out their information, then we will pass it on to you.
Can I choose my roommate?
Roommates are assigned based on "Section 3: Lifestyle Preference" of your housing contract. If you are attending the program with a friend or relative, a roommate request can be made and we will do our best to accommodate it. Although, we cannot guarantee the pairing will happen. Please email us with special requests to summerscholars@luc.edu.
Can I change roommates?
No. You can visit your SRA at any time if you experience roommate problems. Your SRA will help you to work through the issues you may be experiencing. If issues cannot be resolved, a simple room or roommate change may not be possible and will only be considered as a last resort.
Does the residence hall have a curfew?
Chicago curfew hours are: 10:00pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 6:00am the following day; and 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday until 6:00am the following day. Students are expected to meet this curfew time, unless they are escorted by program staff during an organized activity.
Is there security in the residence hall?
Entrance to Messina Hall requires each person swipe the exterior gate as well as the double doors for entry. The hall front desk will be monitored throughout the day and program staff will be on-call during the evenings. Additionally, Campus Security patrols the perimeter and main floors of the residence hall each night. Please review Loyola's Campus Security Tips.

Dining

Do you provide dining services?
Residential students will be provided with a declining balance meal plan, which is designated for use in the Loyola dining facilities as well as the markets located on either campus.

The funds on your Loyola ID card are only active for the duration of your stay. Funds have been calculated to cover the cost of three meals per day. We ask that you be mindful of your balance when choosing to eat out or purchase items at local convenience stores, which could otherwise be purchased on campus.
Are meals included in the price of the program?
Dining is included in the total cost of the program for residential students only. Commuter students will not be charged a housing or dining fee, so they must provide their own meals. For more information, please refer to Tuition & Fees.

Commuter students may wish to participate in the Rambler Bucks program by adding money to their Campus Cards. The Campus Card acts as a prepaid debit card which can use to buy goods and services at several campus locations. Rambler Bucks remain on your account as long as you are a registered Loyola student. Also, using Rambler Bucks eliminates taxes at all Loyola dining facilities.
Is there a vegetarian and/or kosher meal option?
Loyola Dining Service is willing to work with any dietary special needs in order to provide an enjoyable experience. Please inform us about specific dietary requirements prior to your arrival. We will do our best to accommodate them -- email summerscholars@luc.edu.

Guests

If I am living in the residence hall, am I allowed to have guests?
Visitors are not encouraged during the week, as students will be extremely busy with academic work and extracurricular activities.

Guests of the opposite sex are NOT allowed in the rooms at any time; students may use the hall lounges to socialize. Program Staff need to be informed of any visiting guest prior to their arrival.

Overnight guests are NOT allowed, any exceptions will be granted by the Summer Resident Coordinators on a case by case basis for persons such as family members of the same sex.

For additional information regarding the guest policy, please refer to Loyola's Community Standards.
May I leave campus during the day with family and/or friends?
Off-campus visits with friends and/or relatives in Chicago area must be submitted by the student's parents/guardians 24 hours in advance of the expected departure. This person must be an adult, 18 years of age or older, assuming full responsibility for the student while in their care. The email must include the responsible party's name(s), contact information, and date/time of the visit. Parent permissions must be emailed to summerscholars@luc.edu.

Prior to leaving Loyola's campus, students are required to notify the Summer Resident Coordinator(s) / Summer Resident Assistant(s) (or other appropriate personnel of the Summer Scholars program) by signing in / out upon their departure and return to campus.
May I be away from the residence hall overnight?
Students may be signed out out of the hall (day or night) once the program staff has received an authorizing email from the student's legal parent/guardian 24 hours in advance of the expected departure; send to summerscholars@luc.edu. This person must be an adult, 18 years of age or older, assuming full responsibility for the student while in their care. The email must include the responsible party's name(s), contact information, and date/time of the visit.

Prior to leaving Loyola's campus, students are required to notify the Summer Resident Coordinator(s) / Summer Resident Assistant(s) (or other appropriate personnel of the Summer Scholars program) by signing in / out upon their departure and return to campus.

Parking

Am I allowed to bring my car?
Residential students are NOT allowed to have a car on campus. Commuter students who wishes to bring a car to campus must be over the age of 16 and be fully insured. Once you are accepted into the program, you will need to apply for a parking pass or look into daily visitor parking rates. Keep in mind - you are not allowed to driving another Summer Scholar student in your personal vehicle for any reason!

Alternatively, commuter students will be issued a CTA passes for the duration of the program. We encourage commuters to utilize Chicago’s CTA system instead of paying an extra cost for driving.
What does a parking pass cost?
A six-week commuter parking pass was $100 in 2012 (prices are subject to change). Parking Services does not offer discounted rates for the three-week program participants.

Parking for residential students is approximately $180. All prices are subject to change. For more information about parking, refer to Campus Transportation or call: 773.508.7036.
Is street parking available?
Students are encouraged to purchase a parking pass through Loyola as many surrounding streets require a permit. Please also refer to Loyola's Parking Safety Tips.

Religion

Where can I worship?
Madonna della Strada is Loyola University Chicago's main chapel. For information about on-campus worship, refer to Sacramental Life or Campus Ministry. And, refer to the Off-Campus Worship Sites for alternative locations.

Social

Do most students attend the program alone or with friends?
The majority of students attend the program on their own, on occasion we have students who come with friends or relatives. Either way, students make friends easily and are guaranteed to have a great time!
How much free time will I have?
Students will have a schedule to maintain throughout the week, along with structured free time. Please review the 2012 Activity Calendar to get an idea of the different types of events, programs and activities which will be planned for the summer.
What happens at night or on the weekends?
Program staff prepares an activity calendars which outlines programs, activities and excursions which will take place throughout the length of your program. Please review the 2012 Activity Calendar to get an idea what to expect this summer. It is up to each student to decide whether they would like to attend the the planned programs or stay behind to study.
Am I required to attend the programs and activities?
The activities calendar gives you the opportunity to pre-select events for which you would like to participate. The only events which "attendance is strongly encouraged" are the Family Orientation, the Student Orientation which includes the campus tour, and the end-of-program celebration.
May I be involved in other summer activities or programs outside of the Summer Scholars program?
We prefer students to focus on their studies and activities developed for the summer program. We ask that you respect the intensity of the program and allow yourself to explore every opportunity the program and Chicago has to offer.
Are students allowed to explore Chicago on their own?
No. Students are required to use the "group system" (3 or more people) whenever they venture off campus. At the Student orientation, we will review the boundaries around Rogers Park in which the students may freely visit with their group members.

For excursions beyond the set Rogers Park boundaries, students will need added supervision by one or more SRAs.

Staff & Faculty

Who will be supervising my son/daughter over the summer? How do I meet and/or contact them?
All program staff live in the residence hall alongside the students. Summer Resident Assistants (SRAs) will have the most direct daily contact with the students. Their main function is to conduct programming and ensure students are adhering to the rules of the program. SRAs are current undergraduate students chosen based on skill, experience, maturity and eagerness to work with high school students. At times, these SRAs may be previous Summer Scholar Alumni!

Summer Resident Coordinators (SRCs) are also available to assist students in any way possible. These staff members are responsible for ensuring the overall program runs smoothly. Visit our Meet the Staff page to familiarize yourself with or newest program staff!.
When can I meet the program staff members?
All program staff will be on hand during the check-in/check-out process for residential students as well as during the Family Orientation.
How may I contact the program staff members directly?
Our staff members can be reached during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm (CST) by calling our office at (773) 508-7772. If the desk attendant has momentarily stepped away, please leave us a voicemail and we will get back to you shortly. You are also more than welcome to send us an email at summerscholars@luc.edu. This email is checked daily and your email will be answered in a timely manner.
What do I do in the event of an emergency?
You and your student will be given a wallet sized Emergency Contact card which contains important Loyola information as well as direct phone numbers for all program staff. We ask for your descretion when using these cards as they are provided for emergency situations ONLY.

If you have questions for program staff that are non-emergent, we suggest you email: summerscholars@luc.edu or call our office at (773) 508-7772.
Where are the students allowed to travel unsupervised?
Students may freely walk around campus, attend classes, enjoy meals and take advantage of the many services provided by the university.

Students who wish to travel off campus within the Rogers Park neighborhood, they are limited to the boundaries which our Campus Safety patrol. Those boundaries include Pratt (North), Glenlake (South), and Glenview (West). We also require students to travel in groups of (3) or more and sign in/out indicating group members, destination and time of return.

Travel outside of the Campus Safety patrol boundaries, students will require added supervision by one or more SRAs.

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