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EIU Academic Support Center

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to some of the more common questions posed by students can be found below.  Please contact us if you do not see the answer to your specific questions or if anything needs clarification.

2016 Program Dates: Sunday, June 26 - Saturday, July 30, 2016

 

Updated on October 2, 2015

 

1. Why am I invited to the Summer Institute (SIHL)?

Some incoming freshmen struggle with balancing their academics and the rest of the college experience. The SIHL provides a structured environment to ease the transition from high school to college. EIU is not only interested in getting you to campus, but also committed to providing students with tools to stay, and graduate from EIU. This is an example of that.

2. What does Gateway mean?

College students come from an amazing variety of backgrounds. In some cases, students may have experienced difficulties outside your control that make qualifying for admission to EIU more challenging. The Gateway Program is designed to provide access for students like this. 

3. Why do Gateway students have first opportunity for participating in the SIHL?

Because the SIHL is a support program designed to ease the transition to college, it is natural to provide the opportunity first to students who are likely to benefit from it the most. Originally the SIHL was a requirement for admission to EIU for some students who now fit in to the Gateway criteria, and available only to these students. Because traditional admission students can also benefit, and we have had available seats left over, traditional students are invited as well.

4. Is attending the Summer Institute optional for admission to EIU?

Yes. The SIHL is an opportunity not a requirement. There are other requirements placed on Gateway students however participation in the SIHL is not one.

5. If I am attending the Summer Institute as a non-Gateway student am I required to attend all mandatory events during the Summer Institute?

Yes, for the most part. Mandatory study tables, programs, and events are all part of the educational transition experience designed to assist students in learning how to adjust to the college environment and develop habits that will lead to graduation from EIU. However, we understand that you are participating at your own will and will consider extenuating circumstances.

6. What does it mean when you say "lock in the 2015-16 rate"?

Because the SIHL begins in the summer, it is the final semester of the previous academic year as they run fall-spring-summer. Tuition is assigned by academic year and traditionally increases each year beginning in the fall term. So, by starting in the summer instead of fall, you are saving about 7.25% in tuition for 12 semesters.

*Assume 7.25% tuition increase with enrollment of 30 credit hours and in-state residency

7. What classes will I take in the Summer Institute? How many credits will I earn?

Students enrolled in the Summer Institute will take 2 courses for academic credit (6 Credit Hours). These courses will satisfy requirements in the General Education Core. All students will take ENG 1001G (Composition & Language) and choose* between SOC 1838G (Introductory Sociology) or GEG 1100G (Cultural Geography). Students will also participate in a Personal Development seminars taught by staff from the Academic Support Center.

*Staff reserves the right to adjust course registration based on enrollment

8. What will a typical day look like?

The Summer Institute is a fast paced learning environment. Participants can expect to be busy Monday – Thursday from early in the morning to late in the evening. Students will also be busy Friday morning, however time on Friday afternoons and the weekends are less structured.  Students will also have afternoons and late evenings free to run errands, have some fun, and just relax. See a typical week schedule.

9. Can I live at home and attend the Summer Institute?

No. All Summer Institute students are required to live on campus for the duration of the program. Students are encouraged to live on campus to form the connections with the other students, faculty, and staff. This is often hard to do with the distractions of home and family. It is best for students to live on campus to make full use of the resources EIU has to offer.

10. I heard that Summer Institute Students cannot go home for the weekends. Is this true?

Generally, we want Summer Institute students to stay on campus during the weekends. Most of the academic work at EIU is done over the weekend. The weekend time can be used to catch up on readings or homework. We have found that students do very little work when they go home for the weekends. For this reason, we ask all Summer Institute students to remain on campus two of the four (4th of July weekend, plus one additional weekend students traditionally go home) weekends the program is in session. Exceptions to this policy are made by Program Director on a case-by-case basis.

11. How much does the Summer Institute for Higher Learning cost?

Students enrolled in the Summer Institute will pay $3,302.53  for tuition & fees, room & board (includes 12 meals per week plus $30 dining dollars). Financial aid may be available by filling out the 15-16 FAFSA. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for general information about financial aid at Eastern Illinois University.

12. Where will I live in the summer? Do I get to pick my Summer Institute roommate?

Students will move in Sunday, June 26, 2016 between 9am and 1pm. All Summer Institute students will be housed on campus in Weller Hall's double rooms. If you know another student attending the Summer Institute you can request each other by sending an email to summerinstitute@eiu.edu. Once you have enrolled in the program, fill out the Roommate Matching Questionnaire to help us match you with your best possible roommate. Roommate pairings and room assignments will be released to students via EIU panthermail in early May. If you have Summer Institute roommate pairing questions, please call 217-581-6696.

 

13. Will participating in the SIHL affect my fall housing options?

No. Students will go through the Housing process as normal for fall. Again, during the summer however, all SIHL students will be housed in Weller Hall.

14. How do I get my student ID?

Summer Institute students will get their Panther Cards during Orientation (on the first Monday of the program).

15. How do I get a Net ID/email address?

Admitted students will get their Net ID and password on their letter of admission.  It is also on the student's checklist, available through "myeiu." For further questions, please call the Office of Admissions at (877) 581-2348.

16. How do I register for orientation?

All Summer Institute students will participate in orientation on Monday, June 27, 2016. You will receive detailed instructions via email to reserve your place in the orientation program for fall 2016 course registration. For further questions, contact New Student Programs by email nsp@eiu.edu or call at (217) 581-6435.

17. Can students work during the Summer Institute Program?

No, for the most part. Students are attending class for 16 hours per week. There are required study sessions for 11 hours per week as well as required seminars and encouraged activities that will take up most of their time. However, the required activities are during week days and if a student would like to find a job on weekends they will have that option. Students are asked to report this to staff however so we can support them with that additional challenge.

18. Can Institute students have a car on campus?

Yes. Students may bring a vehicle to campus. It is important to be familiar with campus parking regulations to avoid unwanted fines. If you choose not to bring a car to campus there are other transportation options in the local community and beyond.

19. Is the Summer Institute a remedial or minority program?

No. The Summer Institute is available to all accepted incoming freshmen, with first opportunity coming to Gateway students.

20. Once I have been admitted to the Summer Institute, what comes next?

Once a student has received his/her admittance to the Summer Institute, they will log into MyEIU and complete the admitted student check list, RSVP to admissions by April 1, 2016, and pay their enrollment deposit to the Eastern Illinois University. Failure to complete both of these steps may result in the student losing his/her place in the program. Click here to print your SIHL checklist of dates, deadlines and other important information.

*Enrollment cannot occur until the enrollment deposit has been paid

21. What should I know about moving in and what to bring to the Summer Institute?

See the Summer Institute of Higher Learning Move In Tips  and the Housing and Dining Information Sheet for more information.

22. Who do I contact for more information?

For more information, please call the Summer Institute for Higher Learning housed in the Academic Support Center at (217) 581-6696 or via e-mail at summerinstitute@eiu.edu.

Related Pages

Contact Information

Student Success

McAfee Gym, Room 1336
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-6696


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