Acceptance Packet

THIS IS YOUR UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO.

Congratulations! www.uidaho.edu/admit | A LEGACY OF LEADING

You have been admitted to the University of Idaho.

Now the

You!

YOUR Finances

is all about

YOUR Event

www.uidaho.edu/admit

YOUR Campus Life

This packet is your guide for the months ahead. Be sure to visit the Admitted Students Web site for even more information about your next steps. From finances to housing to registration, it’s your online source for everything you and your family need to know about what’s next, in one easy-to-find place.

So celebrate! You’re only a few simple steps from officially becoming a Vandal.

We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Idaho family.

YOUR Family

You did it. You have been admitted to one of the leading universities in the West. Now it’s time for you and your family to prepare for your exciting new adventure at the University of Idaho.

YOUR Classes

Congratulations!

What’s next?

you plan for the months ahead.

w

FEB

w Register for Vandal Friday or Vandal Friday Limited. Your family should reserve a hotel room for Thursday and/or Friday.

w Explore your living options. Pay your deposit to reserve a Residence Hall room or sign up for Greek recruitment.

2/15

FINANCIAL AID and SCHOLARSHIPS

SET UP YOUR VANDALWEB AND VANDALMAIL ACCOUNTS.

w Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal consideration for financial aid and need-based scholarships. Be sure to submit your FAFSA by February 15 for priority funding consideration.

w Complete your admissions by providing required documents by February 15 to maximize your merit-based scholarship opportunities.

MAR/ APR

w Check VandalWeb for notification of your scholarship and financial aid package.

w Accept your scholarship and financial aid package sent in late March.

ATTEND A VANDAL FRIDAY EVENT

w Check VandalWeb for your Residence Hall room assignment.

MAY

w Notify other schools about your choice to attend the University of Idaho.

w Watch your mail and VandalWeb for information about how to register for New Student Orientation programs.

w Send all final transcripts to admissions.

w Make hotel reservations for your family for the start of school. Accommodations fill up fast!

JULY

w Order textbooks online.

w Watch for your University bill in the mail and on VandalWeb.

AUG

w Participate in New Student Orientation on campus. Go online for details.

w Pay all University fees before the first day of classes.

w 8/11 – Check-in for sorority recruitment.

w 8/17 – Check-in for fraternity recruitment.

w 8/18 – Check into your Residence Hall.

8/22

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

YOUR Family

YOUR Classes

3/25 w VANDAL FRIDAY 4/1 w VANDAL FRIDAY 4/8 w VANDAL FRIDAY LIMITED - no overnight option 4/15 w VANDAL FRIDAY LIMITED - no overnight option w Register for classes and experience on-campus living. Parents – attend sessions geared for you. w Contact the Office of Admissions if you are unable to attend Vandal Friday or Vandal Friday Limited.

YOUR Campus Life

JAN

YOUR Finances

This timeline will help

YOUR Event

www.uidaho.edu/admit

YOUR Event

Your event

you have been admitted, attending Vandal Friday,

March 25 or April 1, or a Vandal Friday Limited, April 8 or

April 15, is a definite must!

These special events are our way of personally welcoming you and your family to the University of Idaho. It’s your first chance to register for fall classes and a great opportunity to get face-to-face guidance about your next steps, including choosing your classes and setting up your fall schedule. Stay overnight in a Residence Hall or Greek house (March 25 or April 1 only).

Vandal Friday also gives you an early glimpse into your new life as a Vandal. You can take a tour of campus, learn about student clubs and campus activities at the Student Activities Fair, stay overnight in a Residence Hall or Greek house, and participate in informative workshops for both you and your family.

If you are unable to attend Vandal Friday or a Vandal Friday Limited, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Next Steps

2. Register for the event online.

3. Reserve a hotel room for family members.

4. Make travel arrangements. Maps and directions are available online.

YOUR Family

1. SAVE THE DATE: Choose from one of these options: Vandal Friday– March 25 or April 1 Vandal Friday Limited – April 8 or 15.

Contact the Office of Admissions if you are unable to attend.

YOUR Classes

0

YOUR Campus Life

VANDAL FRIDAY AND VANDAL FRIDAY LIMITED: AN IDAHO WELCOME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

YOUR Finances

Now that

YOUR Event

www.uidaho.edu/admitted/vandalfriday

YOUR Event

YOUR Event

Use this pocket for future information about your visit to campus.

YOUR Finances YOUR Campus Life YOUR Classes

VANDAL FRIDAY

w Meet students, faculty and staff. w Experience our beautiful campus. w Attend workshops for students and families. w Register early for classes. w Explore student clubs and organizations. w Stay overnight on campus (March 25 and April 1 events only).

www.uidaho.edu/admitted/vandalfriday

YOUR Family

MARCH 25, APRIL 1, APRIL 8, OR APRIL 15, 2011

YOUR Finances

Your finances

www.uidaho.edu/admit

you are automatically

considered for all merit-based scholarships.

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION IS EASY AND HASSLE-FREE There are many ways you can get hands-on innovative learning and research opportunities at the University of Idaho. Our financial aid and scholarship programs, totaling more than $100 million each year, coupled with tuition and fees that are already below the national average, make obtaining a premier college education affordable.

The first step in the financial aid process is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to submit your FAFSA by February 15 for first priority for need-based scholarships, student loans, grants and work study. Your personal financial aid adviser will help you find your best financing options. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid, (208) 885-6312, (888) 884-3246 (toll-free) or e-mail, finaid@uidaho.edu.

SCHOLARSHIPS As an admitted student, you are automatically considered for all merit-based scholarships and out-of-state tuition assistance. No separate applications required. To be sure you are considered for our significant pool of need-based scholarships and out of state tuition assistance, have your FAFSA filed by February 15.

1. Set up your VandalWeb accounts online.

3. Look on VandalWeb in late March for your financial aid package notification.

4. Instruct any agencies that awarded you external scholarships to submit funds to the Financial Aid Office by August 1.

5. Look for your billing statement in July.

6. Pay fees before the first day of classes (August 22).

7. Set up a payment plan, if preferred.

YOUR Family

2. Complete and submit your FAFSA by February 15 for first priority for funding.

Go online to download the application and for helpful tips.

YOUR Classes

Next Steps

YOUR Campus Life

FINANCIAL AID

YOUR Finances

As an admitted student,

YOUR Finances

Use this pocket for future information and financial aid forms.

YOUR Finances YOUR Campus Life YOUR Classes

REMEMBER! w Submit your FAFSA by February 15

(estimate until you complete your tax return) for first priority.

www.uidaho.edu/admit

YOUR Family

FEBRUARY 15

YOUR Finances

YOUR Campus Life

Your campus life

www.uidaho.edu/admit

Idaho’s vibrant student life experience is unlike any other.

And when

you live on Idaho’s residential campus, you are at the center of it all.

AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME AWAITS YOU. As a Vandal, you will become part of a close-knit community that is bound by a century of rich tradition and pride. Here, you will build lifelong friendships, create cherished memories and undergo transformative experiences that will shape the person you are yet to become.

Volunteerism is another important part of student life at Idaho. From working with local children and the elderly to building orphanages in Romania, you’ll have exceptional opportunities to make a difference in the local community and in communities around the nation and globe.

w Get involved – Choose from more than 200 student organizations. w Make a difference – Participate in meaningful volunteer service projects. w Explore the outdoors – Hike, bike, ski, white-water raft and more. w Cheer on the Silver and Gold – Support Idaho’s NCAA Division 1A athletic teams.

YOUR Campus Life

The student life experience at the University of Idaho is unlike any other. And it all starts with our beautiful residential campus, where you will find vibrant living communities and outstanding student activities and recreation, as well as the extra support you need for a successful college life.

w Be entertained – Enjoy the active music and arts scene. w Work up a sweat – Keep fit at the Student Recreation Center and in intramural sports.

Next Steps

YOUR Classes

w Establish support – Take advantage of student services and resources.

1. Discover more about campus life and the variety of student support services online.

3. Come to Vandal Friday to experience campus life firsthand. You can take a campus tour, attend the Student Activities Fair and explore on-campus living options.

YOUR Family

2. View slide shows and videos online of campus living groups and recreation at the Admitted Students Web site.

YOUR Finances

YOUR Campus Life

www.uidaho.edu/admit

As an accepted student,

you can choose from a variety

of on-campus living options.

FIRST-YEAR AND TRANSFER STUDENTS: ON-CAMPUS LIVING ENSURES YOUR SUCCESS When you live on campus, you are at the center of student life. On-campus living at Idaho is convenient and fun. It makes it easier to meet new friends. And it’s safe and cost-effective.

FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS: LIVE ON CAMPUS REQUIREMENT On-campus living is a crucial part of your educational experience at the University of Idaho. New freshmen are required to live on campus during their first year. New students may choose from among 27 Residence Hall communities, 27 Greek houses and a women’s cooperative. You may request an exemption from this requirement through the Dean of Students Office no later than May 15.

1. Explore campus living options and make your campus living choice.

YOUR Classes

Next Steps

YOUR Campus Life

What’s more, on-campus living is linked to academic success. Students who live on campus are more likely to have higher GPAs, feel more satisfied and graduate faster.

2. Attend Vandal Friday, March 25 or April 1, to stay overnight in a Residence Hall or Greek house.

4. Find a roommate with our online roommate matching program.

5. Look for your Residence Hall room assignment on VandalWeb in April.

6. Check into your Residence Hall (August 18) or check-in for sorority recruitment (August 11) or fraternity recruitment (August 17).

YOUR Family

3. Reserve a room with a $250 deposit and a signed Residence Hall agreement, OR sign up for Greek recruitment if you’re interested in a fraternity or sorority.

YOUR Finances

YOUR Campus Life

Use this pocket for future campus life and living information and forms.

YOUR Campus Life YOUR Classes

w Visit campus so you can make your

campus living choice.

w Pay your deposit if you plan to live in a

residence hall.

OR

w Sign up for Greek recruitment if you

plan to live in a fraternity or sorority.

www.uidaho.edu/admit

YOUR Family

REMEMBER!

YOUR Finances

YOUR Campus Life

Your classes YOUR Classes

www.uidaho.edu/admit

Registering for classes is a key step in securing

your place in the University of Idaho family.

REGISTER AT VANDAL FRIDAY OR VANDAL FRIDAY LIMITED It’s important you attend one of the Vandal Friday options, March 25 or April 1, or Vandal Friday Limited April 8 or April 15, for your first opportunity to register for fall semester. At this event, you will receive help choosing your classes and setting up your schedule for fall semester. Vandal Friday allows you to register before current students, giving you the best class selection.

Remember, a University representative must remove your advising hold before you can register for classes.

If you are unable to attend Vandal Friday or Vandal Friday Limited, be sure to contact Admissions.

YOUR MAJOR On your application for admission, you listed an area of study that interests you. But don’t worry if you are still unsure about your major. You can explore a wide range of potential career paths, and can learn about degree options you may have never before considered. With more than 150 majors, there’s sure to be an area of study that takes you where you want to go. Browse majors online using Degree Finder.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR SUCCESS At the University of Idaho you have the extra academic support you may need to adjust to the rigors of college-level courses, including tutoring and one-on-one counseling to weekly workshops and writing assistance. Go online for a complete list of academic support programs and resources.

2. Check your major. If your interests have changed since your application for admission, contact the Office of Admissions.

3. Register for classes early at Vandal Friday or Vandal Friday Limited.

YOUR Family

1. Submit SAT/ACT test scores, advanced placement exam scores, and/or college credits, which will be used for English and math placement.

YOUR Classes

Next Steps

YOUR Finances

YOUR Campus Life

YOUR Classes

Use this pocket for future information regarding your classes.

YOUR Classes

You will have the extra support you need to thrive, both in and outside the classroom.

www.uidaho.edu/admit

YOUR Family

AT IDAHO, FACULTY AND STAFF ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS.

YOUR Finances

YOUR Campus Life

Your family YOUR Classes

YOUR Family

www.uidaho.edu/admit

are an important partner in You

your student’s transition to Idaho.

Congratulations on your student’s achievement. This is an exciting time for your entire family. There are many things you can do as a family member to help your student prepare for the transition to campus life: w

Review the timeline found in this packet and online with your student. Draw attention to critical dates and deadlines.

w

Encourage your student to set up his or her VandalWeb and VandalMail accounts immediately and to frequently check the accounts for important notifications about financial aid and scholarships, housing, billing and more.

w

Remind your student to regularly visit the Admitted Students Web site for up-to-date information.

w

Attend special activities and workshops geared for families at any Vandal Friday option.

w

Help your student stay organized. Use the folders in this packet to keep future information and forms.

w

Watch the mail for details about orientation events and billing.

The University offers a myriad of services and resources to help you remain connected and engaged during your student’s transition to Idaho. Sign up for the special parent newsletter that is issued regularly by the Dean of Students Office to keep you informed. Be sure to visit the online Parents’ Guide for more pertinent information and useful links.

Parent Orientation, which takes place on campus before the first day of classes, is also an excellent opportunity for you to learn about such topics as campus life, academic successes and challenges, and how to adjust to your student being at college.

Keep Informed. who receive the University’s special parent newsletter issued by the Dean of Students. Go online to subscribe.

YOUR Family

Join the nearly 3,000 families

YOUR Finances

YOUR Campus Life

YOUR Classes

YOUR Family

Use this pocket for future information regarding parent orientation and becoming part of the Va n d a l f a m i l y .

You’ll find helpful links and important information on visiting campus, parent orientation, finances, support services, academic and events calendars, and much more. www.uidaho.edu/admit

www.uidaho.edu/admit

YOUR Family

THE ONLINE PARENTS’ GUIDE IS A RESOURCE JUST FOR FAMILIES.

www.uidaho.edu/admit IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Admissions | (208) 885-6163 | (888) 884-3246 (toll-free) University Housing | (208) 885-6571 | (800) 681-9361 (toll-free) Fraternity and Sorority Life | (208) 885-6757

l (800) 87-GREEK (toll-free)

Financial Aid & Scholarships | (208) 885-6312 | (888) 884-3246 (toll-free) Office of the Registrar | (208) 885-6731 Student Accounts | (208) 885-7447 | (888) 884-3246 (toll-free) Academic Advising | (208) 885-9831 New Student Orientation | (208) 885-6757 Dean of Students | (208) 885-6757