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FAQs

Orientation

How do I register for Orientation?

• You will need your Marist email address (typically firstname.last#@marist.edu and your password, which was mailed to you by Information Technology) to register. Orientation is a One-Day Program on: May 29th, 30th, 31st, June 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th. Registration will begin on May 8th.  To register, go to www.marist.edu/orientation

I forgot my Marist e-mail account/password. What should I do?

• If you do not know your e-mail address or password, please call the Help Desk at (845) 575-4357. Help Desk Office Hours are: Regular hours 7:30 a.m.-10:00p.m Monday-Thursday, Friday 7:30a.m-5:00pm.. Summer Hours ,which start May 26th, are 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Thursday and Friday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

Is there an Orientation Program for Transfer Students?

• Transfer Orientation will take place on Sunday, August 30th. Details will be sent to New Transfer Students during the first week in August.

How do I change my Orientation date if I can no longer attend on the day that I selected?

• If you need to switch the date you registered for, you may log back into the Orientation Registration Page and register for any available date. Registrations are finalized by 3:00 p.m. the day before each event. If you have additional questions, please call (845) 575-3517.

Who should I contact if I need special accommodations?

• Students will be visiting a variety of buildings and locations during the course of the day, and family members will be moving to multiple rooms within the Student Center. Please call (845) 575-3517 at least two working days prior to your arrival if you need special accommodations.

What should I bring to Orientation?

• You and your registered guests should bring umbrellas in case of inclement weather. We provide everything else, including a handbook for parents/guardians. We encourage you to dress comfortably and arrive ready for a day of learning and fun.

My siblings and/or guests are planning to attend Orientation with me. Will there be activities for them?

• Due to space limitations, we suggest that each student bring no more than two additional guests to the program. Your siblings and/or guests may attend Orientation. They cannot follow the student track, but they are welcome to attend any programs scheduled for family/guests. Be aware that there will be no age-specific activities for children or baby-sitting services.

How long is the Orientation program?

• Your Orientation day begins at 8:15 am and wraps up at 5 pm. You will receive your schedule for the day at the Registration/Check-In desk. If you need to stay at a nearby hotel, we have assembled a list of Area Hotels/Motels and a Travel Information guide.

What happens after Orientation?

• Marist will keep in contact with you and your parents/guardians throughout the summer via email -- Marist email for students and The Parent Pipeline for family members. Once students arrive on campus in the Fall, their "orientation" will continue through Welcome Week activities, meetings with their First Year Programs Coordinator who serves as their Mentor, and participation in selected programs, such as Emerging Leaders, FOCUS, Commuter Connections, and more!

Placement Tests/Surveys

General Test Questions

I forgot my Marist e-mail account/password. What should I do?

• If you do not know your e-mail address or password, please call the Help Desk at (845) 575-4357. Help Desk Office Hours are: 7:30 a.m.-10:00p.m. Monday-Thursday and Friday 7:30a.m.-5:00p.m. Summer Hours, which start May 26th, are 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Thursday and Friday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

What if I am having trouble loading the placement tests/surveys?

• Some connections methods are slower than others. Dial-up is the slowest method of connecting; it could take three minutes or more to load the test using a very slow dial-up.

• You should turn off any pop-up blocking software installed on your computer. (AOL users should especially make sure to do this.)
  
  Note for the Mathematics Test: Remember the 45 minutes to take the test does not include the loading of the test or filling out the intake form.

I'm having a computing problem that's not addressed here. Who do I contact at Marist to get additional help?

• You should call the HELP Desk at (845) 575-4357. Help Desk Office Hours are: 7:30 a.m.-10:00p.m. Monday-Thursday and Friday 7:30a.m.-5:00p.m. Summer Hours, which start May 26th, are 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Thursday and Friday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

When will I know the results of my placement tests?

• The first week in August you will receive your schedule from the Registrar. The results of your Math Placement Test will be included and the results of your Modern Language and Writing Placements will be reflected in your schedule.

Do I have to take the mathematics courses recommended by my placements?

• The recommendation for placement is just that, a recommendation. Based on the criteria given (see Mathematics Placement Test Section), recommendations have been made for a first course (and possibly a second course) in mathematics; however, if you feel the placement is incorrect, you may take different courses. Ultimately, you are responsible for selection of your college courses.

I noticed that there is no Writing Test. How will I be placed into an appropriate College Writing course?

• Writing placement will be done by using the Verbal SAT and the Writing SAT. Students will be placed in either College Writing I or directly into College Writing II. Some students may be encouraged to take Introduction to College Writing if their test grades indicate such a need.

• Placement into College Writing I will require a student to take both College Writing I and College Writing II and pass the Proficiency Exam to fulfill the proficiency requirement. Students placed directly into College Writing II will take only College Writing II and the Proficiency Exam to complete the requirement.

Course Selection Questionaire

How is the Course Selection Questionnaire used?

• The Course Selection Questionnaire is used to ensure that the Registrar's Office considers your preferences when making your first semester's schedule. As part of the Core/Liberal Studies Curriculum (general education requirements), all Marist students are required to complete courses drawn from the core curriculum subject areas. The Questionnaire will appear online between May 8 and June 7 at: http://www.marist.edu/orientation.

I have a question about the Course Selection Questionnaire. Who should I contact?

• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
  
  The Registrar's Office
  845-575-3250
  registrar@marist.edu

Mathematics Placement Test

What is the purpose of the Math Placement Test?

• All incoming freshmen are required to take an online mathematics placement test, which must be completed on or before June 7, 2009. You will access the survey and/or test at http://www.marist.edu/orientation. Your placement into mathematics courses at Marist College will be based on the results of your online placement test, your math SAT score, your high school GPA, your high school mathematics courses and your choice of major and minor. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
  
  The Mathematics Department
  (845) 575-3610
  christina.vertullo@marist.edu

What will I need to take the Math Placement Test?

• This test is designed to be taken without the use of any mathematical aids such as a calculator, your notes, or a textbook. You may use scrap paper as well as pencils to work out the 40 questions. You will also need to know your major and possible minors, titles of high school mathematics courses and titles of mathematics courses taken at any other college.

How long will it take to complete the Math Placement Test?

• The time needed to complete this test is 45 uninterrupted minutes online. Time permitting, you may check your answers by clicking the back and forward buttons before submitting your test.

I am having trouble getting past the intake form on page 2 of the Math Placement Test. What do I do?

• You need to fill in all the required fields indicated by a red asterisk.

What do I do if my computer crashed before I finished the placement test?

• Please send an e-mail to the Office of Institutional Research and Planning at the following address: instresearch@marist.edu.
  In your e-mail, please indicate your full name, your telephone number, and the date you took the placement test. A representative from the Office of Institutional Research and Planning will respond to you as soon as possible.

I did not finish my online placement test. Was my test sent to be graded?

• If you did not submit your answers by clicking on the SUBMIT button and you did not close your Web browser, your answers were automatically sent after 45 minutes elapsed.

Modern Language Placement Test

Why do/don't I have to take a Modern Language Placement Test?

• Only French, Italian and Spanish will include both a survey and test, all other languages will only ask you to complete a short survey. You will access the survey (and test) at http://www.marist.edu/orientation. Your placement for languages that do not have a test will be determined primarily upon examining your academic records. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
  
  Dr. Claire Keith
  Chair, Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
  (845) 575-3000, extension 7602
  claire.keith@marist.edu

How long will it take to complete the Modern Language Placement?

• You should allow between 2 and 20 minutes to complete the survey and/or test. The length will vary depending on the language you choose and your knowledge of that language. The survey for most languages only takes a minute; since French, Italian and Spanish require you to take both a survey and a test, the process will take longer.

My Academic Course Schedule

When will I receive my schedule of classes?

• The Registrar's Office handles scheduling during a student's first semester and will mail your class schedule to you during the first week of August.

What criteria determine the courses that I am placed into?

• Your placement into courses at Marist College will be made based on the results of your online placement tests/surveys, your Course Selection Questionnaire responses, your SAT scores, your high school GPA, your high school courses, and your choice of major and minor.

• Please Note: It is your responsibility to provide the Registrar's Office with any transcripts/score reports indicating Advanced Placement, Bridge, or transfer credit. In order to have these transcripts/score reports factored into your schedule, they must be received ASAP from the testing organization or educational institution.

How do I know if I will receive Marist College credit for an AP Course or a course taken at another college/university?

• Each School sets its own standards for AP Credit, e.g., in the School of Mathematics a score of 3 or better on an AP mathematics course will receive mathematics credit. There is a $25 fee per credit charged by Marist College to transfer the AP credits. For transfer credit, only courses with a C or better will be evaluated by the Registrar's Office to determine if they are similar in scope and content to courses offered at Marist.

What if I need to change my fall schedule sent to me by the Registrar?

• A few changes can be made during the summer by calling the Registrar (typically, those involving a change of major), but MOST changes are made during the first week of classes during the Add/Drop period.

I want to change my major. Who do I contact?

• In order to change your major over the summer, you must contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-436-5483.

Arrival on Campus in August

Residential Students

When will I receive my roommate information?

• Housing Assignments will be posted online by the Office of Housing & Residential Life in early August.

How can I obtain information about purchasing items for my room?

• You may access information to purchase your linens, refrigerators/microwaves, carpets and Dining Plans at http://www.marist.edu/housing/assignments.html Most important would be extra-long bedding, shower supplies, towels and an alarm clock. You will find more suggestions at http://www.marist.edu/housing/personal.html

I am interested in Special Interest Housing. How do I get more information and apply?

Marist currently offers three different options for special interest living. Each of these options involves a special relationship with a major department on campus whose staff assists in the planning, development and oversight of the floor.

• Community Service: Living to make things better through community service. Residents work with Campus Ministry,

• The Science Majors Floor: Residents work with the School of Science.

• Focus: An innovative academic program for incoming freshmen providing in-depth information about majors, minors, concentrations, and career planning options, strategies for success, and an easy academic transition into the Marist College experience. Residents work with the Academic Learning Center.

Online applications are being accepted for Community Service and the Science Majors Floor. The first step in applying for a special interest floor is to fill out an application for the specific floor that you'd like to join. Applications for Community Service and The Science Majors Floor will be available at http://www.marist.edu/orientation beginning on May 8 and they must be completed by June 7, 2009. You will be notified regarding your application status by July 1, 2009.

Focus students apply for the program beginning at Open House through June 15 or until the program is filled.

As a freshman residential student, I know that I am not permitted to bring a car to campus. How will I get around if I want to go shopping or explore Poughkeepsie?

• College Activities at Marist provides buses to the Poughkeepsie Galleria (Mall) on weekends throughout the year. In addition, students may locate their own transportation (taxi, bus, and train) through the following link: http://www.marist.edu/studentlife/dccc/taxinumbers.html

I have a housing question that is not listed here. What should I do?

• You should go to http://www.marist.edu/housing/faq.html. If you do not find your answer on Housing's website, you should call (845) 575-3307.

COMMUTER STUDENTS

What should I do before my first day on campus?

• Apply for your parking permit online anytime after July 20th. Permits can be picked up on or after August 30th in the Office of Safety and Security. You will need to bring a photocopy of both your driver license and registration in order to pick up your permit.

• Make plans (e.g., take off work) to attend Opening Day at Marist on Saturday, August 29. You will receive more specific information about Opening Day and all of Welcome Week in August.

What special opportunities does Marist provide for me as a commuting student?

• The Commuter Connections Program provides you with opportunities, resources, and relationships that will help you be a successful student. For example, you will meet one hour per week for half a semester with 10 other students and connect with "veteran" students, faculty, and staff, who will serve as mentors and guides. You will receive an application with additional information from First Year Programs & Leadership Development in early August.

Where do commuter students go on campus?

• The Commuter Lounge, located on the 2nd Floor of the Student Center, serves as the "Home Away from Home" for commuter students and offers weekly programs, such as, Coffee Conversations, Pizza Tables, Holiday Socials, Leadership Workshops, and more. You will also find commuters all over campus in the Library, McCann Center (Recreation), academic buildings, and residence facilities.

I have a commuting question that is not listed here. What should I do?

• You should go to http://www.marist.edu/studentlife/firstyear/commuters.html. If you do not find your answer on the website, you should call First Year Programs at (845) 575-3517.

Other Common Questions

When will I receive the bill for tuition and fees from Marist College?

• Paper student bills for your first semester are mailed in early July and are due in early August. All future bills will be electronic only. To ensure the receipt of your future bills "Enroll Now/Access eBill". Electronic Spring 2010 bills will be available in early December and are due in early January.

May I change my Dining Plan during the semester?

• Yes, you may change your Dining Plan up until the first Friday of each semester. After that you must remain on your plan until the following semester. For more information on Campus Dining, please go to http://www.maristdining.com/plans.html

I will be participating in a fall sport. How will I receive information about arriving early?

• Student-athletes participating in a fall sport will receive necessary information from the Department of Athletics. Their phone number is (845) 575-3699.

What will my mailing address be at Marist?

• All students receive information regarding their Marist Mailbox (MSC Box) in their opening packet. Students have the responsibility to check their Mailbox throughout the year. A sample address follows:
  
  
  • Student's Name
  • Marist College MSC#
  • 3399 North Rd
  • Poughkeepsie NY 12601-1354