Does Marist University require students to take a world language course?

Marist University does not have an institution-wide world language requirement. However, certain majors, minors, pathways, study abroad programs, internships, or scholarships may include a language component.

What is the purpose of the Languages and Cultures Survey?

The Languages and Cultures Survey collects information about students’ language backgrounds and interests—for example, whether they learned a language in high school, grew up surrounded by another language or culture, or are interested in pursuing a language other than English. This information becomes part of the student profile and is shared with advisors to support more informed academic and career advising.

Will I have to answer grammar questions?

No. The survey asks about your language background and your comfort level using a language in everyday situations (such as asking for directions or recounting a past event). It does not include grammar questions, and all questions are presented in English.

Can the survey give me credit or allow me to “place out” of a language?

No. Because there is no general language requirement, the survey is not used to award credit or determine placement exemptions. Its purpose is to gather information about your current language abilities and interests. If you would like to transfer language credits from high school or another institution to Marist University, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

What world languages does Marist University offer?

Marist University offers full programs—including all levels of language instruction as well as courses in culture, film, and literature—in French, Italian, and Spanish. It also offers language instruction at various levels in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, Russian, and Latin. Course availability may vary depending on student interest and enrollment.

What happens if I do not complete the Languages and Cultures Survey?

If you do not complete the survey, information about your language experience and interests will not appear in your student profile. As a result, advisors for academics, study abroad, or career planning will not have access to that information, and opportunities such as certain scholarships or internships that require language experience may not be identified or recommended to you.
 

How will the information in the sports interest section of the surveys be used?

This information is used to determine the extent to which the athletic interests of incoming students are being met by the current intramural, club, recreation, and intercollegiate athletics offerings on campus. Therefore, it is completed by all students prior to their arrival on campus.

I am not interested in participating in any athletic activities on campus, do I still need to complete the sports interest section of the surveys?

Your answers are important to us and there are no right or wrong answers. All students must complete this section.

Who should I contact if I want to participate in a sport?

Once the survey has closed, the Athletics department will be sent all the results of the survey. The Club Sport office will pass along information to each of the club sports. The Athletic Director will be provided with any interest pertaining to Varsity teams to disseminate to each coach. 

Who should I contact if I want to play a sport or have questions?

For Club Sports or Intramurals, contact recreation@marist.edu. For Varsity Athletics, contact athletics@marist.edu or the coach directly. Students interested in varsity sports should reach out before arriving at Marist. No advance steps are required for Club Sports or Intramurals, though Recreation can help connect you with a club sport leader before you get to campus. Learn more about club sports.
 

How is the information from the Music section of the survey used?

The Music information is used to determine the extent to which the musical interests of incoming students are being met by the current academic and extracurricular music offerings on campus. Information gleaned from this questionnaire will be used to help the Music program events based on the number of potentially interested musicians. Additionally, it is used to assist in the enrollment of students into music courses for their Fall semester schedule. Music courses are not mandated in the core curriculum, but a number of courses may be used toward the completion of Core Pathways. Therefore, we encourage all students to complete this questionnaire by the deadline.

Learn more about our programs here.

I heard something about a music camp. How do I get more information?

Music camp is a time where Marist musicians arrive a few days prior to the start of the Fall semester to begin learning music for our first performances.   For Band, you will learn the field show for football games, while Singers and Orchestra will learn music for their first performance – usually the last weekend in September.   Admitted students who complete the First Year Orientation Music Interest Survey will receive camp information around the July 4th holiday.  Those who do not complete the survey will need to contact music@marist.edu to receive the form.  

I am not interested in taking a music course my first semester but still want to perform with the department. How do I become involved?

Please contact Mike Napolitano in the Music Department at Michael.Napolitano@Marist.edu or (845) 575-3242 to get your name on the interest list for our performing ensembles and music camps.