Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Aid

I've submitted everything but I am still being asked for the IRS data retrieval through FAFSA. Since you already have all my tax information why do you need the IRS retrieval?

Your FAFSA has been selected by the federal government for verification. When this happens (and about 30% of FAFSAs are selected) there are only two ways to satisfy or complete the verification requirement. One is to utilize the FAFSA's IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer the student's and parents' income and taxes into the FAFSA. The second is to request a tax return transcript directly from the IRS, which adds time to the process because it has to be mailed to the financial aid office.

I've submitted all my FAFSA paperwork. When can I expect to receive my award letter?

Financial aid notifications are normally mailed within three weeks of the CSB/SJU Financial Aid Office receiving the three required forms: the FAFSA, the CSB/SJU Financial Aid Application, and the Certification Page.

Foreign Language Placement Exam

When and how do I complete a foreign language placement exam?

Students who have previously studied Spanish, French or German will take a placement test to determine the appropriate course for continued study at the college level. You may do this at any time, but will definitely want to complete the appropriate foreign language placement exam before submitting your course registration paperwork.

Housing and Residential Life

When do I fill out housing paperwork?

You can begin filling out your housing form after you have paid the $300 enrollment deposit to secure your spot at CSB/SJU. The housing form is available in the Online Forms Portal and is due by May 15. Please note that we do not begin the roommate matching process until the form deadline so there is no advantage to submitting your paperwork early.

When will I learn of housing assignment?

Your housing assignment will be mailed to your home address in mid-July.

Do I get to choose which residence hall I'm in?

You're always welcome to indicate a preference for a residence hall. We can't guarantee that we will be able to grant your request, but will do our best!

What happens if I don't get along with my roommate?

First, providing honest and accurate information on the housing form is paramount. Avoid having your parent filling out the form. Second, understand that having a roommate is a great opportunity for growth! You will learn how to communicate with and respect another individual in a way that you might not have done before. And while it may be a little strange and difficult at first, some of life's deepest friendships are made by going through this process.

As for not getting along with your roommate, Residence Life will always listen to your concerns. We have an established roommate conflict process in place with full support from Resident Assistants once you live on campus.

Registering for Classes

When do I register for classes?

For your first semester, we actually select your classes for you based on the academic interests you list on your course request form, located in the important forms section on the Accepted and Enrolled Students page. Our academic advisors will use this information to plan your first semester for you.

When will I receive my class schedule?

You can expect to receive your class schedule in late July.

Orientation and First Day of Class

What dates should I take off for New Student Orientation?

New Student Orientation takes place the three days before classes begin and starts on the same day new students move into the residence halls. Learn more.

Are there any optional pre-orientation experiences?

Yes! You should check out Collegebound, an optional wilderness learning experience for incoming first year or transfer students to CSB/SJU. Students will either rock climb or canoe in northern Minnesota for the week preceding orientation, no experience necessary.

When does class start next year?

Classes for the 2012 fall semester will begin on Wednesday, August 28.

Tuition Payments

When is the first bill due?

The academic year is divided into two billing periods, fall semester and spring semester. Students will be billed for the fall semester on or near July 15, with a due date of August 10. The spring semester will be billed on or near December 15 with a January 10 due date. Please note that we do not send out paper bills. We use electronic billing so you will receive notification through an email from our Student Accounts Offices.

Academic Calendar

How do I find other important dates for the school year?

www.csbsju.edu/registrar/calendars.htm

Computers

I'd like to have a computer on campus, what do I need to know?

Before going computer shopping, take a few minutes to read the online resources from our IT Services Department. They answer the Top 10 Questions from New Students regarding the requirements for bringing a student-owned computer to campus.

Students who do not have a personal computer in their room will have close access to computers and printers in their residence hall, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, Computer Access Areas are open and accessible when students need them. The Quad Computer Center located at SJU and the Clemens Computing Center located at CSB are generally open until 2 a.m.

Cars

Do I need a car on campus?

No. While you are welcome to bring a car, very few students actually use them for traveling between campuses. The LINK shuttle service is too convenient. With 30 minutes between classes, there is plenty of time to make the commute between campuses.

Can I park a car on campus, and how much does it cost?

Yes. Here are the costs:

  • ANNUAL: $150 + tax (for students living on or off campus)
  • SEMESTER: $75 + tax (for students living on or off campus)
  • REPLACEMENT: $7 + tax - for lost or damaged permits