2010 PENNCAP PFP Program Frequently Asked Questions Please read this information carefully!

Transcription

1 GETTING HERE: 2010 PENNCAP PFP Program Frequently Asked Questions Please read this information carefully! 1) When should I arrive on campus? All participants are expected to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, ) I will be flying into Philadelphia. How do I get to campus from the airport? There are several ways to get to campus from the airport: Take an airport shuttle van to 39 th and Spruce Streets. Harrison College House is located one block north on 39 th and Irving Streets (approximately $15/person) Take the High-Speed SEPTA Transit Line (the R1 Train) from the airport to 30 th Street Station (approximately $7/person). It departs approximately every half-hour between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. (check the SEPTA website at for details). Then, take a taxi from 30 th Street Station to 39 th and Spruce Streets (approximately $15). Take a taxi directly from the airport to 39 th and Spruce Streets (approximately $35). 3) I will arrive by train at 30 th Street Station. How can I get to campus? Take a taxi to 39 th and Spruce Streets (approximately $15). Taxis park on the 30 th Street side of the train station. 4) I will arrive by bus. How can I get to campus? Take a taxi from the 10 th and Filbert Street Greyhound Bus Terminals to 39 th and Spruce Streets (approximately $20). 5) May my parents and/or guardians come with me? Yes. Opening Ceremonies for both PFP students and their families, with University faculty, administrators, and PENNCAP PFP staff, will be held on Saturday, July 31 st, at 1:30 p.m. A portion of the opening program will include two special information workshops: one for parents and/or guardians who will be accompanying PFP students and the other for students. Family members must make their own arrangements for lodging. LIVING HERE: 6) Where will I live during the program? The program residence is: Rodin College House, located on Locust Walk between 39 th and 40 th Streets. 7) Will someone meet me at the residence hall? Yes. The PENNCAP Pre-Freshman Program (PFP) staff, including the Peer Counselors and Resident Managers, will meet students upon check-in. Look for the staff members in their brightly colored Penn t- shirts. 8) Where can I park and unload? This information will be sent to all participants approximately 2 weeks before the start of the program. Be sure to check your . 1

2 9) What should I bring? Bring extra long twin size sheets, a pillow, pillow cases, blanket, towels, washcloths, toiletries, an alarm clock, sunscreen, a hat (for sun protection), swim wear, appropriate attire for the semi formal at the end of the program, etc. Clothing should be appropriate and comfortable. Also, bring paper supplies, a calculator, and related school items. Students not planning to return home after the program ends on August 28 th may want to bring whatever else they will need for the school year. However, keep in mind that room space is limited. Light packing is recommended. 10) Should I bring a computer? Yes. Most students bring their computer and it provides a convenience for them; however, it is not required. The computer lab in Rodin College House has Dell PCs, a black and white laser printer, a color laser printer, and features internet access. Other computer labs throughout campus are also available during day, evening, and limited weekend hours. 11) What is the weather like in Philadelphia during the summer? Philadelphia is usually very hot and humid in July and August (between degrees). Rodin College House is fully air conditioned. 12) Will I be able to do laundry? Yes. There are laundry facilities in the residence hall and the service is free of charge. 13) How much money should I bring? It is recommended that students bring $500 for some books, school supplies, weekend meals, laundry, shopping, and personal expenses. Any books purchased will also be used in fall classes. We recommend not carrying a lot of extra cash. This is a great time to establish a local bank or student credit union account. 14) What about food? The program will provide all meals during the weekdays at 1920 Commons Dining Hall, Einstein Bagels, and the Houston Market Food Court. Students will be responsible for their weekend meals. Some weekend activities may include food. 15) What can I expect on the weekends? All PENNCAP PFP students are encouraged to be "in-residence" for the duration of the program. However, with advance approval, weekend leave will be granted. The PFP Staff have planned a great line-up of weekend social and recreational activities, such as outings to amusement parks and sporting events, and out-of-town day trips. Peer Counselors will also plan additional events for students to enjoy. All program-sponsored social events will be free of charge. 16) Is there free time during the week to take care of personal matters? Yes. Though academic and program responsibilities are the priority, there is limited free time during the week and on weekends in which to take care of personal matters. 17) Is there a curfew? Yes. The program curfew is midnight on Sunday through Thursday and 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Curfew will be strictly enforced. 2

3 18) May I have overnight guests? No. All guests must be signed out before curfew. This will be strictly enforced by both the program and Public Safety. Please see PENNCAP Pre-Freshman Program Rules and Regulations. 19) Are we allowed to drink during the program? No. Pre-Freshman Program (PFP) participants may not possess or consume alcohol or other drugs at any time during their involvement in the program. PFP participants who possess or consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will have parents notified and be asked to leave the program and residential facilities immediately. Participants who exhibit destructive or other inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave the program as well. Please see PENNCAP Pre-Freshman Program Rules and Regulations. 20) Will I have roommates during the program? Yes. All PENNCAP PFP students will have roommates during the program. Roommates will be assigned by the program staff and are not subject to change, except in extreme cases. 21) What if I need to use Student Health? Make certain that all required immunization forms (which you should have received in the mail from Student Health) are completed and sent to the Student Health Office before coming to the program, or bring them with you. PENNCAP PFP students are eligible for outpatient visits with Student Health medical staff; however, lab fees, x-rays, in-patient hospitalization and all other ancillary services may be the responsibility of the student. Be sure to send back your health insurance coverage information. 22) Will I be able to obtain a gym membership? Yes. Penn has two gym facilities for students: the Pottruck Center and Hutchinson Gymnasium. As a PFP student, you will have access to both facilities at no additional charge. 23) Can I go home on weekends? Yes. While you are encouraged to be in residence for the duration of the program, with advance approval, including parental permission, weekend leave can be granted. 24) Will I be able to receive mail during the program? Yes. Mail will be delivered to students by the Peer Counselors daily. Mail should be sent to the program office, not the residence hall, and addressed as follows: Your Name University of Pennsylvania c/o PENNCAP Pre-Freshman Program 220 South 40 th Street Suite 240 Philadelphia, PA Please be aware that packages sent to the program office prior to the start of PFP will not be available for pick-up before Monday, August 2 nd. 3

4 ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION: 25) How much academic work is required during the Pre-Freshman Program? Classes are scheduled daily and attendance is mandatory. A sample schedule (for School of Arts and Sciences students taking the Pre-Health/Sciences track) is as follows: a. Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday b. Math, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Monday/Wednesday/Friday c. Lunch, noon-1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday d. Writing Seminar, 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday e. Biology, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday/Wednesday/Friday f. Dinner, 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday g. Math SI, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Wednesday h. Study Hours, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday Although study hours are generally between the hours of 7:00 and 10:00 p.m., most students spend additional time during the day working on class projects such as papers, lab assignments, group presentations, and library research. Many students meet with tutors and writing instructors during study hours. In addition, during the four week program, students attend several workshops and meetings, such as an academic advising workshop, an introductory meeting with their PENNCAP Counselor, and sessions with the Academic Coordinator. 26) Will my summer earnings expectation be adjusted? Possibly. The Office of Student Financial Services will adjust summer savings expectations for students who attend PENNCAP PFP and receive need-based grant assistance by taking into account the shorter summer work period. Students receiving University grant aid can expect an additional grant that will cover approximately 80% of their summer earnings expectation. This adjustment will occur in late August, after Student Financial Services receives a list of the PENNCAP PFP participants. A revised aid notice will be mailed to your campus address in early September. Also, please remember that you will not be able to work during the PENNCAP PFP Program. Students receiving need-based financial assistance other than University grants who experience a shortfall in their summer savings expectation may contact the Office of Student Financial Services in September to apply for an additional loan. 27) The program ends on Saturday, August 28 th. When will I be able to move into my assigned room for the fall semester? Special arrangements have been made so that PENNCAP PFP students can move their belongings from Rodin College House to their fall residences on Saturday, August 28 th. To ensure a smooth room transition, please identify your fall room assignment and indicate whether or not you plan to leave campus after the program ends on the enclosed Student Questionnaire. 28) I plan to return home after the program ends. When should I make travel arrangements? PFP move-out will take place on Saturday morning, August 28 th. Travel arrangements should be made for Saturday afternoon to ensure students have enough time to move their belongings. Unfortunately, students cannot make arrangements for a move-out date earlier than August 28 th. 4

5 29) I plan to remain on campus after the program ends. What will my move-out procedure be? Students who plan to remain on campus will relocate to their fall residence on Saturday, August 28 th. To ensure a smooth room transition, please identify your fall room assignment on the enclosed Student Questionnaire. After move-in to your fall room, students may remain on campus, or leave to go away during any time between the end of PFP and the start of New Student Orientation (NSO). 30) Since I am participating in PFP, is it necessary to attend NSO events? Absolutely. During NSO you will have an opportunity to learn even more about the University and meet the other students in your class. 5