Congratulations on your acceptance to Florida State University and the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE)! Embarking on your college journey is a significant step, and the FSU CARE program is designed to ensure your success from day one. As a CARE student, you’re invited to participate in the Summer Bridge Program, an immersive seven-week experience that provides a strong foundation for your academic career at FSU. This program, along with the ongoing support CARE offers, comes with a wealth of benefits specifically tailored to help first-generation college students thrive.
The Summer Bridge Program is more than just an introduction to university life; it’s a fully funded opportunity to get ahead. One of the most significant Fsu Care Program Benefits is the comprehensive financial support provided during the Summer Bridge. Imagine starting your college experience without the immediate burden of tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and even insurance costs – all of which are completely covered for the summer term! This financial head start allows you to focus entirely on acclimating to college academics and campus life, setting you up for success in the fall and beyond.
Beyond the summer, the fsu care program benefits extend throughout your time at Florida State. CARE is committed to your long-term academic engagement and progress, offering continuous support and resources until you graduate. You’ll be part of a dedicated community with access to programs and activities designed to enhance your academic skills, personal growth, and overall university experience. Let’s delve into the essential steps to confirm your participation and unlock these incredible opportunities.
Essential Participation Checklist for FSU CARE Summer Bridge Program
To fully embrace the fsu care program benefits, it’s crucial to complete the following steps by the specified deadlines. Failure to meet these deadlines may unfortunately result in the withdrawal of your program offer and admission to FSU. Please review each item carefully to ensure you don’t miss any vital information.
1. Complete the Participation Agreement (Due by May 1, 2022)
Your first step to securing your place in the CARE Summer Bridge Program and accessing all the fsu care program benefits is to formally accept your participation. This is done by completing the Participation Agreement.
- Accessibility: The Participation Agreement is conveniently located on your Status Check page and is also accessible via this direct link: Participation Agreement.
- Deadline: Ensure you submit this agreement no later than May 1, 2022. While early submission is encouraged, May 1st is the absolute final date.
- Consequences of Non-Completion: Missing the May 1st deadline will lead to automatic cancellation of your participation in the CARE Summer Bridge Program. It’s imperative to prioritize this step to maintain your program eligibility.
Completing this agreement is your official confirmation of your commitment to the program and your first step towards unlocking the numerous fsu care program benefits designed to support your academic journey.
2. Activate Your FSUID
Activating your FSUID (Florida State University ID) is a fundamental step, acting as your digital key to accessing a wide range of university systems and resources, which are integral to leveraging the fsu care program benefits.
- Your Digital Identity: Your FSUID will serve as your username and official FSU email address. It’s how you’ll log in to access crucial platforms like your To-Do List, housing documents, verification forms, and much more.
- Activation Portal: Visit the FSUID activation portal at: https://fsuid.fsu.edu/OIMSelfService/. to initiate the process.
- Required Information: You will need your EMPLID (Employee/Person ID) and your Social Security Number to complete the FSUID activation. Ensure you have these details ready before starting the process.
- Prerequisite for Subsequent Steps: Activating your FSUID is essential before you can complete almost all other checklist items. It’s the gateway to accessing the necessary systems to manage your admission and program requirements, and to fully realize the fsu care program benefits.
By activating your FSUID, you’re setting up your access to the digital infrastructure that supports your academic and administrative tasks at FSU, a crucial aspect of maximizing the fsu care program benefits.
3. Complete the CARE First Generation Verification Form (Due March 14, 2022)
A core tenet of the fsu care program benefits is its focus on supporting first-generation college students. To ensure you meet this criterion, you need to complete the First Generation Verification Form.
- Eligibility Requirement: Participation in the CARE Summer Bridge Program is specifically for students who are the first in their families to attend college.
- Verification Process: The First Generation Verification Form confirms your first-generation college student status.
- Form Delivery: The form will be sent to the email address you provided in your application, typically around March 8th. Keep an eye on your inbox for this important email.
- Deadline: The completed verification form must be submitted by March 14, 2022. This deadline is critical for confirming your eligibility for the program and its associated fsu care program benefits.
This verification process ensures that the fsu care program benefits are directed to students who are the first in their family to pursue higher education, aligning with the program’s mission and objectives.
4. Complete Registration for FS4U Foundation Scholarship System (CARE Deadline: April 5, 2022)
Unlocking further financial aid and scholarship opportunities is another significant aspect of the fsu care program benefits. The FS4U Foundation Scholarship System is your gateway to exploring and applying for a wide range of scholarships at FSU.
- Scholarship Portal: Register at the FS4U Scholarship System website: https://fsu.academicworks.com/.
- Access to Opportunities: This system allows CARE students to search for and identify numerous scholarships available across FSU. Importantly, it also connects you with scholarships specifically designated for CARE students, maximizing your chances of receiving additional financial support.
- Registration Guidance: For step-by-step instructions on navigating the registration process, refer to this guide: CLICK HERE.
- CARE Deadline: While the general registration is beneficial throughout your FSU career, CARE students have a specific registration deadline of April 5, 2022, to ensure timely access to program-specific scholarship information and fsu care program benefits.
Registering for the FS4U Foundation Scholarship System is a proactive step towards securing additional funding for your education, supplementing the core fsu care program benefits and reducing your overall financial burden.
Financial Aid Checklist for CARE Students
Financial support is a cornerstone of the fsu care program benefits. To ensure your financial aid is processed correctly and you receive all eligible benefits, complete the following financial aid checklist items diligently.
1. Complete 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (Due March 1, 2022)
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for two academic years is a mandatory step to unlock the comprehensive financial fsu care program benefits.
- Two FAFSA Applications Required: You must complete both the 2021-2022 FAFSA and the 2022-2023 FAFSA.
- Purpose of Each FAFSA:
- The 2021-2022 FAFSA is used to determine your financial aid eligibility for the Summer 2022 term, covering your Summer Bridge Program expenses, a primary fsu care program benefit.
- The 2022-2023 FAFSA is used to calculate your financial aid award for the Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and Summer 2023 academic year, ensuring continued financial support as part of the fsu care program benefits.
- Deadline: Both FAFSA applications must be submitted by March 1, 2022, to ensure timely processing of your financial aid awards and access to the fsu care program benefits.
Completing both FAFSA applications by the deadline is non-negotiable to ensure you receive the full spectrum of financial fsu care program benefits associated with the CARE program.
2. Provide Any Requested Financial Aid Documentation (Due April 6, 2022)
The Office of Financial Aid might require additional documentation to verify the information provided in your FAFSA. Responding promptly to these requests is crucial for maintaining your eligibility for fsu care program benefits.
- Monitor Communication Channels: Regularly check your official FSU email account and the email address you used in your admissions application for any communication from the Financial Aid Office.
- Verification Process: Around March 14th, some students are randomly selected for a process called “Verification,” which requires them to submit additional documents to confirm the data provided in their FAFSA. Approximately 30% of students are selected for verification.
- “To-Do List” Monitoring: Continuously check your “To-Do List” on my.fsu.edu. This is where you’ll find notifications about any required documentation.
- Submission Instructions: If documentation is requested, click on each item in your “To-Do List” for detailed submission instructions.
- Guidance Resources:
- No Forms Listed: If you don’t see any forms listed in your “To-Do List,” no action is required at this time. However, continue to monitor it periodically for updates.
- Official FSU Email: Pay close attention to your official Florida State student email. The Financial Aid Office uses this channel to send vital financial aid information relevant to your transition to FSU and your access to fsu care program benefits.
- Critical Deadlines:
- All requested documents for both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 FAFSA must be submitted by March 28, 2022. This deadline is mandatory, even if you haven’t yet returned your Participation Agreement.
- Late submission of documents may jeopardize your CARE offer and access to fsu care program benefits.
- Financial Aid Assistance: For any questions or assistance with financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid via email at [email protected].
Promptly addressing any financial aid documentation requests is essential to ensure the smooth processing of your aid and to fully capitalize on the financial fsu care program benefits offered by the CARE program.
Housing Checklist for CARE Summer Bridge Participants
Secure and convenient housing is another key element of the fsu care program benefits, particularly during the Summer Bridge Program. Follow these steps to arrange your on-campus housing.
1. Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 Housing (Optional)
While not mandatory, living on campus during the Fall and Spring semesters is highly encouraged for first-year students and offers distinct advantages that complement the fsu care program benefits.
- On-Campus Living Benefits: Living on campus is associated with improved retention rates and academic performance for first-time freshmen. It provides easy access to campus resources and events, fostering a more engaged student experience.
- Housing Contract (Optional): Completing the FSU Fall Housing Undergraduate Application and submitting the $50 Student Prepayment is only required if you intend to live on campus during the Fall 2022-Spring 2023 academic year. This is an optional step but highly recommended.
- Contracting Steps:
- Complete the housing contract starting February 23, 2022.
- Pay the $50 advance rent payment within 7 days of submitting the contract.
- If you are under 18 at the time of contract submission, your parent/guardian must complete and return the signature form available on the Housing website, also within 7 days.
- Contract Number Lottery: Students who contract on February 23rd or 24th will be entered into a lottery for their contract number, which determines their “place in line” for housing selection. Students contracting on February 26th or later will receive a contract number immediately.
- Limited Housing: On-campus housing is limited, so applying early is strongly advised if you wish to live on campus in the Fall and Spring.
- Prepayment Note: If you mistakenly pay the regular $225 housing prepayment instead of the CARE program’s $50 prepayment, Housing will not refund the difference. However, the larger prepayment will reduce your rent balance later, resulting in either less money owed or more financial aid funds returned to you. The total rent cost remains the same.
- Important Housing Points:
- On-campus housing is not guaranteed for CARE students for the Fall/Spring terms, although it is strongly preferred.
- The housing contract is binding if you attend FSU.
- The housing contract does not commit you to attend FSU. You can complete it to reserve a spot if you are considering FSU and on-campus living.
- Failure to complete housing steps like payment or signature form submission within the deadlines will result in housing contract cancellation. You would then need to resubmit, potentially changing your contract number.
- Roommate requests for Fall/Spring can be submitted between March 7th and April 13th. Room selection occurs online via the FSU myHousing portal starting in mid-May.
While Fall/Spring housing is optional, opting for on-campus living enhances the overall fsu care program benefits by providing a supportive and academically conducive environment.
2. Mandatory Summer Housing Application (Opens March 2, 2022; CARE Deadline: April 14, 2022)
For the Summer Bridge Program, on-campus housing is mandatory and a core component of the fsu care program benefits.
- Summer B Contract: The Summer B housing contract opens on March 2, 2022. The CARE deadline is April 14, 2022.
- Mandatory Application: Complete the FSU Summer Housing Contract. This is a mandatory requirement for all CARE Summer Bridge participants.
- All CARE Summer Bridge Program participants are required to live in the assigned residence hall (Magnolia Hall) for the entire seven-week duration of the Summer B semester.
- You are not required to pay the $100 prepayment for summer housing. If you mistakenly pay it, Housing will not refund you.
- Key Summer Housing Points:
- CARE students will reside in Magnolia Hall for the Summer B term, fostering a sense of community and peer support, which is one of the informal fsu care program benefits.
- Summer and Fall/Spring housing contracts are separate. If you plan to live on campus for both summer and the following academic year, you need to complete both contracts.
- Fall on-campus housing is not guaranteed for incoming students but is strongly encouraged. Apply early if you want to live on campus in the Fall.
- Students must live in the designated CARE residence hall during the Summer Bridge Program. Living off-campus or in a non-assigned on-campus residence is not permitted.
- The summer housing contract is binding only if you attend FSU but doesn’t commit you to attending FSU. You still need to complete the Participation Agreement.
- CARE students will be able to request one roommate for the Summer Bridge Program. Roommate requests can be submitted between March 2nd and May 1st.
Mandatory summer housing ensures that all CARE Summer Bridge participants are conveniently located in a supportive environment, maximizing their engagement with the program and its fsu care program benefits.
3. Off-Campus Housing Fall 2022/ Spring 2023 (If Applicable)
If you choose to live off-campus for the Fall and Spring semesters, consider these recommendations to make informed decisions. While on-campus living is encouraged to maximize fsu care program benefits, off-campus living is an option.
- On-Campus Benefits Reminder: Living on campus offers proximity to resources and events, enhancing student engagement and success at FSU.
- Off-Campus Lease Caution: If you opt for off-campus housing, it’s advisable to wait until you receive your Fall 2022/Spring 2023 financial aid award information before signing an off-campus lease. This will help you avoid committing to a lease that exceeds your budget.
Making informed housing decisions, whether on or off-campus, is important for your overall well-being and academic success at FSU, complementing the fsu care program benefits.
Health Compliance Checklist
Ensuring your health compliance is a necessary step for all FSU students, including CARE participants, to maintain a healthy campus environment and access certain fsu care program benefits that require health clearance.
1. Submit Your Proof of Insurance (CARE Deadline: June 1, 2022)
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all FSU students. Providing proof of insurance is essential for enrollment and accessing certain university services, indirectly supporting your ability to utilize fsu care program benefits.
- FSU Requirement: All students must have health insurance to attend FSU.
- Proof Submission: You need to submit proof of your health insurance coverage.
- Account Hold: Failure to upload proof of health insurance by June 1, 2022, will result in a hold being placed on your FSU account. This hold will prevent you from registering for Summer or Fall classes, potentially hindering your access to fsu care program benefits that require enrollment.
- Insurance Options: If you have a health insurance hold, you have three options (refer to the FSU Health Compliance website for details on these options).
Submitting proof of insurance by the deadline is crucial to avoid enrollment holds and ensure uninterrupted access to university resources and fsu care program benefits.
2. Submit the FSU Health Compliance Forms (CARE Deadline: June 1, 2022)
In addition to insurance, FSU requires students to complete health compliance forms. Completing these forms by the deadline is necessary for full university access and indirectly supports your ability to benefit from the fsu care program benefits. Specific details on these forms can be found on the FSU Health Compliance website. Ensure these forms are submitted by the CARE deadline of June 1, 2022, to avoid any holds or delays.
Orientation Programs for CARE Students
Orientation is a crucial introduction to university life and a direct gateway to understanding and accessing fsu care program benefits. CARE students participate in specific orientation programs designed to facilitate their transition to FSU.
- Orientation Dates: CARE students attend the same University Orientation session, scheduled for Sunday, June 12 – Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Mark these dates in your calendar as attendance is expected.
- Starting at State (Pre-Orientation Modules): You must complete the online pre-orientation modules, “Starting at State,” by the deadline set by New Student and Family Programs. These modules provide essential pre-arrival information and are part of your orientation experience, helping you prepare to leverage fsu care program benefits.
- Orientation Registration: As a CARE student, you are required to attend the official University Orientation on June 12-14. You will be notified when registration opens for New Nole Orientation. You are responsible for completing your own registration; CARE will not register you on your behalf.
- Orientation Fees: The University Orientation fee is already included in the costs covered by the CARE program for the Summer Bridge. While the fee may appear on your account statement, it will be paid closer to Move-In Day. You do not need to take any action regarding payment, just ensure you complete the Participation Checklist.
- CARE Family Orientation: A dedicated CARE Family and Supporters Orientation is offered both in-person on June 11 and virtually on June 12. To enable access for your family member or supporter, include them in your New Nole Orientation registration. This session is free and provides valuable information about Florida State and the college experience for parents, supporters, and family members, helping them understand how to best support your journey and the fsu care program benefits.
Participating fully in orientation programs is essential for a successful start at FSU and for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the resources and fsu care program benefits available to you.
