Freshman Summer Institute

·	Program Description
·	Admission
·	Counseling Advising
·	Housing
·	Courses
·	Financial Aid
·	FAQ
·	FSI Forms

The Freshman Summer Institute

The University of South Florida provides a world of opportunity for a select number of students who possess the desire to succeed. For some students, this desire may not be completely reflected in their high school record. The University recognizes the potential for success in these students and helps make their academic goals a reality through our Freshman Summer Institute. The program provides access to a university education for promising students from first generation and/or limited income families and identifies qualified individuals through a review of admission applications, academic records, and family income as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To be considered for the Freshman Summer Institute, individuals are encouraged to apply for admission to the University of South Florida as early as possible. Each year a limited number of students enter USF through this program.

Students Accepted for Summer 2010
Your introduction to the Freshman Summer Institute begins with an FSI Information Session held twice a month at the Tampa Campus. At the FSI Information our staff will provide a program overview parents and students, discuss course placement, housing and dining contracts, collect financial aid documents and describe check-in procedures.

To attend an FSI Information Session, only students admitted to the Freshman Summer Institute should click on the link below:

Attend an FSI Information Session

Program Description [TOP]
All admitted students enroll in a six-week residential summer session. During this time, students become acquainted with University services and resources before the fall term, ensuring a smooth transition from high school to college life. Throughout the six weeks, students are required to live in the residence halls where they experience an environment supportive of their academic work. Each student receives a class schedule based on standardized test scores, high school transcript, and intended major. Some students may be required to take preparatory courses to satisfy state requirements. Students typically register for nine credits in general education courses over a six-week period. Students attend weekly workshops on a variety of topics relevant to academic success, acclimation to college life, and their growth and development as first-year students. Students must end the summer term in good academic standing (a term GPA of 2.0) in order to continue in the fall semester.

Summer 2010 Admission Criteria [TOP]
Beginning summer 2009, students admitted to USF through FSI must demonstrate significant financial need as determined by the 2009-2010 FAFSA. Student's whose parent or guardian has not completed a baccalaureate degree may be eligible as long as they can demonstrate significant financial need.

Students admitted to USF through FSI must demonstrate ability and/or potential to succeed through the combination of their HSGPA and SAT or EACT scores. FSI admission may be offered to students with a high school GPA equal to or greater than 2.80, a SAT total equal to or greater than 1310 (combined scores on SAT Critical Reading, SAT Math and SAT Writing). On the ACT, an applicant needs a composite score equal to or greater than 20. The scores listed above are minimum scores needed to be considered for participation in FSI. Actual scores of those selected for the program may be higher than the stated minimums.

Additionally, students admitted to USF through FSI must demonstrate financial need as determined by the 2009-2010 FAFSA and/or qualify as a first-generation college student--neither parent or guardian has completed a baccalaureate degree.

How to Apply
Freshmen applicants interested in attending the Freshman Summer Institute should complete/submit the following information to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for consideration:

An application for admission (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/admissions/application.html), A non-refundable $30 application fee, An official high school transcript, Official SAT or EACT scores, Complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA, and the 2010-2011 FAFSA, and Include USF's Federal School Code (#001537) on your FAFSA.

Counseling Advising [TOP]
FSI tackles the challenges of freshman year with an active concern for students' personal and academic welfare, enhancing their academic enrichment and better orienting them to the university environment. Counselors, a crucial element of the program, personally advise, counsel, and monitor students' progress throughout the first year. Personalized attention, combined with a holistic approach for student growth, distinguishes the Freshman Summer Institute as unique student resource.

Students are assigned individual counselors who provide "intrusive, developmental advising," an FSI philosophy which involves an active concern for the personal and academic welfare of our students. Students are required to meet with their counselor monthly to discuss issues affecting their progress.

Housing Summer Session B [TOP]
All FSI students accepting placement into the summer program are required to live in the residence halls during Summer Session B. On-campus housing is a vital part of the FSI experience, providing many with their only opportunity to live within diverse populations and confront different schedules, study habits, music, religions, and political views. Residential life has become an integral part of student education at USF. As such, all FSI students must live in the residence halls on campus during summer session B.

Course Offerings Summer Session B [TOP]
The FSI staff works collaboratively with the College of Arts and Sciences, the Career Center, the Counseling Center, the Center for Academic Advising, and Hillsborough Community College to enroll students in their summer and fall courses. FSI registers students for their summer classes before their arrival on campus.

Each student receives a class schedule based on their standardized test scores, high school transcript, and intended major. Some FSI students must take preparatory courses in English and/or math, according to state requirements. If no remedial course work is required, the schedule will consist of: English Composition (3 credits), and two General Education elective courses (6 credits). Students receive their summer class schedule during the orientation session.

General education courses are selected from the available classes offered Summer Session B. Courses taken in prior years include AMH 2020 American History II, AMS 2030 American Studies, Hum 1010 The Arts, PHI 1103 Critical Thinking, SLS 2401 Career Development, SPC 2600-Public Speaking, WST 2600-Human Sexual Behavior, GEO 1930-Geography of Current Events, REA 1105-Advanced Reading and SYG 2000 Sociology.

Cost of Attendance [TOP]
USF commits to meeting all of your summer financial need with grant aid. Students with an expected family contribution have the option of borrowing that contribution in a federal student loan. FSI participants will also have the potential of full work-study awards worth up to $4,100 for fall 2010 and spring 2011, thus reducing the need for student loans. In addition to the FAFSA you completed for summer, you will need to apply for 2010-11 as soon as possible after January 1, 2010.