Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have so many things you are worrying about this summer while you anticipate coming here to Fordham. Hopefully these questions which many students have asked before can help you out. If you have a question you don't find here, don't hesitate to call us at 212.636.6260, or e-mail us at orientlc@fordham.edu.
Choose a category:
Student Life Questions
Orientation Questions
Academic Questions
Health & Medical Questions
General University Questions
Student Life Questions
How do I get to Rose Hill?
The Ram Van takes students between campuses every half-hour. You must sign up in advance at the security desk to guarantee a seat. Tickets cost $3.00 each way. If you are taking classes at Rose Hill the tickets are complimentary. These tickets are distributed at the Ram Van Office on the second floor of McGinley Center up at Rose Hill.
FCLC Students can pick up free Ram Van passes for special events, the health center, the Lombardi Center, and the Walsh Family Library. Tickets are available at the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development in Lowenstein Room 408.
Should I get a part time job?
It is not recommended to get a part time job in your first semester of freshman year. It takes at least one semester to adjust to college academic life and the demands of a part time position may cause a conflict in time demands.
College work-study positions are recommended to those who are eligible. Working on-campus provides an atmosphere that places a priority on academics and learning.
For those who need a part-time position for monetary reasons, the Office of Career Services in Lowenstein Room 402 has a listing of part-time positions in the area.
Is the fitness center open to everyone?
Membership at the Fitness Center (located in the Residence Hall) is free to all students. FCLC students can use the Lombardi Center at Rose Hill free of charge. Ram Van passes for this purpose are available at the Office of Student Affairs in Lowenstein Room 408.
Intramural sports are available at Rose Hill. For information, please call 718.817.4263.
What meal plan is offered? What do I do if I have special dietary needs?
Resident freshmen are automatically subscribed to an $800 per semester declining balance meal plan. This is billed with their residence hall fee. These monies carry over from semester to semester. Commuters can put any cash value on their ID card for use as a meal card. Students who use a meal card are not charged tax and therefore have an 8.375% discount each time they use their card- what a bargain!
Students with specific dietary needs can meet with the Director of Food Services for specialized meal preparation.
How can I get involved in activities?
Attend the club days sponsored by United Student Government in September for the fall semester and February for the spring semester.
Visit the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development, located in Lowenstein Room 408, to find out about upcoming events. Sign-up to receive weekly updates on activities and events.
Meet the clubs, organizations and their leaders and members during the Getting Involved portion of Student Life at the New Student Orientation.
Attend the Community Outreach fair in September to become more involved in the local community or to become involved in Outreach programs on-campus.
Visit Campus Ministry in in Lowenstein Room 217 to learn about volunteering to be a lector or to be part of the ministries of the Eucharist, hospitality, and/or music. Also, learn more about the retreat programs and upcoming events and celebrations for everyone from all walks of faith.
The Community Service Program is located in the Lowenstein building on street level room SL18. This office has a number of opportunities for service in the local area. As an example, St. Paul's across the street has a soup kitchen that needs volunteers for two hours per week.
Consider joining the Admissions Ambassadors to show off Fordham to prospective students
I am interested in purchasing a computer. Does the University have any special purchasing plans?
Call Comp-U-Ram at 877.366.4357 for computer sales information.
Can I use the Walsh Library at Rose Hill?
The library facilities on both campuses are available to all students. FCLC students can pick up free Ram Van tickets to go up to Rose Hill to use the library. Tickets are available at the Office of Student Activities in Lowenstein Room 408.
How can commuters rent a locker?
Locker rentals are $15 per academic year and may be reserved at the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development in Lowenstein Room 408. Freshmen are encouraged to reserve their locker ASAP; we are clustering them on the fourth floor to help them to get to know one another and to give them frequent access to Student Affairs and Activities!
I am not going to be living in the residence hall but I would like to get an apartment off-campus. Who should I call?
The Office of Student Leadership and Community Development uses the services of the Places 4 Students website for off-campus housing options. To view the list of available apartments near Fordham, please use this link .
What if my roommates and I are not getting along?
Contact your Resident Assistant, Freshman Mentor, or a member of the Residential Life staff. The staff will work with you to address concerns going on in the apartment. In cases where the differences may be irreconcilable, the staff willwork with the students on possible room changes. Please be advised that the occupancy rate of McMahon Hall makes room changes difficult.
How can I open a checking account? Are there ATM machines in the area?
There is a Banco Popular ATM machine on campus, located near the bookstore.
Other popular neighborhood banks where most students hold accounts are HSBC, Washington Mutual, Chase, and Citibank.
Why do people go to the Counseling Center?
The Counseling Center offers personal counseling, psychotherapy, career interest testing, small group workshops, and information and referral services.
Students go to the Counseling Center when they are experiencing a wide variety of personal concerns and problems, such as: I wish I had more confidence in myself; I can't concentrate or study; I am too sensitive to what others think; I don't get along well with other people; I have problems that are too personal to discuss with just anyone.
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Orientation Questions
What is Urban Plunge?
Urban Plunge takes place two days prior to the regularly scheduled Orientation. You will receive information about this program in early July.
Urban Plunge is a Community Service Program that gives a limited number of freshmen the opportunity to be introduced to service in NYC. It is hoped that these students will continue to be of service in the Upper West Side community.
If you have any questions about the Urban Plunge program please contact Kate Cavanagh, the Assoicate Coordinater of the Community Service Program at 212.636.7464
How do I get included in the Student Directory?
All registered FCLC students are included in the Online Student Directory. Both home and school addresses are provided so that students can stay in touch both in the summer and in the school year.
If you do not want this information in the Directory please send this request in writing to:
Fordham at Lincoln Center
United Student Government
113 West 60th Street, Room 408
New York, NY 10023
This information must be received by July 15th.
When is the Commuter BBQ?
Freshman Commuters are invited to a BBQ which will be held on Thursday, August 14th from noon to 4:30pm. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other commuters and to get to knowthe students from the Commuting Students Association (CSA).
Why does the University need two wallet-sized photos?
We have requested two wallet-sized photos to create your ID card and to place your photo in a University publication, The Freshman Viewbook..
Where should I park my car?
You have received/will receive a list of garages that provide Fordham students with discounts in your packet. Many garages require that the ticket is validated at the security desk in the Lowenstein Lobby. Please also view our Parking Facilties webpage.
Do I really need to wear my nametag during Orientation?
Nametags are required for entry into all events during Orientation. Nametags are a great way to learn people's names - and don't you want people to know who you are?
Are the mandatory orientation programs really mandatory?
Yes, attendance will be taken at sessions. The Orientation office will follow up with those students who do not attend these sessions. The academic programs are mandatory; you will not receive your class schedule without attending this program on Tuesday morning.
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Academic Questions
When will I register?
Freshman registration takes place over the summer. You will receive two registration mailings from the University. The first will be a form entitled Freshman Questionnaire. This form must be completed and returned within two weeks. The second will be a registration packet will include a class schedule booklet and instructional material. You will be given instructions on how to register for courses using our online registration system, OASIS. Registration begins on August 4, 2008.
How do my AP credits transfer?
Please email Patricia Peek at peek@fordham.edu for more information regarding AP credits.
What is the BFA program? Why are some students taking classes at Alvin Ailey?
The dance programs leads to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and is offered jointly by The Ailey School and Fordham University. The Ailey School/Joan Weill Center for Dance is located on West 55th Street and 9th Avenue, five blocks away from the Lincoln Center campus.
The program's goals are to develop graduates who are highly versatile dance technicians, adept creators of dance movement, well-educated in the liberal arts, and knowledgeable about the history and interpretation of the arts. Students audition to participate in the program and take placement examinations so that they can be placed appropriately.
What is the First Year Formation Symposium course? How can I register?
Freshman Symposium: First Year Formation is a one credit, pass/fail elective course held once a week during the fall semester that is designed to assist you in developing the skills that are essential to success in college. This course covers such topics as how to read critically, prepare for tests, and improve note-taking skills. The course will also help to clarify personal goals and to discuss important social issues.
You can register for First Year Formation through the registration process on OASIS starting on August 4, 2008.
When will I find out what classes I am taking?
Your class schedule will be distributed at your meeting with your Academic Advisor on Tuesday, September 2. You will also find out who your advisor is at that time.
I have a question about my bill. Who do I call?
The Office of Enrollment Services would be happy to answer all of your billing questions. You can reach them by calling 212.636.6700.
Where can I get my questions about academics answered?
You could contact Assistant Dean Arleen Pancza-Graham by calling 212.636.6350 in Lowenstein Room 804.
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Health & Medical Questions
What do I do in the case of a medical emergency?
In the case of emergency on-campus call Security. FASTCARE ambulances arrive at Fordham within 5 minutes and take patients to St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital.
The Student Health Center is directed by a certified nurse practitioner and staffed by registered nurses. There is no cost for treatment, and medical supplies may be purchased at a minimal cost.
TheStudent Health Center is open five days a week at Lincoln Center; when not open students may go up to the SHC at Rose Hill. Free Ram Van passes are provided for this purpose. Please come to the Office of Student Affairs in room Lowenstein Room 408 for Ram Van tickets.
The Student Health Center is open to all students: residents, commuters, undergrads and graduate students.
What do I do if I need medical insurance?
As a Fordham University student you are automatically enrolled in an Accident Insurance program.
If you do not have medical insurance can also take additional medical insurance coverage. Insurance enrollment is for one calendar year. Optional sickness insurance for students is $1331. Enhanced supplemental insurance is $1542.
You will receive information about this insurance later in the summer.
Insurance claim forms and enrollment information are available in the Office of Student Affairs in Lowenstein Room 408.
Where should I hand in my immunization form and my physician's record?
The Student Health Center is located on the second floor of the Residence Hall. All forms can be slid under their door or mailed to the Rose Hill Campus' Health Center.
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