Student on Campus

Student & Family Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I'm thinking about EMU - what steps do I need to take? Expand dropdown

    That's great! First, check out all of the undergraduate degree programs we offer. Make sure you've completed your FAFSA and that you've added EMU to the list of schools who should receive your information.

    Apply for EMU online, and watch your mail for your admissions decision letter.

  • How do I get financial aid to help for college? Expand dropdown

    The first step is to fill out the FAFSA; that's the universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Complete this application even if you think you don't qualify for grants or don't intend to take out student loans! Many scholarships require you to have a FAFSA on file.

    Once you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), you'll learn about your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is a measure of your financial aid eligibility. 

    Get more information at EMU's Financial Aid website.

  • I've just been admitted to EMU - now what? Expand dropdown

    Congratulations! If you have received your admission packet in the mail, read through it carefully. You'll find instructions on setting up your EMU NetID to gain access to your EMU email. You'll learn a lot more at Fast Track Orientation, so sign up for a session now!

    Download the EMU Engage app for Eagle Rewards now, and get in on the conversation! You can start finding a roommate and making friends, ask questions, and get a feel for EMU's vibe. 

    IMPORTANT: once you have graduated high school, make sure to have your official transcripts sent to EMU. You can probably do this through Parchment. 

    Add these important dates to your calendar:

    • Aug. 26-28: Edge Orientation (for students in the Edge program)
    • Aug. 28-30: First Three Orientation (all students) 
    • Aug. 31: Classes begin
    • Sept. 4: Last day to make changes to course schedule online
    • Sept. 10: Last day to drop a class for 100% tuition refund
  • What happens at Orientation? Expand dropdown

    Fast Track Orientation is a day full of information, and where you'll complete many of the tasks needed to prepare for your first semester. You'll meet with an Academic Advisor, select and register for classes, complete your housing application (if you're living on campus), and have your photo taken for your Eagle One card.

    If you've been accepted to the EMU Edge program, you get to move in early and enjoy early orientation. The food's on us and the fun's on you! Learn more about Edge Orientation now.

    Immediately after Edge Orientation and before classes begin, you'll be kicking it with the entire freshman class at First Three Orientation. Learn more about First Three now.

  • What classes should I take in my first semester? Expand dropdown

    You'll have the opportunity to speak with an Academic  Advisor while at Fast Track Orientation, but for now, think about the following:

    • Is your highest Math SAT subscore 510 or less? Use the materials on our website to prepare to take the math placement test at Fast Track
    • Writing and speech classes will prepare you for every other course you'll take at EMU
    • UNIV 101L3: Introduction to the University provides all the study skills and strategies you need to be successful at EMU; the course counts as college credit AND satisfies a graduation requirement
    • A course in your major or in one of the "Knowledge of the Disciplines" categories; those tools gained in UNIV will help tremendously, and you'll have the chance to start using what you learn on Day 1 of your college career
  • I received my Student Aid Report / financial aid package from EMU. Now what? Expand dropdown

    Carefully review the awarded funds, including grants, scholarships, and loans and accept the offer(s) online through My.Emich.edu. Remember that loans must be repaid, so don't accept funds you don't need. 

    You may not receive enough in financial aid to cover your entire bill. If you'll still have a balance due, make sure to sign up for the payment plan in July -- this lets you split the balance into 5 payments and does not charge an enrollment fee.

    Make sure you have submitted all required documents for your financial aid to be applied to your ebill. 

  • How do I know which books I need for my classes? Expand dropdown

    Refer to this handy textbook guide! Make sure you have your class schedule handy and visit the EMU Bookstore page.  Choose the fall term, and then enter your course prefix and number, e.g., ANTH 135. Choose your specific course CRN from the dropdown list —this is the 5-digit number found on your course schedule.

    Once you have the details on required texts, consider renting and/or e-books whenever possible.

    If you're unable to buy your books before classes start, see the Bottles for Books program at Eagle Study Tables. We have tons of titles on hand for you to check and use while at the EST. A full list is available on the EMU Engage app in the Academic Support tile.

  • I've been offered the chance to apply for the EMU Edge Program - what's that?  Expand dropdown

    The EMU Edge is a four-year program of academic support for students. Edge provides students with free academic workshops, training in study skills, academic monitoring, individualized instruction and advising assistance. The majority of students that participate in Edge successfully move on to their sophomore year at Eastern Michigan University.

    You can learn about the Edge Program on our website, email the program coordinator at [email protected], or call our office at 734.487.2133. You'll also have the opportunity to talk with the EMU Edge folks in the morning at Fast Track Orientation.

  • Can I get a job on campus? Should I?  Expand dropdown

    Absolutely. There are many different on-campus job opportunities, and you can browse the listings at Handshake.  Log in with your emich NetID and password, and set up your profile with your work experience, volunteerism, community service, education, and resume.

    Never had a job before? Not sure how to create a resume? See the folks in EMU's Career Center for help!

    Most students at EMU also hold a part-time job. In fact, taking a full load of classes and working 10-15 hours per week is the typical experience.

    Finding an on-campus job saves you time and money by eliminating the commute, and lets you make friends on campus and stay engaged in the community. 

  • I'll be a freshman; can I have a car on campus? Expand dropdown
    Yes! There are specific permits and parking lots for commuters and residents. Sign up for your permit and learn more at ParkEMU.
  • I'm nervous about whether I can be successful at college; where can I get help? Expand dropdown

    EMU offers tons of support! Check out our Drop-In Tutoring for subject-specific help, the University Writing Center (UWC) for writing papers, and Success Coaching for help with learning effective study strategies and skills.

    If you enroll in UNIV 101L3 or UNIV 179L3, you'll automatically receive a Success Coach and a Peer Academic Coach. Count on them to be part of your success support team!

    If you're not currently registered for UNIV, check it out. Keep in mind that Holman Success Center's (HSC) services are free and available to all students at EMU.

  • How is college different from high school? Expand dropdown

    College is different from high school in so many ways!

    Time management: First, students in college are likely taking only 4-5 different classes each semester, and are probably in class only about 12-15 hours each week. However, most of the work that needs to be done -- reading, writing papers, studying notes, taking exams and quizzes, preparing for in-class activities, completing projects, etc. -- is completed outside of class, and will likely take 30 hours or more each week. That's why we call it "being a full-time college student!" 

    Being present on campus:  There are a lot of group projects in college classes, and group work is also very common. Because all of the services offered to your student are located on campus, your student will also need to be on campus for more than just the hours that they're physically inside a classroom. Tutoring, supplemental instruction sessions, Eagle Study Tables, advising, and Success Coaching all take time and require the student to be present on campus. 

    Independence and responsibility:  Another huge difference is the level of autonomy students experience in college. Students are making their own choices and decisions, and sometimes experiencing the consequences of those choices. 

    On the other hand, the number of things you can do or handle for your student is greatly reduced. Professors, staff, and administrators are required by federal law (FERPA) to communicate only with the student unless that student signs a release. Most will also insist on working only with the student regardless of privacy waivers. 

  • My student had an IEP or 504 plan in high school. How do I make sure they can receive the accommodations they need at EMU? Expand dropdown

    EMU has a fantastic Disability Resource Center (DRC) staffed with professionals who collaborate across campus to ensure a great experience for all students, faculty, and staff.  

    Students should start by completing this initial questionnaire. Next, contact the DRC office at 734.487.2410 or email [email protected] to schedule your first appointment. 

    Your DRC case manager will assist you in navigating the process of receiving and notifying professors of appropriate accommodations.

  • How can I check my student's grades?  Expand dropdown

    Unfortunately, there is no "guest" access to a student's account on Canvas, the online portion of an EMU course. Neither Academic Advisors nor Success Coaches have access to a student's individual Canvas courses, either. This is mainly due to federal privacy laws, commonly referred to as "FERPA." 

    The best way to check in with your student on their progress is one-on-one and face-to-face.

    At the end of each semester, faculty enters final grades in my.emich.edu. A student can view their final grades by logging in to my.emich.edu and choosing Student Services > Student Records > Final Grades. Students can view their course grades to date by viewing Student Services > Student Records > Academic Transcript.

  • What are "Edge" program guidelines? Expand dropdown

    Students in the EMU Edge program have specific guidelines to meet in their first semester. Edge students have a 3-day early orientation on campus that addresses the most common challenges students face in making the transition to college. Edge students must successfully complete UNIV 101L3, meet with their Success Coach bi-weekly (6+ meetings over the course of a 15-week semester), and complete 10 total hours of structured study time. Two of these hours come from the SI session embedded in their UNIV course, and the other 8 hours may be completed at Eagle Study Tables or in the Math Lab in 411 Pray Harrold. 

    Study Table guidelines for the second semester are individualized to the student's fall performance. These requirements will be communicated to students following the publication of official semester grades by the registrar's office, just before the beginning of the winter term.

    All in all, these guidelines help students learn to become self-regulated learners and hold themselves accountable for their own academic performance. These are the behaviors that create successful students, and establishing these habits early is key to student persistence and progress to graduation. 

Still have questions?

Have a question not addressed here? Contact the Holman Success Center at 734.487.2133 or [email protected]

Skip Section Navigation