Frequently Asked Questions
While we know there will be a great many questions that you will have as first-year students to the program, here is a compilation of some of the more frequently asked questions.
Q. Where will we have classes?
A. Classes will be held all over campus, but primarily in the following buildings: the Silver Building (100 Washington Square East), Bobst Library (70 Washington Square South), the Waverly Building (24 Waverly Place). To get a lay of the land, check out the map of the Washington Square Park Campus by clicking the "getting around" tab to the left of this website.
Q. Do I have to stay in my internship for the full two years that I'm at NYU?
A. While students do need to hold an internship for the full two years that they are in the program, it is not required that a student stays in the same internship. The initial internship is found through the Recruitment Days interview and placement process, but if a student wishes to switch his or her internship, that student is on their own in finding the opportunity. Any desire to switch internships should be discussed with Laurie Behringer, the Program Coordinator.
Q. How do I participate in a fieldwork?
A. Students who wish to participate in an additional higher education experience to further their professional development, have the option of participating in a fieldwork. A fieldwork opportunity essentially fulfills an elective course requirement by being added to a student's coursework as a 3-credit course. Fieldwork opportunities need to be approved by Laurie Behringer, the Program Coordinator.
It should be noted that fieldwork is not the only opportunity to experience another opportunity or area within higher education. Students have the opportunity to volunteer with other university departments, or to seek out additional experiences that might help make their education more robust.
Q. Who is my advisor?
A. Students are divided somewhat randomly among the core Higher Education and Student Affairs faculty during the first semester. Laurie Behringer will notify students with which advisor they have been paired. The advisor paired with the student will be able to clear him or her for class registration and will be responsible for approving capstone points. However, it should be noted, that students can go to their advisor and are also encouraged to speak with all faculty regarding questions, comments, concerns about the program, their professional development, or any other topic.
Q. How do I make sure that my capstone points are being documented?
A. Students are in charge of keeping track of the activities they participate in that may count for capstone points. However, students should clear their capstone points with their advisors.
Q: I'm confused as to how exactly my financial aid works in conjunction with my internship stipend.
A. While it might take a little while into the semester, depending on your individual internship situation, you will see your stipend included in your financial aid by the middle of the semester. Since the internship stipend is a unique component to our program, it is important to attempt to be as frugal as possible initially, and to stay in close contact with the Office of Financial Aid. For more information or to clarify any questions or concerns, please contact Natasha Bean at [email protected].
Q: I plan on living off campus during my time at NYU however I would like to take out loans for housing. Should I put that I plan on living on or off campus on my FAFSA? In regards to loans in general - what should I do to start securing them? I would love to have this all taken care of well before I start hopefully.
A: There is no need to mark on your FAFSA whether you are planning to live on or off campus. When your financial aid package is determined, it takes into account living expenses. Most students borrow enough to cover their rent and other living expenses. Your loans will be disbursed to the Bursar's Office. They will apply the funds to whatever you owe. Any money that is left over after your bill has been paid will be issued to you as a refund check. This is the money you will use for living expenses. Half of your loans will be disbursed in the fall and half in the spring, so you will receive two refund checks.
When you receive your financial aid award letter from the Financial Aid Office, it will include instructions on how to apply for your loans. Typically, new graduate students are reviewed and packaged in early summer. Included with your award statement will be instructions for accepting and applying for your loans. By federal law, federal loans cannot be disbursed until 10 days before the start of the semester, so even if you apply for your loans during the summer (and I strongly recommend that you do this), your refund will not be issued until late August or early September.
Q. Where will we have classes?
A. Classes will be held all over campus, but primarily in the following buildings: the Silver Building (100 Washington Square East), Bobst Library (70 Washington Square South), the Waverly Building (24 Waverly Place). To get a lay of the land, check out the map of the Washington Square Park Campus by clicking the "getting around" tab to the left of this website.
Q. Do I have to stay in my internship for the full two years that I'm at NYU?
A. While students do need to hold an internship for the full two years that they are in the program, it is not required that a student stays in the same internship. The initial internship is found through the Recruitment Days interview and placement process, but if a student wishes to switch his or her internship, that student is on their own in finding the opportunity. Any desire to switch internships should be discussed with Laurie Behringer, the Program Coordinator.
Q. How do I participate in a fieldwork?
A. Students who wish to participate in an additional higher education experience to further their professional development, have the option of participating in a fieldwork. A fieldwork opportunity essentially fulfills an elective course requirement by being added to a student's coursework as a 3-credit course. Fieldwork opportunities need to be approved by Laurie Behringer, the Program Coordinator.
It should be noted that fieldwork is not the only opportunity to experience another opportunity or area within higher education. Students have the opportunity to volunteer with other university departments, or to seek out additional experiences that might help make their education more robust.
Q. Who is my advisor?
A. Students are divided somewhat randomly among the core Higher Education and Student Affairs faculty during the first semester. Laurie Behringer will notify students with which advisor they have been paired. The advisor paired with the student will be able to clear him or her for class registration and will be responsible for approving capstone points. However, it should be noted, that students can go to their advisor and are also encouraged to speak with all faculty regarding questions, comments, concerns about the program, their professional development, or any other topic.
Q. How do I make sure that my capstone points are being documented?
A. Students are in charge of keeping track of the activities they participate in that may count for capstone points. However, students should clear their capstone points with their advisors.
Q: I'm confused as to how exactly my financial aid works in conjunction with my internship stipend.
A. While it might take a little while into the semester, depending on your individual internship situation, you will see your stipend included in your financial aid by the middle of the semester. Since the internship stipend is a unique component to our program, it is important to attempt to be as frugal as possible initially, and to stay in close contact with the Office of Financial Aid. For more information or to clarify any questions or concerns, please contact Natasha Bean at [email protected].
Q: I plan on living off campus during my time at NYU however I would like to take out loans for housing. Should I put that I plan on living on or off campus on my FAFSA? In regards to loans in general - what should I do to start securing them? I would love to have this all taken care of well before I start hopefully.
A: There is no need to mark on your FAFSA whether you are planning to live on or off campus. When your financial aid package is determined, it takes into account living expenses. Most students borrow enough to cover their rent and other living expenses. Your loans will be disbursed to the Bursar's Office. They will apply the funds to whatever you owe. Any money that is left over after your bill has been paid will be issued to you as a refund check. This is the money you will use for living expenses. Half of your loans will be disbursed in the fall and half in the spring, so you will receive two refund checks.
When you receive your financial aid award letter from the Financial Aid Office, it will include instructions on how to apply for your loans. Typically, new graduate students are reviewed and packaged in early summer. Included with your award statement will be instructions for accepting and applying for your loans. By federal law, federal loans cannot be disbursed until 10 days before the start of the semester, so even if you apply for your loans during the summer (and I strongly recommend that you do this), your refund will not be issued until late August or early September.