Orientation 2021 STUDENT HANDBOOK Welcome to Ball State University! Every year, we welcome thousands of new students to our University as part of Orientation. Right now, because of the COVID pandemic, we have moved our Orientation sessions online to prioritize the health and safety of our new students and their families. As we found in Summer 2020, our incoming students benefited from many of the tools we offered them as part of our University’s transition to virtual Orientation sessions. Through the use of video chats, online breakout sessions, and personalized virtual advising sessions, our incoming students had access to the tools and resources they needed to help them prepare for their academic career at Ball State. As you engage in your own virtual Orientation with us, I anticipate that you will have an equally positive experience. If you need to connect with our staff, or if you are seeking ways to interact with other students online, please refer to this handbook for all the information you need to prepare to become a Cardinal. On the facing page you will find our Beneficence Pledge, which articulates our commitment to the enduring values of academic excellence, innovation, courage, integrity, inclusiveness, social responsibility, and gratitude. These values are intrinsic to Ball State’s culture—and these values serve as our guide through these challenging and uncertain times. I know that Orientation provides you with a fuller understanding of what it means to be a Ball State Cardinal as a student—and, ultimately, as a graduate. Talented and resourceful students like you are at the heart of everything we do. As you embark on this journey, know that all of us at our University are committed to your safety, your success, and your growth. You have a promising future. And I am grateful Ball State is part of it. Sincerely, Geoffrey S. Mearns President ORIENTATION STAFF Nalini McCargar Assistant Director of Admissions and Orientation Donna Perry Contact the Orientation Office Administrative Coordinator of Orientation at 765-285-8290 or Samantha Ray Associate Director of Admissions: Orientation and [email protected] New Student Programming BENEFICENCE PLEDGE Members of the Ball State University community: Pledge to maintain high standards of scholarship and excellence To work with students, faculty, and staff to strengthen teaching and learning on campus. Pledge to practice academic honesty To model and uphold academic integrity, to honor their peers and earn the trust and respect from all members of the community. Pledge to act in a socially responsible way To treat each person in the Ball State community with civility, courtesy, compassion, and dignity; to respect the property and environment of the campus. Pledge to value the intrinsic worth of every member of the community To respect and learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions. Find the Beneficence Pledge at bsu.edu/pledge and the Ball State Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities at bsu.edu/studentcode. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Next Steps for Confirmed Students ...........................3 Join Us on Social Media................................... 4 Take a Virtual Tour of Ball State . 4 Campus Offices and Resources ..............................5 Communications on Campus ...............................16 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) . .17 Statement on the Importance of Diversity and Inclusion ..........17 2020–21 Academic Calendar . .18 Contact Information ......................................19 Financial Playbook ......................................20 2020–21 Academic Year Cost...............................21 Office of the Bursar ......................................22 Frequently Asked Bursar Questions ..........................23 Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships ......................25 Financial Playbook Checklist ...............................26 Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions .....................27 Providing Access to Your Student Information..................28 The information presented here, correct at the time of publication, is subject to change. Ball State University practices equal opportunity in education and employment and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Ball State wants its programs and services to be accessible to all people. For information about access and accommodations, please call the Office of Disability Services at 765-285-5293; go through Relay Indiana for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals (relayindiana.com or 877-446-8722); or visit bsu.edu/disabilityservices. 1032498-20 mc 2 NEXT STEPS FOR SPRING 2021 CONFIRMED STUDENTS: • Reserve your space in on-campus housing and select your meal plan. All students are required to live in university housing for two semesters. Any students who believe they qualify for an exemption must apply for an exemption online. • Complete the Financial Playbook Checklist (see page 26) to ensure you are prepared to be financially successful at Ball State. You can also view their presentation or schedule a 1-1 appointment with a Financial Aid representative to have your questions answered. • Get your class schedule. Check your Ball State email to schedule your academic advising appointment. You must watch the Academic Planning presentation and review the Pre-Registration Advising Information, and finish all relevant placement testing prior to your appointment. • Submit your photo for your official Ball State ID. Check your Ball State email for more information. • Learn more about how to be successful at Ball State University by watching our campus partner orientation videos at bsu.edu/orientation. Hear from Campus Safety, the Learning Center, the Office of Student Life, and much more. Parents are welcome to view these videos as well! • Hear what the student experience is like at Ball State by attending Chat with a Cardinal. Join our students in a fun and interactive virtual Q&A session where you will have the opportunity to learn what it’s is like to be a Ball State Cardinal. Sessions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so register early! • Take a virtual campus tour or self-guided campus tour. We invite you to immerse yourself in your new “home away from home” and see what our beautiful campus has to offer. • Submit your final transcripts: • Are you an incoming first-time freshman? Be sure to submit a final, official copy of your high school transcript to Ball State University. This must include grades for all coursework as well as your graduation date. • Are you a transfer student? Be sure to submit an official, final copy of your university transcript(s) to ensure your transfer credits are properly considered. Learn more about how your credits will transfer via DegreeWorks at my.bsu.edu. 3 JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA If you haven’t joined our online community already, we encourage you to connect with us on our Ball State Admissions Facebook page and our @ballstatebound Instagram. You can ask questions about Ball State, move-in, and Welcome Week while connecting with your new classmates and showing off your Cardinal pride. Share that you’re #BallStateBound. Ball State Admissions BallStateBound TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF BALL STATE Start at our iconic Beneficence statue and explore all that our engaging campus has to offer here in Muncie, Indiana. You can take a student-narrated virtual tour of our academic buildings, residence halls, recreational facilities, favorite landmarks, and much more. Visit bsu.edu/virtualtour. You may also take a personal tour of campus featuring over 75 buildings and more than 200 hot destinations with the Ball State Map App. Explore every corner of Ball State and navigate the college experience from the palm of your hand. The app features a searchable list of buildings, departments, and landmarks. Created by the Ball State Digital Corps, the app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play. 4 CAMPUS OFFICES AND RESOURCES Academic Advising North Quad, room 339, 765-285-1161, bsu.edu/advising During Orientation, students meet individually with an academic advisor who assists them in selecting classes for the Spring semester. Students will then be assigned an academic advisor in the Freshman Advising Center who will provide personalized, one-on-one support throughout their first two semesters. Upon completion of 30 or more credits and one academic year, students will be assigned a departmental academic advisor in their major area of study. Alumni Association Alumni Center, 765-285-1080, bsu.edu/alumni Ball State Alumni Association staff are here to help you keep that passion for Ball State alive. It’s our job to help you stay connected, engaged, and most of all, remain a loyal Cardinal for life. From Homecoming to alumni chapters, to networking events with fellow alumni, we strive to be your advocate, to enrich your career, and to keep you informed about not-to-be-missed events throughout the year. In addition, we are always looking to add meaningful services and experiences. Stay connected. Rely on us for support. The Ball State University Alumni Association is about 200,000 strong, and this incredible network is here for you. Benny Link bsu.edu/bennylink Benny Link is an online tool that lists all recognized Ball State student organizations, clubs, honors societies, and activities. Want mobile access? Download the Corq App for iOS and Android to access this information on the go . Bookstore Art and Journalism Building in the Atrium, 765-285-8080, shopbsu.com The Ball State