Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other questions please contact: parents@seattleu.edu
Holistic growth and development are at the heart of every Seattle University education. Our faculty and curriculum challenge students to think critically and broadly as students stretch their wings. Yet, witnessing a student adjust to a rigorous academic environment while balancing new social interactions can be of great concern to many parents and families. Our office of Parent and Family Engagement is dedicated to you, the families and parents of our Seattle University community.
Orientation is a hybrid experience that includes online tasks, virtual appointments, and in-person events on campus. Some components are required and students are highly encouraged to attend optional programming. There are programs for families as well. The purpose of Orientation is to provide students with the tools needed for a successful transition to college life at Seattle University. More information is available on the Orientation page.
Seattle University's Public Safety Office is open 24-hours a day and provides multiple services to ensure the safety of students. There are emergency poles located throughout campus and with a touch of a button Public Safety is alerted. They are able to respond in under two minutes. They also offer Safety Escort Services no matter the time, day or night. For more information go to Campus Safety.
Parking is limited at an urban campus, so first year residential students are required to leave their cars at home. King County Metro provides excellent transit services all around the area. Students find it much easier to take Metro or just walk to places rather than worrying about their cars. If you are a commuter student and need to bring your car to campus and would like information about parking permits please link to the Transportation website.
Our Student Events and Activities Council (SEAC), the Residence Hall Association (RHA), and student clubs sponsor a wide variety of activities. In addition, being in the heart of Seattle provides easy access to plays, concerts, sports, shopping in downtown, and multiple museums which offer student discounts. Student events and activities can be found on ConnectSU. Plus, there is always homework!
The Registrar’s Office keeps a full list of all important dates from school breaks, to exam schedules, to tuition payment due dates. Check out the Academic Calendar.
FERPA, the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records and access provided to those records. All students can access their course grades on SU-Online, the university's on-line student information system. Institutions may not disclose information contained in education records without the student’s written consent except under certain conditions. There are different processes to provide Third Party Access to student financial account information or student academic records. For the full Student Records policy, please go to the FERPA policy. Questions regarding FERPA may be directed to the Registrar's Office. More information on Third Party Access is provided here.
While each school or college handles advising differently, all students are assigned an Academic Advisor for their program. Advisors can help with program and career planning. See more information on academic advising.
Housing and Residence Life will let new students know their residence hall and roommate assignments in early August.
A number of computer labs are available around campus. Many students choose to bring their own computers to campus for the sake of convenience. The residence halls are equipped with ethernet ports and wireless capabilities are available on campus. For more information about on-campus technology and other computer questions please see the Information Technology Services website.
Learning to live with a college roommate can be one of the most exciting experiences and biggest adjustments for students. At the beginning of the year, roommates are asked to complete a roommate agreement designed to foster a healthy roommate relationship. Housing and Residence Life staff (Residential Community Coordinator and student Resident Assistants) are trained to facilitate this process.
The university has a variety of resources available to all students. If a student is struggling in a class, s/he should always seek out the faculty member. Academic Advisors and Student Academic Services are also available. Counseling and Psychological Services and Campus Ministry are available for personal or pastoral counseling.
The Education Abroad Office provides information on a wide variety of study abroad opportunities. Students should visit the office early on to find our more about programs, costs and deadlines.
A variety of services are available for students wanting to improve their academic performance. Our Learning Assistance Programs, Writing Center and Math Lab work with students on their academic skills.
Our Student Health Center is open weekdays and offers a number of health care services at low cost. All full time undergraduate students must have insurance. For more information about the Student Health Center and insurance, please see their website.
The Career Engagement Office works with students on career discernment, finding a mentor, skills assessment, finding an internship and much more. Students should not wait until their senior year to visit the office. There are services and resources to use in the first year.
Course materials are purchased though an on-line portal: www.seattleu.ecampus.com. Seattle University merchandise is available at the Campus Store.
Family Weekend and Homecoming is your chance to experience the place your student calls home. We have a variety of activities planned for your education and enjoyment. You can participate in a wide range of activities. Of course, the most important thing is to just enjoy time with your student. Family Weekend/Homecoming occurs in the Fall. You will receive more information after the school year begins.