STEP Frequently Asked Questions - Educational Opportunity Program

STEP Frequently Asked Questions
How and when can students apply to STEP?
Applications for STEP 2015 will be accepted beginning May 1, 2015. Students are
strongly encouraged to apply to STEP early since enrollment is limited. Students
must complete application online.
An incomplete application and/or an application submitted after the deadline
cannot be guaranteed consideration for participation. Students experiencing any
technological difficulties with the on line application process can contact Manny
Angel at (805) 893-2558.
When is the deadline to apply to STEP?
July 1, 2015. Applications submitted after the deadline cannot be guaranteed
consideration.
Who is eligible to attend STEP?
Any EOP eligible new incoming frosh student is eligible to apply to STEP.
What are the payment options to attend STEP?
TBD
Can I apply for financial aid to help cover the cost of STEP?
STEP is not covered by the financial aid office. Participants are responsible for
covering fees.
Do students get unit credit for completing STEP?
No. The courses which students complete during STEP provide an opportunity to
prepare students for the classroom experience and the demands of college course
work.
Can students register for classes during STEP?
Students will be given an opportunity to register for their fall classes if they have
not already registered during Orientation. Students will engage in academic
advising to plan out their class schedules and can make changes to their class
schedules if determined necessary by EOP and Orientation staff.
Do students have the option to attend STEP for part of the STEP program?
No. STEP participants are expected to complete STEP while residing in an oncampus resident hall, attend all required classes, mandated workshops and
scheduled events.
Should students bring their cars to campus?
No. Vehicles may not be driven by students at any time while students attend
STEP. There are no exceptions to this. A student who has no other means of
transportation to campus to attend STEP needs to make advanced arrangements for
parking on campus by noting this on their registration form. Registration forms are
given to students once they have been accepted to STEP. There is a $56.00 fee
(subject to change) that is charged for parking during STEP and students are
responsible for paying this charge. STEP is not liable for any parking
tickets/violations, damage and/or theft to a student’s vehicle while the vehicle is on
campus during the STEP program.
Can students bring their laptops to STEP?
Yes. There will also be computer labs available during the program for students to
access at specific times. If a student decides to bring a laptop computer to STEP
then STEP is not liable for any damages, loss or theft during the STEP program
and this includes other electronic devices such as iPods, cell phones, PDA’s, iPads,
etc.
Can I arrive a day early before STEP begins?
No. Hotel accommodations are available off campus. Students are discouraged to
make arrangements with on campus housing because of the nightly expense that a
student is responsible for paying and limited availability. A student who exhausts
all options to secure housing accommodations for early arrival and requires an
early arrival prior to STEP needs to make advanced arrangements by contacting
the EOP office at (805) 893-2558. In this case, accommodations are for a student
only: family members cannot be accommodated.
What is the Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP)?
The Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP) is a six-week long summer program
designed to allow UCSB freshmen the opportunity to get an early start on their
academic careers in an intellectually stimulating and socially supportive
environment. The program aims to help students make a successful academic
transition from high school to the University and seeks to improve first-year
retention rates and decrease student time to degree. For more information: E-mail
fssp@summersessions.ucsb.edu or call (805) 893-2377 FAX: 805. 893-7207
What is the difference between STEP and FSSP?
STEP is a 1 week non-unit bearing program. FSSP is a 6 week program where
Students enroll for 8-13 course units.
Can students attend STEP and FSSP?
No. Because STEP & FSSP program dates conflict with each other, the STEP
program does not allow students to participate in FSSP while attending STEP.
For additional questions not answered here what should I do?
Please call: (805) 893-2558 during office hours Monday - Friday
from 9:00a - 12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm or E-mail eop-step@sa.ucsb.edu