Have questions about Stetson University? Below are some frequently asked questions the Admissions office gets from High School Juniors. For more information, feel free to contact Stetson Admissions!
Living on campus:
How are roommates determined?
The earlier you file your intent to enroll and deposit at Stetson, the sooner you can expect your room assignment. Depending on this date, you may or may not get your first choice as indicated on your housing sign-up form. Keep in mind assignments are subject to other factors, such as male/female occupancy rates of each building. Any student may request another incoming student to be their roommate, but both students must request each other and turn their forms in on time for this to be guaranteed. Currently there are no co-ed rooms available. If no one is requested, housing does their best to match roommates based on the questionnaire responses. Housing assignments will be completely in June through August, and students will be informed via e-mail and MyStetson where they will be living.
What is living on campus like at Stetson?
Stetson houses 87% of its student population on campus. On-campus living is required for the first 3 years of school, unless a student commutes from home. There are many diverse opportunities for living on campus, like Residence Hall A, the University Village Apartments, and the off-campus Stetson Cove Apartments. These are reserve for older students, and are options in your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years. Freshmen live in common hall style dorms, where a bathroom is sometimes shared will everyone who lives on that hall.
Can I bring my car to campus?
Yes. Students can bring their car to campus and park in their assigned zone (depending on where you live) during the entire semester. They simply must register their car during orientation week (FOCUS) and renew the registration each year, or each time they change residence.
Student Life:
What is Greek Life like at Stetson?
There are 6 fraternities and 5 sororities on Stetson’s campus. In addition, there are many co-ed professional fraternities. The traditional fraternities and sororities have houses on Stetson’s campus owned and operated by the university. All these organizations are centered around community service, academic excellence, values, honor, and leadership cultivation. Greeks make up about 25% of the Stetson population.
What Division and Conference does Stetson athletics participate in?
Stetson offers Division 1 athletics within the Atlantic Sun Conference. To read more about the sports at Stetson click on this site: Go Hatters!
What is Stetson's mascot?
Stetson’s mascot is The Hatter! What's a Hatter, you ask? The unlikely friendship between a famous hat manufacturer and a University produced a novel nickname for Stetson University. The athletic teams are called "Hatters," reflecting the university's association with John B. Stetson, maker of the well-known Stetson hat. It all began in 1883 when Henry DeLand founded DeLand Academy. Three years later, after a disastrous freeze affecting the citrus industry, he left DeLand in financial distress. Stetson, who had a winter home in DeLand, became interested in the school. At Deland's request, Stetson was made chairman of the Board of Trustees in 1889 and the University was renamed in his honor. Stetson University fielded the first football team in the State of Florida in 1901. The name "Hatter" was used then and is still in use today.
Academics:
What GPA do I need to keep in order to maintain my Bright Futures scholarship?
Since this policy has changed for the whole state, it has not been determined what GPA you’ll need to make in college to keep your bright futures. We recommend that students plan to maintain a 3.5 GPA.
Can I study abroad at Stetson?
Yes. Stetson University has opportunities in seven exciting countries for students to do a semester or year-abroad program. There are also small excursions for students who might not want to go for a full semester, which may count for one or two class credits and take place during summer and winter breaks. The Center for International Education administers programs of foreign study at the following centers abroad: the Universidad Carlos Tercero, Spain; the Paedagogische Hochshule, Germany; the University of Avignon, France; Oxford University, England; Moscow State University, Russia; the University of Guanajuato, Mexico; the Hong Kong Baptist University, China. We also offer study abroad sites for specific majors or minors. For Environmental Science or Marine Biology majors or minors we offer study abroad sites in New Zealand or Australia. For Business or Marketing majors or minors we offer a study abroad site in Bolzano, Italy. These programs are designed to engender cross-cultural understanding through personal experience and first-hand exposure to a country's language, literature, history, social institutions, and artistic and scientific development. To learn more about these exciting trips click on this site: Study Abroad Information
When do I have to let Stetson know I plan to attend?
The enrollment deposit for the Early Decision candidate is due on or before December 15. The enrollment deposit for the Regular Decision candidate is due on or before May 1. Candidates who are accepted after May 1 and plan to attend Stetson are expected to pay the enrollment deposit within three weeks after acceptance. The Enrollment Deposit is not refundable. Applicants are encouraged to pay the deposit as early as possible after acceptance because housing preferences are honored based upon receipt date of this deposit. Accepted students who plan to attend Stetson are required to make an enrollment deposit to indicate an intention to enroll. The fee is $400 for the student who will live on campus, $200 for the student who will commute to the Stetson campus and $2,000 for International students. First and second year students are required to live on campus unless they plan to live with their immediate families in the DeLand area, or meet other criteria of the exemption policy.
How expensive are books?
Students are suggested to budget $1,000 per year for books.
Can I transfer my dual-enrollment credits?
Students who did dual-enrollment during high school will be allowed to transfer a maximum of 64 credit hours. Stetson prides itself on its first-year experience, and transferring dual-enrollment credit will not hurt this experience. Many of these credits will apply as general education requirements, so the courses that go above and beyond in nature and scope will not be missed out on.
How do I transfer IB and AP credits?
Credit for AP and IB classes is based on your exam results. Have your exam results sent to the Office of Admissions. To check if a particular class and exam grade will transfer as credit you may click on this site: IB and AP
Can I defer my admission to Stetson?
If you are accepted to Stetson, defer, and do not attend another university or college, contact the Admissions department. You can still use your previous application. However, if you attend another college or university, you will have to apply to Stetson as a transfer or transient student to return. Admissions will need copies of your transcripts and some other information to make this possible.
Are professors at Stetson approachable?
Yes. Stetson professors are very approachable. All professors will post office hours multiple days per week. Students can make individual appointments to discuss their grades and class issues. Most professors will also give out their personal email address and office phone number to make it easier for students to contact them.
What are the post popular majors, and when do I have to declare mine?
Some popular programs include, but are not limited to Political Science, Biology, Psychology, Elementary Education, English, Music, Management, Marketing, and General Business. You don’t have to decide right away what your major will be. Stetson University has over 60 majors to choose from. The list of majors, and specifics about each, can be found by clicking on this site: Academic Programs. If you don’t know right away what you want to major in, you are considered a “Discovery” major. Most students declare their major at the end of their sophomore year if they are in the Discovery Program.
Once I decide on a major, how difficult is it to change?
It is easy to declare or change your major. The Academic Deans coordinate this process. In the College of Arts and Sciences, go to the office of Dean Grady Ballenger (106 Elizabeth Hall). In the School of Business Administration, go to the office of Dean James Scheiner (Lynn Business Center). In the School of Music, go to the office of Dean Jim Woodward (Presser Hall).
Can I have two majors? Do I have to have a minor?
Many majors do allow a second major, but an adviser should be consulted in both areas as early as possible. Double majors require particularly close attention to ensure that they are meeting all requirements in both of their areas of emphasis. Such students should be encouraged to meet with both of their advisers regularly, and advisers will consult with their counterparts in other departments whenever questions arise. Students are not required to have a minor, but these may be selected to complement or enhance the major. A major must be selected, but students may take time to explore options prior to selecting a minor. Students should discuss minor options with their academic advisers.
Can I graduate early?
Yes, if you have completed all degree and financial requirements.
Are all classes offered during the summer?
No, not all classes are offered in the summer. Students should speak to their academic adviser about summer school opportunities.
4. Sign up for rigorous classes that will help in college. Classes like statistics, history, economics, and an advanced science on a higher level are more advantageous than electives and PE sometimes, since they will be required as general education classes in college. Don't overwork yourself, but consider taking some advanced classes to build a good foundation for college courses.
