Questions and Answers
Q. What should I bring?
A. Let's start with clothing: shorts, T-shirts, pants, outerwear, one set of dress-up clothes (dress is almost always informal, but you'll want to be ready if a special occasion occurs), swim wear, workout clothing, bathrobe, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring an umbrella too since you never know when it'll rain. In order to feel more at home, you should also bring:- Linens for your long, twin-size bed
- Towels and face cloths
- Pillow
- Alarm clock
- Clothes hangers
- A mug or drinking glass or water bottle
- Laundry bag and detergent
- Toothbrush, toiletries and soap in a basket (to take with you to the shower)
- School supplies (some students bring a laptop and printer as well)
- Several electric fans! This is a really important item!
- Baseball/Softball Mitt
- Disc/Frisbee or other recreational equipment
Q. How many students participate in Summer Advantage?
A. Last year (2008) approximately 60 students enrolled in Summer Advantage. Because of increased marketing we expect many more this year. There is limited space, an early application is recommended.Q. Can I visit places in Pullman on my own?
A. Of course! You are welcome to explore Pullman and Moscow. You are a freshman in college and have the freedom that all our freshman students have.Q. Can I visit family and friends overnight?
A. We suggest remaining in Pullman for the short duration of the Summer Advantage program. You are welcome to hangout with family and friends should they come to Pullman. If they need overnight accommodations refer to this travel link. Overnight guests are NOT permitted in the residence halls.
Q. Are scholarships available?
A. Unfortunately, there are no Summer Advantage program scholarships. We are working hard to promote the program to donors that are interested in providing scholarships to Summer Advantage students. You may use scholarship funds received by private donors if approved by the donor.
Q. What is my mailing address while I'm participating in the program?
Attn: Student's Name
SUMMER ADVANTAGE
PO Box 641035
Pullman, WA 99164-1035
Q. Can I leave campus whenever I want?
A. Absolutely, part of the learning process at college is not only learning in the classroom but also learning about you. You will learn to make decisions that will support your success at Washington State University. We can guide you, should you want it, to make responsible choices. For example, going shopping Vs studying, sleeping-in vs. attending class, etc.Q. Are there resources available to help me in my undergraduate classes?
A. Yes. Faculty keep regular office hours and are available to help you with your classes. Students are expected to take the initiative to meet with faculty regularly to discuss their progress. Academic assistance is also available at the Student Advising and Learning Center (SALC). Additionally, Summer Advantage schedules weekly College Success types of workshops that Summer Advantage students will attend.Q. How will I be able to contact my student?
A. Most cell phone providers get great service in Pullman. All of the residence halls come equipped with telephones jacks. Please let us know if you would like for us to arrange to have the jack turned-on in your child’s room. It will cost approximately $50 for the month. This service includes a phone and voice mail. Arrange a set time for phone calls with your son or daughter once their schedule is finalized. Your son or daughter will also be given a WSU email account.Q. Will I be able to email my student?
A. Every student enrolled at Washington State University is provided a free email account. Email is a popular form of contact on campus and is a great way for you to keep in touch with your son or daughter throughout the program. If your son or daughter isn't bringing a computer, students have access to computer labs on campus for a fee.
Q. What responsibilities and obligations do I have to the program?
A. All Summer Advantage students are expected to attend all classes, workshops, residence hall meetings, special "family-dinner" gatherings, and scheduled activities including a possible weekend travel excursions. As in any community living environment, each student is expected to respect the rights of others, maintain reasonable cleanliness in the residence, and behave in a manner befitting collegiate life. In addition, rules prohibiting the use or possession of any illegal drugs, including alcohol, are strictly enforced. Individuals violating the University's Standards of Conduct will be subject to the university disciplinary process the Office of Student Conduct and possibly WSU or Pullman police department.Q. How does Alive! work with Summer Advantage?
This program is a separate program from the Summer Advantage program. In fact it is in a different department. We advise you to attend the early Alive! sessions. Students will walk away with their fall class schedule. Helpful Alive! information will be used during Summer Advantage and all of your years at WSU. The things you learn in Alive! will be practiced during Summer Advantage. Should you need financial assistance with the Alive! program contact the New Student Programs office at 509.335.4242To sign up for Alive!
Click on this link Alive! Orientation.
Click on "Reserve Your Spot" (yellow box on the right).
Click on "Download Registration" (PDF).
Write Summer Advantage Student under the words "Reservation Form."
Q. How many hours a day will my son/daughter need to study?
In college, your son/daughter may be shocked by the workload they suddenly face. Many students are surprised at the differences in studying for college courses versus how they studied in high school. For every hour spent in class your student will probably need to study at least two hours. The Summer Advantage class is held two hours a day Monday through Friday. We suggest studying during daylight hours, when students are more alert, and studying in 45 minute sessions. We will be offering study skill and test taking workshops during Summer Advantage.Q. How many students live on campus?
A. Washington State University in Pullman is a residential university. Every summer about 5,000 student attend summer session classes in Pullman over the three summer session date blocks. Most students live within walking distance to campus.Q. What steps does the WSU Summer Programs Office take to ensure students safety during the program?
A. Pullman is located in a rural community that is relatively safe. The goal of the WSU Police Department, WSU administration, and Summer Programs, is to do everything possible to create an environment where people can feel safe to learn, work, live, and visit. It is very important to us to make living groups safe, secure communities. Summer Advantage staff members perform nightly rounds in their buildings and have an on-call system during the evenings and on weekends. Outside doors to the McCroskey Hall are locked at all times. Students also play a role in assuring their own safety by complying with safety guidelines as they would at any location.Q. Can students arrive early or stay beyond the program's closing date?
A. You are welcome to arrive first thing Sunday morning. We ask that you notify us of your arrival plans prior to traveling to Pullman. No, to staying late. We cannot make any exceptions on this matter. Additionally, students aren't able to store belongings in a residence hall or move into their fall residence hall early, unless special arrangements are made with Housing and Dining Services (509.335.4577). Below you will find local storage business and phone numbers.
Advantage Mini Storage 509.332.0865
Blue Sky Self Storage 509.334.7444
C&S Mini Storage 509.332.2526
Coffee House Mini Storage 509.332.5180
Cougar Closet 509.332.7575
Evergreen Storage 509.334.0234
Grand Ave Storage and Supply 509.332.1281
KIP Development 509.334.7444
Morgan Rent-A-Space 509.332.4865
Pullman Mini Storage 509.334.7939