Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to attend?
Yes. If students have been accepted to Buffalo State University as a student enrolled in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), they will need to attend the EOP Freshman Summer Academy.
How long is the Academy?
The academy is a four-week, academic program. All students must stay on campus, which includes weekends.
What does the EOP Summer Academy cover?
The EOP Summer Academy is FREE and will cover meals, housing, class materials, workshops, and weekend local trips. Please note the program DOES NOT cover expenses for the Fall semester.
Do the summer classes count towards my degree?
YES. Students will earn up to 4 credit hours that will count towards their General Education requirements. It is important that students do academically well since the earned GPA will be reflected in their university transcript.
Where will I be living?
Students will be housed in one of our on-campus residence halls for the summer ONLY. Students are assigned to a standard double and a roommate upon arrival. Local students are required to live on campus as well. Room changes will NOT be accommodated unless there is a medical issue and official documentation is provided.
Where do I eat? What if I have dietary restrictions?
Students will be eating in the Bengal Kitchen dining facility located in the Student Union. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during the week, and brunch and dinner on the weekends. Snacks will also be provided in the evenings. The program covers meals for the duration of the Summer Academy.
If students have dietary restrictions, they should indicate these when registering for the Summer Academy. Bengal Kitchen will make accommodations in advance.
Is this an academic program only?
No. We have personal/academic development workshops, EOP Counselor meetings, social activities, and networking opportunities planned as part of the summer schedule. Students will receive a summer schedule for courses and programming upon arrival.
When do I need to participate in First Year Orientation? Is there a fee?
EOP students are automatically registered for the university's First Year Orientation and will go through orientation the first week. All Buffalo State students must participate in orientation. There is a $125 fee that will be added to the student's account. Students will NOT need to bring cash/check for orientation.
Is there anyone to help guide me?
YES. In addition to our professional staff, we hire and train upper-class student leaders (Student Assistants - SAs and Student Resident Directors - SRDs) who serve as guides and mentors. They live in the residence hall with students and are very similar to a Resident Assistant (RA)/Community Assistant (CA) during the year. Many of them completed the summer academy and/or are student leaders and role models on campus.
What is my Banner ID?
Students have received their Banner ID number with their college acceptance letter; this helps administrators and offices identify students and access information. Students will use their Banner ID to look up their financial aid package, student class schedule, and more. More information on setting up their Buffalo State technology can be found HERE. If you need assistance accessing your accounts, please call the IT Help Desk at (716) 878-4357 or open a Login Assistance ticket.
Are we allowed to have guests during the program?
NO. As a safety measure, outside guests will not be permitted in the residence hall or allowed to stay overnight.
Can I arrive late or leave early for the Summer Academy?
No. Participants must be present on the scheduled check-in and check-out days to ensure that students receive full academic credit for their participation. Students who arrive after the scheduled check-in date or depart early will not be able to fully participate and may risk their EOP Status at the university. Classes taken during the Summer Academy count towards the student's Grade Point Average (GPA).
Can I work during the EOP Summer Academy?
No. Participants have a full daily schedule with classes, study sessions, homework, activities, and workshops. We know this is a significant sacrifice for many of our students. We hope to ease the potential burden by providing the EOP Summer Academy FREE of cost.
Can I go home on the weekends?
No. Students may not leave campus during the Summer Academy unless there is an emergency and the Director of EOP has approved it. Scheduled programming has been planned throughout the academy.
Should I bring a laptop or computer?
We do not recommend students bring desktop computers; however, we do recommend they bring laptops. Students will have access to the desktop computers available in the E.H. Butler Library / Study Quad during open hours. Please note the EOP program is not responsible for any personal items that may be lost or stolen.
Can I bring a car?
No. Students may not have a personal vehicle during the EOP Summer Program, whether the student is local or out of town.
Am I allowed to leave my belongings until I return in the Fall?
No. Students are advised to bring only what is needed for the program. Upon departure from the summer academy, rooms will need to be cleared of all belongings. We recommend students bring one luggage and one small personal item (i.e., duffle bag). Please refer to the Items to Bring list posted on our website. Students who leave items behind or leave the room uncleaned will be charged a cleaning fee by the university.
How do I wash my clothes/do laundry?
The residence hall is equipped with laundry facilities that are pre-paid. You do not need to bring quarters! You will need to buy/bring laundry detergent and a laundry bag/basket.
Can my family send me mail/care packages?
Participants may receive mail or packages. Please note packages may take longer than usual due to limited staff in the mailroom during the summer. Packages may take between 3-5 business days. The mail room does not open on weekends.
Below is the address pending the Residence Hall and room assignment.
Attn: <<insert participant name>>/EOP Summer Academy
Buffalo State University
1300 Elmwood Avenue <<Insert Residence Hall>> <<Insert Assigned Room #>>
Buffalo, NY 14222
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING AND NOT BRING?
Please refer to the "Items to Bring" list on our website.
How far away is Buffalo, NY?
For many of our students, Buffalo is quite far from home. Students from New York City can expect to be approximately 8 hours from home. Local students might be 20 minutes to an hour from home. Students will receive support throughout the summer from our professional and student staff should they get homesick.
What if I need to get supplies, toiletries, etc. during my stay?
Trips to the local supermarket and home shopping stores (Walmart/Target) occur throughout the program. There will be a planned trip to the store the first weekend of the program for students to purchase additional items, if needed. Please note the program does not cover personal expenses.
Will transportation be provided TO the EOP Summer Academy?
Yes. A bus will be chartered, and free transportation will be provided on a first come, first served basis, for students and one family member residing in NYC. Students interested in transportation must express interest upon registering for the Summer Academy. This will be a same-day round trip, and families will depart after the Welcome Dinner.
Once students express interest via registration, they will receive a follow-up email from the EOP office with more details via their Buffalo State email account.
Will transportation be provided FROM the EOP Summer Academy?
Yes. A bus will be chartered, and free transportation will be provided on a first come, first served basis, for students residing in NYC. Students interested in transportation must express interest upon registering for the Summer Academy.
Once students express interest via registration, they will receive a follow-up email from the EOP office with more details via their Buffalo State email account.
How do I get to Buffalo, NY?
Below are a few suggestions. Please note that you may need to take a taxi or Uber from the bus/train station/airport to get to the university.
By TRAIN: Amtrak Railroad (recommended stop: Exchange Station in Buffalo, NY. Alternative stop: Depew Station)
By BUS: Greyhound Bus or Mega Bus
By AIR: Buffalo-Niagara International Airport
By CAR: Address to use: Buffalo State College - 1300 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222