Summer Springboard

Knowledge Base

CAMPUS LIFE FAQ

Learn More

GET ANSWERS TO SUMMER SPRINGBOARD'S MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW BY EXPLORING OUR KNOWLEDGE BASE.

Campus Life FAQ

Summer Springboard’s Knowledge Base is your go-to resource for quick, reliable answers to our most frequently asked questions, saving you time and effort. By exploring it, you’ll gain clarity and confidence, ensuring you have the information you need right at your fingertips.

Please click on the links to browse the FAQs by section:

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

Can I Request a Roommate?

Once you enroll, students may request to room together with another student.

These requests are typically honored.

However, one of the important benefits of attending a Summer Springboard program is the opportunity to network with and get to know peers outside your current circle of friends.

To be considered, please email us to request the roommate request form.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

Can Special Dietary Needs Be Met?

Yes, provided the request is submitted prior to the start of the program.

When you complete the Student Medical Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.

Most meals on campus will be at the local dining hall.

We can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

Do I Need to Bring Extra Money with Me?

You may want to think about bringing some extra cash with you to Summer Springboard.

While your tuition covers the cost of meals and excursions, it will not cover any souvenirs you may want to pick up for family and friends or extra snacks.

We suggest an extra $100 per week.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

Do Most Students Come Alone or with Friends?

Most students come to Summer Springboard on their own.

During the first few days students have the opportunity to participate in events and activities designed to help them meet each other and make new friends.

One of the best things about Summer Springboard is the great friendships that students make with other students from all across the country and around the world.

Participants will find it is very easy to make friends with other Summer Springboard students.

Our friendly and supportive staff will go out of their way to make sure each student has the best experience possible.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

How Can My Parents Contact Me While I'm Attending the Program?

Students are permitted to bring a cell phone to keep in touch with parents, but it must be turned off during program activities.

Your parents or guardians will have the telephone number to the program’s site office, where they can leave you messages.

Additionally, parents and guardians may email the office should they need to relay information to you.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

How Many Students Share a Room?

Each room will house two to four students, depending on the housing location.

You will have your own bed.

Your room will include fresh linens and towels (but extra blankets and towels are recommended).

The bathroom is shared.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

What is Your Housing Policy?

LODGING POLICY 

SSB’s rooming assignments are based on gender identity, as communicated to SSB. If a student is transitioning (their gender) or identifies as non-binary or non-comforming, we will discuss with them what type of room they prefer or are most comfortable with (either male or female). All students and families are welcome to communicate with SSB to provide more information on what type of lodging experience will be the most comfortable for their student. SSB reserves the right for staff to change rooming assignments for any reason at any time and unfortunately cannot guarantee rooming preferences in all cases due to the nature of international and group travel. Students are not permitted to enter rooms that are not assigned to them unless given permission by the program staff.

SSB rooming assignments for staff are also based on gender identity and ALL staff also have the right to communicate with SSB to provide more information on what type of lodging experience will be most comfortable for them.

SSB is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all students and staff, regardless of their gender, gender identity or expression, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, country of origin or any other basis. You can learn more about our commitment here.

Dorming Statement

Dorming on program takes place primarily at the University Dorms for students and staff on a Summer Springboard program.

Utmost care is taken to provide safe and secure housing. Accommodations vary based on the campus, but all include exclusive spaces reserved for SSB students and staff.

Dorms on-campus are our home away from home, a place to relax, the gathering place for meals and sanctuary for reflection, team building and leadership after active days.

In-for-the-night-policy

It is SSB policy that students remain in their rooms for the duration of the night once staff have instructed them to do so. By violating this policy (i.e. sneaking out of your room at night), you put yourselves and others at risk and this is grounds for dismissal from the program. For health reasons, we allow for and encourage eight hours of sleep a night for students, whenever possible.

Rooming

Students are not allowed to enter any room/suite not assigned to them unless given direct permission by a SSB Program Staff member. Any student who is in a room other than their own may result in disciplinary action.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

When is Check-in on the First Day of the Program?

For check-in day (the first day of the program), specific information on where to report to, what time check-ins are, and other important information, please refer to your campus-specific Enrolled Student Hub.

The Enrolled Student Hub can be found in your enrollment email and pre-program forms list.

You can find a video on how to access that here.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

Where Do I Report on the First Day of Programs for Check-ins?

On check-in day (the first day of the program), please refer to your campus-specific Family Guide for details on where to go, check-in times, and other important information.

The Family Guide is located in the Parent Portal under the Forms section.

A video showing how to access it can be found here.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

Do Commuter Students Have to Report to Check-in Day on Sunday for the Start of the Program?

Yes, all students, no matter whether residential or commuter, report for check-in day on Sunday.

Generally speaking, the residential students will move-in and get settled throughout the day during a specified time frame.

Commuter students will check in towards the latter end of that time frame.

All students join the staff for orientation, ice-breaker activities, and dinner after.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

What Information Can I Find in My Campus-Specific Family Guide?

You can find the following helpful information, and much more, in your campus-specific Enrolled Student Hub:

  • Packing List (what to bring, what to leave behind, etc.)
  • Sample Program Schedule
  • Arrival Day Information (where to report, when to report for, etc.)
  • Departure Day Information (when check-outs are, etc.)
  • Information on Airport Shuttle Services
  • Etc.

The Enrolled Student Hub can be found in your enrollment email and pre-program forms list.

Summer Springboard

Browse our Knowledge Base

Explore FAQs

What Do I Need to Pack?

Please refer to your family guide for complete details for your campus, this is a general list but can vary.

Packing List + Things to Consider

Must-Haves

  • Water bottle, bathing suit, sun screen, and beach towel
  • (2) COVID-19 Antigen Self Tests (Will be collected in check in day)
  • Face covering/mask – KN95 types
  • Government Issued or School Issued Photo ID (Identification Card, Driver’s License, Passport)
  • Money (almost everything is covered in tuition, but you may want to bring some spare cash for snacks at the airport or souvenirs for family and friends).
  • Medications/ Specialty vitamins – enough for the 2 week program plus some extra in case.
  • Laptop + charger: please bring a computer for your academic course. Please note that SSB is not responsible for lost or damaged laptops.

Clothing

  • Pack for layers! Weather in the summer can be unpredictable: rainy, hot, cool….look ahead and pack prepared!
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in.  We will be walking around campus, touring town, and local areas.
  • Shower shoes or flip-flops
  • Rain gear? Check the weather for your campus, you never know!
  • Exercise gear – if you are planning on working out, running etc.
  • Bathing suit, sun screen, and beach towel (optional for Water Park at Great America)
  • Outfit for the Final Night: we will be having a celebration to mark the end of the program. It’s a chance to dress-up and have some fun! Please don’t pack formal dance attire.
  • SSB does not have a formal dress code, however we ask that you dress in “neat attire”, meaning clean, not too revealing, not too short, and appropriate to meet guest speakers and go on excursions. You will also be provided a SSB shirt.
  • “Two business casual” outfits for visits to companies or outside organizations.

Dorm Room & Gear

  • Dorms are fully furnished so please don’t bring any furniture!
  • Cell Phone & charger
  • Headphones
  • Backpack or Messenger bag
  • The linen pack includes one twin XL fitted sheet, one flat sheet, one pillowcase, and three towels. All rooms come with a pillow and blanket.
  • You are welcome to bring your own linens, towels, or hangers.

Miscellaneous Items

We will not be making a special run to the store for snacks or forgotten items, so make sure you bring everything you need!

  • Shower caddy/something to carry your toiletry items to the communal bathroom
  • Sunscreen
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Soap
  • Bug spray – if you are especially susceptible to bites!
  • Razors
  • Contact Lens Solution & enough Lenses
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Personal & Prescription Medications, Vitamins
  • Snacks that you may want during travel or during downtime at SSB
  • Laundry Detergent

Medicine on Program

During the program, students will retain possession of their medication. Summer Springboard defines medication as both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication. All medications must be identified in the Health History Form, found in the Parent Dashboard.

Medications must be in the original container and labeled with the student’s name, name of medication, directions for medication administration, and the date of the prescription. Medication will be self-administered by the student during the duration of the program, as provided in the Medical Consent written authorization. When traveling with prescription medicine, be sure to pack it in your carry-on in the original bottle/pack.

Snacks, Toiletries, etc.

Make sure to pack plenty of anything you cannot live without! If you simply cannot get by without a certain brand of face wash or your daily protein bar, be sure to stock up beforehand.