Frequently Asked Questions
Academics
When will I get my fall CLASS SCHEDULE?
Etown builds your fall schedule for you based on the orientation forms you complete in May (through Jayweb, our student system). Every first-year student takes a First Year Seminar their first semester. You will rank your First Year Seminar choices in May. You will receive your fall schedule at June Orientation. If you can't attend orientation, then you'll receive an email with information on how to access your schedule. First Year FAQs
For students starting in January, you will receive an email from the Registration & Records office with details on registration and your academic advisor. You will register for classes beginning in November.
What if I have QUESTIONS about my schedule?
There will be time at June Orientation and August check-in day to talk to our Academic Advising team about any schedule questions you may have. If you have a question in July or August, please find information on who to contact here (scroll down to Who do I contact to discuss a schedule change?)
Do I need to take a PLACEMENT EXAM?
Depending on your major, you may need to take the Math Placement Assessment or the Language Placement Exam. You can find more information about Placement Exams on this site.
Can I transfer credits to Etown?
Yes, you can - credits from other instutions and credits by examination (AP, CLEP, etc). Find out those details on the Registration & Records website.
Where do I view and purchase COURSE MATERIALS?
Visit this site to learn more about Course Materials and procedures. When you receive your schedule, you can click "Shop for My Textbooks" and choose Course Materials - Order Textbooks where you will find helpful information on ordering.
What does FERPA mean and how do I manage this?
FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and it is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student's education records. Learn more about this law, including how to update your preferences on our website (you can update your preferences in Jayweb at any time while you are a student).
Financial Aid & Tuition
What about FINANCIAL AID?
If you have questions about your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid office or check out their Frequently Asked Questions. You must log into the Financial Aid portal to accept your financial aid package by July 15.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due on August 1 (fall semester) & January 1 (spring semester). The Business Office manages student accounts and payment plans. You can find a Billing Guide, as well as other helpful information on the Business Office website, like accessing your account and setting up other payer (family) access.
Heathcare & Health Insurance
How do I complete/submit my STUDENT HEALTH FORMS?
All students must complete Student Health forms by August 1. Follow the instructions on the Student Health website to have your physician complete the form and then upload it into our electronic health records system, ATS.
Where can I go to see a DOCTOR or nurse?
Learn more about our Student Health services here.
What about HEALTH INSURANCE for students?
We require all full-time students to have health insurance. Etown makes available a health insurance plan for our students which you can purchase or waive. If you choose to waive this health insurance, then you must complete that process by August 31. Find out more about this, including details about our provider to determine if your current health insurance is accepted, on our Student Health website.
What EMERGENCY CARE options are near Etown?
Lancaster General Health Urgent Care has a location in Elizabethtown (a 5-minute drive from campus). There are local hospitals in Lancaster, Hershey, and Harrisburg that are a 30-minute drive from campus.
IT & Computer Information
Can I bring my COMPUTER to campus?
Absolutely! You can bring a desktop or laptop computer to Elizabethtown. Information and Technology Services (ITS) supports both Windows-based computers and Macintosh computers on campus. Elizabethtown College students can receive discounts on hardware and software. Students are able to download Microsoft Office for free. Find out more information at the ITS website.
Do I need to bring a PRINTER?
Nope! Etown has multiple print stations on campus (including in residence halls) that students can use. Students are allotted a certain number of pages they can print each semester; you can find that information on our Printing Tips site.
Is there CABLE on campus?
Yes - Etown offers Xfinity on Campus to our residential students.
Living on/Commuting to Campus
What are the RESIDENCE HALLS like?
Check out our residence hall options - for first-years and upperclass students here. Find out what you should bring, what you should leave at home, and what furniture is provided (including measurements) on the Community Living website. On move-in day, we will have volunteers to help you with move-in and who you how to loft the beds.
When do I find out about my HOUSING ASSIGNMENT?
After you deposit, you will receive an email with information about completing our housing agreement and questionnaire. You will receive your housing and roommate assignment in early August (you will find it in Jayweb). You can find out more details on the Office of Community Living's website.
What should I BRING to campus?
Good question! Pet alligators should stay at home, but you can find more guidance on this question here.
How do I request a TWIN XL bed?
There will be an email sent to your Etown email address the end of June with information on how to request a twin XL bed via a form in Jayweb that opens on July 1.
How do I request a MICROFRIDGE?
There will be an email sent to your Etown email address the end of June with information on how to request a microfridge via a form in Jayweb that opens on July 1.
What should I know as a COMMUTER student?
Etown has an office to support commuters and help you navigate your time at Etown. Find out where commuters can park on the Campus Safety website. And yes, commuters do have to check-in at the check-in tent in August so that you can receive your college ID card.
Can I bring my CAR to campus?
Yes! First-year students are permitted to bring a car to campus; there is no additional parking fee (it is included in the comprehensive fee). Students must register their vehicle in Jayweb beginning in July. Please visit the Campus Safety website for more information, including where students can park.
How SAFE is Etown's campus?
You can view the College's annual Security and Fire Safety Report at any time. Students are encouraged to:
- download the LiveSafe app as a quick and easy way to communicate with Campus Safety, report a safety tip, or use SafeWalk to virtually walk home safely
- utilize Blue Light phones on campus if you need to contact Campus Safety for a safety escort
- stay tuned into emergency alerts that come through our EC Alert system
- follow general safety tips
What are my options for eating on campus and MEAL PLANS?
Enjoying the College's delicious food is definitely a benefit of our campus. Incoming residential students are automatically assigned the gold meal plan. You can make changes to your meal plan through the first two weeks of the semester (via Jayweb). You can check the number of swipes used in Jayweb. Learn more about meal plans and dining options at Dining Services' website and their Frequently Asked Questions page.
How do I add JAY BUCKS to my student's account? What is the bonus option for JAY BUCKS?
Jay Bucks are prepaid dollars added to your account to be used at campus dining locations. You simply have to swipe your college ID to use them. You can check your remaining balance in Jayweb. Through the first two weeks of the fall semester, you can purchase $75 in Jay Bucks and receive an additional $25 in Jay Bucks; just purchase $75 via your Business Office account (student account log-in (Jayweb-Student-Finances) / parent account log-in (only works after your student has set this access up)) and we'll add the $25.
What is the TOWN OF ETOWN like?
Etown is a small town in Central PA that is close to everything and often smells like chocolate. There are small businesses and shops downtown (which is walkable from campus) that make our local community vibrant. A tradition during August Orientation is the First-Year Walk where our group of 500 students will walk to downtown Etown together to explore the area and enjoy Rita's italian ice, music, and a great atmosphere. We are close to Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Hershey. The nearest Target is about 20 minutes away in Lancaster or Harrisburg (we get this question a lot!); and the Hershey Outlets are also 20 minutes away.
There are many options for pizza in Etown which is a highly debated topic among our students - who has the best pizza?
Mail on Campus
What is my MAILING ADDRESS on campus?
All students have a mailbox number, which you will receive by July. Our Mail Services team does a fabulous job of getting your important mail and deliveries to you! Student mailboxes are located in Brossman Commons on the first floor. During August Orientation, your peer mentor will show you how to open your mailbox.
Does AMAZON deliver to campus (and how do I get my MAIL)?
Yes - trust us, Amazon (and FedEx, UPS, and USPS) delivers quite a lot to campus! All deliveries are made to our Mail Services department (in Brossman Commons). They will email you when you have a delivery to pick up at Mail Services. Your campus mailing adress is:
123 (student mailbox number) Baugher Avenue, Elizabethtown PA 17022
Be sure to share your campus mailing address with friends and family so they can send you care packages!
Working on Campus & Banking
Can I WORK on campus?
Yes - absolutely. There are many departments that hire student employees. Find out more on the Student Employment website.
Should I open a local BANK ACCOUNT?
That's completely up to you. There are many local banks, and PSECU provides a convenient, on-campus banking option for students. Find out more at their website.
Questions?
Take a look at the options listed on the side; you may find the answers you're looking for. You can also use the search box on our website; it is full of information. Feel free to email orientation@etown.edu with any questions you have.