Parent's Information

The primary purpose of the academic advising program is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans which are compatible with their life goals. At Saint Francis University, academic advising is viewed as a continuous process of clarification and evaluation. The Center for Academic Success and First-Year Experience works in conjunction with the academic advisor and the student to help support educational needs and goals. The office is open to all students as an additional and/or supplemental academic resource. 

As part of the University’s First-Year Advising Program, entering students are assigned to advisors during the Summer Orientation and Academic Registration (SOAR) Program the summer prior to their freshman year. These academic advisors help students with academic and transition issues by providing guidance and support throughout their freshman year.

Individual academic advising conferences are available to students each semester. The advisor will review and utilize and available data about the student’s academic and educational needs, performance, goals, and problems. The ultimate responsibility for making decisions about life goals and educational plans rests with the student. The advisor will assist by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions.If you need additional help beyond your assigned academic advisor, individual and walk-in appointments are available at the Center of Academics Success & First Year Experience in Saint Francis Hall.

Yes. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year using updated tax information to be considered for maximum institutional, federal and state eligibility.  Merit based financial aid is renewed annually provided the students adheres to the terms and conditions of the award. 

Yes, all full time students must have health insurance.  They can be covered under parent or spouse insurance plans, under their own plan or they can enroll in Saint Francis University's student health insurance plan.  The student will be given information at the beginning of the fall semester on the University's health insurance plan.  It will be up to the student to decide if the University's plan is the right option for them.

Students are required to either enroll or waive in the Saint Francis University health insurance EACH year.

The Campus Ministry Department provides worship and prayer along with fellowship and service opportunities for members of all faith traditions.  A non-denominational Christian Praise and Worship Service is offered on campus every Sunday. There are also numerous quaint locations on campus for quiet prayer and reflection including a spiritual wellness room in the DiSepio Institute. Fellowship opportunities exist such as Cru, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Bible study. 

Our Peer Ministry program consists of students who are witnesses to their Christian faith. They provide pastoral care and retreats, prayer and service opportunities to fellow students.  This group of dynamic young people host roughly one-hundred and thirty programs per year including four to five retreats which are open to all university students.

A newer addition to the faith life on campus is the F.I.S.H. (Faith Inspired Student Housing) program.  This living and learning community provides an opportunity where Christian students can strive for healthy, balanced, interpersonal relationships and challenge each other to develop spiritually, emotionally and academically.  Those students involved in the faith based housing program offer various programs throughout the year.

Yes, your child can have a car on campus. However we encourage freshman to carefully consider their need for a vehicle.  Parking is limited and parking is assigned upon obtaining a Saint Francis University parking permit.  Permits for resident students are approximately $100.00 per year.  Commuter rates may be obtained from University Police.  

The Saint Francis University Transportation Services Program is available to assist students in connecting to local transportation centers for bus, train, or airline transportation to get back and forth from home during academic breaks (i.e. mid-semester breaks, Thanksgiving and Easter breaks, and beginning and end of academic semesters).

SFU Transportation regularly services the Johnstown/Cambria County Airport and the Altoona-Blair County Airport for flights and the Altoona Transportation Center for Amtrak train and Greyhound bus.  Additionally, SFU Transportation also services the Pittsburgh International Airport.  Low standard rates are charged for students who utilize regularly-scheduled shuttles; a more competitive, premium rate is charged for students who desire a more customized services outside the regular service.

Additional services provided by the Center for Student Engagement includes weeknight shopping to local stores including the Ebensburg Walmart, and shopping malls and plazas in both Johnstown and Altoona.  This service is free of charge and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students and families can find a full schedule (printable) posted to our Transportation link at http://life.francis.edu/Transportation along with our policies and rates.

The Center for Student Engagement also maintains a partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and their exciting CarShare program that provides students access to safe, reliable Enterprise vehicles for a low hourly rate.  More information can be seen about this program at https://www.enterprisecarshare.com/us/en/programs/university/francis.html.