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STEP/CAP Student Guide

WELCOME TO EASTERN!

Dare to be extraordinary at Eastern Connecticut State University. It's a place where a love of learning is palpable - and the drive to make a difference is even more so. You are officially on your way to becoming a Warrior! This guide will help ensure that you are fully prepared for the STEP/CAP program and an excellent start to your Eastern journey.

  • If you have not already completed your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), be sure to do so as soon as possible to ensure a timely financial aid offer. The results of the FAFSA will also determine if you are eligible for summer aid that will go towards STEP/CAP.

  • Your Office 365 e-mail account is the primary source of communication between you and Eastern. Prior to arriving to campus, you will receive emails to inform you on STEP/CAP updates, your housing placement, and details pertaining to summer and fall sessions. Your account credentials are also used to access eWeb to submit your deposits, view your financial aid for the 2023-2024 year, and more. View instructions on how to activate your Office 365 account; refer to your acceptance letter for your Eastern ID, username, and email address.

    Once deposits are submitted, we recommend that students check their Eastern emails daily.

  • Commit to being a Warrior! Seats in the STEP/CAP program are limited. You must submit your deposit as soon as possible, but no later than May 1, 2023 to reserve your spot. The University reserves the right to return deposits received after enrollment capacity has been reached. You must activate your Office 365 account to submit your deposits online. Refer to our step-by-step instructions for paying your deposit(s).

    Students living on-campus: $450 non-refundable tuition and housing deposit.

    Students living off-campus: $200 non-refundable tuition deposit.

  • Visit Housing & Residential Life's website for detailed application instructions after submitting your deposit(s). Hall placement will be determined in a first-come, first-served manner based on the date your housing deposit is paid and the application is submitted.

    On the housing application, you may rank your top three residence halls. Want a refresher of the different options available for first-year students?

    Please note that you do not need to apply for summer housing. STEP/CAP students will be housed in Nutmeg Hall, an apartment-style residence hall. Further details regarding summer housing will be sent to you via your Eastern e-mail prior to the start of STEP/CAP.

  • SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration) is an overnight orientation program designed to introduce all new first-year students to life on campus. New first-year students must also complete our Orientation Online program. This will include videos, resources and checklists.

    Visit the Orientation page and click on First-Year Students for detailed information and to register to attend a SOAR Session and access the orientation online program. You must submit your non-refundable tuition deposit prior to reserving a SOAR date. 

    STEP/CAP students must choose either June 20-21 or June 22-23 sessions, as these dates do not conflict with the start of STEP/CAP. STEP/CAP students cannot complete SOAR while STEP/CAP is in session. 

  • Enclosed in your enrollment packet are health forms and emergency contact information; please complete and return them to the Health Services address listed on the forms by June 1, 2023. These forms are essential for you to live on campus. You will not be allowed to participate in STEP/CAP if these forms are not completed and submitted before move-in.

    Please go to the Health Service's website for more information and to review the "Five Things You Need To Read" form. 

  • Please follow the steps on this page to accept or decline any federal student loans that you were offered: www.easternct.edu/accept-aid.

    You will also need to complete your Entrance Counseling Exam and Master Promissory Note, which are linked on that page. If you were offered a merit scholarship or grant(s), those will be automatically accepted for you.

    Eastern offers a web-based payment plan service that enables you to spread your out-of-pocket costs for tuition, fees, room and board over a semester. You may pay each semester’s bill in up to five monthly installments depending on when you enroll. The service is interest-free and costs $35 per semester. You may learn more at http://www.easternct.edu/the-eastern-payment-plan.

  • The STEP/CAP move-in date for students is Sunday, June 25. Additional details will be forthcoming. You will be housed in Nutmeg Hall, an apartment-style residence hall. Your roommates will be selected for you.

  • Make sure your final high school transcript as well as any Advanced Placement exam scores and transcripts for college-level courses are submitted to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.