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Fall 2021 Guide

Parts of Term

Term Length Begins Ends
Full term Aug. 23 Dec. 10
First half Aug. 23 Oct. 8
Second half Oct. 18 Dec. 10

Frequently Asked Questions

(and links to great resources)

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FAQ: Registration & Advising

View a collection of our most commonly asked questions:

Registration FAQ

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FAQ: Billing & Financial Aid

View a collection of our most commonly asked questions:

Billing and Financial Aid FAQ

Parents assisting college students with moving into their residence halls
FAQ: Housing & Dining

View a collection of our most commonly asked questions:

Residence Halls and Dining FAQ

Three students standing outside on a sunny day having a conversation between classes.
FAQ: Settling In with Campus Life

From connecting to the WiFi to our Weeks of Welcome events, view a collection of our most commonly asked questions:

Settling In FAQ

Registration

Advising: How do I find my advisor?

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Click on the "Advising" tab.
  3. Locate the "My Advisor" box.

When a specific advisor is assigned to you, their name and contact information will be listed. If you're an incoming student who has not yet registered for classes, you'll see the contact information for your academic department. You also can view a master list of college advising centers to locate the appropriate contact information. 

Advising: holds and appointments

To resolve an advising hold, you'll need to meet with your advisor.

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Click on the "Advising" tab.
  3. Locate the "My Advisor" box.

When a specific advisor is assigned to you, their name and contact information will be listed. If you're an incoming student who has not yet registered for classes, you'll see the contact information for your academic department. You also can view a master list of college advising centers to locate the appropriate contact information. 

I have a hold on my account and can't register.

Holds are specific to various offices around campus. If you have a hold:

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Select the "Registration" tab.
  3. Locate the "Registration Holds" block.

View the hold type and the contact information for the specific office that can help you clear the hold. 

More information is available on the How to Register webpage.

Dealing with "Registration Add Error"

If you receive a Registration Add Error while attempting to register, registration for the listed course was not successful.

Add Errors always follow the following format:

  • The Status column indicates the type of add error that has occurred.
  • The following columns (CRN, Subj, Crse, Sec) indicate the course that encountered the error.

Learn about possible registration add errors (PDF) and how to address them.

add course error screen shot

More information is available on the How to Register webpage.

How do I register for classes?

First, make sure you have met with your advisor. Next, check for holds.

You can register for classes by using the Schedule Planner or the Add/Drop Courses method, both found in mySFA.

More information, including the days/time of Course Registration: Virtual Help Desk is available on the How to Register webpage.

What is the last day I can register or change my schedule?

The last day to register online via mySFA depends on which term you're wanting to take classes.

Important Dates & Deadlines

SFAS 1101: Why should incoming first-year students enroll?

SFAS 1101, Student Success Seminar, is a specially designed course that is proven to raise your GPA and increase your chances of making it to graduation. “SFA savvy” instructors teach you the ropes and discuss important topics, such as academic integrity, learning strategies, SFA history and other essential information. Specialized sections are offered that concentrate on leadership and areas of study. This class gives you a head start and explores the many resources SFA provides to help you inside and outside the classroom.

Learn more about SFAS 1101.

How do I schedule my Texas Success Initiative test?

There are three options available:

  • On campus: Call SFA Testing Services at 936.468.5803 to schedule a testing session.
  • Virtual: visit the TSI Testing webpage for details regarding online testing options.
  • Check your high school or local college for testing availability in your area.

I added myself to a waitlist, how do I know when to register?

  1. If a seat becomes available in a course section that has a waitlist, the first student on the waitlist will receive an automatic notification email through mySFA, so check your student email regularly, including weekends, holidays and university closures.
  2. The student has 24 hours from the time the email is sent (not when it is opened) to register for the course by using the Add/Drop Courses link (PDF) on the Registration tab of mySFA.

You will not be able to register for an open seat if there are any holds on your account, even if you have received a notification to register through a waitlist.

Failure to register within 24-hours

Failure to register within the 24-hour window will result in the student being removed from the waitlist, and the opportunity to register for the course’s open seat will pass on to the next student.

Students who do not register during their permission period may place themselves back on the waitlist (given there is space) but will be added to the bottom of the list.

How do I switch sections of a class or change my courses?

If it is before the deadline to register online and you don’t have registration holds, you can use Add/Drop Courses in mySFA to drop the old class and register for the new one.

Changing one half of a corequisite pair: perform a class search for the new section and add that new section to your worksheet. Don't click save yet. Select the option to "web drop" the old section and then save your changes It is important you're adding and dropping the two sections at the same time.

How can I drop a class?

Detailed information walking you through the process of dropping a class is on the How to Drop or Withdraw webpage.

How do I withdraw from SFA?

Detailed information walking you through the process of withdrawing from the university is on the How to Drop or Withdraw webpage.

Billing and Financial Aid

Billing

What is the deadline to pay my prior balance?

All prior balances are due by 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15.

Any unpaid balance amounting $200 or more will result in your being dropped from all of your registered courses.

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Click on the "Billing" tab.
  3. Click on "Pay Online with eBill"

When is my fall 2021 bill due?

All prior balances are due by 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15. Any unpaid balance amounting $200 or more will result in your being dropped from all of your registered courses.

Your fall 2021 bill must be paid by 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22.

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Click on the "Billing" tab.
  3. Click on "Pay Online with eBill"

If you are unable to pay through eBill, view alternative methods of payment.

Financial aid hasn't credited my account yet, and my bill is due.

You can enroll in an installment plan to pay the first installment to avoid being dropped from your classes.

  • Pay the first installment out of pocket.
  • Apply for a short-term loan if you're unable to pay the first installment.

Short-term loans are available to students whose financial aid has yet to be processed. The application for fall 2021 is open Aug. 9 through Sept. 17. You must be enrolled in an installment plan to receive a short-term loan, and the loan amount will need to be paid back by Oct. 22. Learn more about short-term loans.

How do I access my eBill and make a payment?

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Click on the "Billing" tab.
  3. Click on "Pay Online with eBill"

How do I establish or change authorized users?

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Click on the "Billing" tab.
  3. Click on "Pay Online with eBill"
  4. Click on "Authorized Users"

Select the option that best fits your need.

Why does my balance show a negative number?

This means you have a credit on your account.

Refund: Sign up with BankMobile

You'll receive instructions via mail (in a green envelope). If you don't receive these instructions, the Business Office will send an instant personal code to your student email.

Refund: When will I receive my refund?

Cash advances begin on the first class day. Depending on your credit balance, an advance up to $1,000 will be sent to BankMobile on your behalf. If your credit balance is less than $1,000, you will be sent the full amount of your credit. Refunds will begin approximately two weeks after the term begins and will continue throughout the term.

Financial Aid

How can I make adjustments to my financial aid award?

If you need to cancel/reduce aid or add a new aid program (when eligible), complete the following steps:

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Click on Financial Aid tab.
  3. Select “Financial Aid Revisions” then aid year for revision. Complete the form and hit submit.

What type of funds are ARP-HEERF III?

American Rescue Plan - Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds are approved U.S. Department of Education funds intended to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARP-HEERF III funds for fall 2021 will be sent via the student's BankMobile preference.

I am a first-time federal loan borrower. What do I need to do?

Complete the direct loan entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note, or MPN, on the studentaid.gov website. SFA typically receives these within a few business days.​

What is CPOS, and who should I contact?

CPOS stands for course program of study. The U.S. Department of Education requires that all courses count toward a student’s intended degree plan. Contact your academic advisor to review the courses for which you are registered.​

When will I receive my financial aid?

Fall financial aid will disburse Aug. 16.

If you are a one-term only student, you'll receive your financial aid in two separate disbursements. The first half will disburse Aug. 16 and the remaining half will disburse Oct. 18.

Viewing and accepting financial aid awards

Visit the Accepting Aid webpage for a step-by-step guide.

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?

To meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy:

Learn more about SAP status and the process of submitting an appeal by visiting the SAP webpage.

  • Undergraduate students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, complete 67% of the courses they have attempted and not exceed 180 attempted hours.
  • Graduate students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, complete 67% of the courses they have attempted and not exceed 54 attempted hours.

Why hasn't my financial aid paid out?

Here is a troubleshooting list to assist in determining why your financial aid has not processed:

What should I do if my financial aid has not processed before my SFA bill is due?

You can enroll in an installment plan to pay the first installment to avoid being dropped from your classes.

  • Pay the first installment out of pocket.
  • Apply for a short-term loan if you're unable to pay the first installment.

Short-term loans are available to students whose financial aid has yet to be processed. The application for fall 2021 is open Aug. 9 through Sept. 17. You must be enrolled in an installment plan to receive a short-term loan, and the loan amount will need to be paid back by Oct. 22. Learn more about short-term loans.

Residence Halls and Dining

Move-in weekend dates

Friday, Aug. 20: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 21: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 22: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Important: You must schedule your move-in time through mySFA, under the "Campus Life" tab. This can be completed as early as noon Aug. 4.

View our Move-In Checklist (PDF) for key contact information and to help you plan!

When can I schedule my move-in time?

You'll need to schedule a move-in time starting at noon Aug. 4, via your mySFA account.

  1. Log in to mySFA.
  2. Select the "Campus Life" tab.
  3. Click the "Schedule Move-in" link.
  4. Select a date and time between Aug. 20 and 22.

Note: To help manage crowd flow in the hallways, spend no more than two hours unloading your belongings into your room before unpacking and settling in.

View our Move-In Checklist (PDF) for key contact information and to help you plan!

Safety measures during move-in

To minimize traffic in the hallways and lobbies and streamline the process of getting your belongings into your room, the following guidelines will be in place during move-in weekend:

  • Go directly to your residence hall for check-in.
  • You may bring two people to assist with move-in; they cannot spend the night.
  • To help manage crowd flow in the hallways, spend no more than two hours unloading your belongings into your room before unpacking and settling in.
  • Carts and dollies will be available, as well as cleaning supplies to clean the handles.

View our Move-In Checklist (PDF) for key contact information and to help you plan!

Can I change rooms?

Before Aug. 1: Follow the instructions under the "Campus Life" tab within your mySFA to request a room change.

After Aug. 1: Contact the Residence Life Department by calling 936.468.2601.

Can I still get a private room?

Yes, depending on availability. Contact the Residence Life Department by calling 936.468.2601 or visit with your hall directory after you move in.

When will I receive my housing bill?

These are usually sent the first week of August.

Meal plans: Signing up or changing your plan

You can sign up for a meal plan, or change your current meal plan, in a few easy steps:

  • Log in to mySFA.
  • Click the “Campus Life” tab.
  • Go to “Other Information.”
  • Click “Meal Plans – Sign Up or Change.”

After you make your selection, the cost of your meal plan will be added to your SFA eBill.

Learn more about on-campus dining

Our dining services have recently undergone a renovation! You can find the latest information by visiting the On Campus Dining webpage. You also can download the Dine on Campus mobile app from the App Store or Google Play for quick access to see what's open and on the menu.

Extended Office Hours

Some offices have special weekend hours for Aug. 21-22.

Office Aug. 21 Aug. 22
Financial Aid 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Residence Life 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Business Office* 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

* A representative from the Registrar's Office will be available in the Business Office.

Settling In

Technology: Guides and resources

Information Technology Services provides detailed guides to assist you with common questions. Below are some of the top questions asked by students as they settle in:

Contact

936.468.HELP (4357)
helpdesk@sfasu.edu

Steen Library, Room 102 (LINC Computer Lab)

Weeks of Welcome

Mark your calendar! Aug. 20 to Sept. 4

WoW is designed to welcome new students to campus and introduce them to campus life. For returning students, it offers a way to become involved and interact with new students and campus organizations. WoW programming takes place the first two weeks of every fall and spring semester.

More information, including details to the big kick-off event Friday, Aug. 20, will be posted closer to the start of the semester.