Why is ESF instituting an Accessory Instruction Fee?
One of SUNY’s primary goals is to maintain affordability and access to all New Yorkers wishing to achieve their learning goals.
ESF has a special relationship with our neighbor, Syracuse University, which provides open access to all their courses to ESF. Syracuse University is not a part of the SUNY system and charges a tuition that is more than that charged by ESF and other SUNY institutions.
ESF does not wish to limit our students’ access to SU courses should they choose to take them. ESF cannot, however, continue to subsidize the difference in the rate ESF students pay for tuition, which is set by the New York State Legislature, and the rate charged by Syracuse University for credit hours there.
This fee of $355 is a tremendous value for ESF students while also ensuring that our tuition dollars and state aid remain available for ESF to use to support our faculty, staff, and facilities.
Can I seek a waiver from this fee?
Yes. The College has a waiver process and each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with a focus on ensuring that students maintain a timely path to graduation.
Courses required to complete your major course of study that ESF does not offer will be automatically waived (please refer to the list of courses that are automatically waived). However, the College will assess this fee on all directed electives, general education electives, and general electives.
Will ESF waive this fee if a course is approved for my graduate degree course of study?
Please fill out the waiver form and each case will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The College will take into consideration courses that have been previously approved for a graduate student’s faculty approved course of study.
My advisor approved my SU course, does this make me eligible for a fee waiver?
Advisor approval is not a basis for a fee waiver. Going forward, advisors will notify students that when registering for SU courses the Accessory Instruction Fee will apply.
What if my waiver is denied?
All decisions on waiver requests will be final at the time of notification to the applicant. Reconsideration will only be granted if circ*mstances change that were not known during the initial review and determination. Students enrolled in Syracuse University courses take the assumption of risk that they may have to pay the accessory instruction fee. Due to the time constraints of the registration deadline, you may not get a response on your waiver before the add deadline. If your waiver is denied, you will be assessed the accessory instruction fee.
Do I have to pay the Accessory Instruction Fee if I audit a course at Syracuse University?
ESF does not permit its students to audit courses at Syracuse University.
I don’t think I’ll be able to graduate unless I take the courses I’ve registered for, what should I do?
Please use the waiver process and explain your circ*mstances.
What if I can’t get into another course at the same time at ESF if I choose to add drop?
We will work with all students to ensure the continuity of their schedule. This is new to all of us including our faculty and academic advisors.
What courses receive an automatic waiver?
If your program of study requires the classes below, you will not be assessed a fee:
- PHY 101- Major Concepts of Physics I
- PHY 102- Major Concepts of Physics II
- PHY 211- General Physics I
- PHY 212- General Physics II
- PHY 221- General Physics Laboratory I
- PHY 222- General Physics Laboratory II
- CEE 337- Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
- NSD 114- Food Safety and Quality Assurance
In addition, all MSL and ASC courses required for ROTC programs will receive an automatic fee waiver.
I’m registered for a course at Syracuse University that is an approved elective in my major. Will I be assessed the accessory instruction fee?
Yes. Any course that is not on the approved list (see above) will be charged a fee.
How much is the fee and when do I need to pay it?
The fee is $355 per credit hour. An ESF student electing to register for a three-credit SU course will result in the assessment of an accessory instruction access fee totaling $1,065, which represents a tremendous value for the quality of the classes offered and the caliber of the faculty at SU.
Can I get additional financial aid to cover the fee?
The fee is not covered separately by financial aid or scholarships.
When is the last day to drop a class?
The last day to drop a class is September 20. However, if you drop a class after the first week of classes, you will be partially liable for all tuition and fees associated with that class. For more information about the liability schedule, please refer to the Bursar page: https://www.esf.edu/tuition-aid/bursar/
Can bills be paid with a payment plan?
Yes, payment plans are available for student bills. You can find them in the student portal where your bill is posted.
How was the decision to implement a new fee made?
We did not make this decision lightly; it was after careful consideration and financial analysis, and with authorization from SUNY.
