Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Start students will register for seven credit hours. Depending on their major and plans for post-graduation, students will be automatically registered to be placed in the Math Learning Community or the Writing Learning Community for Summer Start.
These classes are structured to help you succeed during your time here at South. MLC houses majors and post-graduate endeavors that require math above MA 113 (Precalculus Trigonometry). This learning community focuses on building skills to be successful in various STEM degrees, business degrees, Pre-Health, Pre-OT, and/or other related majors.
WLC focuses on building strong foundations in writing and analysis. Students who major in English, Communications, Exercise Science (Not PT or OT route), international studies, education, nursing, or any related major will be placed in this learning community.
Successful students attend all class meetings, submit assignments on time, engage in learning activities, participate in other campus life opportunities, and connect with faculty and/or peer leaders. By developing good academic habits, good grades and success in college will follow. Summer Start will give students the opportunity to nurture these skills to grow into successful students here at South.
To successfully complete Summer Start and remain eligible for continued enrollment in the Fall semester, students must complete the Summer Start program with no grade lower than a C and no more than one C overall (after all grade grievances are final), while earning a minimum of 7 credit hours. Students who do not meet these requirements may not remain enrolled for the fall semester unless they demonstrate significant extenuating circumstances, as determined in the sole discretion of the Associate Vice President, Student Academic Success. Students who do not meet the eligibility requirement may appeal their dismissal on these grounds by submitting a written request, and all supporting evidence, to the Associate Vice President within ten (10) calendar days of the last class day of Full Summer term. The Associate Vice President’s decision will be final.
We expect all students to succeed. If you are ever uncomfortable with your performance, please connect with us. The Center for Academic Excellence is available for individual or group tutoring, and peer leaders are available during and after class. Professional advisors will meet with you to plan for fall coursework and are available for coaching appointments. We will work with you to strategize your next steps.
To successfully complete Summer Start and remain eligible for continued enrollment in the Fall semester, students must complete the Summer Start program with no grade lower than a C and no more than one C overall (after all grade grievances are final), while earning a minimum of 7 credit hours. Students who do not meet these requirements may not remain enrolled for the fall semester unless they demonstrate significant extenuating circumstances, as determined in the sole discretion of the Associate Vice President, Student Academic Success. Students who do not meet the eligibility requirement may appeal their dismissal on these grounds by submitting a written request, and all supporting evidence, to the Associate Vice President within ten (10) calendar days of the last class day of Full Summer term. The Associate Vice President’s decision will be final.
Please submit your test scores for any advanced placement or international baccalaureate credit with your materials to Admissions.
In order to receive credit for your Dual Enrollment courses, you must send the Office of Admissions an official transcript from the institution through which you took dual enrollment courses. You must have received a minimum grade of a “C” (2.0) or better in order to satisfy your requirements.
You can access and send your ACT scores through ACT.org
You can access and send your SAT and AP scores through CollegeBoard.org.
Feel free to email records@southalabama.edu with questions regarding transfer credit to The University of South Alabama.
*If you have not sent your test scores or Dual Enrollment Credits yet, make sure to do this as soon as possible and let your advisor know what you have coming in. You can always show your Academic Advisor a screenshot of a test score or an unofficial transcript for the time being.
Summer Start students attend Southbound Orientation for Summer Session all together after their first day of class. Once you are admitted to Summer Start, you will receive an invitation to Southbound Summer Orientation with the specific date and time.
You will learn about advising and technology for registration during your Reflect & Connect course (CAS 190) in Summer Start. Then, You will have an individual meeting with your advisor to discuss your schedule and select your courses for the fall. We will make sure this planned and scheduled for you.
Students should file the 2025-2026 FAFSA (using 2023 tax information) at https://fafsa.gov to be considered for federal student loans and/or grants at a half time enrollment status for Summer Start.
For additional information, you are welcome to contact Lauren Rhodes at lrhodes@southalabama.edu or make a Virtual Appointment.
Yes! In order to be considered for federal aid for Fall 2026/Spring 2027/Summer 2027, you will need to complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA (using 2024 tax information) at https://fafsa.gov.
You can contact Autumn Courtney, Assistant Director of Student Academic Success, at 251-341-4065, or amcourtney@southalabama.edu if you have any questions or concerns!