Hawk Ready FAQs

• How to write an email to a professor

  • Professors and college staff will communicate with you through SJU email only. Check your email frequently. 

• Understanding your course syllabus

• What are office hours?

• Time Management, planning, and calendars

  • Get a planner, hang a calendar in your room, or fill out a Google Calendar. 

    • Here are calendars you can print and fill in. Fill in your class time, commute time, work hours, and other recurring activities. Then block out your study time, meals, sleep and relaxation time. The recommended amount of study time is 1-3 hours per hour of classtime. 

  • Use different color folders/notebooks for each class.

  • Create colored files in your email and Google drive for each class. (Need help understanding Google Drive or other campus tech? See the Tech Tools tab below). 

  • Read your syllabus for each class. The syllabus provides important instructions, due dates and helpful resources. Understanding the class set-up and policies will ensure that you are starting off on the right foot!  

• Understanding GPA caluculation and SJU's GPA calculator. 

See a chart that compares your previous academic and work experience to college expectations and how you can prepare.

Click here to learn about the SJU Technology systems you will need to be successful: 

• WiFi

• Gmail

• The Nest

• Canvas

• Starfish

SJU Safe app information

The Nest is SJU's hub for apps and information: register for classes, use email, find resources, and more. 

SJU Bookstore

Or use The Nest --> Students Tab --> Textbooks and Course Materials (under Academic Resources)

Have the books shipped to your home (in store pickup is only at Hawk Hill).

Click here for a Lancaster campus map.

No parking permits are needed for the Lancaster campus! You can park next to the Cooper or Stoudt buildings in any available space. 

Some good travel/map apps include Waze and Google maps. 

Campus is accessible through Red Rose Transit on the Route 20 bus line. 

• Many students bring their own food with them. A refrigerator is located across from the Campus Life offices for student use, along with microwaves.

• The C-Store is moving to the Cooper Building across from Campus Life in Summer 2026. The C-Store is a self-service canteen featuring breakfast items, wraps, salads, yogurt, snacks, coffee, and sodas. 

• There are several water bottle filling stations on campus. 

• We frequently have local food trucks visit our campus. Check for flyers and announcements about them!

• Some campus events provide free food!

• Nearby places to grab a quick bite include:

  •  Isaac's (565 Greenfield Road)

  • Chellas Arepas (1830 Hempstead Road)

  • Starbucks (525 Greenfield Road)

  • McDonald's (1880 Hempstead Road)

  • Sheetz (518 Greenfield Road).

• An asynchronous online course means that students complete the work on their own time and schedule. Students are still required to meet any assignment, exam, or other course deadlines established by the instructor. Here are some tips for asynchronous courses.

Yes! Check out the TIPS website. You can find information about support, social events, and special grant money for parenting students.