FSI Expectations and FAQs

What are the expectations of students in FSI?

FSI simulates a true collegiate experience while students live on campus at UNC. Students are expected to demonstrateindependent living skills—critical not only to success in FSI, but in college life and beyond. FSI will provide opportunities todevelop these skills, but students are expected to take responsibility for their daily routines, time management, and academic work. 

What does independent living mean? 

Punctuality & Attendance: Students make their way to classes, research, and activities on time—limited or no reminders or escorts provided by FSI staff or instructors. 

Time Management: Students are responsible for keeping up with their assignments and research tasks while balancing classes, field trips, and social activities. Independence includes managing deadlines without reminders from instructors or mentors. 

Meal Management: Breakfast grocery items will be available in the dorm kitchen, and students are responsible for preparing breakfast each morning (they will not be reminded by staff). Weekday meals are provided at Holmes Dining Hall. On weekends, students are responsible for planning and cooking simple meals and snacks with support from Resident Assistants (groceries are purchased by FSI). 

Shared Living Spaces: Students will live with a roommate in their room, use community bathrooms, and have shared access to kitchen facilities. Respect, cleanliness, and cooperation are essential. Weekly, required cleaning duties of shared spaces will be assigned by the Resident Assistants (RAs).  

Hygiene & Self-Care: Daily personal hygiene and health routines (for example, showering, brushing teeth, organizing belongings, taking medication) are all up to the student. Students must also manage their own laundry, ensuring clothes stay clean and ready. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

• General FAQs

  Q: Who can apply to FSI, and what is the application process and timeline?

  A: For information regarding applications and timeline, please visit “Applying for FSI” 

  Q: Are there scholarships for FSI? 

  A: Yes! All students are eligible to receive partial or full scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on FSI application materials, including factors such as financial need, academic, and community involvement.  

  Q: Who are the staff at FSI?

  A: FSI is comprised of a team of staff members with varying roles:  

  • Director: Dr. Victoria Duncan, UNC alumna and Assistant Director of Math and Science Teaching Institute
  • Assistant Director: Graduate student at UNC working closely with the Director on daily programming and student engagement
  • Student Intern: Student in Greeley/D6 working with staff to help with programming
  • Resident Assistants (RAs): Three UNC STEM undergraduate students that live in the dorm during FSI 
  • Instructors: UNC staff and faculty, as well as other schools and institutions
  • Research Mentors: Graduate students and faculty from UNC’s STEM departments 

  Q: Will I have one-on-one support throughout FSI?

  A: FSI is designed to balance guidance with independence. Class sizes are typically one instructor for 22 students (1:22), so students learn in the full class or within small groups. During camp, two Resident Assistants (RAs) support students in the dorm at all times, with a ratio of two RAs for every 22 students (2:22). While instructors and staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance, students are expected to work collaboratively in small groups or with the entire cohort, rather than relying on one-on-one support. 

  Q: What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?

  A: We can accommodate general dietary and allergy restrictions through the dining hall and grocery planning. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact FSI.admin@unco.edu before applying. After acceptance, students will be asked to provide detailed health information and waivers and should be as specific as possible about any allergies or dietary needs.  

  Q: What if I have other health/physical needs or conditions?

  A: FSI staff will do our best to accommodate other health/medical/physical needs, but there may be some limitations. Please contact FSI.admin@unco.edu before applying if you have any questions or concerns. After acceptance, students will be asked to provide detailed health information and waivers and should be as specific as possible. 

  Q: Can I bring a car to FSI?

  A: Yes, you may bring a car, but you are responsible for paying for a parking pass. Students cannot drive during the week while FSI activities and classes are in session; driving is only allowed on weekends. The Director will share details about parking pass prices and driving policies once you are accepted to camp. 

  Q: What if I’m overwhelmed at first?

  A: That’s totally normal! FSI is designed to support you while helping you grow! Independence is a skill you develop, not something you must already have perfected.  We have high expectations, but our staff are here to support you as you develop these skills! 

• Dorm Life, Housing, & Meals

  Q: What are the dorms like?

  A: Students live in a UNC dormitory with a roommate, share community bathrooms, and have access to a shared kitchen. Respect for roommates and community spaces is required, and all students are responsible for keeping community spaces clean.  

  Q: How is my roommate assigned?

  A: Roommates are assigned based on general career interests and information provided in your application. The goal is to meet and live with someone you do not already know, simulating the real-life college experience and encouraging new friendships and collaboration skills. 

  Q: Who lives in the dorm with the students?

  A: Three STEM undergraduate students serve as Resident Assistants (RAs). They live in the dorm throughout the program, provide guidance, support, and supervision, and accompany students on field trips and events. 

  Q: Are staff available to help with laundry or daily routines?

  A: Staff, especially RAs, can answer questions and provide guidance, but students are expected to carry out tasks independently. Laundry machines and laundry supplies will be available in the dorms (for free), and students are responsible for washing, drying, and caring for their own clothing. 

  Q: Do students need to bring meals or snacks?

  A: All meals are provided by the costs of attendance for FSI. Breakfast food will be available in the dorm kitchen for students to prepare before heading out for classes each morning. Weekday meals are provided at Holmes Dining Hall (UNC Dining Info). On weekends (or times the dining hall might be closed), students must plan and prepare their meals. FSI will provide groceries for meals, and students will work with their RAs to order and manage food. This is an important part of developing independence—students are expected to actively participate in meal planning and preparation. FSI will not provide any snack food, student should purchase these items on their own.  

• Research Project, Courses, & Credit 

  Q: I have no research experience, is FSI for me? Will I get help with data analysis or lab skills? 

  A: Yes! FSI is designed to provide a beginner-friendly research experience. Students will learn through a collaborative, hands-on process, guided by mentors and instructors, to develop skills in lab techniques, data collection and analysis, and writing . This experience is meant to help students explore and engage in the research process, with a special focus on those without prior experience. 

  Q: How will I be assigned a research mentor? 

  A: Your research mentor is assigned based on the STEM career interests you listed in your application. We do our best to match each student with a mentor whose academic or professional background aligns closely with their stated interest. Once you arrive at camp, this assignment is finalized and cannot be changed.  

  Q: What is the mentor-to-student ratio for research? 

  A: During mentored research sessions, mentors typically work with two to four students at a time (1:2 to 1:4). This ensures students get guidance while developing independence, teamwork, and collaborative problem-solving skills. 

  Q: What is the mentored research experience like?

  A: Students spend the majority of their time at FSI in mentored research sessions. You will work closely with a small group (2–4 students) and your mentor to complete daily tasks and progress toward the final research project. Additionally, there are weekly courses with a research project instructor about each part of the research assignments, helping you understand and manage all aspects of the research project. 

  Q: What are the components of the research project?

  A: Each student will complete a final research project guided by their mentor and through the weekly courses led by our research project instructor. The project includes: 

  • A public poster presentation
  • A scientific talk to share findings 
  • A final summary project of the research 

  These activities are designed to showcase your learning, practice science communication, and reflect your research experience at FSI. 

  Q: What classes will I be taking?

  A: Courses will include special topics and seminars in college-level material or innovative STEM topics and research. Classes are designed to challenge students, expand knowledge, and provide a wide range of STEM topics throughout the program. 

  Q: How much homework or project work is expected? 

  A: Due to the comprehensive nature of the final research project, students should expect to complete quite a bit of work on their own as “homework” in addition to class or lab time. Evenings and weekends may be spent working on research projects, assignments, or collaborating with peers, especially during the final weeks of camp when projects are nearing completion. 

  Q: Is there any option for college credit? How do I enroll & does the course have a fee?

  A: Yes! This experience can earn you four hours of transferable university science credit. Once you are accepted into the program, the Director will contact you with instructions on how to enroll and information about any applicable fees. 

• Camping, Field Trips, Weekends, & Holidays 

  Q: What is the camping trip like?

  A: After move-in and arrival at FSI, we will set off for our camping trip! The camping trip is in Estes Park, CO, and students will stay in bunk-style cabins with shared bathhouses, kitchens, and living spaces. While there, we will explore nature (including Rocky Mountain National Park) and participate in fun activities like go-karting and s’mores around the campfire, all while team building and bonding! 

  Q: What are the field trips?

  A: During FSI, we typically have one to two field trips planned per week. Field trips experiences will vary and may include: 

  • STEM activities and experiences
  • Local site visits to learn about STEM careers 

  Q: What do we do on the weekends? 
  A: Weekends are free for students to: 

  • Go back home

    • There is a check-out process for students being picked up or driving home each weekend

  • Rest and recharge 
  • Explore around the UNC campus
  • Plan community events
  • Work on assignments and project tasks 

  Q: What do we do on holidays?

  A: During FSI, we will observe two major holidays:  

  • Juneteenth: Students will participate in a field trip and UNC campus celebrations. 

  • July 4th: Students are encouraged to go home and spend time with family. Once accepted, students can discuss their July 4th plans or questions with the Director. 

Other questions? Reach out to FSI.admin@unco.edu