QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED TO CSSA

Before you ask us a question, you might want to check the CSSA By-Laws first.

CSSA By-Laws

**What happened to my comment?**

This site was designed with the purpose of providing Chicago School students with a place to voice their comments and concerns. We strongly encourage an open dialogue, and hope that all students choose to utilize the comment sections for discussion and honest communication. We expect all commenters to conduct themselves with dignity and show respect for their colleagues.

With that being said, there are some precautionary measures in place that allow us to moderate comments. A name and e-mail are required for all comments, in order to provide some semblance of accountability. Furthermore, there may be a delay before your first comment is posted as we must verify your information, and enter you into the system for future comments.

In the end, this site will only be as good as you make it through your engagement and candid discourse. However, it is important to remember your professional responsibilities and that your colleagues, teachers, employers, and clients could happen to find the words you write on these pages.We are not going to partake in systematic censorship of any kind, but we also don’t want this to devolve into cuss words and ad hominem attacks. Save that stuff for your online bulletin boards, and we shouldn’t have any problems.

1. What does my Institutional Service Fee pay for?

Institutional Service Fee, formerly known as Student Service Fee, pays for items including but not limited to: CSSA’s budget, student liability insurance, student mental health services, career services, library services including online subscription services, and technology. If you have more questions or want further details please email the Office of Student Services at studentservices@thechicagoschool.edu.

2. How is CSSA funded and what are its expenses?

CSSA is funded by student fees. At the beginning of the academic year, the school provided CSSA with a specific budget for it to manage through the year. CSSA’s budget is divided into social events, community service events, conference reimbursements, and kitchen supplies, among others.

3. Why can’t I send out a mass email?

In response to numerous students’ complaints about receiving unwanted emails, the IT department decided to remove the “mass email” feature. At the moment, the only individuals with “mass email privileges” are faculty, staff, administration, and CSSA’s Co-Chairs and Secretary.

4. If I can’t send out mass emails, how can I advertise events or post jobs?

There are two options available to students who want to share something with The Chicago School community. First, you can post your item using E-Market, which we are in the process of implementing on this site. Second, you can advertise your item by posting a flyer in the Student Lounge and on the bulletin boards that are adjacent to it.

5. Who stocks the kitchen supplies in the Student Lounge?

CSSA is in charge of ordering supplies and making sure that the kitchen stays fully stocked. CSSA also tries to maintain a clean fridge, freezer, and kitchen area. However, students are in charge of cleaning up after themselves and helping CSSA to maintain a clean kitchen and Student Lounge.

6. What should I do if a computer is not working?

When a computer is not working you should immediately contact the IT department at helpdesk@thechicagoschool.edu. It would be helpful to them if you specify the location of the computer (row and position number) and provide information about the problem you experienced.

7. Why isn’t the library open on Sundays?

The library is not open on Sundays for two distinct reasons. First, there is not enough staff to operate and maintain the library running on Sundays. Finally, the building is not open on Sundays and, therefore, access to the school is prohibited.

8. Who determines the class schedule for my program?

The class schedule for each program, including class times and number of class sections, is determined by your program director. Contrary to what most students believe, the Registrar is not involved in any class schedule decisions. If you have any questions about your class schedule please contact your specific program director.

9. Why is our tuition so high?

Tuition is set at a rate competitive to similar institutions. It is also important to note that CSOPP is a non-profit organization and tuition monies are invested in daily operation and long-term performance of the school. The Office of Financial Aid is continuously working to increase institutional funding, and is able to do so primarily due to the School as Lender program. If you have specific questions about funding your education, please contact the Financial Aid Advisor at finaid@thechicagoschool.edu.

10. Can I get financial assistance to attend a professional conference? cssa-conference-reimbursement-form (Click it download!)

Yes. Here’s how it works:

1) Attend a conference that is NOT REQUIRED by your department and pay the required amount for the registration fee. Students are considered for only one award per academic calendar year.

2) After the conference and before the semester deadline, complete CSSA’s Conference Reimbursement Request Form, which is attached to this e-mail and is also available under the FAQ section of CSSA’s website, www.cssa4u.org . Submit this form along with proof of registration for the conference, which must have the cost of the registration on it, and a 250 word essay about your experiences at the conference and how attending it will help prepare you for your future in the field. Completed applications should be placed in the CSSA mailbox in the 9th floor mail room of 325 N. Wells.

3) After each semester deadline, CSSA will award individuals based on a) the number of individuals who applied for awards that semester, b) the amount each person spent to register for the conference, and c) the quality of the essays submitted.

THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH AWARDS FOR EVERYONE, SO CSSA DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT INDIVIDUALS WHO APPLY WILL RECEIVE AWARDS!

Here’s what you can apply for:

1) $50 award for attending a conference. These awards are the most competitive.

2) $75 award for attending a conference and presenting an open symposium for interested members of the student body. These awards are less competitive.

3) $100 award for presenting at a conference that was attended. Although this may be a scary thought to some students, these awards are not competitive and presenting at a conference is outstanding in terms of professional development.

Semester Deadlines:

Fall Semester: December 1st

Spring Semester: April 1st.

(Conferences that are attended after the semester deadlines but before the start of the next semester will be considered for awards for the following semester. For example, if you attend a conference on December 15th, you will be eligible for an award for the spring semester. Your deadline to submit your paperwork will be April 1st.)

11. What should I do if I have a school complaint?

CSSA asks that students requesting assistance from the Student Association please follow the Process for Handling Student Concerns. In brief, the Process requires the student(s) to assist CSSA cabinet members and Program Representatives in gathering and providing relevant background information of this concern, as well as possible solutions for the concern. For the specifics of this process, please access the student handbook.