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Jumpstart FAQs

Summer Jumpstart

  • What is Summer Jumpstart? The Delaware State University Summer Jumpstart [Virtual] is a seven-week virtual learning opportunity that allows students to fast-track their success by earning 6-9 college credits, get a head start on their journey as Hornets, and ease their transition from high school. Once you successfully complete the program and satisfy all admissions requirements, you will get early move-in access and be celebrated at a special recognition ceremony! It’s our way of honoring your hard work and welcoming you as you officially begin your first-year journey at Delaware State University.
  • Am I eligible to participate in Summer Jumpstart? The Summer Jumpstart program is available to all incoming traditional/online 1st year students or transfer students with 15 or less transfer credits.
  • How do I sign up for a Summer Jumpstart Information Session? Stay in touch with our team by expressing your interest via the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/awuPTdDs3m
  • How do I officially register for Summer Jumpstart? You can refer to the Summer Jumpstart registration link to secure your seat. Following registration, a $100.00 non-refundable enrollment fee will secure your schedule and successful matriculation in the Jumpstart program. Note: Please ensure to satisfy your balance or set up a payment plan before June 15th to avoid issues with Fall 2026 course registration.
  • How do I know If I have satisfied all of my Summer Jumpstart requirements? Visit the Summer Jumpstart checklist by going to my.desu.edu > Summer Jumpstart > Summer Jumpstart Checklist or download it.
  • How will I receive updates about Summer Jumpstart? You will receive timely updates about Summer Jumpstart via summerjumpstart [at] desu.edu and admissions [at] desu.edu sent to your personal and student email provided in the interest form. Once enrolled, all correspondence will come from CANVAS.

ADMISSIONS

  • How do I get cleared for a Fast Pass?
    • 1. Completing all Admissions Requirements; can include but not limited to turning in your unofficial HS transcript, the final official transcript after graduation, submitting any transfer transcripts, submitting test scores directly from college board or a statement to addmissionsdocs [at] desu.edu with your full name and date of birth stating you wish to apply test optional and if applicable any conduct documents.
    • 2. Satisfying All Financial Obligations by either paying in full or entering into a payment arrangement with Student Accounts and
    • 3. Satisfying all Campus Health Requirements.

FINANCIAL AID

  • What is the PELL Grant? The Pell Grant is a need-based federal grant that helps eligible undergraduate students pay for Jumpstart Program. Because it is a grant, not a loan, it does not have to be repaid. The amount you receive is based on your financial need calculated by the FAFSA, your enrollment level (half-time, three-quarter time or full time), and the cost of attendance at your school.
    • The Pell Grant can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses.
    • If you think you may be eligible, be sure to complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
  • How do I know if I am eligible for the Pell Grant? Apply for financial aid for the Summer 2025 semester by filing the 2025-2026 FAFSA at studentaid.gov by June 30. Include Delaware State University’s school code – 001428.
    • Note: The 2026-2027 FAFSA must be filed separately for the Fall 2026 semester
  • Are there scholarships available for Summer Jumpstart? Most summer jumpstart students apply for the 2025-2026 FASFA to financially cover the cost of tuition for the program. The program cost and enrollment fee is located here: https://www.desu.edu/summer-jumpstart 
  • How can I apply for additional funding options? If you are not eligible for the federal Pell grant, you may be eligible for either a subsidized, unsubsidized or Parent PLUS Federal Direct Lending Loans. A 2025/2026 FAFSA must also be completed to be eligible for these loans.  Students can also apply for private student loans.  For specific questions, please email faid [at] desu.edu.

Student Accounts

  • How do a set-up a payment plan? Login to Banner9 by visiting my.desu.edu>Banner Self Service> Enter your DSU email address and password.
    • Click “Sign In” > “Student Services” tab > “Billing Summary” tab > “Hornets Payment Portal” > Enroll in the Summer 2026 Payment Plan > Follow the step-by-step process to enroll. Note: Payment plans require auto-pay to ensure payments are made on time.
    • What is the cost to participate in a payment plan? $35 enrollment fee per semester (There is a $35 returned payment fee for each returned payment)
    • Payments are processed on the 15th of every month
    • Note: Payment plan options will be available in May 2026

Center of Disability Resources (CDR)

  • Who should I contact for disability/medical conditions and need an accommodation while attending Summer Jumpstart? If you have been accepted to Delaware State University and have accepted the University’s offer to attend, please submit your request for accommodations to the Center for Disability Resources (CDR). For more information please contact the Dr. MiMi West at mwest [at] desu.edu and the CDR via email at cdr [at] desu.edu or by telephone at 302.857.7042.
  • What should I do if I wish to opt-out of the Evers and Jenkins Housing options? If a student is planned to be housed in another building for Fall 2026, they may not be able to move in early if their approved housing accommodations cannot be provided in Medgar Evers or Meta V. Jenkins Hall. The opt-out form should be completed no later than June 30th.

HOUSING/RESIDENCE LIFE

  • How do I secure a Housing assignment for early move-in? Students interested in early housing must complete the housing application on the DESU housing portal and pay a $200 deposit. Create a Star-Rez account and select “Medgar Evers” or “Meta V. Jenkins Hall” to receive a priority housing assignment no later than May 2.nd.  Students who have questions about housing should email housing [at] desu.edu or mmatos [at] desu.eduwith their inquiries. To learn more about residence life or becoming an RA, please email atjackson [at] desu.edu.
  • When is early move-in? Summer Jumpstart participants can engage in early on-campus activities starting August 2026.
  • Early Move-In and on campus festivities commence on Friday, August 14th through Tuesday, August 18, 2026, pending Fast Pass clearance. Please contact mmatos [at] desu.edu regarding housing assignments.
  • How do I set-up a meal plan for Summer Jumpstart? A meal plan is included in your Summer Jumpstart Program Cost. Meals will be provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the early-move in dates. More information will be provided upon confirmation of your successful arrival to campus. Students with severe food allergies as well as those with other disabilities or medical conditions that require a limited diet are strongly encouraged to contact the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) to request an accommodation. Students can begin this request process by visiting the Student Resources page of the CDR website or by contacting the office by phone at 302.857.7042 or via email at cdr [at] desu.edu.

Office of Student Success (OSS)/PEER MENTORS

  • How do I register for Summer Jumpstart classes? The Office of Student Success will ensure that all Summer Jumpstarters are registered for classes by June 2026.
    Once you have registered for the Summer Jumpstart program, a member of the Office of Student Success will contact you to help select your courses and complete your class registration. For more information, contact studentsuccess [at] desu.edu.
  • When can I register for Summer Jumpstart classes? Registration is open until June 18, 2026. To register, please complete the Jumpstart registration form and include your student email address and D#.
  • How do I get assigned to an advisor? Once enrolled at Delaware State University, all students are assigned to an academic advisor based on their respective major. Students are encouraged to reach out to The Office of Student Success (studentsuccess [at] desu.edu) for any questions regarding academic advising or course registration. To learn more about advisement by major, please watch the “Meet the Office of Student Success” video.
  • What is an ALEKS test? The ALEKS test is an online placement assessment used to measure your math skills. ALEKS helps determine which math course is the best fit for you when you start college. The test adapts to your answers, so each student’s assessment is unique.
    • Your score will guide course placement in areas such as Algebra A or College Algebra to ensure you begin at the level where you can be most successful.
  • Who is my advisor? You can locate the list of advisors by visiting the Office of Student Success webpage to Meet the Team.
  • How do I find my Summer Jumpstart schedule? You summer schedule will be located in Canvas. To learn more, login to your Canvas account using your Single Sign-On credentials.
  • What classes can I take during the Summer Jumpstart Program? Visit the Summer Jumpstart website to view a list of the program’s course offerings.
  • Who is my Peer Mentor? Please contact asholmes [at] desu.edu to discuss your peer mentor assignment and any questions or concerns you may have regarding mentorship.