Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Applying to FOCUS On New Haven
Do I automatically get into FOCUS if I submit an application?
We’d love to have everyone join FOCUS, but spots are limited so we can’t always accommodate all who apply. Don’t worry, though—there’s a quick review process, and you’ll find out over the summer if you’ve been accepted.
How will I know if I have been admitted to FOCUS?
You’ll get an email from us letting you know! Keep an eye on your inbox for a warm welcome to the FOCUS family.
Is there any fee associated with participating in FOCUS?
Great news—there’s no fee to join FOCUS, or any Camp Yale Program for that matter!
General FOCUS Programming
What is FOCUS, exactly?
FOCUS is a community-focused pre-orientation program! You will explore New Haven with a group of incoming students, get actively involved in the community through volunteering at local organizations, and engage with social justice issues through group discussions and speaker events. Two FOCUS leaders (or upperclassmen) will guide you and your FOCUS family through the vibrant culture and community of New Haven, introducing you to the rich and complex history of the Yale-New Haven relationship.
When do I find out where I will be volunteering?
Your FOCUS leaders will reach out with introductions and information about your volunteering sites before Camp Yale pre-orientation programs begin!
Where will I stay during FOCUS?
FOCUS is an on-campus pre-orientation program, so you will stay in your academic year dorms throughout the program!
My family/friends really want to visit me during FOCUS. Would it be possible for me to take a break in the middle of FOCUS to spend some time with them?
While we understand the excitement of having your loved ones visit, FOCUS is designed to provide a continuous and immersive experience for all participants. Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate students leaving in the middle of the program.
Health & Safety Measures
Are meals provided during FOCUS?
Yes! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided by Yale Hospitality throughout the program, including a FOCUS community brunch at the end.
Does the FOCUS program have accommodations for dietary restrictions and physical limitations?
Yale Hospitality caters to all allergies and dietary restrictions, just make sure to communicate it in your application! Physical limitations are also accounted for in the group formation and volunteering site assignment process. FOCUS has many different community partners that offer volunteering opportunities which vary in degree of intensity, so if you have a physical limitation you can still fully participate in all FOCUS programming.
What type of training do FOCUS Leaders receive?
All FOCUS leaders complete training through the Office of Gender and Campus Culture on building a positive culture, recognizing bias, and handling situations involving prohibited substances and sexual misconduct. Before the program begins, leaders come together for five days for additional training in managing small groups, effective communication, and leadership. FOCUS follows the general guidance of Yale’s Undergraduate Regulations and goes further to include a zero-tolerance policy concerning alcohol and other potentially harmful behavior. The program is built to be a safe place for students of all backgrounds and identities.