Incoming Student Frequently Asked Questions

At Holy Family University, all of your academic support resources are organized under one collaborative unit called the Office of Academic Success and Integrated Support (OASIS). It is designed to foster a deep sense of belonging while helping you build the exact skills and strategies you need to thrive.

OASIS delivers this comprehensive support through these pillars:

• Office for Academic Success
• Holistic Academic Advising
• Accessibility Services
• Tiger Tutoring
• The First Generation Hub
• Academic Technology
• Online Learning

Tutoring is offered either in-person with HFU peer or professional tutors, or online via Tutor.com. Students can schedule in-person tutoring sessions through a booking link on the website, and it is located on the 2nd floor of the library. Tutor.com is accessible through the Canvas navigation menu for the course. 

During the 2026-2027 school year, the university will be renovating space in the library to create the First-Generation Hub, a dedicated space to support First-Generation students’ navigation of college life academically, financially, and socially.

If you've recently been placed on academic warning or probation at Holy Family University, take a deep breath. This is a turning point, not the end of your college career. Falling below a cumulative 2.0 GPA means you are no longer in good academic standing and may face certain restrictions. However, this status is intended to support your success, not punish you.

Now is the time to refocus on your academics, reduce distractions, and strengthen your study habits. Through the Academic Support and Recovery Program, the Office for Academic Success will connect you with an Academic Reboot Advisor who will help you create a personalized success plan, set achievable goals, and provide ongoing guidance through regular check-ins.

Set up a meeting with your Academic Advisor. Based on your conversation, they can determine what other resources are available. You may be referred to our Career Development Office or to meet with a Faculty member in your career path.

You can find the name of your academic advisor by signing in to Self-Service, selecting Student Planning, and then clicking on the Advising tab. If you need additional assistance, please contact academicadvising@holyfamily.edu.

You should meet with your advisor whenever you need guidance or support with your academic journey, including:

• Course approval for registration
• Academic goal setting
• Navigating resources
• General Questions about policies and procedures

Registration is completed through Self-Service by selecting Student Planning. Please refer to your Progress and Timeline to see which courses are needed each semester and for your program. Once your classes have been approved and registration has opened, you will sign in to Student Planning to complete your registration.

Talk to your Professor first to ask if they can clarify any questions, suggestions, or tools. Also, talk to your Academic Advisor about which resources may be the best fit.

A full-time caseload is 12-18 credits in the semester. It is important to know that most programs require at least 15 credits each semester to stay on track towards graduation.

Schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss, Professional or Faculty. Once you have made the decision you can submit the necessary forms.

• Change of Major
• Declaration of a Minor
• Cancellation of a Minor

To access Canvas for the first time, visit the Holy Family University website and click the Canvas link at the top of the page.

For your initial login, please use a laptop or desktop computer, as the Canvas mobile app may cause issues during first-time access. For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome.

To log in to Canvas, use your standard Holy Family University credentials:

• Username: Your full Holy Family email address (e.g., username@holyfamily.edu)
• Password: A 0 followed by your HFU ID number (e.g., 0123456)

After signing in, you will be prompted to create a new password before accessing Canvas.

If you know your current credentials and just want to change them from a campus computer, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select Change Password.

If you need to reset a forgotten password online, follow the official Directions for Resetting Your Password.

If you encounter any issues with Canvas or Zoom, please submit a Help Desk ticket as soon as possible. The Help Desk team can assist with login problems, technical issues, access concerns, and other platform-related questions. Be sure to include a detailed description of the issue so they can provide support as quickly as possible.

For assistance with academic technology tools, please contact the Academic Technology Department at gcarrasco@holyfamily.edu.

Yes. The university has laptop kiosks located in various buildings. You will find the information on the Laptop Kiosk website.

Students can request accommodations by emailing the Office of Accessibility Services at: accessibilityservices@holyfamily.edu or completing the information session request form on our landing page.

Students must already be issued a university-approved accommodation plan in order to be eligible to take exams in the Testing Center. If they do not have an official Holy Family University accommodation plan, they must complete the application process before they can begin taking exams in the Testing Center.

The Testing Center at the Northeast campus will now be located on the 1st floor of the Library (behind the vending machines). The Testing Center at Newtown West will be located in room 105a. You must remind your professor at least one week before each exam to email testing@holyfamily.edu or use the proctor request form on our page to request your time slot to take your exam with us.

There is no deadline for obtaining academic accommodations; however, the earlier, the better! We typically recommend that students reach out at least two weeks in advance to give all parties involved time to complete the multi-step, interactive process. Housing, emotional support animals, and dietary accommodation requests are time-sensitive in nature, and thus, are first come, first serve. Please note that, while a student may be eligible/ meet the criteria for accommodations, there is no guarantee that they will be automatically granted by our office.

Every spring, Holy Family offers an opportunity for students to spend three weeks abroad and earn six credits. For more information, contact Dr. Jenai Grigg at jgrigg@holyfamily.edu.

The Office of Global Initiatives is located on the second floor of Holy Family Hall and is dedicated to supporting international students throughout their academic journey at Holy Family University by providing comprehensive guidance, resources, and services.

The office assists students with admissions, orientation, immigration-visa & enrollment compliance, government reporting, and academic policies.It also offers advising on cultural adjustment, personal well-being, and campus life to help students successfully integrate into the university community.

Students can visit the Library Building on the Northeast campus or access our resources and support anytime via the Library website. Our online resources are accessible using your Holy Family University login credentials (the same username/password you use for University email and Canvas). 

Yes! You can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a librarian through our scheduling calendar for personalized assistance with your assignments and research needs. You can also reach the library by phone, email, or 24/7 chat service. If you prefer, simply stop by the library front desk and a librarian will be happy to help you.

We have 8 study rooms available on the lower level, as well as plenty of tables and spaces throughout the building designed for collaboration. 

The University's grading system and GPA requirement can be found in the University Catalog. Please note that specific programs may have higher or more strict grade and GPA requirements. For specific details, please check your program’s section in the University Catalog.

The link to request a transcript can be found on the Registrar's webpage.

Be sure to review the University Catalog for all key academic dates and deadlines.  You can also add the "Official Academic Deadlines" calendar to your own Google Calendar.  The link to this calendar is on the Registrar's webpage.

The online Registration Dates will be posted on the Registrar's Registration Information webpage in September.

Yes. Internship opportunities are available for many academic programs and can be explored through the Career Development Services office. Clinical placements and practicums are coordinated directly by the academic program (e.g., Nursing and Education).

Students of junior standing with 60 credits are eligible for an internship.

Handshake is Holy Family University's online career platform where students can search for internships and jobs, register for career events, and connect with employers. If you are enrolled at Holy Family, you already have a Handshake account and can access it using your Holy Family single sign-on (SSO) credentials.

Students can get involved in Campus Ministry by reaching out to Stephanie McCarthy, Director of Campus Ministry at smccarthy@holyfamily.edu or visiting Campus Center 223-224.

Additionally, students can sign up for service opportunities, retreats, and faith-sharing groups on the Campus Ministry website or our Instagram account. We have open Community Nights twice a month, which are a great opportunity to meet other students and learn about ways to get involved!

Mass is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel in Delaney Hall and one Sunday a month at 8:00 p.m.

Yes! Students from all faith backgrounds, no faith background, and students exploring faith are welcome to attend Campus Ministry programs, events, or just come hang out in the Campus Ministry Office - Campus Center 224.

You can schedule an appointment on the Counseling Services page. Counseling services are free to all students, and yes, it is confidential unless safety is at risk. At that point, we would connect you to appropriate care to make sure you are safe.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or need immediate support, contact Public Safety right away. Public Safety will assess the situation, coordinate appropriate assistance, and involve campus resources as needed. In the event of a life-threatening emergency or if immediate medical intervention is required, call 911 without delay. Your safety and well-being are the top priority.

The CAPE Office is Holy Family's confidential resource for all gender-based violence.  This encompasses the scope of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.  The CAPE office provides the HFU community (students, staff and faculty) with education, advocacy, and resources.  We are also equipped with partnerships with three community agencies (NOVA Bucks, A Woman's Place, and WOAR) to provide students with free, confidential, 24/7 trauma-informed services and resources.

You can review your financial aid status, outstanding requirements, and award package through Self-Service. Be sure to check your account regularly, as financial aid updates, missing documents, or changes to your award may be posted throughout the academic year.

If your family's financial circumstances change due to events such as job loss, reduced income, medical expenses, or other significant hardships, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@holyfamily.edu or 267-341-3233. Staff members can review your situation and discuss whether you may be eligible for additional assistance or a reevaluation of your aid eligibility.

To remain eligible for financial aid, students must meet the University's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. This generally means earning at least 75% of the credits attempted each semester and maintaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students should monitor their academic progress closely, as failing to meet these standards may impact future financial aid eligibility.

The complete policy can be found in the Financial Aid section of the University Catalog.

The Financial Aid Office is available to help you understand your financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and payment resources. Staff can answer questions about eligibility, application processes, award amounts, and repayment obligations. Contact the office at finaid@holyfamily.edu or 267-341-3233 for assistance.

If you are interested in a Work-Study position, visit the Holy Family University Federal Work Study webpage to search for available opportunities. Review the job descriptions and qualifications carefully, then follow the application instructions provided for each position.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study or have questions about the application process, please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance at finaid@holyfamily.edu.

If you forget your password, try logging in to a university system such as Self-Service or Canvas and select the "Forgot Password" option to begin the password recovery process. If you need additional assistance, contact the Help Desk at 267-341-3402, and a staff member can help you reset your password over the phone.

For technical support or assistance with university equipment, contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@holyfamily.edu or call 267-341-3402. The Help Desk team can help troubleshoot issues and connect you with additional resources if needed.

Yes. The Help Desk provides support for Wi-Fi connectivity and access to university software and technology resources. For assistance, contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@holyfamily.edu or 267-341-3402.

Attend the Involvement Fair the first Wednesday of each semester to sign up. Can't attend, please email the club leaders to see when the next member meeting will take place. Emails can be found on the club website.

Monthly event posters are located across campus. Also, every Monday you will receive the "What's Poppin" email with that week's upcoming events.

Starting a club is easy and takes only a few steps.  The first step is to complete the interest form. From there, the Student Engagement Office (SEO) will connect with you about turning your idea into a student club.

Absolutely. Joining a club executive board is a great way to build your leadership skills. Also, Holy Family University has a chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), which is an online leadership development program for students.

The Campus Store is located on the First floor of the Campus Center. Hours of Operation:

• Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Holy Family University has partnered with Slingshot, a course materials auto-fulfillment program offered to students. Think of it as a subscription box for all of your learning materials! Simply enroll in classes, and all of your required course materials will be delivered to you before the first day of class.

Starting in Fall 2026, all new students are opted in to Slingshot automatically when they start their program at Holy Family University, with a preference for rental books set as the default, as it is the most affordable. Continuing students can opt in by making a course material preference selection from their Slingshot Account. Any student can opt in or opt out at any time, or return any unneeded books during the first week of the term for a full refund.

All incoming students do not need to place an order online, as we will auto-generate and fill the orders. If you are living on campus, your books will be delivered to your dorm room before moving. If you are commuting, you will have to pick up in-store. Please keep an eye on your Holy Family student emails.

Public Safety is available 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call Public Safety immediately at 267-341-3333 or ext. 3333, or dial 911 if necessary. For non-emergency assistance, contact the Public Safety office using the number above.

Yes. Public Safety officers patrol campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Yes. Students may request a safety escort to or from campus buildings or parking lots by contacting Public Safety.

To receive Guardian Tiger Alerts, download the RAVE Guardian safety app (iPhone or Android).

Once you have installed the app:

1. Create an account using your mobile phone number.
2. Verify your account with the code sent to you via text message.
3. Select Holy Family University as your organization.
4. Confirm your personal information, including your name, phone number, and Holy Family University email address.

The RAVE Guardian app is free for all members of the Holy Family University community. It enhances personal safety both on and off campus by turning your smartphone into a personal safety device and connecting you directly to the University's emergency notification system, ensuring you receive important campus alerts and safety updates.

Students can register their vehicle through the University’s parking portal or the Public Safety office at either campus for free. A valid parking permit is required to park on campus and must be displayed at all times according to University guidelines. Students must park in the designated student parking lots.

Report the lost ID to Public Safety as soon as possible so it can be deactivated. A replacement card can then be issued according to University procedures.

Immediately report any suspicious persons, behavior, or activity to Public Safety. Students should never hesitate to call if something doesn’t seem right.

Lost and found property can be turned in to or claimed through the Public Safety Office on either campus.