Online New MSW Student Checklist

Welcome to the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work! Please take a look at the following Checklist for New Students. It will inform you of the various steps that you must take before you begin as an incoming student.

TO DO NOW:

1. Read your acceptance letter in the status portal

Accept your program offer in the status portal. Submit your deposit by the indicated deadline.

2. Locate your Bear ID and begin checking your Baylor email

Your Baylor ID is the 9-digit number that you will use for all of your years here.  Click here for instructions on claiming your Bear ID and accessing your Baylor email. If you have any problems or questions, call the ITS Help Desk at 710-HELP/4357. After your Bear ID has been activated/claimed, please begin checking your Baylor email on a regular basis. We will be using your Baylor email address to send all future correspondence including registration instructions and orientation information. Financial aid, the cashier, and other Baylor departments will also be sending important messages to your Baylor email address.

3. Enroll in Baylor Duo two-factor authentication

You will need to use your Bear ID and password along with a Duo two-factor authentication method in order to access BearWeb. To register for classes, manage time cards, view your payroll information, update your personal information, etc., through BearWeb, you must enroll with Baylor's Duo two-factor authentication platform.

If you need assistance with items 1-3, please call the ITS Help Desk at (254) 710-4357.

4. Submit FAFSA

To be considered for need-based financial aid, students will need to complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) prior to enrollment in the fall semester. The FAFSA is based on a couple of different factors; therefore, even if you think your family may not qualify, it is highly recommended to still file for FAFSA. 

5. Update your contact information

Help us by providing an update of your local address, phone and/or cell phone numbers, and contact information in case of an emergency. After you log into BearWeb, you will be able to fill out this information in the Personal Information section.

6. Schedule your welcome call with your Student Support Manager 

Your Admissions Counselor will connect you with your Student Support Manager. Once you receive your Welcome Email from your Student Support Manager, you will use their calendar link to sign up for a time slot to have your Welcome Call via Zoom. In this welcome call, you can ask any questions you have and get information you need for orientation and registration.  

TO DO LATER: 

7. Register for classes

BearWeb is the online service that students utilize to register for classes, check final grades, look at your transcript, and access your time card (if working on campus). Once you have set up your account and removed any holds, you should be able to register for classes for the upcoming semester. More detailed information about registration and your plan of study will come from your Student Support Manager in your Welcome Call.  

8. Purchase textbooks

Once you have registered for classes, you can visit the Baylor Bookstore in person (located in the 5th Street parking complex) or online at the Baylor Bookstore Website to purchase your textbooks.

9. Attend meet & greets  

The Student Support team will hold two optional (but highly recommended) meet and greets before the term starts. This will give you the opportunity to meet your peers and the entire student support team, including the program director. You will have time to learn about your peers and ask all the questions you may still have!  

10. Attend mandatory new student orientation  

New Student Orientation will be held online in the week before the term starts. This mandatory orientation will cover program information and policies, placement information and policies, and introduce you to program faculty & staff.  

11. Pay your balance and confirm attendance

Baylor University will send an e-bill to your Baylor email account. Financial settlement is a two-part process that you will need to complete. It involves your paying the balance on your student account and confirming your attendance. Learn more about financial settlement, payment options, and university deadlines on the Student Financial Services website.

12. Get to know Canvas 

Canvas is the learning management system all MSW students will use. The Canvas Student Guide has many helpful resources and tips. Log in to Canvas using your Bear ID and password (same as your BU email). The first two modules will introduce you to Canvas and learning online at Baylor. Current as well as new MSW students are enrolled in this course and must complete it prior to the synchronous MSW orientation. You may want to take advantage of the Discussion Board to introduce yourself.

Additional Information

Employment

All employees in the U.S. must complete both sections of Form I-9 attesting to their employment authorization. Section 2 requires all employees to present employers with acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization. 

If you are planning to work in the United States, please bring these unexpired documents with you to allow your employer to complete your hiring process:

• List of Acceptable Documents for U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents.
• List of Acceptable Documents for Foreign Nationals (also see Baylor Orientation Guide for new hires).
• Foreign Nationals, who are new hires, will receive FNIS communications from the Payroll Office for completion. Any questions can be directed to Payroll_Office@baylor.edu.