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.

1. Locate Your Baylor ID Number

Your Baylor ID is the 9-digit number that you will use for all of your years here. You can obtain your Baylor ID Number here.

2. Activate Your Bear_ID and Check Your Baylor Email

Once you are successful at activating your account and setting up your password, you may access BU email (your email address is BearID@baylor.edu) online via OWA (Outlook Web Access). To access email on other devices, see more information on the Baylor Email webpage. If you have any problems or questions, call the ITS Help Desk at 710-HELP/4357. After your Bear_ID has been activated, 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, cashier, and other Baylor departments will also be sending important messages to this account.

3. Submit Your Completed Health Form

For students who are under the age of 21, you must submit the completed health form to the Health Services office before the first day of class. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor, so don't wait! Additional details are available on the Baylor Health Services page.

4. 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.

5. 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. International students will complete the CSS Profile.

6. 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, you will be able to register for classes for the upcoming semester. For detailed information on registering for classes, please visit the MSW Registration page.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Complete the Required MSW Orientation Course in 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.

10. Obtain your Baylor Student ID

Baylor University's ID card is a single-card program that combines many features including identification, library privileges, building access, lab access, meal plans, selected student functions, football ticket distribution, debit card, plus other activities. ID card Production is located in the Parking Services office in the Speight Parking Garage. You must obtain your student ID card before the semester begins.

11. 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.

Additional Items

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.

International Students

Additional steps are required for international students. Please visit the International Student & Scholar Services Office for information regarding registration and required forms. For international students who are seeking resources to assist with communication, Language Support for International Graduate Students is available at the Baylor Graduate School.

Campus Visits, Transportation, and Parking

• See Office of Campus Visits for links to campus map, travel and lodging information, Waco Visitors Guide, and much, much more.
• The School of Social Work is located at 811 Washington in downtown Waco. Parking is available in designated student lots.
• If you take a car on campus during regular work hours, you will need a Baylor parking permit. Visit Parking & Transportation website for more information.

Housing Options

• Graduate Student housing provides housing near the Baylor campus that meets the varied needs of Baylor's graduate students.
• Baylor Off-campus Housing Guide