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.

Steps 1 - 5 must be completed before registration!

1. Read your acceptance letter in the status portal

Accept your program offer in the status portal. After you are admitted, you will receive an email detailing the costs associated with the program (i.e., Counting the Costs). 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. 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 and removed any holds, you should be able to register for classes for the upcoming semester. The MSW Program Manager will contact you with information about scheduling your advising appointment before registration. For detailed information on registering for classes, please visit the MSW Registration page.

7. 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 you 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.

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. 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

You can choose to have a digital ID or an ID card. 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. Visit the ID card page for more information.

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.

12. Attend mandatory new student orientation  

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

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.
• 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.

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 free and 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