PhD New 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.

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. 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, selected student functions, plus other activities. Visit the ID card page for more information and to set up your digital Student ID.

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 the PhD Program Manager

You will receive a welcome email from the PhD Program Manager with a calendar link to sign up for a time to attend your Welcome Call via Zoom. During the call, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and receive important information to help you prepare 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, and look at your transcript. Once you have set up your account and removed any holds, you should be able to register for classes for the upcoming semester.

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 PhD orientation modules in Canvas

Canvas is the learning management system all PhD 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 PhD students are enrolled in this course and must complete it prior to PhD orientation.

10. Attend mandatory new student orientation

A four to five day New Student Orientation will be held on the Baylor campus in Waco, Texas in mid to late May. This mandatory orientation will cover program information, policies, and introduce you to program faculty & staff.

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.

11. Set-Up E-bill, Direct Deposit, Health Insurance, and Confirm Attendance

Financial settlement is a two-part process that you will need to complete. It includes confirming that you are not being charged any tuition or fees and confirming your attendance once you are registered for courses.

Although the PhD program is 100% tuition-free, please review the New Graduate Student Orientation Guide to set up direct deposit for any awards or stipends you may receive and to accept or decline student health insurance.

For more information about financial settlement, payment options, and university deadlines, visit the Student Financial Services website.