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.

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.

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