Onboarding Checklist

Please refer to the deadlines below to prepare for your arrival to the University of Rochester.

Look for further information in your email about online/virtual and in-person orientation and social events sponsored by the GEPA office and your department. We are excited to meet you soon!

Dates for Students Starting Spring 2025
DeadlineTo-Do

As soon as possible

Log Into Your Applicant Status Page and Fill Out the Applicant Response Form

As soon as possible

Activate Your NetID and Duo 2-Factor Authentication

New students will need to activate your NetID, which is your account for securely accessing a variety of online services at the University of Rochester. You will also need to enroll in Duo 2-factor authentication in order to access services through off-campus networks. Students will need your URID to do this and instructions can be found in your application portal.

Questions? Contact University IT.

As soon as possible

Set Up Your University of Rochester Student Email Address

Questions? Contact University IT.

Around December 2024

Access Blackboard

Blackboard is the University’s learning management system. You will use Blackboard to complete required online training and view information sessions for the online graduate orientation. Look on the right side when you login for an organization called “Graduate Orientation Spring 2025” which will be available in sometime in December 2024.

Questions? Contact University IT.

As soon as possible

Secure On- or Off-Campus Housing

Learn more about the graduate housing options available for students and families on or off-campus. Please note the on-campus housing lottery takes place in May, but students can apply for on-campus housing at any point. The Graduate and Family Housing Office can help and places4students.com has information to help you if you’re looking for off-campus housing. Please review the recorded webinars in Blackboard for more info.

Questions? Contact the Graduate and Family Housing Office.

As soon as possible

Submit Your Proof of Degree Completion

You must provide proof of degree completion before matriculating into your graduate degree program.

Questions? Email graduate.admissions@rochester.edu.

As soon as possible

Complete Your Financial Responsibility Agreement

Students will need to complete the onboarding in UR student, which includes the Financial Responsibility Agreement ASAP.

Questions? Contact the Office of the Bursar or your department graduate coordinator.

As soon as possible

Apply for a Campus Parking Permit (if applicable)

Commuter students need to purchase a River Campus parking permit. The permits are lot-specific and sold based on lot availability.

View more information about student parking permits for the River Campus.

Questions? Contact the Department of Transportation and Parking Management.

By December 31, 2024

Complete Your Health History and Immunization Forms

Follow these instructions to register for UHSConnect, the secure online portal where you will access and submit these forms. This is REQUIRED of all students. Please look for communications from the University Health Services (UHS) office for more info.

Questions? Email hhf@uhs.rochester.edu.

Upon arrival to campus

Get Your Campus ID Card

Your ID card identifies you as a University of Rochester student and offers flexible access to online accounts at a variety of different locations on campus and is essential for you to obtain upon arrival to Rochester. Once you arrive to campus, you will need to obtain your ID by going to one of the River Campus ID offices with the appropriate documentation during their open hours. While you are there, they will take a photo and print your ID. Below is a link with contact info and hours for the ID offices. That website also has instructions on what you will need to bring with you when you go, including an acceptable photo ID such as a driver's license. Visit the ID Office website for more info on hours and locations.

January 21, 2025

Complete the MANDATORY Modules in Blackboard

You can access these modules through Blackboard under My Organizations in AS&E Graduate Student Orientation Spring 2025, starting in December 2024. This includes the Academic Honesty training. All incoming students must complete the training, or an academic hold will be placed on your account.

Questions? Contact the Academic Honesty Liaison or the Title IX Office.

By the start of classes on January 21, 2025

Review All Optional Programs in Blackboard

You can find all sessions listed under My Organizations in AS&E Graduate Student Orientation Spring 2025, starting in December 2024.

Here you will find information on mandatory and optional programs from a variety of campus resources. We encourage you review all information thoroughly to get familiar with the resources available to use at UR graduate student and to get acquainted with offices, student groups, and community happenings.

Questions on Blackboard Orientation? Contact k.ferruzza@rochester.edu.

No later than February 3, 2025 at 11 p.m. Eastern

Register for Spring 2025 Courses

Students should work with their department to register. UR Student on-boarding tasks need to be completed and registration will end on February 3, 2025 at 11 p.m. Eastern. After that date/time a late registration fee may be assessed and will not be waived. Registration will be conducted in the UR Student system and incoming students should work with their departments to determine which classes to take and when to enroll. See graduate student registration guidance

Questions? Contact your department graduate coordinator.

No later than January 31, 2025

Complete the Online Health Insurance Process

All full-time students must complete the Online Health Insurance Process to enroll or waive health insurance for the academic year. The open enrollment period is from 11/14/24-1/31/25. Please look for emails from University Health Services for more information.

Questions? Contact insurance@uhs.rochester.edu.