New Graduate Student Checklist
Your Guide to Getting Started at The University of Toledo
Congratulations on your admission and welcome to The University of Toledo! We’re excited to welcome you to Rocket Nation, where you have the Power TO DO anything! We’re happy to help you prepare for a successful start to graduate school.
Use this checklist to activate your student account, connect with your graduate program, complete orientation and prepare for your first semester. Some steps apply to all new graduate students, while others depend on your program, location, funding or individual circumstances.Ìý
Your graduate program may also require a program-specific orientation,ÌýmeetingÌýor training. Your program will contact you withÌýadditionalÌýinformation.ÌýÌý
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Tip from COGS
Check your Rockets email daily! You will receive important communications from the university throughout your time at 51±¬ÁÏÍø.
1. START HERE
Complete these first steps to access 51±¬ÁÏÍø systems andÌýimportant informationÌýabout your enrollment.Ìý
Activate Your UTAD Account
Your UTAD account gives you access toÌýmyUT, Rockets email, the Graduate OnlineÌýOrientationÌýand other University systems. Activate your account as soon as possible using the Rocket Number provided in your admission materials.Ìý
Begin Checking Your Rockets EmailÌý
Your Rockets email is your official 51±¬ÁÏÍø student email account. Check it regularly for information from your graduate program and university offices, including registration, billing, required training, program information, and other important updates.Ìý
You can access your Rockets email through theÌýStudentÌýtab in theÌýmyUTÌýportal.Ìý
Review Your Student Profile
Review your Student Profile to confirm your graduate program, admissionÌýtermÌýand other student information. You may also see information related to registration or items that require your attention.Ìý
InÌýmyUT Portal, go to:ÌýStudent tab > My Toolkit > My Registration Steps > Student Profile.Ìý
Connect With Your Graduate Program
Your graduate program is your primary resource for academic planning. Contact yourÌýprogram contact,Ìýgraduate advisor,Ìýor programÌýdirectorÌýto confirm course recommendations, registration expectations, program-specific orientationÌýinformationÌýand anyÌýadditionalÌýsteps you need to complete.Ìý
If you are notÌýsureÌýwhom to contact, review your admission information or contact the College of Graduate Studies forÌýassistance at GradStudies@utoledo.edu.Ìý
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Tip from COGS
Save your support network: Keep a list of contacts including your graduate program contact and key campus offices so help is always easy to find when you need it.Ìý
2. COMPLETE ORIENTATION & TRAINING
Orientation will introduce you to graduate policies, campusÌýresourcesÌýand services that can support your success.Ìý
Complete the OnlineÌýOrientationÌýforÌýAll New Graduate Students
The Graduate Online Orientation provides an overview of academics, finances, student support services, student life, successÌýresourcesÌýand campus safety (estimated completion time: 30–45 minutes).
InÌýmyUT, go to:ÌýÌý
GraduateÌýtab >ÌýNew Student InformationÌý>ÌýGraduate Orientation Log-inÌý
Please activate your UTAD account at least 24 hours beforeÌýattemptingÌýto access orientation. You will need your UTAD user ID and password to sign in.
International Students: Complete International StudentÌýOrientationÌý
New F-1 and J-1 graduate students mustÌýalsoÌýcomplete International Student Orientation through theÌýOffice of International Student and Scholar Services. This orientationÌýisÌýmandatoryÌýand is conducted virtually.ÌýImportant informationÌýwill beÌýprovidedÌýabout immigration requirementsÌýandÌýarriving in the United States.Ìý
International Student Orientation is separate from the Graduate Online Orientation. International graduate students should completeÌýbothÌýorientations and follow all instructions provided by OISSS.Ìý
Complete Assigned UniversityÌýTraining
New graduate students who are enrolled in courses may be assigned required University training through Vector Solutions. If training is assigned to you, you should typically receive an email within the two weeks before the semester begins with the training details and completion deadline. Students who enroll later may receive their training assignment after the semester begins.Ìý
You can also access assigned courses through the Vector Solutions Student Required Training site in myUT Portal.Ìý
In myUT Portal, go to: Ìý
StudentÌýtab >ÌýVector Solutions – Mandatory Student TrainingÌý>ÌýAccess to Student Required TrainingÌý
Students who believe they are missing an assigned course or need to request additional trainings can contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards at studentconduct@utoledo.edu.ÌýÌý
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Tip from COGS
Track important deadlines: Add registration, billing, training, and other deadlines to your calendar as you learn of them.
3. PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST SEMESTER
Work with your graduate program and review your studentÌýaccountsÌýso you are ready for the beginning of the semester.Ìý
Submit Any Outstanding Admission Documents
Review your admission information andÌýsubmitÌýany final official transcripts or otherÌýdocuments stillÌýrequired by Graduate Admissions. Completing outstanding admission requirementsÌýhelps preventÌýregistrationÌýholds and/orÌýdelays later in your program.Ìý
Transcripts may beÌýsubmittedÌýto graduateonlineapplication@utoledo.edu.
Plan Your Course Registration
Contact your graduate program advisor, department chair, or program directorÌýbefore registering if you have not already received course guidance. Graduate course selection may depend on program sequencing, prerequisites, research or thesis requirements, assistantshipÌýresponsibilitiesÌýor other program-specific expectations.Ìý
Once you have received guidance, register for your courses through theÌýmyUTÌýportal.Ìý
Please review theseÌýStep-by-Step Registration Instructions.Ìý
Review Tuition, Funding and Financial Aid
Review graduate tuition and fees, available fundingÌýopportunitiesÌýandÌýyour optionsÌýfor paying for graduate school.Ìý
U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens who want to be considered for federal financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). International studentsÌýgenerally areÌýnot eligible for federal student aid but may explore graduate assistantships and other funding opportunities for which they qualify.Ìý
Funding availability and eligibility vary by program and award. Contact the office or graduate program responsible for the opportunity if you have questions.Ìý
HelpfulÌýlinks:Ìý
Review and Pay Your Student Bill
Review your student account inÌýmyUTÌýand make sure you understand your balance, paymentÌýoptionsÌýand payment deadline. Check your Rockets email for electronic billing notifications and updates.Ìý
Some programs may follow different billing schedules, so review the information provided by your program and the Office of the Treasurer.Ìý
HelpfulÌýlinks:Ìý
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Tip from COGS
Reach out when you need help: Questions are a normal part of graduate school and we are here to help you find answers and connect with resources.
4. COMPLETE THE STEPS THAT APPLY TO YOU
Depending on your program, location,ÌýfundingÌýand individual circumstances, some of the following steps may also apply to you.Ìý
International Student Requirements
If you are an international student, carefully review all communication and instructions from the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Complete required immigration, check-in and orientation processes by the deadlines provided.
Questions about your Form I-20 or DS-2019, visa status, immigration documents or international student requirements should be directed to OISSS.
Graduate Assistantship Onboarding
If you have accepted a graduate assistantship, teaching assistantship or research assistantship, review the appointment and onboarding information provided by your graduate program and the university office responsible for your appointment.
Complete all employment forms, training and other requirements by the deadlines provided. Contact your graduate program if you have questions about your assignment, start date or responsibilities.
More information can be found on the Office of Academic Administration and Student Employment website:
You may also email the Office of Academic Administration and Student Employment at GradAssist@utoledo.edu with questions related to graduate assistantships.
Student Health Insurance
All 51±¬ÁÏÍø students are required to have health insurance. 51±¬ÁÏÍø automatically enrolls:
- All domestic graduate students registered for 6 or more credit hours per term
- All international students registered for 1 or more credit hours per term
You may waive the health insurance coverage if you have coverage under another qualifying plan as long as you submit your waiver by the deadline.
Please review the university’s student health insurance information and complete any enrollment or waiver steps that apply to you:
Accessibility and Disability Accommodations
Students who need disability-related accommodations are encouraged to connect with Accessibility and Disability Resources as early as possible. The office works with students individually to discuss access needs and coordinate reasonable accommodations.
Request Your Rocket Card
The Rocket Card is your official 51±¬ÁÏÍø student identification card. It may be used for identification, building access, library services, printing, purchases and other campus services.
Log in to myUT to request your Rocket Card, upload your photo and select a pickup location. You will receive a confirmation through your Rockets email when your request is submitted and when your card is ready.
Helpful Links:
Purchase a Parking Permit
If you plan to park on campus, review parking permit options and register your vehicle before the semester begins. Parking requirements, permit availability and rates may change, so follow the current instructions provided on the .
Permits are available to purchase in August for fall classes and in December for spring classes.
Review Course Materials
After registering, review your course information and follow any instructions from your instructors or graduate program about textbooks, software, equipment or other required materials.
You may visit the to find and order required course materials and textbooks. You can login with your School Account to search for materials specific to your registered courses.
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Tip from COGS
Get involved! Take advantage of opportunities to connect with other students, faculty, and the campus community. Getting involved can help you network, discover resources, be more connected to your graduate student community.
5. Explore Graduate Student Resources
Graduate school is more than completing courses. Explore the people,ÌýservicesÌýand opportunities available to support your academic progress, professional development, well-beingÌýand connection to the 51±¬ÁÏÍø community.Ìý
Graduate Student Success Team
Find practical information and resources for navigating graduate study from enrollment through graduation.
Graduate Student Association
Connect with graduate students, learn about advocacy and engagement opportunities, and explore available programs and support.
Academic and Research Support
Access library services, research resources and academic success support.
Career and Professional Development
Explore career planning, professional development and opportunities to build skills beyond the classroom through the Rocket Career Center.
Health, Wellness, and Counseling
Find services that support your physical health, mental health and overall well-being.
Campus Safety and Student Support
Review safety resources and learn where to seek support when you need assistance on the Office of Public Safety's webpage.
Learn about the student food pantries, student parent resources, and support for students experiencing difficulty with the Center for Advocacy and Student Experience's webpage.
Questions? We're Here to Help.
Not sure where to begin or whom to contact? We’re happy to help you find the right resource.
I have questions about...
- Admission status
- Admission documents including final transcripts
- Application
- Programming
- Professional development
- Signature events
- Graduate Student Association
- Commencement
- Academic program forms
- Degree audits
- Degree clearance
- Transfer credits
- Time extensions
- Online orientation
- Scholarships
- Academic grievances
- Curriculum
- ÌýInternational orientation
- Immigration
- Visa documentation
Ìý
- Billing
- Payment including
- Rocket payment plan
- Student account (e-statement)
- Graduate assistant paperwork and processing
- Graduate assistant employment eligibility questions
- On-campus student employment
- Hiring status questions
Office of Academic Administration and Student Employment
Graduate Assistantship Questions: GradAssist@utoledo.edu
Student Employment Questions: StudentEmpServ@51±¬ÁÏÍø.Edu
- Academic advising
- Courses
- Program-specific expectations
Your graduate program contact, advisor, department chair, or program director
You can also consult the .
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of support. We are rooting for you!