Congratulations and welcome to graduate studies at Cedarville University! Now that you've been accepted to Cedarville as a graduate student, you may be asking "What's next?"
Please refer to this page carefully for the next steps in your academic journey to ensure a smooth transition into the Cedarville community. You may want to bookmark this page for current and future access.
- Confirm your enrollment.
Submit your reservation deposit to activate your student record. Once your deposit is processed and your record is activated (within 1-2 business days), you will be able to register for classes. You will receive an email from the office of the registrar when your graduate student record is active.
- Apply for financial aid.
Contact graduate financial aid by submitting a graduate financial aid eligibility form and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you have applied for aid in the past, you need to file a FAFSA for each academic year that you plan to enroll. The FAFSA must list Cedarville's school code (003025) if you plan to apply for federal loans or a University need-based aid. Financial aid is offered and processed after students register for classes (see Step 2 below). For financial aid information related to your program, view graduate costs and financial aid.
- Access your Cedarville email account.
Graduate students are provided a University email address using GroupWise email (cedarville.edu/groupwise). Become familiar with your GroupWise email account and get into the habit of checking it frequently. All official email correspondence from the University will be sent to this account. Your GroupWise username and password are the same as the username and password you used for your online application process. In the future, you will be able to forward your email to a different email address (such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc.).
Note: The information technology (IT) office will implement Google Apps in the near future as the new campus email and calendar system.
- Contact your program advisor.
Degree-seeking students should contact their advisor for advising on class selection and sequence. Your advisor's name and contact information are included in your acceptance letter. General study or non-degree seeking students should contact the office of the registrar for advising assistance.
- Register for classes.
All graduate class registrations are completed through the office of the registrar. View current and future graduate course schedules and register for your courses using WebAdvisor. For assistance, review the graduate registration instructions.
- Find your textbooks.
Students can find textbook information or may purchase textbooks through the University Bookstore. Note: You will need your course numbers (e.g. EDU-6700, NSG-5000, BEGS-6250, etc.) from class registration to look up your textbooks.
- Review orientation information for Centennial Library.
Review the Off Campus Library Services (PDF document) and access videos and tutorials provided by the staff of Centennial Library.
- Review orientation information for CedarNet.
Review the CedarNet QuickStart Guide (PDF document) provided by the staff of the information technology (IT) office.
- Obtain your graduate student ID card.
Your graduate student ID card identifies you as a Cedarville University graduate student and provides authorization for Centennial Library online databases/resources and access to the Recreation Center. Students enrolling in campus-based or online courses can obtain a student ID through campus safety.
- Register your vehicle.
Parking permits are obtained from campus safety. To receive your permit, register your vehicle.
- Review graduate student health insurance options.
The graduate student health insurance plan provides information about residential health insurance as well as general health insurance.
- Request housing for your summer courses (as necessary).
Campus housing is available only during the summer for graduate students. For more information and a housing request form, view graduate housing.
- Visit the student home page.
We've pulled together key online resources for you in one place. The student home page will be your go-to for information and direction as a graduate student.
- Tour CedarInfo.
Log in to CedarInfo to view and complete various secure transactions (e.g., academic, financial, general, password changes, etc.) with the University.
- Review and settle your student account.
The cashier's office provides options for viewing your invoice, student account, and paying your bill.
- Prepare for your online courses (as necessary).
Beginning in May 2012, students enrolled in online graduate courses will use a web-based delivery system called Moodle. Log in to Moodle using your Cedarville username and password to access your courses. Your professor can answer specific questions about a course or provide navigation instructions for the course. If this is your first online course, view Online Courses for general assistance with online courses.
- Visit campus or take a virtual tour (optional).
Cedarville offers personalized visits for graduate students that can include an appointment with graduate admissions, your faculty advisor, a financial aid representative, and a campus tour specially geared for graduate students. To schedule your personalized visit or tour, contact graduate admissions. If your are unable to visit Cedarville, please visit by taking a virtual tour.
- Ready, Set, Go!
Great job! Whether you're enrolled in on-campus or online courses, you're prepared and well on your way for a successful journey. Your next step is to begin your classes. May God bless your studies in the days ahead!
Have more questions?
Please contact graduate admissions. We are excited to have you as part of our community and look forward to helping you meet your education goals.