Incoming Student Checklist

Orientation Services

Welcome Titans! During your time at IWU, you will be exposed to numerous resources that will help facilitate your success. The first of these resources is the Incoming Student Checklist. This list was designed to assist you in completing all of the tasks necessary to help you prepare for your orientation and arrival at IWU.

Please review this checklist frequently throughout the summer, and note that activities are subject to change in response to state, federal, and public health guidelines.

Important First Steps to Your Transition to Titan:

• Step 1: Beginning in February prior to fall enrollment, within 1 week of receiving your deposit which confirms your intention to enroll, you will receive an update to your application portal that contains instructions to set up your IWU email. A notification will be sent to the email address you applied with letting you know that you have an update. Setting up your email is critical to moving on to your next steps! Should you have trouble logging in to your application portal, please contact your Admissions Counselor to have them reset your portal password. 
• Step 2: In early March, an email from orientation@iwu.edu will be sent regarding Rising Titan Summer Orientation Registration. This contains specific dates and instructions for participation in orientation and pre-orientation programs. Participation in the Rising Titan Summer Orientation Program is required for all new students. During Rising Titan Summer Orientation you will get to meet fellow new students, current students, faculty, and staff, and work with an academic advisor to get registered for classes for the upcoming semester. 
• Step 3: In March, housing information will be sent from orl@iwu.edu, and this provides instructions and links to request campus housing and meal plans.

All University communications will now be sent to your IWU email account (not your personal email account), and you are encouraged to check it regularly.

As Soon as Possible

• Enter your Emergency Contact Information and IWU Alert Information, so you can receive timely notification in the event of a crisis situation on campus.
• Place the dates for housing applications and selection on your calendar. Please see the dates below.

March & April:

• Register for Rising Titan (Summer Orientation) now! Check your IWU email for further information. Search “Rising Titan Summer Orientation Registration” in your IWU email.
• Make sure you complete your housing application through MyHousing; information was provided in your email from the Office of Residential Life.
• Explore the MyIWU app by downloading it from your app store or visit my.iwu.edu in your browser. You have automatically been added to your graduating class group where information will be posted.

May

• Students who submit their housing application, agreement, and roommate preference survey by May 15 will receive their housing assignment by May 25.
  • Priority consideration for students requesting housing and/or meal plan accommodation is May 15.
• Transcript Information
  • Advising and registration will be more accurate if we have your transcripts and test scores at least 2 weeks before you attend Rising Titan. You may be asked to provide a syllabus if additional information is needed while reviewing your courses for transfer.
  • Send official college/university transcripts directly to IWU at iwuadmit@iwu.edu.
  • If you completed dual credit courses during high school, please send an official transcript from the college/university where the courses were taken (your high school transcript will not grant you college credit).
  • Any AP scores should be ordered from the College Board and submitted directly to Illinois Wesleyan ASAP
• Arnold Health Services (AHS)
  • All students can go to the IWU Arnold Health Services portal to submit all required health forms. These would include a health history form, a TB questionnaire, immunization documentation, informed consent, and texting opt-in/opt-out.
  • Required immunizations are listed on the AHS website.
  • Upload your insurance card to your AHS portal.
  • If you are planning to participate in a sport at IWU, there are separate health forms to complete.
  •  Please email Arnold Health Services at healthservices@iwu.edu with any questions. 
• Login to MyIWU to find and complete missing financial aid documents.
  • If applicable, accept or decline any financial aid in your MyIWU account.
• Submit your picture to idphoto@iwu.edu so that your ID is ready for pickup when you arrive at Turning Titan. You can see the guidelines for submission.
• Registration for Rising Titan (Summer Orientation) continues.

June

• Request academic accommodations (if applicable). You will need to be logged in to your IWU account to access the request form.
• Students who submit their housing application, agreement, and roommate preference survey by June 15 will receive their housing assignment by June 26.
• Register for IMPACT Pre-Orientation Program (optional).
• Registration for Rising Titan (Summer Orientation) continues.
• Attend Rising Titan (Summer Orientation)
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a Google Workspace for Education school. Refer to the Information Technology Services website for recommendations on preparing your computer for IWU.

 July

• Register your vehicle/car (if you are bringing one) by clicking here. Campus Safety supports the registration of your vehicles, and you will be given a pass upon moving into IWU.
• Request academic accommodations (if applicable). You will need to be logged in to your IWU account to access the request form.
• Enroll in a payment plan beginning July 1st. If not enrolled in a payment plan your full balance is due by July 30th.
• Students who submit their housing application, agreement, and roommate preference survey by July 20 will receive their housing assignment by July 28.
• Register for IMPACT Pre-Orientation Program (optional).
• Registration for Rising Titan (Summer Orientation) continues.
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a Google Workspace for Education school. Refer to the Information Technology Services website for recommendations on preparing your computer for IWU.
• If you have not submitted the required Health information to the IWU student health portal, please do so now. 

August

• Attend IMPACT Pre-Orientation Program (optional).
• Attend International Student Orientation (Mandatory for international students).
• If you completed college courses over the summer, or if you have not sent your transcripts previously, send official college/university transcripts directly to IWU at iwuadmit@iwu.edu.
• Wednesday, August 20, 2025: Residence Halls open for all new students. Look for communication from the Office of Residential Life about your move-in time. Note: Please be in communication with the Office of Residential Life if you are an early arrival for one of our approved reasons (e.g., travel distance, on-campus employment, athletics, or pre-orientation programs).
• Attend Turning Titan (required for incoming students) Wednesday, August 20 through Sunday, August 24, 2025.
• Classes start Monday, August 25, 2025.

Throughout the Summer

• Curious about getting connected outside of the classroom? Visit my.iwu.edu and explore the groups and Registered Student Organizations. 
• Find ways to set goals, thrive, and practice wellness by looking into resources like the Shirk Athletic Facilities, Health Services, Counseling Services, Hart Career Center, The Writing Center, Ames Library, and The Center for Engaged Learning.

Please review this checklist frequently throughout the summer, and note that activities are subject to change in response to state, federal, and public health guidelines.