Spring New Student Checklist

This is an overview of the New Student Checklist* which all students must complete PRIOR to their arrival at Spring Orientation.

New students can log into their IC Connect Portal to view their personalized checklist and get started. *This is a self-reported checklist, so please mark each item as you complete it.

Please note that parents and other family members do not have access to their students' IC Connect accounts or customized New Student Checklists. You can, however, view all possible New Student Checklist items below.

start here arrow

You will receive an email from servicedesk@ithaca.edu (sent to the personal email address you provided on the Common Application) containing instructions for setting up your new Ithaca College student account. Once you've done all these steps, it may take up to 12 hours before you can log in, and you'll get a email when your account is fully set up. Your IC account provides access to most of Ithaca College's technical platforms, such as your IC email, Canvas, HomerConnect, etc.

You will need to complete this step before you can complete certain New Student Checklist items since your IC account login will be required.

IC Email & ID Card

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: As soon as possible

You will receive an email from servicedesk@ithaca.edu to your personal email (the one you provided on the Common Application) containing instructions for setting up your Ithaca College username and password. These will allow you access to most of Ithaca College's technical platforms, such as Canvas, HomerConnect, etc. You will need to complete this step before you can finish other New Student Checklist items since your IC login will be required. If you run into technical issues, contact the IT Help Chat, servicedesk@ithaca.edu, or (607) 274-1000.

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: January 12, 2025

Upload a photo so you can pick up your ID card on move-in day! Your Ithaca College ID card serves as your identification card, your meal card, to access certain assigned doors, and must be carried with you at all times. More info here: https://www.ithaca.edu/id-office.

Academic

Starting: November 20, 2024
Due: January 10, 2025

You will receive an email from your school’s Dean’s office with instructions for setting up a remote academic advising appointment, to go over any transfer credits you’re bringing to IC and create a customized class schedule that fits you.

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due:  January 7, 2025

All incoming students at Ithaca College take a math assessment to establish their “math placement” and to prepare for course registration. Any student who experiences difficulty or has questions may reach out to the Department of Mathematics for support at mathchair@ithaca.edu. For more details about this assessment, visit https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-humanities-and-sciences/mathematics/courses-placement-resources/math-placement-assessment. 

For more information about IC's quantitative literacy requirement, visit: https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/integrative-core-curriculum/quantitative-literacy.

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due:  January 7, 2025

The World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department will email you with next steps regarding a Spanish, French, Italian, and/or German Language Placement Assessment if you indicated experience or interest in taking a language course during your time at IC. Your results will help ensure that you are placed at the appropriate course level. Email any questions to worldlanguages@ithaca.edu. More info here: https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-humanities-and-sciences/world-languages-literatures-and-cultures/language-placement-assessments. 

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: After you graduate and no later than January 15, 2025

Whether you've just finished high school or your first semester or year(s) at another college, request that your school(s) send your FINAL transcript to IC. Log in to IC Connect and check your application checklist as the transcript may be sent automatically by your school(s). If the transcript is being sent via postal mail, please have it sent to:

Office of Admission
Ithaca College
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: As soon as possible

Ithaca College currently accepts Advanced Placement Exams, CLEP exams, and International Baccalaureate Exams. Exam results must be sent from the testing agency directly to the Office of the Registrar at the following address: 

Office of the Registrar
Ithaca College
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

For more info, visit: https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/registrar/registrar-services/transfer-credit

Health

Please note that one of these items is legally mandated by NY state, and that processing your forms can take 1-2 weeks. It's recommended to get started on these items as soon as possible.

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due:January 6, 2025

**Please note that submitting these forms is legally mandated by NY state for you to live on campus and attend classes at IC; they must be completed before arriving at orientation. It may take 1-2 weeks for Health Center staff to verify all of your documents, so it's highly recommended to complete this item as soon as possible.

Complete health certification forms online and submit your official immunization record. Health Center staff verify that all elements are in compliance, so if you are unsure if you have submitted all of your required forms or if you have a special circumstance, please email ICHealthCertifications@ithaca.edu. More info here: https://www.ithaca.edu/student-health-services/new-students.

Starting: November 27, 2024
Due: January 15, 2025

Review the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) benefits. If you wish to keep your current health insurance, be sure to submit the health insurance waiver and proof of coverage by January 15, 2025. Students who do not submit a waiver form will be auto-enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, and receive billing on their student account. For more info about SHIP, visit https://www.ithaca.edu/student-health-services/ic-student-insurance-plan.

Housing

Starting: November 19, 2024
Due: December 19, 2024 at noon

Please note: The Housing Agreement must be signed before you may submit Housing Preferences to set up housing. Review expectations and policies related to living on campus. Log onto the Housing Portal, via HomerConnect, to sign your housing agreement.

Starting: November 19, 2024
Due: December 19, 2024 at noon

Learn about housing options at Ithaca College—including Residential Learning Communities—and familiarize yourself with housing policies. Log onto the Housing Portal via HomerConnect to submit your housing preferences.

Housing assignments will be emailed January 6, 2025 and posted in HomerConnect, along with roommate information.

Starting: November 19, 2024
Due: December 19, 2024

Please read the "Residence / Off-Campus Policy" (Section 7.5.1 of the Ithaca College Policy Manual) and sign the acknowledgment. (Must log in using your IC account.)

Starting: November 19, 2024
Due: December 19, 2024 at noon

Optional: Explore the Residential Learning Communities and apply for one of our nine RLCs to live amongst students with shared interests and other commonalities (ex. transfers, first gen, wellness, STEM, outdoor adventurers, and more!). Send an RLC request via email to housing@ithaca.edu.

Starting: November 19, 2024
Due: December 19, 2024 at noon

Please email any roommate requests to housing@ithaca.edu.

Orientation

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: January 6, 2025

IC's three-day Spring Orientation program, required of all new students, allows you to meet faculty & staff, connect with other students, learn about key resources, enjoy fun social events, and navigate life at IC before classes begin. You will be prompted through the New Student Checklist to fill out a form to let us know your preferred name (for your name tag), who will be attending the welcome dinner on January 16, and any accessibility needs you have for orientation. We look forward to meeting you in person!

Financial

Starting: November 1, 2024
Due: January 1, 2025

Set up authorized payers for any person who needs access to view and/or pay your bill. More information here: https://www.ithaca.edu/tuition-financial-aid/how-to/add-authorized-payer-quikpay.

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: January 9, 2025

New students living in an on-campus residential hall (not apartment) will be automatically enrolled in the basic Residence Plan which includes 24 weekly meals with up to 7 meal exchanges at the various satellite retail cafes across campus. If you wish to increase the number of meal exchanges available, two other meal plans are available which you will be able to elect between December 4 and January 9 (stay tuned for instructions). For more information about IC's meal plans, visit: https://www.ithaca.edu/dining/spring-2025-meal-plans.

Starting: November 1, 2024
Due: January 10, 2025

Complete required paperwork with the Office of Student Financial Services and learn about payment options. For more information, visit https://www.ithaca.edu/tuition-financial-aid/do-checklist.

Starting: December 15, 2024
Due: January 10, 2025

If registered for courses, you will will receive a billing notification with payment instructions to your Ithaca email address. To view payment options, visit: https://www.ithaca.edu/tuition-financial-aid/billing-and-payments/payment-options. Bills will become available December 15.

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: January 15, 2025

Complete the FERPA release form if you would like the office of Student Financial Services to be able to share financial aid and billing information with another person, such as a parent or family member.

Community Education

Starting: Modules will become available December 9, 2024
Due: January 21, 2025

Learn about identity, power, privilege, oppression, and unconscious bias along with strategies for self-care and creating equitable environments in this module titled, "Bridging the Gap." This module may take 45-90 minutes to complete. *Please note that completing this module is required in order to register for IC classes in future semesters.*

Starting: Modules will become available December 9, 2024
Due: January 21, 2025

Learn strategies to make well-informed choices around alcohol and other substances in this module titled, "Alcohol Wise & Canabis Wise," that takes 45-90 minutes to complete. Access more information here: ithaca.edu/center-health-promotion/alcohol-and-other-drugs-alcohol-edu/alcohol-edu-information. *Please note that completing this module is required in order to register for IC classes in future semesters.*

Starting: December 9, 2024
Due: January 21, 2025

Learn about your personal responsibility to prevent and report sexual harassment and violence through a 10-minute video. (Be sure to check off on your checklist once you've watched it.)

Starting: November 18, 2024
Due: January 15, 2025

As a new IC community member, it is critical for you to take some time to read through the Student Code of Conduct, Title IX, & Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.