New Student Checklist

Your New Student Checklist

New students can now log into their IC Connect Portal to view their personalized checklist and get started. This is a self-reporting checklist, so please mark each item as you complete it. (Note: 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.) Also be sure to check out the New Student FAQs page.

START BY SETTING UP YOUR IC ACCOUNT

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

Beginning in April, new students will receive two emails from servicedesk@ithaca.edu (sent to the email address you provided on the Common Application or Coalition Application) containing instructions for setting up your new Ithaca College account. Once you've completed all steps, it may take up to 12 hours for the system to process your activation - you'll get an email from admission@ithaca.edu 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.

✔️A (Mostly) Self-Reporting Checklist✔️

Remember, this is a self-reporting checklist*, so please check off each item as you complete it. If you don't mark items as complete, you will receive regular system reminders via email about them.

*A few items on your New Student Checklist WILL show as complete automatically when you finish them, since these forms are contained within the IC Connect system: Academic Interests Survey, Orientation Registration Form, Orientation Fee Waiver Request Form, and Health Certification Forms. Please note that the Health Certification Forms will only show as complete once Health Center staff have verified all of your documents.

Due in June

First-year students complete this survey to help us create a personalized schedule that combines courses in your major or Exploratory Pathway with core and elective courses, all of which count toward your degree. Our team of advising experts will create a balanced schedule that sets you up for success in your first semester! (Please note that you need to set up your IC account to complete this item.) Due June 2, 2025.

Transfer students will receive an email to set up an appointment with their Dean's Offices this summer to review transcripts and plan a fall course schedule.

Click here for more information regarding the Academic Interests Survey.

NOTE: First-year students' fall course schedules will be finalized by July 30.

Transfer students will receive an email with instructions for scheduling a 1:1 (remote) advising appointment with someone from your respective Dean's Office to review transcripts and plan your upcoming semester's course schedule. Due: ASAP.

Your results on the Math Placement Assessment will help ensure that we create the most appropriate fall course schedule for you. Please email mathchair@ithaca.edu if you have any questions about the Math Placement Assessment. Due June 2, 2025.

Click here for more information regarding the Math Placement Assessment.

If you indicate an interest in taking Spanish, Italian, French, or German at Ithaca College, the World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department will email you with next steps IF you need to take the exam. Your results on the Language Placement Assessment will help ensure that you are placed at the appropriate course level. Due ASAP, no later than June 17, 2025.

For students living on campus: Available beginning May 5 at 10 a.m., students can review expectations and policies related to living on campus. The Housing Agreement must be signed via HomerConnect before you can submit Housing Preferences to set up housing. Due June 4, 2025 @ noon.

Beginning May 5, new students will receive an email with instructions for submitting housing preferences. Learn more about Theme-based Living and Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) and decide on your top choices. Due June 4, 2025 @ noon.

Available beginning May 5 at 10 a.m., students can log onto the Housing Portal, via HomerConnect, to fill out a roommate group request. Due June 4, 2025 @ noon.

IC Advantage features fun mini courses (for credit) offered online this summer to help you get to know other incoming students and gain confidence about coming to college. (The first one is FREE!) Nine out of ten students who took one last summer said they would recommend doing it. Register via your New Student Checklist. Due June 25, 2025.

This self-paced free course (one elective credit, asynchronous) allows music and musical theatre majors to advance their music literacy skills while learning basic vocal and keyboard skills, preferably via access to a keyboard or keyboard app. Learn more about the course here. Due June 25, 2025.

Set up authorized payers for any person who needs access to view and/or pay your bill. Due June 30, 2025.

Complete required paperwork with the Office of Student Financial Services and learn about payment options. Due June 30, 2025.

Complete FERPA Release Form from the New Student Checklist to allow access to your financial aid, billing information, and academic record with a parent, family member, or other supporter. Due June 30, 2025.

Due in July

*Please note that completing these forms is legally mandated and may take 1-2 weeks for Health Center staff to verify*
Complete health certification forms online and submit your official immunization record. For questions or status updates, email ICHealth@cayugahealth.org or call the Health Center via telephone at (607) 274-3177. Due July 1, 2025

Please read the Residence/Off-Campus Policy (Section 7.5.1 of the Ithaca College Policy Manual) and sign the acknowledgment. Due July 7, 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. Due July 7, 2025.

Apply for Jumpstart, a free, fun, interest-based, pre-orientation program that begins on August 19 (you get to move in a couple days early). A very popular program, Jumpstart allows you to make friends and explore the Ithaca area before the busyness of orientation begins. Application due July 7, 2024.

Official final transcripts include final grades for courses completed and a graduation date. They should be sent directly to Ithaca College by the high school(s) and/or any college(s) you have attended or from which you have earned credit. Due July 15, 2025.

*PLEASE NOTE: Orientation is required for all new first-year and transfer students*
Connect with faculty & staff, make friends, learn about key resources, enjoy fun social events, and get acclimated to life at IC before classes begin. Visit our Fall Orientation page for further information. Due July 16, 2025.

Available beginning on May 1, learn more about eligibility requirements and request a waiver if needed. Please note that a limited amount of fee waivers are available. Email nstp@ithaca.edu with any questions. Due ASAP, no later than July 16, 2025.

Upload a photo to ensure your ID card is ready for pickup on move-in day! Your Ithaca College ID serves as your student identification, meal card, and key to access assigned doors across campus— your ID must be carried with you at all times. Due July 25, 2025.

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. Due ASAP.

Review the Student Health Insurance Plan benefits. If you wish to keep your current health insurance, be sure to submit the health insurance waiver and proof of coverage by 9/15. Students who do not submit a waiver form will be auto-enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (coverage begins August 10), and receive billing on their student account. For more information, visit: https://www.universityhealthplans.com/ithaca

*Although the deadline is in September, we encourage students to complete this by July to avoid unnecessary fees on their bill.

Due in August

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. Due August 1, 2025.

Review your fall bill, explore payment options to pay your balance by August 1, and contact Student Financial Services (SFS) if you have any questions about due dates. Due August 1, 2025.

Learn strategies to make well-informed choices around alcohol, cannabis and other substances in this module that will take 45 minutes to 2 hours complete. Due August 25, 2025.

*Please note that completing these modules is required in order to register for IC classes in future semesters.*

Learn about the social dynamics, legal consequences, and emotional impacts of hazing. This course dives deeper into how hazing behaviors often evolve, why individuals participate, and most importantly, how to stop it before it starts. By aligning with the federal requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, this course gives students not only the knowledge to identify hazing, but also the confidence and tools to challenge it. This module will take 45 minutes to 90 minutes to complete. Due August 25, 2025.

This short video will review important topics to help prevent sex-based harassment, understand reporting options, resources available, and ways in which you can intervene and help a friend. Due August 25, 2025.

Explore how our social identities shape our lived experiences and can influence a respectful and connected community, along with tools for allyship and self-care. This module will take 45 minutes to 90 minutes to complete. Due August 25, 2025.

Download the Zeemee app to connect with the Ithaca College community before you get to campus! Chat with current IC students and fellow new students, take the roommate quiz, and see what's going on in Ithaca. Due August 24, 2025.