Spring New Student Checklist

Starting: November 10, 2025
Due: As soon as possible

You will receive an email from servicedesk@ithaca.edu to your personal email (sent to the email address you provided on the Common Application or Coalition 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 10, 2025
Due: January 12, 2026

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.

Starting: November 17, 2025
Due: January 9, 2026

You will receive an email from an advising expert 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 17, 2025
Due:  January 9, 2026

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: [Information Incoming]
Due:  [Information Incoming]

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 10, 2025
Due: After you graduate and no later than January 14, 2026

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 10, 2025
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

If you are sending electronically from the original source, please send to registrar@ithaca.edu.

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

Starting: November 17, 2025
Due: January 5, 2026

**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: December 8, 2025
Due: January 15, 2026

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, 2026. 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.

Starting: November 10, 2025
Due: December 10, 2025 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 10, 2025
Due: December 10, 2025 at noon

Learn about housing options at Ithaca College—including Theme-based Living 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 5, 2026 and posted in HomerConnect, along with roommate information.

Starting: November 10, 2025
Due: December 18, 2025 at noon

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 10, 2025
Due: December 10, 2025 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 10, 2025
Due: December 10, 2025 at noon

Do you have someone specific you want to live with? Please email housing@ithaca.edu your roommate request before December 10 at noon.

Starting: November 10, 2025
Due: January 9, 2026

Note: Orientation is required for all new students.

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!

Starting: November 10, 2025
Due: January 1, 2026

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 15, 2025
Due: January 8, 2026

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 10, 2025
Due: January 1, 2026

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 1, 2025
Due: January 1, 2026

Review your spring bill, explore payment options to pay your balance by January 1, and contact Student Financial Services (sfs@ithaca.edu) with any questions about due dates. 

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 1.

Starting: November 10, 2025
Due: January 15, 2026

Complete FERPA Release Form to allow access to your financial aid, billing information, and academic record with a parent, family member, or other supporter.