Next Steps Checklist

Congratulations on your acceptance to graduate school!

We can’t wait for you to become one of our #GradBucs.

Be sure to complete each of these steps to ensure a seamless experience into graduate school:

1. Accept your offer of admission.
It is very important that you accept your admission offer in your Application Portal from the Graduate School as quickly as you can. Some programs request you to notify them, but you must notify the Graduate School for the official acceptance of your offer.
Accept Your Admissions Offer

2. Activate your ETSU email account.



Use the E-number provided in your admission letter. It is very important to activate and utilize your ETSU email account. This is how you will be contacted from offices, faculty, staff, and university personnel as needed.


Activate Your ETSU Email Account

3. Finalize any required FAFSA information.
Graduate funding via the FAFSA is different than undergraduate funding. There are many loans and scholarships that may be available to you, however, you must have a current and accurate FAFSA. Investigate how to enhance the affordability of the graduate programs.
The FAFSA is for US Citizens and Permanent Residents only. International students are not eligible to submit the FAFSA.
Learn More about the FAFSA

4. Verify that you have submitted the required immunizations for ETSU and your program (if necessary).
The university requires you to have your immunization records on file. Some programs have additional requirements to participate in the program. Please consult directly with your program coordinator to ensure that you understand any additional immunizations required.
Verify Immunizations

5. Submit your EVEA (residency requirement) information today to ensure you are coded correctly as a resident/non-resident.
The State of Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires state institutions of higher education to verify that anyone seeking a "state public benefit" is either a "United States citizen", a "qualified alien", or otherwise "lawfully present" in the United States. A state public benefit includes in-state tuition, lottery scholarships, academic scholarships, common market, or any other form of tuition assistance or waiver supported with funds from a Tennessee government entity. State public benefits do not include tuition assistance funded privately, such as a scholarship from the institution's foundation or a privately endowed scholarship. In short, if you do not verify your residency, you will not be eligible to receive in-state tuition rate, Graduate Assistantships, Tuition Scholarships, or most ETSU scholarships. You may be eligible for In-State Tuition if you live in a border county. Submit this Residency Information Form to the Graduate School.
If you attended ETSU as an undergraduate student, you are still required to verify your residency as a graduate student.


Submit Your EVEA

6. Research, search, and apply for a GA or TS position.
GA and TS positions are a great way to assist with the university tuition costs. Some of these positions are directly within your department and some may be across campus in many different roles. These do have a work requirement in order to receive the funding assistance.
Learn More

7. Download the ETSU mobile app.
The ETSU app has an updated interface and all the safety features you need and want from the old ETSU Safe App. Additionally, the new app allows you to view parking availability, dining options, campus map, faculty and staff directory listings, library computer availability, and much more!
Download the ETSU App

8. Identify and connect with your program coordinator.
It is highly recommended to connect with your program coordinator as quickly as possible. That person is listed on your offer of admission letter and will be a wealth of information and provide you with the most important pieces of information as you begin your graduate program.
Find Your Program Coordinator

9. Obtain your ETSU ID through the ID Services office.
All ETSU students (including Online students) can receive an ID card once they are registered for classes. By being registered for classes, students automatically have access to many features and opportunities just by using their ID card! You can gain access to the library services, printing, sporting events, campus events such as concerts, the Center for Physical Activity (CPA), and more!
Get Your ID Card

10. Get your parking permit through The Office of Parking Services.
Parking permits are available at The Office of Parking Services. Bring a photo ID (ETSU ID or driver's license) and your license plate number. If a student, you must also be registered for at least one class or you will not show up as eligible.
Learn More About Parking

11. Attend orientation (usually held the week before the semester begins).
New students starting in the Fall or Spring semester will have an on-campus orientation session. It is approximately three hours long and provides a great opportunity to begin meeting your classmates and administrators and to learn many important items that will assist you transitioning to graduate school. The on-campus Orientation event registration will be added to this section once the details have been finalized. You will also be notified at that time. In the meantime, read and review the Online Orientation Information section within the New Students section of the Graduate School webpage. This is where the on-campus registration form will be posted.
Note: There is not an on-campus orientation for students who start during the summer term. 
Register for Orientation

12. Contact the Registration office for any scheduling needs at 423-439-5584.
Registration is an online process that students complete via GoldLink. The goal of this office is to provide support and online resources to help students navigate the registration process and successfully register for class. Registration for Summer and Fall begins April 1. Class openings typically fill up quickly, so registering early gives you an opportunity to choose the classes you want. Students who register early are able to get the courses that they need to stay on track for graduation.
View Registration Info