Students who are admitted must confirm their enrollment. When you confirm your enrollment, you are declaring your intent to attend the University of Minnesota.

To confirm your enrollment in graduate school, visit your online application to check your status and confirm your enrollment.

Initiate University of Minnesota Student Account (InternetID sometimes referred to as X500)

To get started, go to http://www.myu.umn.edu/ and click on the Internet Account link under “Need an Account?” Initiating your Internet account will give you access to all University Internet services including the admitted student portal, the University library system, and e-mail. You will be asked to provide your Social Security Number, (student) ID number (on the top of your admission letter from the Graduate School), and your date of birth. International students who don’t have a social security number may leave that field blank.

If you have any difficulties with the initiation process, please call 1-HELP at (612) 301-4357 or send an e-mail to help@umn.edu. Please note that if you already have a University of Minnesota Internet account you should use that account and you will not be able to open a new account. Please remember your InternetID and password, you will need this to register and to take online safety courses (see below) and many other uses during your studies.

Claim your UMN Email

Regularly Check Your UMN Email

Your University email address is the official form of communication at the University of Minnesota. Official announcements from the University, your department, professors, and ISSS are sent to this email address. Your tuition bill will also be emailed to this account. You are responsible for knowing any information sent to you through your University email.

Go to z.umn.edu/claim-account to claim your email account. You can leave the field empty that asks for a Social Security Number if you do not have one.

Once you have claimed your account, you can go to mail.umn.edu to read your email.

Create a Strong Password You Will Remember

You will be required to create a complex password that includes letters, numbers, spaces, and/or special characters (for example, ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & ( ) - _ + = ).

It is important that you select a password you will remember. While it is possible to reset your password, this process can be difficult for students who are not physically in Minnesota.

We recommend you write down a hint to help you remember your password. The Office of Information Technology has suggestions for how to create a password that will be easy to remember at z.umn.edu/strongpassword2.

Need Help With Email?

If you need help claiming or accessing your email, you can contact the UMN’s Technology Help service desk (called 1-Help) by email, phone, or chat. Learn how at z.umn.edu/1help.

Enroll in DUO

Students are required to enroll in Duo within one week of registering for classes.

The University of Minnesota provides Duo Security to help students, faculty, and staff safeguard themselves against cybercrime. Duo Security (two-factor authentication) is required at the UMN Sign-In page. The Sign-In page is the University’s gateway to applications such as MyU, G Suite (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, etc.) Canvas, and many others.

By requiring you to verify your identity with a device, Duo Security adds additional security to protect your information, accounts, and assets you access online even in the event your password is stolen.

Directions for Most Students

All students located in the U.S. or internationally who are not in China or an Embargoed Country should do the following:

Enroll in Duo Mobile (recommended), or

Request Bypass Codes

Review/Update personal information, including “Emergency

Contacts” section

Go to: hrss.umn.edu and select the “Personal Information Update” link.

In the new window that will open, review and update each section in the Menu dropdown list.

Immunization

You must complete the Student Immunization Form. Please read the requirements for “Non

Academic Health Center Student” at this link

Final Transcript and other credentials, if requested

For the Graduate School Before you can register, the Graduate School may require final credentials from you (transcripts, diplomas, etc). If you have an MJ or OK hold, then you need to submit final credentials.

In most cases it must be mailed directly from your previous institution(s) to the Graduate School. You should refer to the email you received from the Graduate School shortly after you were admitted to the program. It will show a table indicating what is needed. Check with the Graduate Program Coordinator if you are not sure. Mailing address:

Graduate School

306 Johnston Hall

101 Pleasant St. SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455 (USA)

Obtain University U Card “ID Card”

http://www1.umn.edu/ucard/ - click Twin Cities.

Keys to a graduate office

Please see main office with a completed key sheet form. This must be signed by your advisor before

you will get any keys or access to the building. If you need lab keys you will need to complete the

safety training. Getting access to our building can take up to 2 weeks, you should do this as early as

possible after you arrive.

*Note* office space is limited. PhD students have first priority. Then MS students who have a research assistantship are given next priority.

Online Safety Training – Required if working in a lab

To have access to Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering labs you must complete safety

training. CEGE Lab Safety

1. Introduction to Research Safety Training

2. Chemical Safety Training

3. Chemical Waste Management Training

plus

4. Individual Lab Specific Training with your advisor

Sometime after you arrive, see the main office in Room 122 Civil Engineering, with printed copies of your training records to receive your lab keys. You will need to fill out the key request form and have your adviser sign it.

Online Ethics Training – REQUIRED of all CEGE MS/Ph.D. students

This online ethics training is required of all CEGE students.

This includes MS plan A, plan B, plan C, and Ph.D.

A hold will be placed on your record until you have completed the training.

Send the certificate of completion to the graduate program coordinator at cegesps@umn.edu. to have the hold released.

When selecting the curriculum you will need to answer some enrollment questions.

Only answer question 1. Skip 2 through 9. Hit submit.

The boxes to check are:

Research involves environmental or engineering activities and
Research, Ethics, and Society

The courses you should take are:

Physical Science Responsible Conduct of Research
Environmental or Engineering Research (RCR)
Research, Ethics, and Society (RCR) Basic Course

See this website on how to complete this training.

Holds

Check for holds on your record in your MyU. myu.umn.edu.

When a University office needs you to complete a task, that office will "place a hold" (also known as a negative service indicator) in the University's student system to prevent you from registering for courses or getting an official transcript until you complete that task.

Below is a list of six common holds you should know about and instructions about their removal. To see if you have any holds, go to http://onestop.umn.edu/, click on “Hold” under the personal information ->student records ->holds section.

AI and IL Hold

All international students will have these holds. The University is required to maintain a file with information about the legal status of each international student at the University. ISSS will remove this hold temporarily after the document check, and permanently after you attend the ISOP. Please remember that if you do not attend the ISOP, the AI hold will prevent you from registering for the following term.

AZ Hold

Many new international students have this English proficiency hold. Bring your TOEFL scores or transcripts of previous academic study in the United States. You may need to take an English placement test or English as a second language courses if you are unable to document that you meet the University's standards for English proficiency.

To remove this hold, you will need to see an ESL adviser at ISSS or at the English as a Second Language Program in 323 Nolte Center. Call 612-626-7100 for information about adviser availability at ISSS, or 612-624-1183 for availability in Nolte Center.

ME Hold (immunization requirements)

Refer to the Immunization section on page 1 of this document.

OK and MJ Holds

These holds are usually placed if the Graduate School needs a transcript or other record to complete your admission file. If you have an MJ or OK hold, then you need to send completed official copies of the transcript to the Graduate School. In most cases students have received an email from the Graduate School shortly after admission was approved, with a subject line of “Status of your Application” which lists the information they require. Please send this information to the Graduate School and to the Department, as indicated on page 1 of this form.

OJ Holds

These holds are placed by the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering. If you have an OJ hold please look at your record to see why you have the hold. Usually it involves some forms or paperwork that needs to be turned in. See Tiffany Ralston for further details.

Register for classes

After all holds are removed, to register for classes please review the information included below.

Consult with your advisor before you register.

REGISTERING FOR CLASSES

MyU – MyU.umn.edu

Registration tutorial: http://onestop.umn.edu/howto/

All holds must be removed before you can register.

Permission Numbers

If you are asked to provide a permission number, the permission numbers are issued by the Department offering the course. If it is a CEGE course please see the instructor for the permission number. If it is a course from another department, go to the instructor or the department offering the course.

International Students

Please review the information for students on the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

https://isss.umn.edu/new-students

In order to ensure the University of Minnesota can verify your immigration status, there is currently an AI hold on your record that will prevent you from registering for classes. This hold will be lifted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for your initial course registration after you complete the International Student Preparation Course and Immigration Check-in requirements listed below.

Please note, many international students have at least two holds on their record when they arrive at the University of Minnesota, so make sure to visit MyU and navigate to the "Holds" tab to see if there are any others on your record (learn how here). All of these holds will need to be removed before you will be allowed to register.

Contact ISSS if you have any questions.

Before you arrive on campus:

All new international students must complete the International Student Preparation Course prior to their Immigration Check-in.

What is the International Student Preparation Course?

The International Student Preparation Course was developed specifically for new international students based on input from current international students. We worked with them to create this course to share important information so that you will know what to expect as you prepare for your arrival to the University of Minnesota.

The International Student Preparation Course has helpful modules that address some of the questions most frequently asked by international students, including:

· What is International Student and Scholar Services, and how can you help me before and after I arrive at the University of Minnesota?

· What do I need to do BEFORE and AFTER I arrive?

· How do I register for classes?

· What it is like to study or teach in the USA?

· What do I need to know about employment in the USA?

· What do I need to travel?

· What resources does the campus have to support my cultural adjustment?

You should complete this course as soon as possible as it will give you a better awareness of your visa status and resources available on-campus.

Things to Know Before You Begin

· You will need your University of Minnesota Internet ID and password. If you have not already, visit z.umn.edu/claim-account to claim your UMN account.

· You do not need to complete the course all at one time. Your progress will be saved as you go, so you can take breaks and return later

· We recommend using broadband, high-speed Internet access, although it is not required.

· We recommend you complete use a laptop or desktop computer to view this course. Some sections will not work correctly if you view the course on a mobile phone.

After you arrive on campus:

All new international students will need to complete an Immigration Check-in.

What will happen at the Immigration Check-in?

As part of the Immigration Check-in, you will provide several documents to ISSS so the University of Minnesota can verify your eligibility to take courses during the upcoming semester. As part of this Check-in, you will also be given information about immigration and your responsibilities as an international student.

When will my Immigration Check-in occur?

Complete Your ISSS Check-in Through MyISSS

After you arrive in the USA, you must scan and submit your documents using the “ISSS Check-in: Document Check” form in MyISSS. To avoid complications and delays, you should ensure the text on your documents is legible and all of the complete document is visible in the scanned image.

The documents you must submit are as follows:

· Your I-20 or DS-2019

· Passport biographical page

· F-1 or J-1 visa (except citizens of Canada)

· Your most recent I-94 record of entry to the USA (you will receive this when you enter the United States, and you should upload it as soon as you arrive)

You will then need to complete an ISSS Check-in and Welcome Online Session in MyISSS. You will access this through a link on the “ISSS Check-in: Document Check” form. This online session will contain important information and action items you will need to complete before you begin classes.

Please Note: The International Student Preparation Course and the ISSS Check-in and Welcome Online Session are separate online items, and your AI registration will not be permanently removed until you complete both courses.

Directions to Log Into MyISSS

1. Go to myisss.umn.edu.

2. Click the Login button shown in the box titled "Login with your UMN ID for Full Access." Do not use the link to "Access Limited Services."

3. Use your UMN email and password to log in (if you have not already, you must claim your account by going to z.umn.edu/claim-account).

4. Under the Admissions tab on the upper left, select ISSS Check-In: Document Check and upload the required documents.

5. Email isssnew@umn.edu if you have questions or experience difficulties when logging into MyISSS.

International Students – U.S. Social Security Number

Students on F-1 student visa will need the Verification of F-1 Student’s On-campus Job letter; Katie Sauer will provide

you with this when you arrive. This needs to be signed by ISSS in advance. You must have all holds removed and be

registered for classes before you can apply for a Social Security Number.

Review what is required on the Social Security Number application form itself so that you are prepared for the questions on the form - http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf.

Payroll

Payroll for Fellows and Graduate Assistants(RA/TA) Positions

1) Check in with Katie Sauer (CivE 153) or email cegepay@umn.edu

2) Complete the Human Resources Information Form (HRIF).

3) Complete COVID Vaccination record upload in MyU.

To comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol Requirements for University Employees and Student Workers, all University of Minnesota faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate student workers, adjuncts, professionals in training, residents, and fellows must fill out “Report a Vaccination or Exemption” in the My Info tab in MyU. New employees must fill out the form prior to their first day of work.

Please note that this step is required even if you have previously completed the:

· University’s vaccine attestation form for employees

· University’s vaccination exemption form for students. If you are graduate or undergraduate, professionals in training, resident or fellow, who previously submitted a student religious or medical exemption, must also submit an employee exemption.

4) Complete the Direct Deposit form.

a. Go to: hrss.umn.edu and select the “Direct Deposit” link. More information on cege acct website

b. Complete and submit the online form.

c. If you choose NOT to set up direct deposit, checks will sent to your address you have on file.

5) Graduate Student Insurance Information

a. http://www.shb.umn.edu/twincities/graduate-assistants/gahp/graduate-assistant-health-plan.htm

b. Please complete the Graduate Assistant Health Plan 2022-2023 Enrollment Form if you are new.

c. Please complete the Graduate Assistant Health Plan 2022-2023 Continuation form if you currently have graduate student health insurance.

6) For Graduate Assistants Only - Complete Section I of the online I-9 employment verification form.

a. You should go to: hrss.umn.edu and select the “I-9 Form for New Employees” link

b. Enter the employer code for the University of Minnesota, which is: 13636

c. Enter your appointment start date listed on your offer letter and choose “College of Science and Engineering” as your work location.

d. Once you have completed the online form, please visit Katie Sauer in Room 125 Civil Engineering Building within three (3) days with appropriate identification (ie. driver’s license and social security card OR passport).

e. For more information about this process you can access the Online I-9 Employee Reference Guide here.

f. I-9 Verification for International Students.

A. Follow directions given by ISSS during your visit with them.

B. More info is available here.

If You Have a Graduate Assistantship

Before You Begin Your Position

Most graduate assistantships start one week before the start of classes, but some departments have an earlier orientation. You should confirm your start date with your department as failure to begin working on your start date may result in you losing a portion of your salary and/or your tuition and health care benefits.

You will be required to do the following before you can begin work:

· All Student must Complete an I-9 form on or before your first day of employment. You must complete this document and present the necessary documentation to prove that you have authorization to work in the U.S. prior to beginning work.

International Students

· Complete all of your ISSS New Student Requirements that are required to remove your AI hold, register for classes full-time, and update your address in MyU.

· If you are a J-1 student, you must also email your employment information to ISSS.

· You should also travel to the Social Security Administration within 10 days to obtain a Social Security Number. Review ISSS information about Obtaining a Social Security Number for more.

When You Will Get Your First Paycheck

If you are a graduate student with an assistantship, your first paycheck will most likely not be issued until a month after the start of your assistantship. Therefore, you should bring funds to cover your initial expenses.

Be Aware of Possible Deductions

Your assistantship or fellowship may not cover all your expenses, so you should plan your budget and calculate how much additional money you may need for the rest of the year. The total value of your appointment or fellowship may be subject to a deduction of, as much as, 28 percent to cover taxes on the value of your tuition waiver.

New Teaching Assistant Training

New TA training is offered in August from the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI)

Highly recommended if you are going to be a TA in the fall. All delivered via zoom.

Other Teaching Enrichment Series

Housing

Options

Finding housing is an important step for living, studying, and working at the University of Minnesota. There are a variety of housing options available to students and scholars both on-campus and off-campus. We assembled the following resources and information for you about housing.

· UMN Housing & Residential Life

· Permanent Off-Campus Housing (for students, scholars, and student-interns)

· Family/Partnered Housing (Scholars and students)

International Students

When to Arrive

Most international students and scholars arrange housing when they arrive in Minnesota. If you will live off-campus, we recommend that you arrive three weeks in advance to search for housing and make other arrangements. Before the fall semester, inexpensive temporary housing is available specifically for international students. This will give you time to find the housing situation that fulfills your needs.

Temporary Housing

Before the start of the fall semester, new international students can stay in the International Early Arrival Housing. This temporary on-campus housing is an affordable option for new students needing somewhere to stay before they can move into their permanent on- or off-campus housing. For costs and reservations, please visit International Early Arrival Housing.

Temporary Housing is not available on campus before the start of the spring/summer semesters or at other times in the year..

There are a variety of hotels near the University of Minnesota campus. When making a reservation, you should ask whether they have discounts related to the University of Minnesota. For information about local hotels, visit the following websites:

· Meet Minneapolis

· Visit St. Paul

Other Information

We recommend that you do not sign a lease or contract before viewing the property.

For more information on the legal rules surrounding renting an apartment, please review the information on the Student Legal Services website.

It is important that you understand your legal responsibilities before you sign a lease. A lease is binding contract.

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If for any reason that you can’t make it here by the beginning of the semester – please contact us immediately.

We wish you safe travels and look forward to meeting you at the beginning of the semester!

Next: Introduction