University Tasks

The tasks below are required by the University of all students. 

Contacts for each task are noted below - please reach out to them directly with any questions or concerns.

Activate Your University Google App (Email) Account

This requirement can be completed once you receive your student ID number from the Office of Admissions.

If you are new to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, you will need to initiate your U of MN email account before classes start in August. However, we highly recommend you initiate your email by July 1, 2025, as some departments may begin emailing your university email in the weeks prior to the school year. 

Your University email account is the official method of communication at the U of M. Using your U of M Internet ID and password, go here and activate your account. The University is a Google Apps campus. Be sure to check your email regularly at mail.umn.edu.

Visit the UMN Gmail Support center with any questions. 

Student ID Number

Near the end of May, the Office of Admissions will issue your University of Minnesota 7-digit student identification number in an email.  If you are currently a University of Minnesota student, you will keep your same University ID number. 

If you require this information before that time, please contact Admissions staff at dmeded@d.umn.edu. 

Obtaining Your UCard

All students are required to possess a student ID card (a.k.a. Ucard). The Ucard is your student photo ID and identifies you as a university student. You will use your card to check out books from the library, gain access to the anatomy labs and other campus facilities, and use certain campus services or resources. The photo from the ID will be used for the class picture book and distributed to Faculty Advisors and small group leaders. 

Students attending the U of MN for the first time should pick their U Card up at the U Card Office in the Kirby Plaza. You will need to bring an approved photo ID for pickup, and can upload a photo in advance to save time.

Instructions on obtaining a Ucard are available on the Ucard Office website.

Summer is a busy time in the Ucard office, so please plan for longer wait times. If you are on campus earlier in the summer (after receiving your Student ID number) you may get your Ucard early. If you are unable to visit campus prior to orientation, there will be opportunities that week to get your Ucard.

Current and previous U of M students: we recommend updating your Ucard photo (there is a small fee), as this photo will be used by faculty to identify you for 4 years of medical school. 

Questions? Contact the Ucard office at ucard@d.umn.edu.

Student Health Benefit Plan

All medical students will be automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). The charges will be added to your fee statement. If you have your own insurance coverage and wish to waive the SHBP and fee you must provide documentation (instructions below). 

Coverage for Fall 2025 semester begins August 21, 2025.

Evaluating your options

Before you choose the SHBP, ensure you've reviewed the campus-specific Health Plan Benefits Summary linked at the bottom of the SHBP Forms and Brochures page. This will review what is covered and what is not under this plan. If your health needs are not covered by this plan, you can choose to waive the SHBP and pursue other options through MNSure, Minnesota Care, or Medical Assistance (MA)/Medicaid. You can pursue SHBP enrollment here.

Waiving the Plan

Students on their own health plan* are not required to purchase the University-sponsored SHBP and have the option to waive the SHPB coverage. If you fail to provide proof of active, verifiable health plan coverage for the entire semester by the corresponding deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored SHBP and the non-refundable semester fee will be added to your University account. 

*International students are automatically enrolled in the SHBP and are only eligible to waive out of it if enrolled in either the University-sponsored Graduate Assistant Health Plan or a United States-based, employer-sponsored group health plan.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Student Health Benefits at umshbo@umn.edu.