20 Steps to Take Before You Start at CSU

Once you receive your official Colorado State University Notice of Graduate Admission, make sure to complete the following steps. A full explanation of each step can be found on the Graduate School Website.  

1. Submit any remaining required documents, including official transcripts.
2. Confirm your decision to attend CSU through your admissions application.
3. Create your NetID using your CSU ID (found on your application status page). These are two different things. You need your CSU ID to create your NetID. 
4. Log into your CSU email via Office 365. Your username is the NetID you created plus @colostate.edu (e.g. john555@colostate.edu) and your password is the NetID password created during the NetID setup process. 
5. Set up DUO two-factor authentication for secure access.
6. Meet with your advisor about recommended classes/degree pathway.
7. Consult the list of required courses for your program and register for your first semester of classes. If you are taking classes via CSU Online as a distance learning student, register for classes via the CSU Online website. If you are taking classes on campus, register via RAMWeb.
8. Obtain a RamCard.
9. Establish residency for in-state tuition rates. You will be responsible for the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for the second and subsequent years if you fail to submit this petition. Please see Residency Requirements or contact Financial Aid and attend a residency orientation ASAP. 
10. Sign up for or opt out of Mandatory Health Insurance.
11. Complete all other University Health Requirements for enrollment.
12. Subscribe to the Graduate School Event Calendar.
13. Join the ESS Graduate Student Canvas page. You will receive an invitation via email.
14. Update your profile page to appear on the ESS website.
    • Go to the WCNR Intranet and log in (this ensures you are connected to the VPN) –> Click on “Directory Administration” –>Search for your name and click the pencil icon to the left of your name –> In the drop-down menus under “Department/Directory Affiliations,” select primary affiliation as ‘ESS Graduate Student.’ Add others as needed –>Update profile information. –>Fill in bio, education, advisor, and interests sections, at a minimum.  You may fill in more as desired. 
15. Enter a few keywords in “areas of expertise” to show your research topics under your profile picture on the main directory page.
16. Upload a photograph of yourself for your ESS graduate student profile and department bulletin board to lauren.e.hibbard@colostate.edu.  Use subject line “Grad Student Photo – First and Last Name”
17. Submit Keys & Space Requests: 
    • ESS MS or PhD Research Graduate Students – Research-based students are granted access to departmental space to support their required research commitments. This can include assignment of keys for access to shared graduate spaces, lab, and research areas and assignment of desk space, as requested. Please see Lauren Hibbard to initiate such requests. 
    • ESS PSM Graduate Students – Professional graduate students are granted access to department space to support their professional engagement and interactions with peers and faculty. This can include assignment of keys for access to shared graduate spaces as well lab and research areas if working directly with an ESS faculty mentor in their internship placement. Please see Lauren Hibbard to initiate such requests. 
18. Attend a Graduate School orientation and other welcome activities.
19. Find your community through Graduate organizations and support hubs.
20. Scan this collection of email list-servs and subscribe to those that are relevant to you to receive announcements.