Next steps and Orientation

Jayhawk flags are held in a homecoming parade at dusk

Next steps for admitted students

Let’s get started – these steps apply to all new Undergraduate and Graduate/Master's Program Jayhawks.

Steps Before You Enroll in Classes

  • Create a KU online ID

    Before you enroll, you’ll need to set up your personal KU account, which requires an online ID and password. You’ll use your ID to access crucial online services, including Enroll & Pay, university email, Canvas, and my.KU.edu portal.

  • Prepare for enrollment

    An Academic Success Navigator will be in touch with you soon after admission to schedule your new student appointments, which include: 1. A one-on-one technology setup session (30-minute Zoom call) to review all KU online systems needed for your KU student experience, test your online ID and password, and schedule all next-step appointments for enrollment 2. Online Orientation (a Canvas self-guided course). 3. Welcome advising meeting (one-hour Zoom call with your assigned academic advisor). To connect with KU’s Academic Success Navigators, email kunavigators@ku.edu or call 785-864-1218.

  • File your FAFSA

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available online on Oct. 1. You must file this form to be considered for federal loans, grants, and some state and university aid. International, nonresident students will need to file the Institutional Student Need Analysis Worksheet (ISNAW). KU encourages all undergraduate and graduate students to file the FAFSA and learn their financial aid options, even if they do not plan on receiving or using aid.

  • Complete your online Orientation

    All online Jayhawks are REQUIRED to complete the self-paced Orientation course. We ask that you complete this BEFORE your academic advising appointment to make sure you have everything in order for an optimal advising and enrollment session with your academic advisor. During your one-on-one technology session with your Academic Success Navigator, you will register for your Orientation course and receive your access instructions. If you can get into Canvas but don’t see or can’t open the Orientation course, contact orientation@ku.edu or call 785-864-4270. If you can’t get into Canvas at all, email IT at itcsc@ku.edu or call 785-864-8080.

  • Send transcripts

    Contact all other institutions you’ve attended and ask to have your official transcripts sent to KU: University of Kansas, Office of Admissions, 1502 Iowa Street, Lawrence, KS, 66045.

Enrollment Steps

Once you’ve tackled the steps above, use these resources to complete your class schedule in Enroll & Pay.

Enrollment Steps

  • Meet with your academic advisor

    All online KU students are assigned an academic advisor to assist with your program requirements, answer questions about your academic path, and guide you to your program’s completion. You can schedule an appointment with your advisor by using the Navigate Student App (jayhawkgps.ku.edu/navigate-student-app). Undergraduate students can also connect with an advisor during virtual drop-in advising hours through Jayhawk Academic Advising. Your advisor can help you identify the best courses to enroll in each semester.

  • Research available courses

    In addition to selecting courses with the help of your advisor, you can also research which courses are available each semester through KU’s class schedule tool (classes.ku.edu). Search for online courses by choosing “Online Courses” from the Instruction Mode dropdown.

  • Review Enroll & Pay tutorials

    Enroll & Pay (sa.ku.edu) is KU’s online portal for enrolling in classes, checking your grades, paying tuition, putting money on your KU card, and more. There is an overview of how to use Enroll & Pay on the main website, as well as specific how-to guides for any topics that you need additional help with.

  • Clear enrollment holds

    Once you’ve set up your account, log in to Enroll & Pay and check for enrollment holds, which indicate any actions you need to take before you can enroll. Look for holds in the far-right column of the Enroll & Pay Student Center. Graduate students will commonly receive holds related to receipt of their final, official transcripts, or their status as international students or non-native English speakers.

  • Enroll in your courses

    Once you’ve identified which courses you plan to take and cleared any enrollment holds, you’re ready to choose your class times and enroll. If you need assistance enrolling, contact your Academic Advisor. If you are having technology issues with Enroll & Pay, contact 785-864-8080 or enrollandpay@ku.edu for help.