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New Students

Welcome to the Vanguard University community! Vanguard University’s programs provide outstanding academic and professional development in the context of an authentic Christian community. Now that you've been admitted and confirmed your acceptance, there are few more things you need to do. Let's take them one at at a time—and as always, if you have any questions, reach out to your admissions counselor and ask!

For All Admitted Students

Once you confirm acceptance of your admission, here are the next steps to get started as a new student:

  1. Set up your Student Email

    • Access your VU email and Microsoft account at https://portal.office.com. You can also reach out to our IT Department for assistance at 714.619.6500.
    • All university and professor communication will go to your Vanguard email, so it's important to set it up immediately. Additionally, for security reasons, all communication as a student to university offices must come from your Vanguard email account.

  2. Connect with your Program/Student Success Coordinator

    • Reach out to your Program/Student Success Coordinator (their information is in your acceptance email). This person is your main point of contact while you are a student in your program. They will help guide you through your grad plan and will help register you for your first term's courses.

  3. Explore Self-Service

    • The Self-Service portal is your main spot for class registration, accepting financial aid packages, your student bill, and more. Getting familiar with your Self-Service Portal will help during your student journey.
    • Login into Self-Service

  4. Engage in Academic Registration and Buy your Textbooks

    • Once you connect with your Student Success Coordinator and register for your first courses, you can buy your books through the VU Bookstore. Search books by course or enter your student ID to pull up your schedule.
    • Find Your Books & Course Materials

  5. Log Into Canvas

    • Canvas is the Learning Management System where you can find your classes* each term. Check right before classes start to review the course syllabus or materials guide. Your login and password will be the same as your VU email.
    • Log in to Canvas

  6. Complete Student Account Clearance

    • Before starting classes, you must complete Student Account Clearance. This means you have submitted all necessary documents, accepted/rejected financial aid awards and/or made payment arrangements with Accounting for your classes, and have completed your (5) student waivers.
    • To complete waivers, log into Self-Service Portal > Waivers
    • Complete your Student Account Clearance before classes begin to avoid being dropped from your courses.

  7. Attend New Student Orientation

    • When you connect with your advisor for academic registration, you will find out your new student orientation date (if applicable). Make attending this event a priority for key information/dates to help you be successful in your program.
 

*The School of Ministry and the Teacher Education Program (TAP) do not use Canvas.

For Students Receiving Financial Aid

In addition to the "all students" checklist, students receiving federal, state and/or institutional financial aid must also:

  1. Finish your Financial Aid Processing

    • If you have already filled out your FAFSA (School Code: 001293), then you will need to accept your award by logging into Self-Service > Financial Aid.

    • If you are moving from one institution to another in one aid year (Fall-Spring), make sure to fill out a new FAFSA for your current VU program.

    • Make sure you have a current MPN (Master Promisory Note) and entrance counseling completed for Financial Aid to process any award.