We know a Cyclone when we see one
Welcome to Iowa State. Congratulations on your admission—we’re excited to have you in the Cyclone community. Your journey to what’s next starts here, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.
For Admitted Students
- Locate your University ID number: You received a 9-digit university ID number after accepting your admission offer to Iowa State, and it is included in your official admission materials.
- Get your Net-ID: Your Net-ID is important because it serves as your unique identifier during your adventure at Iowa State. After you accept your admission offer, sign in to your Admissions MyAccount page. You will be prompted to register your Net-ID, which will also become the prefix of your Iowa State email account ([netid]@iastate.edu). Once created, you can use Outlook for email and access all university systems, including Canvas, Workday, and more, through the Sign-on Dashboard.
- Log in to your email account: Communications from Iowa State (admissions, financial aid, registrar, college, instructors, academic advisors, etc.) will be sent to your iastate.edu email. Be sure to review and respond to these communications regularly. Your Outlook account was automatically created for you after you set up your Net-ID. You can access your email account through your Sign-on Dashboard.
- Optional: Request an ISU ID Card: To request an ISU Card, email the registrar’s office at distance@iastate.edu with your name, University ID number, class schedule, and mailing address.
- The Office of the Registrar can provide verification or proof of enrollment for loan deferments, insurance companies, potential employers, scholarships, schools, and other entities.
- If you are seeking federal financial assistance, make sure to submit your FAFSA before the priority deadline.
- Apply for scholarships using the Iowa State University OneApp portal.
- By the 20th of the first month of the semester, you will receive a tuition bill in Workday. You have the option to enroll in the Deferred Billing Payment Plan and spread payments across the first three months of that semester for $20 per semester. Payments can be made online directly from a bank account or with a credit/debit card, by check, from Education Savings Accounts and 529 Plans, or Employer Reimbursement Deferment Plan.
- Other payment options can be found on the Accounts Receivable website. Questions can be directed to Accounts Receivable at 515-294-7388 or ubill@iastate.edu.
- Login to Workday to complete your student onboarding tasks.
- Check your Financials Dashboard and review any scholarship and financial aid offers.
- Pay your University Bill (U-Bill).
- Log in to Canvas: This is where your courses and assignments will be delivered.
- To access your Canvas account, log into your Sign On Dashboard and select the Canvas app tile. If you have issues accessing Canvas, please contact the IT Solution Center.
- Don’t forget to login to Canvas on the first day of classes to view your course syllabus and other important information.
- For undergraduate students: Complete the online orientation, a series of self-paced modules that will help you learn essential information about completing course registration and transitioning to Iowa State. Completion of orientation is required to register for classes. Plan to set aside at least 3-4 hours to invest in the program. Plan to complete online orientation at least a week before you meet with your advisor for class registration. You will receive an email with instructions for how to login and complete online orientation once online orientation opens.
- For undergraduates (new and transfer): Complete the ALEKS placement test at least five days before meeting with your academic advisor to assess your math skills and ensure appropriate course placement.
- For graduate students:
- Contact your program support staff for placement tests, program requirements, registration, and major details.
- Visit the Iowa State Graduate College resources page to familiarize yourself with systems and resources specific to graduate students.
- Workday for Students: .
- Find and review your Academics Dashboard.
- Identify your support network: this includes your academic advisor or any program of study committee members.
- See your registration appointment: this is the date and time that is set for you to register for classes.
- Register for your classes
- Check the computer requirements at ISU.
- Purchase your textbooks online via the Iowa State University Bookstore.
- For undergraduate students: You will automatically be enrolled in Immediate Access One, which is a digital-first, flat-rate course materials program. (To opt-out of this program please visit the Student FAQs section on the Immediate Access One webpage.) Students may also choose to purchase a physical copy of their textbook from the Bookstore or other sources.
- For graduate students: If textbooks are required for your course, you can access them via Immediate Access or by obtaining a physical copy of the textbook from the Bookstore or other sources.
- Visit the Parks Library website to learn about the services and educational resources they offer, including those specifically for online students.
- Some instructors may require a proctored exam with an authorized person to verify identity and supervise the testing environment. Course syllabi will outline responsibilities and indicate the use of the Testing Center.
Roadmap to your Master’s or Doctorate
We’ve broken down all the key points in your graduate school experience. You’ll find what you need to know before you start, important tasks throughout your journey and things to keep in mind as you approach graduation.
Congratulations on taking the next step
Here’s everything you need to know about being an online Cyclone—from navigating your courses to accessing the support you need to succeed.
You’re all set
Iowa State Online is here to help you get to your next. You can reach a member of our dedicated online student services team by emailing us at iowastateonline@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-3916.