New Student Checklist

Now that you are admitted to Missouri State for graduate school, this checklist provides advice about other steps you should take to complete your transition.

1. Submit your final transcripts

   Your admission to Missouri State will be considered pending and registration of classes to a future term may be delayed until the final, official transcript is received showing your bachelor’s degree conferred. Provide your final, official transcript displaying the conferral of your bachelor's degree information to the Graduate College as soon as possible.
   Former Missouri State students are exempt from this requirement.

2. RSVP for Graduate Student Orientation

   All new graduate students are encouraged to attend our optional New Graduate Student Orientation before each fall and spring semester. We also host a New Teaching Assistant Training that is required for new graduate teaching assistants.

3. Review the Graduate Catalog

   The Graduate Catalog is your graduate student manual. You are expected to become familiar with University and Graduate College policies and procedures, as well as the University's academic regulations.

   These policies and procedures describe the rights and responsibilities of graduate students at Missouri State. Contact your academic unit and graduate program for any additional policies, procedures, and requirements.

4. Locate your BearPass number to create your BearPass login

   Included in your admission letter is a nine-digit student number known as your BearPass number. You need your BearPass number for the following:

   • Class registration
   • Financial aid and other University business
   • Creating your BearPass login for the My Missouri State portal

5. Contact your academic advisor

   Contact information for your advisor can be found in your My Missouri State portal, My Student Records card > Advising Notes.

   Your advisor will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the program, as well as any conditions that may have been placed on your admission. Your advisor will be able to provide you with information on registration and will need to release you to register for classes each semester.

6. Register for classes online

   To register for classes, follow the steps outlined below:

   1. Receive your advisor’s release to register
   2. Log in to My Missouri State
   3. Navigate to the Registration card
   4. Select the Add, Drop or Search Classes link on the Registration card
   5. Sign the online enrollment agreement (if you haven't done so already)
   6. Follow the instructions for registrering for classes
   7. Follow the online instructions for adding classes

   See our registration resources page for more information.

7. Obtain a BearPass Card

   Your BearPass Card gives you access to the library, Bookstore, athletics events, dining centers, vending machines and more. You can get your BearPass Card during Graduate Student Orientation or by visiting the BearPass Card office, Plaster Student Union 128.

8. Purchase a parking permit

   You can purchase a parking permit by visiting the office of parking administration.