New Student To-Do's—What's next?
Congratulations on completing registration and officially joining the PLU community as a new Lute! To ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey, please complete the following tasks by the designated dates. (Click on each grey item for detailed information.)
Finances
If you:
- plan to borrow any of the education loans offered to you
- have been selected for FAFSA verification
- will be bringing in any outside scholarships
- have a matching scholarship from your church or through Scholarship America/Dollars for Scholars
- are a recipient of the Washington State College Grant
There are important steps that you must take to finalize your financial aid. Visit the Student Financial Services ‘New Student Financial Aid Steps’ webpage to review and complete these steps.
Financial Services will send monthly electronic billing statements to your PLU email.
If you want to designate up to three additional recipients to receive the e-bill, go to the Financial Services ‘New Student Financial Aid Steps’ webpage and follow their steps to set that up
You can start looking for student jobs via the Handshake as soon as you are registered for classes!
Community & Wellbeing
Make sure to apply for housing & submit your learning community preferences if you’re planning to live on campus.
Check your email for hall and learning community assignments within 2-3 weeks of submitting your learning community application.
- For Fall: Roommate letters will be sent out the last week of July. Move-in instructions will come in mid-August.
- For Spring: Assignment, Roommate Assignment and Move-in Instructions will be a singular email that will be sent starting the first week of December
If you are commuting, please consult the university residency requirement for eligibility to live at home.
STEP 1: Create your GET account
STEP 1: Create your GET account
After you’ve registered for classes or your employment contract date has arrived
and you’ve claimed your PLU email address (ePass) you can download the GET
app or use the online version at https://www.plu.edu/dining/get-app/
STEP 2: Submit an ID Photo
This picture is for identification purposes and it must clearly identify you. Photos are
also viewable by professors in conjunction with class rosters (PLU Sakai).
Give us your best headshot, but make sure:
• Your face fills at least 80% of the frame.
• It’s a full front view of your head looking straight into the camera (no side
profiles).
• Keep hands away from face.
• You’re not wearing a cap or hat or sunglasses.
• The background is white or light colored and smooth.
• Do not take photo inside a vehicle.
• It doesn’t include other people, objects or landscapes.
• It’s in color with sufficient lighting and no shadows.
• It’s not retouched or otherwise enhanced or softened.
We reserve the right to decide which pictures are usable. If you’re unsure, contact
lutecard@plu.edu. Submit the photo in the GET mobile app under settings or
online at get.cbord.com/plu in the Quick Links.
STEP 3: Pick Up Your LuteCard
After your photo has been received AND approved, your card will be printed and
you will receive an email letting you know where it can be picked up. Typically,
LuteCards are not released until Lute Welcome and other associated on campus
events occur. Please allow extra time for email notifications during peak printing
periods in August.
The PLU ID card, known as a LuteCard, is provided to all Pacific Lutheran University students. All you need to do is create your GET Account and submit a Photo ID online. Students are encouraged to upload their photo as soon as possible to ensure time for printing prior to pick-up. Please see the guidelines listed under the heading Download the GET app above.
As a member of the PLU community, we assume that you possess an earnest purpose, the ability to exercise mature judgment, the ability to act in a responsible manner, a well-developed concept of and commitment to honor, morality and integrity, and a respect for law and the rights of others.
The university adopts only such policies, rules and regulations that seem necessary for the welfare of the educational community. Each student associated with PLU is expected to be familiar with and to follow all policies, rules and regulations promulgated by the university, as well as local, state and federal laws.
Every new PLU student is required to complete online education modules that review the desired behavior for success in college.
- The modules will be available via email. All modules must be completed by start of the new semester.
- Instructions on how to complete the module and the due date will be sent to your PLU email from this sender: Pacific Lutheran University Students <administrator+96340D40-E61F-11EA-8DC9-51C3D5A0BEA2@safecolleges.com>
- Failure to complete the module will result in a hold being placed on your student account, which impacts your ability to register for upcoming terms.
- You will need your PLU epass to complete this module.
All students born after December 31, 1956 are required to provide documentation (via the MMR Verification Form) of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations received after the first birthday.
The MMR Verification Form is required for all students and if it is not turned in by August 1st a hold will be placed on your student account. You can find more information about this requirement on the PLU Health Services website.
Before first day of class
Once you’ve got your classes, you can start buying the textbooks and/ or materials needed for each class
Parking pass registration is open for the 25-26 school year. To register, go to the Permit Express Parking Portal and select “log in” to create your account. You will need to choose a username and password that are different from your ePass. Be prepared to provide your PLU ID number and vehicle information when applying for your permit. You will be prompted to add personal information, only the starred instructions are required. If you already have an account you can login with those credentials.
Information about the types of hang-tags available for purchase can be found on the Parking & Ticketing webpage. If you have additional questions or concerns, call Campus Safety at 253-535-7411 or email parking@plu.edu. New Students will be able to collect their parking pass when they check in for New Student Orientation (Residential students will check in when they move-in on Friday, August 29th — Commuters will check in when they arrive on Saturday, August 30th).
To get your Orca Card from PLU, you will need to:
- Fill out the Orca Card registration form
- Purchase the Orca Card through the Lute Locker for $10 (cash or card).
- Take your Orca Card and explore the community! (If you choose to post about your trip, use the hashtag #LutesOnTheMove).
Thinking about studying abroad/studying away? Start your planning by emailing the Wang Center for Global & Community Engaged Education at wang.center@plu.edu.
All students should have an emergency contact and confirm their address(s).
- To complete this, log in to your Banner Self-Service account.
- Select ‘Personal Information’
- Then select ‘View/Update Personal Information’
- Update your emergency contact information. While you are there, check to confirm if:
- Your permanent address is correct
- Your name & pronouns are correct
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