Next steps

Set up your WSU account.

This is your gateway to your university email account, course registration and academic tools. Locate your AccessID and temporary password in your admitted student portal. Your temporary password is the nine-digit number on that page. Using this information, log in to Academica. You will be asked to change your temporary password at this time and set up a recovery email address (be sure to verify the link we send you in your personal email address).

To access your Wayne State email account through Microsoft Outlook, log into Academica and click on the envelope icon in the upper right corner. This takes you to the suite of apps in Microsoft 365 that are available to you as a Wayne State student, including Microsoft Outlook. Click on Outlook and your inbox will open - your Wayne State email! We also recommend downloading the Microsoft Outlook app on your mobile device.

Check on the status of your financial aid.

Once you apply for financial aid (using school code 002329), you can check on the status of your award and view any notifications from the Office of Student Financial Aid on Academica. Once you log in to Academica, click on Student Resources, Financial Aid Portal and choose the menu item you would like to review. Follow up on all requests from WSU so that your financial aid award is disbursed on time.

Make your orientation reservation.

Join us for an upcoming orientation program! Transfer students and first-year students have different sign up pages so be sure you click the correct reservation page.

When signing up for your orientation program, check to be sure we have the correct major listed for you. If you have changed your major, please call us at 313-577-9019 or email us to make the update official. Please update your major at least one week before your scheduled orientation date so we ensure that you receive course recommendations from the appropriate academic advisor.

Review the 2023 Student Orientation online course in Canvas.

About one week after reserving your spot for orientation, log in to Canvas with your AccessID and password to review asynchronous orientation information. We will review some of this information during your orientation program but there's a lot of information we aren't able to cover. Please review this information prior to the beginning of the semester so you are best prepared for a successful start!

Check out your options for living on campus.

Living and learning in Detroit is an experience like no other. With classrooms and libraries steps away from your front door to pro-athletic events minutes from campus, you'll have access to so many activities both in and outside of the classroom. You'll also make new friends and form quick study groups! Review your housing options at housing.wayne.edu.

Submit your AP, IB or dual enrollment transcripts to Wayne State.

If you took or are planning to take Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams or you were dual enrolled in high school, be sure to have your information sent to Wayne State so you can received credit for your work.

Make sure your AP or IB scores are sent directly from the testing agency to Wayne State. If you were dual enrolled, you must request your official transcripts from the college where you took your courses. Once we receive your test scores and/or transcript, this information will be added to your student record.

Review placement exam information.

Before you are able to register for math, biology or chemistry courses, you must meet placement requirements into those courses. All incoming students are able to take these three exams for free. You can review this chart to find out which placement exams are required based on your major.

Information about placement exam registration is included in the 2023 Student Orientation course in Canvas. Use your Academica log in information to access Canvas.

Math and biology courses

Wayne State uses your SAT/ACT scores to determine placement into appropriate math and biology courses. If you feel that your score does not accurately reflect your ability, or you did not submit standardized test scores with your admissions application, you should consider taking a placement exam.

English - College Writing

There are two introductory courses that meet general education requirements for most students - ENG 1010 and ENG 1020. Complete your directed self-placement survey to determine for which English course you should register.

Chemistry

Many students will need to take a chemistry course as part of their degree program. Regardless of whether you submitted ACT or SAT scores upon admission, you must take a chemistry placement exam in order to register for any chemistry courses.

Register for your exam(s)

As an incoming first-year student, you have access to the testing registration system approximately two weeks after making your orientation reservation. Instructions for choosing your test date(s) are found in the Orientation Canvas course. We recommend taking your placement exams at least two weeks prior to your orientation session.

Questions about which tests you need to take, if any? Contact your academic advisor.

Upload a photo for your WSU OneCard ID.

You don't have to wait until your orientation session to take a student ID picture. You can submit an approved photo from home, then the OneCard and Parking Service Center will mail your OneCard to you upon course registration. Once you log in to Academica , click on University Resources, Access OneCard Account, and then Upload Your OneCard Photo.

Double check that your major is correct

In all emails we send you, we will include your major on file with the University. Please make any changes to your major well in advance of your orientation date. This will ensure that you receive correct advising and registration information from your academic advisor. Email us with any changes to your major.

Check in with Student Disability Services.

"Disabilities" can take many different forms and we want to be sure we support your educational goals when you're a student at Wayne State. You can reach out to our Student Disability Services team before you attend orientation and before you start classes to find out what types of academic accommodations may be available to you. If you are coming to Wayne State from high school, your IEP does not carry over automatically. If you are coming to Wayne State from another college or university, your accommodations do not automatically carry over. You must register with our Student Disability Services office in order to receive academic accommodations. We are here to help you, but we don't know if you need help until you ask.

Connect with Orientation Leaders

Our Orientation Leader team is made up of current Wayne State students. Tap into their expertise through Canvas discussion boards and during your program. You also can follow us on Instagram @exploreWSU for information and updates.

Reach out with questions

If you have any questions or get stuck making your transition to Wayne State, reach out to our office at orientation@wayne.edu or 313-577-9019.