Before Beginning Your Graduate Study at
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What you need to do: |
What you need to know about: |
E-mail/NetID
All new graduate students must set up their NetID as soon as possible and by doing so you setup your free mail.montclair.edu e-mail account as well. Your Net ID is your unique electronic identity that gives you access to a growing number of online services at the University including email. Important correspondence will not be forwarded to students via paper, but through this email system to your Montclair account. You must sign up for a Montclair account as you will be held responsible for all the important information and campus notifications transmitted through this e-mail. The Montclair email account allows students to maintain easier communication with faculty and other graduate students, as well as gain off-campus access to library databases and other important resources. In addition, having this account allows graduate students to participate on various campus listservs, which is a great way to stay up-to-date on all events, deadlines, and other pertinent information. For students who may have other e-mail accounts, you may forward the email from your Montclair account to your personal accounts.Set up your NetID
Access your Montclair Email Account
For information, please call the technology helpline at 973-655-7971.
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Immunization
New Jersey State Law (P.L. 2000c.25) requires that all full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students provide evidence of immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella as a prerequisite to enrollment. Documented proof of immunity must be submitted to University Health Center, Blanton Hall. In addition, the State of New Jersey requires that all incoming full-time students who will be living in MSU residence halls must, as a condition of attendance, have evidence of having received a meningococcal (meningitis) vaccination. Information regarding specific requirements and MSU Immunization Information forms are available from the University Health Center. Failure to submit the required documentation will result in the denial of future registration privileges. Students may fax or mail original documentation signed by a licensed health care provider, a copy of a signed and authorized school record, or the completed and signed MSU Immunization Information form to the University Health Center (Telephone; 973-655-4361; Fax 973-655-4159).Top of Page
Identification Cards
ID Cards are required for using the library, computer labs, and Red Hawk dollars (money placed on your ID card to use for meals, books, copies, etc.). Students must be registered for classes at MSU, and must present a photo driver’s license or other form of identification to obtain an ID Card. New students may obtain their ID Cards during the Graduate Student Orientation, or during the first week of classes. The office is located in the Student Center, 1st floor, and can be reached by calling 973-655-4147.Top of Page
Registration
The registration system is entirely online, all you need is your CWID and your PIN. Students may view the Schedule of Courses online as well. The most up-to-date availability of courses is listed on WESS (Web Enrollment Services for Students), under course sections, or course section search.How to Register for Courses through WESS
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Paying your Term Bill
We accept payment in the form of cash, checks or money orders, E-check, and credit cards. Payments can be made in person or online and we also have payment plans available. For more information on how to pay your term bill, please visit the payment options section of the Office of the Student Account’s website.Top of Page
Financial Aid
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for student loans, which are the primary funding source for graduate students. They must be registered for at least five credits during a semester (i.e., half time) to be eligible for any kind of student loan. International students should refer to International Applicants, Special Information for information on financial aid for which they might be eligible.The Financial Aid Application Process and Deadlines
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Parking
All graduate students are required to register any vehicle parked in surface lots, and to purchase a parking permit that must be displayed as outlined in the Parking Rules and Regulations. Commuter students may park only in General parking lots: 18-28, 30, 32, 40, and 41. Hourly paid parking is available in the Red Hawk Parking Deck. A limited number of Red Hawk parking passes are available each year. Paid parking is also available in metered spaces for a maximum of two hours. Please contact Standard Parking, Level 1 of the Red Hawk Deck, at 973-655-7581, if you require additional information. Campus maps are available at The Graduate School office, Transportation & Parking Services, and the Student Center Information Desk.Top of Page
University Bookstore
The University Bookstore, located on the first floor of the Student Center, offers a number of services and products (textbooks, computers, software, clothing, supplies, etc.). To purchase text books students may visit the Bookstore, open Monday through Saturday, or purchase them online.Ordering your books online from your bookstore is simple, quick and convenient. All you need to know are the classes and the semester or term. The process begins by selecting the appropriate term. Now pull out your class schedule. For each of your classes the bookstore website will walk you through choosing your department, course, and section. After you've selected a class, the site will show you both the required textbooks and any recommended textbooks needed for that class. Then put them in your shopping cart and continue ordering until you've gone through your class schedule. For more information or for store hours please visit the Bookstore Web site or call (973)655-5460. The Bookstore may also be contacted via e-mail at: montclair@bkstr.com.
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Graduate Student Orientation
The Graduate Student Orientation provides opportunities to learn more about Montclair State University and specifically; its campus, services, faculty, staff, and administrators. As a matter of fact, it is an excellent way to accomplish many items on this list! It also presents new students with a great way to meet fellow graduate students and their future classmates.Top of Page
Directory Information and Privacy Act
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) permits the university to release directory information about a student unless the student specifically requests that this information is withheld. Students who do not wish directory information to be released should notify the Office of the Dean of Students (Student Center, 4th Floor) within the first week of each semester. If you would like further information regarding this policy, please refer to the Academic Regulations & General Information section of the Schedule of Courses booklet.Top of Page
Continuous Matriculation
Students in a master's degree program must complete at least six credits in each academic year (Fall/Spring/Summer), and must be continuously enrolled in the Fall and Spring semesters until completion of all requirements for graduation. In order to be considered continuously enrolled, students who do not register for a course in either the Fall or Spring semesters must register for a zero-credit (0 cr) Continuous Enrollment course (GRADMC1) in that semester and pay a continue enrollment fee. This course is not part of the degree program and is not assigned a grade. Under very specific and limited conditions, beyond the control of the student, the Graduate Dean may waive the Continuous Enrollment fee.
Students must register for this course at least one week prior to the start of classes. Students who remain unregistered in any given semester will be assessed the fee, and a hold will be place on their registration. This hold will be removed after the fee is paid, and upon the recommendation of the Graduate Program Coordinator to the Graduate School.
Students can register for this course for up to four consecutive semesters, after which they will be withdrawn from the program and must reapply.
To find the call number for the Continuous Enrollment Course (GRADMC1),
- Log in to WESS.
- Under the section “Courses” choose “Course Sections”
- Select the term in which you want to search in the dropdown box, click "SUBMIT."
- Select “Master's Continuous Matriculation (GRAD)” as the subject. Click "SUBMIT."
- Choose “GRAD-MC1-01 MASTER'S CONTINUOUS MATRIC” as the course you are interested in, click "SUBMIT."
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Health Insurance
All full-time students are required to have accident/sickness insurance. A premium is included in the bill for tuition and fees to cover this cost. Students who currently are covered under another health insurance plan may deduct the premium by completing a waiver card and returning it to the Students Accounts Office, College Hall, Room 218. Part-time students or dependents may enroll in the plan by completing the appropriate card, also available in the Student Account Office. For more information regarding Health Insurance, please visit the University Health Center.Top of Page
Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center provides support services to students with physical, psychological, sensory, chronic medical or learning disabilities. If you believe that you may need assistance with one of the above related areas, please contact the Disability Resource Center. Some of the services offered (depending on the student's need) are listed below:- Academic accommodations
- Equipment loans and adaptive technology
- specialized academic advising and counseling services
- Priority registration
- Parking and housing accommodations
International Students and Students Who Have Studied in Other Countries
For all non-citizens who have not earned a degree in the U.S., (or in an English speaking country), it is necessary to take an English language proficiency test at MSU (in addition to the TOEFL or IELTS). Course registration for international students will be permitted only after results from this English test have been received. To register or obtain a schedule of the English language proficiency test at MSU, please call 973-655-6955. International students should become familiar with the Office for International Students (OIS) located at 14 Normal Avenue, 973-655-4253. OIS is responsible for the general growth, development, and welfare of all international students, scholars and faculty on campus. Further, the OIS acts on behalf of international students, scholars, and faculty in an advocacy relationship in matters pertaining to the attainment of their educational goals.Top of Page
Advising
Your Graduate Program Coordinator is a critical partner in your graduate school experience. Students are encouraged not only to meet with their Graduate Program Coordinator for course selection but also to discuss overall curriculum planning, research opportunities and career goals. You may also find Graduate Program Coordinator names and contact information on the Student Services page of the WESS system.Top of Page
Taking Care of Yourself
Graduate school can be filled with very intensive coursework and study. Even if graduate school is their sole preoccupation, graduate students face many pressures; and there are even more demands on time and thought for those graduate students with families and jobs. Classes, research, writing, and expectations of faculty and peers are just a few of the forces that weigh on a graduate student's shoulders--none of these keeps the pressures of everyday living at bay. So while you are in graduate school, it is essential for you to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and this will help you manage the stress that you might encounter along the way (from the Council of Graduate Schools website).It is important that you keep balance in your life while you are engaged in graduate study. Keep your perspective by managing your time wisely, getting the proper rest and exercise, and eating in a healthy way. If you are feeling overwhelmed, the office of Counseling and Psychological Services can be a useful resource. They can be reached at (973) 655-5211 or you can visit them in their office at Gilbreth House (located directly behind Freeman Hall) for an appointment. All counseling is confidential.
The following is a link to a site with helpful tips on time and stress management for graduate students. If you know of additional links, books or other resources, please send a message to gradstudentservices@montclair.edu.
http://www.gradresources.org/
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Graduate Housing
Housing for graduate students is available in The Village at Little Falls only.
The Village at Little Falls is an 848-bed apartment-style complex consisting of four residential buildings and an administrative building. Each residential building has five stories, accommodating approximately 43 residents and a community assistant on every floor. Each individual apartment accommodates approximately four residents with one of two configurations; either in four single-rooms or two single-rooms and one double-room. The apartments at the Village offer a fully furnished living space complete with two bathrooms and a full kitchen. Graduate Housing is very limited, but the university does its very best to continue to grow graduate housing opportunities and accommodate graduate students interested in living on-campus.
The complex also provides a fitness room, half basketball court, University Police substation, and an outdoor swimming pool. The Village at Little Falls is operational year-round and houses juniors, seniors, graduate students, as well as members of our international student living-learning community.
The Office of Residential Education and Services accommodates graduate students on first come, first serve basis.
For additional information, please contact:
Kevin Schafer
Housing Assignments Coordinator
Office of Residential Education and Services - 4th Floor Bohn Hall
(973) 655-5188
schaferk@mail.montclair.edu
International Graduate Students should may fill out the On-Campus Housing Request Form and contact International Services for additional information:
Beth Calamia Scheckel
International Student and Scholar Advisor
International Services, Global Education
(973) 655-6862
calamiascheb@mail.montclair.edu
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Tutoring
Often graduate students are faced with increased workloads, strict deadlines and extensive research papers and exams. The Center for Academic Development and Assessment (CADA) offers workshops, tutoring and other resources that will help you to manage your graduate studies more effectively. Many of their services offered are listed below:- Tutoring and testing services
- Test taking strategies and ways to cope with test anxiety
- Study skills and time management
- Assistance with writing skills and reading comprehension for research papers
- Note taking and active reading
Center for Academic Development and Assessment
Moorehead Hall, Room 139-145
Phone: 973-655-4476 or 973-655-4364
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