Dear Jennifer,

We are pleased to share a brand new way of communicating with the ESF Graduate School community—this newsletter! The information in these newsletters is relevant for new and continuing graduate students and the faculty who advise them. This is where we will share updates and opportunities for graduate students throughout the year. You will be able to find past newsletters and the important information they contain on the Graduate School website soon! We are refreshing the website this summer, too, so stay tuned for more on that.

Welcome to all of our new graduate students! You join a distinguished group of people working to complete a graduate degree at ESF. The graduate community is a critically important part of the academic and research functions of the College. You will find that our undergraduates are also eager to learn in and outside of the classroom, lab, and field—and the energy they bring lifts us all. The passion you bring to your studies as a graduate student inspires our entire community and is so important to improving our world. We look forward to meeting you as you arrive and get settled in for your new graduate program. Stop by the Graduate School Office at 227 Bray Hall to say hello.

Sincerely,

Valerie Luzadis, Ph.D.

Interim Dean, ESF Graduate School

Tuition Billing: What You Need to Know

Tuition billing can be confusing. Here are answers to frequently asked questions.

How much do I owe and when is it due?

To calculate how much you owe, take your total charges and subtract your pending aid. This is the amount that is due on Aug. 15. 

If I’m late making a payment, will I be charged a fee?

You will not be charged a late fee on any bill paid before Oct. 15 for fall or March 15 for spring. Any account with an outstanding balance after that date will receive a late fee charge based on the amount due. If your bill is not paid by the 15th of the next month, another late fee will be charged.

Does ESF offer a payment plan?

Yes. To avoid late charges, you can sign up for a payment plan. If you sign up before Aug. 15, you can pay your balance over four installments. If you sign up after Aug. 15, you will pay over three installments. Information about payment plans is found on the site where you pay your bill.

Where is my tuition scholarship?

If you received a Tuition Scholarship, it will not be posted to your account until the first day of classes. However, it should show up as pending/authorized aid. (If you do not see your tuition scholarship pending, please contact Dr. Kim Armani in OIGS for help.) 

How do I waive health insurance?

You can waive the health insurance on your bill when it is being provided by the College plan. Domestic students will have to go to the Action Items on the student portal and follow the instructions to waive out. International students do not have to do anything. ESF’s Office of Human Resources will give the Graduate School a list of students on the College plan and the Bursar’s Office will take the charge off the bill. 

Fall 2022 Orientation

This year’s orientation will be hybrid. Save the dates!

Virtual: Week of Aug. 15 | Blackboard

On Campus: Monday, Aug. 22 | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | The Gateway Center

Additional details and a link to RSVP will be emailed as the date nears.

Course Registration

New Grad Students:

• Course registration officially opens at orientation on Monday, Aug. 22.
• Steps you can take now:
• Speak to your major professor (advisor) for advice about your schedule
• Review MySlice instructions: https://www.esf.edu/registrar/reginfo.htm
• Don’t worry – new graduate students typically don’t have issues getting into classes that they need. The registrar will be at orientation to answer questions.

Continuing Grad Students:

• MySlice is currently open to register for classes.
• If you didn’t register for classes by the end of the spring semester, a late fee will be charged.
• Master’s or doctoral students currently working on their thesis or dissertation and registered for less than a full-time course load, please remember to submit a full-time status memo to the Graduate School every semester.

All Grad Students: Important Dates to Know

• Sept. 6 | Last day to add
• Sept. 23 | Last day to drop                                   
• Dec. 2 | Last day to withdraw  

Ready to Defend Your Thesis or Dissertation?

Here’s a recommended timeline for students ready to defend their thesis/dissertation. These are not hard deadlines, but guidelines for higher degree candidates:

• Request Appointment for Defense of Thesis/Dissertation Examination Committee
• 3 to 4 weeks into fall semester
• Latest day to defend to qualify for degree
• 2 weeks before commencement
• Submit a final version of document through your ESF Google account and submit associated paperwork to the Graduate School
• Last day of classes
• MPS, MF, and MLA students must notify the Graduate School of their intent to complete the degree to be included in the commencement program
• 1 month before the last day of classes

Important Contacts

Tuition, Scholarships, or General Inquiries

Graduate School 

315-470-6599 |  esfgrad@esf.edu  | 227 Bray Hall

Billing

Bursar

315-470-6652 |  bursar@esf.edu | 103 Bray Hall

Course Scheduling

Registrar

315-470-6655 |  registrar@esf.edu | 111 Bray Hall

Course Questions

Contact your Major Professor and/or the instructor of record for more information on courses.