Navigating Baylor University: A Comprehensive Guide to Student Resources

Baylor University offers a multitude of resources and tools to support students throughout their academic journey. This guide provides an overview of essential platforms, technologies, and services available to Baylor students, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

Getting Started: Essential First Steps

Upon acceptance to Baylor, several key steps must be completed to ensure a seamless transition into university life.

Acceptance Letter and Program Director

Carefully read your acceptance letter, as it contains important information regarding stipends, insurance subsidies, and other agreements. Find your letter by logging into GoGrad and clicking on "View Update" under "Status Update." Reply to the Offer of Admission, also accessible under "Forms" on your GoGrad status page. Contact your Graduate Program Director (GPD) for program-specific instructions, especially regarding advising, selecting classes, and program orientation.

Baylor ID and BearWeb

Your Baylor ID is a 9-digit number used for internal identification. It is printed on your Student ID card and discoverable by clicking "Get Info" or the "Info" icon on the Baylor Digital ID in your Apple or Google Wallet. If you are an online student or do not have a Baylor ID Card, you can find it through the provided link. Get acquainted with your Baylor ID, as it will be used throughout your years at the university. If you encounter any issues, contact the ITS Help Desk at 710-HELP/4357.

BearWeb is a self-service portal where students can register for classes, check final grades, view financial aid summaries, look at transcripts, and access their time-card (if working on campus). Access BearWeb using your Bear ID and password, along with Duo two-factor authentication. Once your account is set up, you can register for classes for the upcoming semester.

Read also: Baylor's Notable Alumni

Account Setup and Authentication

Your Bear ID has already been created for you. It typically consists of your first and last name, a number, and underscores (e.g., Betty_Baylor2). Follow the directions carefully when choosing a password, and enter it twice. Remember that the password is case-sensitive. If needed, you can reset your BearID password through the provided link.

Duo Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Download the free Duo Mobile app and enable push notifications for the fastest way to access Baylor's online resources. It is recommended to add a second device to your Duo account as a backup.

Financial Matters

To be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) prior to enrollment in the fall semester. Baylor needs either your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to ensure timely processing of your FAFSA. Remember to pay the balance on your student account and confirm your attendance.

Updating Contact Information

Provide an update of your local address, phone and/or cell phone numbers, and contact information in case of an emergency.

Technology Resources

Baylor ITS provides a range of technology resources to support students.

AirBear Campus Wireless

Use your Bear ID and password to connect your devices to the AirBear campus wireless network (AIRBEAR WPA2) when you arrive on campus. AirBear is available in all campus buildings and many outdoor areas.

Software and Platforms

Baylor provides a license to all students for Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote, and Teams. You can access these tools through any web browser.

Canvas is the learning management system where you will interact with professors, colleagues, and course assignments. Access Canvas with your Bear ID, password, and Duo two-factor authentication to explore your courses and available resources.

Box is a cloud-based platform for collaborating on course projects and sharing files. Create your account using your Bear ID and password.

PawPrints is Baylor's campus-wide printing network. You can print from your device to any printer with the PawPrints logo. Install the drivers to your device and the mobile app.

Read also: Affording Baylor University

Zoom is available for video and team collaboration. Use the app or the web to create, schedule, or join meetings.

Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, is available on all general access computers on campus.

Explore the Software Dashboard to learn about additional software licensed by Baylor.

Hardware Recommendations

Baylor ITS recommends the following minimum system specifications for students:

Form Factor: Laptop
Operating System: Windows 11 or Apple MacOS 15*Note: Chromebooks are not capable of meeting the demand for Baylor's hybrid and online courses. A fully-capable Apple or Windows-based laptop system is essential.
Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 or Apple M3/M4
Memory: 16GB RAM
Hard Drive: 500GB+ SSD
Graphics: Integrated Video
Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or higher
Accessories: Webcam and Microphone-equipped Headset
Warranty: An extended warranty is recommended

Students selecting Apple laptops should be aware that certain areas of study in the Hankamer School of Business and the School of Engineering and Computer Science require students to use programs within a Windows environment. Students using an Apple laptop will need to run a virtual Windows environment on their Mac laptop, which may have additional licensing cost. The Baylor Bookstore Technology Sales can assist with Parallels to run Windows on Mac. The Hankamer School of Business and School of Engineering and Computer Science technology support staff can assist with options for running Windows on a Mac.

Education-Priced Hardware

The Baylor Bookstore provides in-store sales and warranty repair services for Apple and Dell systems. Several educationally-priced offers are available, and bundles can be customized to suit your needs.

Campus Services and Support

Baylor offers a variety of services to support students' academic, personal, and professional development.

Academic Support

The Paul L. Foster Success Center offers tutoring, advising, and academic guidance. Advisors guide students as they develop and pursue their academic goals, collaborating with campus partners and referring students to appropriate resources. Student Success Initiatives (SSI) staff address students' social, emotional, transitional, and academic concerns.

The University Writing Center (UWC) helps students become more effective writers.

Navigate Student strengthens your customized academic experience with tools designed to support your success. Schedule advising and tutoring appointments through the app, sync your class schedule with events, and access customized resources.

Career Services

The Career Center provides one-on-one career coaching and on-campus events with employers. In 2019, the Career Center had 5,646 one-on-one appointments with students and 106 employers offered 3,347 interview slots on campus.

Health and Wellness

Baylor University requires Health Insurance for graduate students enrolled in 3 or more credit hours, including all online graduate students, or those enrolled in at least one hour of a full-time equivalency course. Visit the Baylor Health Services Insurance page for university-wide insurance information.

Accessibility

Baylor is committed to assuring equal access in all aspects of the college experience. If you have accessibility issues, contact the Baylor Office of Access and Learning Accommodation.

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) enriches the quality of academic and social life for graduate students, advocates for their rights, and voices their concerns. Enjoy free membership to the GSA.

Housing and Transportation

There are numerous housing options available in Waco, including Baylor-owned graduate apartments and off-campus rentals. Arrange your housing early, as options become more limited as the fall semester approaches.

Parking on campus requires a parking permit. Access your Parking Account to purchase a permit for campus parking lots or garages.

Safety and Security

Most crimes reported to Baylor police involve property crimes, including thefts, burglaries, and criminal mischief.

Living in Waco

Waco offers major attractions, historic homes, recreational venues, museums, and arts organizations. Explore the culture, dining, churches, coffee shops, arts, activities, and resources for families available to the Baylor and Waco community.

Professional Development and Wellbeing

Explore the Professional Development and Wellbeing resources available to graduate students.

Baylor & AI

Many of Baylor's resources are enhanced with AI. BoxAI allows you to analyze information in files in the secure Box cloud. Microsoft Copilot Chat brings the power of ChatGPT into the Microsoft 365 environment. Adobe Creative Cloud has Firefly generative AI resources. Visit its.web.baylor.edu/ai to learn more about Baylor's approach to AI.

Key Platforms and Tools

GoGrad: Access acceptance letters and reply to offers of admission.
BearWeb: Register for classes, view grades and transcripts, and access financial aid information.
Canvas: Engage with course materials and communicate with professors and classmates.
Box: Collaborate on projects and share files.
Navigate Student: Schedule appointments, access resources, and track important to-dos.

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