Navigating the Loyola Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on your college journey at Loyola University can be both exciting and overwhelming. A key component of your success will be your ability to navigate the Loyola student portal effectively. This guide will provide you with essential information and resources to help you prepare for your first semester and beyond.

First and Second Year Advising: Your Starting Point

First and Second Year Advising (FSYA) is dedicated to supporting new students and their families. Throughout the summer, FSYA provides crucial academic information and assistance with fall class registration. Consider them your primary resource as you begin your academic career at Loyola. FSYA offers a wealth of information and resources designed to ease your transition into college life.

Communications and Summer Timeline

Stay informed by consulting the Communications and Summer Timeline page. This resource outlines the important dates and deadlines for summer advising and registration. You can also find copies of communications sent to all incoming students from FSYA, ensuring you don't miss any vital updates.

First-Semester Course Recommendations

Choosing the right courses for your first semester is a critical step. The First-Semester Course Recommendations pages provide tailored suggestions based on your chosen major. You'll also find valuable tips from academic advisors on how to successfully register for courses within your specific field of study.

LOCUS Navigation

Understanding how to navigate LOCUS, Loyola's online registration system, is essential. Detailed information on searching for specific classes and troubleshooting common errors is readily available. Familiarize yourself with LOCUS to ensure a smooth registration process.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Loyola is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all students. The Student Accessibility Center (SAC) supports students with documented disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations. If you previously used an IEP or 504 plan, SAC is the college equivalent.

Registering with SAC

To receive accommodations, students must register with the SAC team. SAC encourages early outreach to ensure accommodations are in place before classes begin. Initial meetings can be scheduled either in-person or virtually during the summer.

Essential Steps for New Students

Several important action items must be completed before the start of the semester. These steps will ensure you are fully prepared for your Loyola experience.

Microsoft Login and SSO

You'll use your Microsoft login for access to SSO (Single Sign-On), LORA Self-Service (where you will register for classes), and most other online accounts at Loyola. Make sure you can successfully log in to your Microsoft account.

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication

Upon your initial login, you will be prompted to select your second factor for authentication. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Skipping this step will prevent you from accessing various resources. You can choose the authenticator app as your second form of authentication and follow the on-screen prompts to download and set up the app. If you prefer a different method, select the “I want to setup a different method” option. A green check mark indicates successful registration of your chosen authentication method.

Read also: Applying for Loyola Scholarships

LORA Self-Service: Emergency Contact and Registration Agreement

You are required to add your Emergency Contact information and complete the Registration Agreement in LORA Self-Service. Students who fail to submit this information before the start of the semester may risk being dropped from their courses. To add a new emergency contact, include the person’s name, relationship, phone number(s), and address.

Loyola ID Photo

Log into your Admissions Status Portal and upload your headshot in the "Upload Materials" section. Be sure to select "ID Photo" from the dropdown menu. Your photo should clearly show your face, have a vertical orientation and meet the specified requirements. This photo will be used to create your Loyola ID, which you'll receive upon arrival in August.

Staying Connected and Informed

Staying informed and connected is crucial for a successful transition to college life. Loyola offers several resources to keep you up-to-date on important information and events.

The Welcome Pack Newsletter

As a new member of the Loyola community, you're automatically subscribed to The Welcome Pack newsletter. This newsletter provides essential information and resources to help you prepare for your first semester.

Incoming Student Page

Visit the Incoming Student page for a comprehensive schedule of events and additional resources designed for new students.

Read also: ACT Scores for Loyola

Exploring the Loyola Community

Immerse yourself in the Loyola community by attending events and exploring the campus.

Havoc’s Sneak Peek

Incoming students and their families are invited to attend Havoc’s Sneak Peek, an optional preview day designed to showcase the Loyola experience. These preview days offer a lineup of fun showcases and resources.

Additional Tips

Discounts for College Students: If you’re shopping for computers or other digital subscriptions, don’t forget to look for special discounts just for college students!

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