EIU New Student and Family Programs

Parents and Family Checklist

Before Orientation

• Pay enrollment deposit (first-year students only)

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Register for Orientation

• Registration can be accessed through myEIU or through the email sent to your student's personal & EIU emails.  Orientation is required for all new students.  Class schedules will not be official until after they've attended Orientation.

• Transfer students should:
  

  • Make sure you have sent all previous college transcripts (including the current semester) to Admissions. Providing a current transcript with your in-progress courses will ensure the most up to date transfer evaluation and degree audit

• Meet with their academic advisor virtually or in person.
• Remind your student to submit their photo for their Panther Card. They'll receive an email with instructions for completing this step so please be sure they are checking their email frequently.
• Speaking of email, please encourage your student to get in the habit of checking their EIU email (we call it Panther Mail) frequently.  It's the university's official communication method and we don't want students to miss anything.  They can find instructions for logging here.

• Apply for Housing

• Pay Housing down payment at myEIU

• Submit Immunization Record Form to the Medical Clinic by August 1 (fall semester), December 15 (spring semester), and May 1 (summer semester).

During Orientation

• Housing - Students who have not filled out their housing application or contract, or those who need assistance will be able to speak with representatives from Housing and Dining during the Panther Fair.  The Housing and Dining office will also be open for walk-in visits until 4:30PM each day.
• Financial Aid and Student Accounts - Have questions about your aid, paying for college, or paying the bill?  Financial Aid and Student Accounts will be at the Panther Fair and will be open for walk-in visits until 4:30PM each day.  Families, please note that some conversations regarding financial aid may require that your student is also present.
• Panther Fair - This campus-wide resource fair will introduce you and your family to the many, many resources and opportunities available on campus.
• Banking - Open a student checking account at the only bank on campus, located right inside the MLK Jr. University Union.  More information about our U.S. Bank branch can be found here.

Move-In Day

• Get your student's Panther Card (if not already done at Orientation)

• Get your student's books from Textbook Rental Service

First Six Weeks

• Encourage your student to attend all Welcome Weekend events

• Encourage your student to refer to the Welcome Weekend booklet for information on how to connect, engage, and learn about getting involved at EIU!

• Make plans to visit your student at Family Weekend!