Admissions Career Services Educational Equity Programs Fellowship Office Academic Services (GSAS) Thesis Office
The Graduate College 801 South Wright Street
204 Coble Hall, MC-322
Champaign, IL 61820-6210
Phone: (217) 333-0035
Fax: (217) 333-8019
grad@uiuc.edu

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Getting Started

Computer Account Information and Services

Many University services are accessible via Web-based applications that are managed by Campus Information Technologies and Educational Services (CITES) (see section in resources). CITES also provides each student with a campus e-mail account. Extensive information about CITES services is available at www.cites.uiuc.edu.

As a graduate student at the University of Illinois, you will have several IDs and passwords, each of which provides access to particular services. Prior to your first semester at the University, you should receive an email describing how to set up your University passwords and accounts. For information about each University Id, it’s function, and related password information, go to www.cites.uiuc.edu/newstudents/gettingstarted/index.html. For additional information about CITES specifically for new students, go to www.cites.uiuc.edu/newstudents/index.html.

Remember that all IDs and passwords are confidential. They are used to protect your rights and privacy. Do not share them with anyone. Your three most essential forms of University identification are the NetID, the EnterpriseID, and the i-card.

NetID (often resembles your last name)

The NetID and password gives you access to sites and services specific to the Urbana-Champaign campus, such as computer labs and e-mail. Note, however, that you may be required to set up separate passwords for different services. For example, you may need to set up one password for access to a campus computer lab and another to log in to your e-mail account, each of which is different from your NetID password, yet you can only create these by logging in to the system with your NetID and password. The NetID password is also often called your "Bluestem" password, because the Bluestem system is used for authentication. (The Bluestem authentication screen will soon become a familiar site, and you will immediately know which password to use with that screen.)

EnterpriseID (may look the same as your NetID)

In most cases, your EnterpriseID looks the same as your NetID; however, the passwords for each of these are set separately, and they can be different. You will need your NetID and NetID password to set up your EnterpriseID password. The EnterpriseID allows access to the statewide University of Illinois administrative system for official records in Student Services, Financial Aid, and Billing, called Banner. Students access Banner through the Web-based UI Integrate Self-Service. You will need an EnterpriseID and password to register for classes. To set up your EnterpriseID, go to apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice and follow the steps for first-time users. Your Enterprise ID will allow you to claim a housing contract and to access the Student Self-Service Online Registration Forms.

i-Card (a photo ID that also has your UIN number and your library number)

Your i-card is the University's official photo ID. In late August, before and just after the fall semester is beginning, i-card are issued on the second floor of the Illini Union between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. During the rest of the year, i-card are issued in the ID Center located on the second floor of the Illini Union Bookstore on the corner of Wright and John streets.

The i-card is used to access certain services and facilities, such as library borrowing, computer labs, printing and copying, campus recreation facilities, health care, residence halls and dining facilities, and student elections. It also serves as a library user card and a bus pass. Depending on the service, you may be asked to present the actual i-card, enter the University ID number (UIN) located on the front of the card, or scan the barcode or the magnetic stripe. Off-campus students do not automatically receive i-card, but can request one from their home department, which will request one from your Campus ID Center (found at) www.icard.uillinois.edu/dsp_choose_id_center.cfm. More information is available at www.icard.uillinois.edu.

Shortly after new students are admitted, they will be invited to visit the NetID claiming Web site at netidclaim.uiuc.edu/ to set up your Net ID. You will need to enter in your University ID Number (UIN), date of birth, and last name. The UIN was provided to you in your Official Notice of Admission letter. After you have set up your Net ID and password, you will be able to link to the Enterprise ID page. We encourage you to go ahead and set up this ID and password as well. Your University email account will be the account to which all official correspondence from the University will be sent, unless you enter another email address as the preferred email using UI Integrate.

Quick Guide to Getting Started

  1. Set up your NetID and password, as described above.
  2. Set up your EnterpriseID, as described above.
  3. Get your i-card, as described above.
  4. Verify Personal Information in UI-Integrate Self-Service. Once you have established your EnterpriseID, use it to log into an online system called UI-Integrate Self-Service at apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice and verify your personal information, such as your contact information. Keeping this information up-to-date is extremely important and ensures proper delivery of important documents. Prior to the beginning of each term, students must make certain that their addresses in the UI Integrate system are current and accurate. Students should also make changes throughout the term if any address changes occur. For international students, proper documentation of a local residential address is required to maintain student visa status.
  5. Register for classes. After meeting with your adviser and setting up your EnterpriseID, you will be ready to register for classes. Register online through UI-Integrate Self-Service. The Class Schedule, a list of courses currently offered, is available online at courses.uiuc.edu/schedule. For help, contact the AITS Help Desk at 333-3102 or by e-mail Helpdesk2@uillinois.edu.
  6. If necessary, complete payroll information in NESSIE. Many students, particularly those with assistantships and fellowships, will need to complete payroll information in an online system called NESSIE New Hire. Your department will provide you with the URL and give you a password to do this. You will not be paid until information in NESSIE is complete.

Please note that your e-mail account will not be activated until just before the beginning of your admit term. More information on your e-mail account set-up can be found on the CITES web page at www.cites.uiuc.edu.

Buying Textbooks

Three local bookstores sell textbooks specifically for courses taught at the University:

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