Newly Admitted Students
Congratulations on your admission and welcome to North Park University! This section will help guide you through the transition. Here we have pulled together in one spot all the information you need as a new student.
Things to Do Next
Your next steps don't need to be confusing or difficult. Here's a step-by-step checklist of the crucial things you need to take care of as you prepare to enroll.
1. Meet Your Classmates
2. Set Up Your Account
Your North Park computer account gives you a number of special powers, including access to your registration inventory and an email account for you. And it's easy to do! Just make sure you have your student ID number handy, and then you're ready to set up your account.
3. Pay Your Tuition Deposit
Your tuition deposit confirms your intention to enroll of North Park University, and it is a credit toward your first semester bill. It is refundable up until May 1 for the fall semester and December 15 for the spring semester. You can pay your tuition deposit online or by mail. Please note: you'll need to log in with your North Park account in order to pay online or to download the deposit form to pay by mail.
4. Apply for Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid, including student loans, requires the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). File the FAFSA online. Once we receive your FAFSA, we will send you a financial-aid package. Make sure you read all of the information included with your financial-aid package. Contact us in the Office of Admission if you have any questions, via email or by phone at (773) 244-5500. See the financial-aid web site for additional important information.
5. Housing and Commuting Options
We are excited to have you join the North Park community! We need to know if you plan to live on campus or if you are an eligible commuter student. Please select and complete either the online housing application or commuter eligibility form below.
On Campus Housing
Explore what it's like to live at North Park through this interactive flip book.
Beginning in February, but only after you have paid your tuition deposit, you are eligible to ensure your spot in campus-owned housing. Information about housing is sent to applicants in February. You must apply for campus housing using the forms provided and reserve your space with a housing deposit that is refunded when you graduate or leave the University.
- Read the University Housing Contract Terms and Conditions
- Complete your housing application in either of two ways:
Commuting Options
Students are eligible to commute from off campus if they meet one of the following criteria:
- You are commuting from a primary residence within 30 miles of campus where you live with a parent or legal guardian
- You have senior status (90 or more credits)
- You are at least 22 years old on September 1 of the current academic year
If one of these applies to you and you wish to commute to the University, please complete the online commuter- eligibility form in conjunction with your tuition deposit. If you do not meet one of these criteria but want to commute anyway, contact the director of residence life and housing to request an appeal form.
6. Provide Proof of Insurance
North Park requires all full-time undergraduate students (registered for 12 credit hours or more) to be covered by a health insurance policy. All students are automatically billed for this policy, unless they provide proof of their own insurance. You can submit your insurance waiver online beginning June 1, 2013.
7. Pay Your First Bill
North Park mails your first fall semester bill around July 1, and sends spring semester bills in early December. Students must pay their bills in full, or have an approved payment plan in place with Student Administrative Services, by the following deadlines:
- Spring Semester (January start): January 4, 2013
- Fall Semester (August start): August 9, 2013
You cannot register for your second semester of classes until your first semester bill is settled (either paid in full or current in an approved payment plan). You can view and make payments on your bill online through My North Park (log-in required).
8. Submit Your Medical Info
Complete and return the healthcare form you will receive with your acceptance letter, by July 15 (for the fall semester) or December 15 (for the spring). If you are participating on one our intercollegiate athletic teams, please complete the pre-participation packet.
9. Register for Classes
After you have paid your tuition deposit, you are eligible to register for classes. Beginning in mid-April (for the fall semester) or early November (for the spring), registration packets will be sent to all eligible students. Classes fill up quickly. To ensure receiving your first-choice selections, register early!
Begin the process by submitting your Course Registration Form. Submitting this will help our academic advisors place you in the appropriate courses your first semester. For more help in the registration process, contact the Office of Student Enrichment Services and Support by calling (773) 244-5737.
10. Read the Student Handbook
All members of North Park's community have rights and responsibilities — make sure you know is expected of you as a student by reading the Student Handbook, and asking any questions you have.
11. Get Ready for Threshold and Voyage
Our new-student orientation is called Threshold, and it's packed with not only all kinds of useful info but fun as well. Learn all about it.
And the good stuff doesn't end there, because your whole first-year experience at North Park is called Voyage and will carry you all through the year.
12. Discuss FERPA with Your Family
As an adult in college, your student records are protected by a federal law called FERPA, which limits access even by parents and family members without a special release form. We recommend you discuss privacy expectations and how you and your family will handle bill payment, access to your student records and information, and emergencies before you get to campus. Read more about FERPA and download the release form if you need it.
13. Bring Your Friends
We love to get recommendations from our students and their families about other students who would be a great fit at North Park. Let us know who they are through our convenient Recommend a Student form and we'll send them information about North Park as they are making their college decision.