We're so glad that you have chosen one of the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts and Media Online Programs! Make sure you have completed the following steps to successfully start your online graduate program journey. Your advisor is here to help you as needed!
The Spring 2027 Semester begins Monday, January 11, 2027.
☐ Complete the intent to enroll form.
☐ Claim your WVU account. Enter your name, date of birth, and WVU ID number, which is a 9-digit number beginning with 800 that's included in your acceptance email or letter. You will then receive the information needed to access the WVU Portal. WVU Portal will be your primary access point to West Virginia University. To activate your account, go to https://okta.wvu.edu.
☐ Meet with your Advisor and register for classes. Advising is required for all newly admitted students and provides an opportunity to discuss your academic plans and register for classes. Your advisor will contact you when registration opens, which is anticipated around the end of March, to schedule your advising appointment.
| Marketing Communications Advisor | Wendy Ridenour | wendy.ridenour@mail.wvu.edu | 304-293-8683 |
| Game Design Advisor | Cindy Hart | Lucinda.Hart@mail.wvu.edu | 304-293-3286 |
| Music Business and Industry Advisor | Joshua Swiger | joshua.swiger@mail.wvu.edu | 304-293-4841 |
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Complete Health Insurance Waiver (opt out of student insurance) New
domestic students registered for at least 6 credit hours, and all international
students registered for spring will receive an email to their MIX accounts
from Care26 (noreply@ahpcare.com), AHP's opt-out waiver and
enrollment platform. Students can't access the waiver until they are registered
for the above credit hours.
West Virginia University requires all domestic graduate students registered for 6 or more credits to have health insurance – either on an existing plan or through the WVU Aetna Student Insurance Plan.
Students without an approved waiver on file for the academic year will be automatically enrolled in the WVU Aetna student health insurance plan (SHIP).
Have questions about opting out of the SHIP and the waiver process? Want to ask about the SHIP? Call AHP at 1-833-838-6584 or visit wvu.myahpcare.com, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
Spring Admits: You will need to submit a waiver for the 2026-2027 Academic year if you are registered for 6 total hours between early spring and late spring terms (January 11 - April 30). Spring waiver available: October 26, 2026.
• Submit a FAFSA Spring Admit: Students are encouraged to submit the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year.
Please review the information available on the Cost of Attendance page as financial aid awarded through FAFSA will have significant changes beginning on July 1, 2206. The WVU Hub can assist you with financial aid-related questions by calling (304) 293-1988 or setting up a virtual appointment: hub.wvu.edu/contact-us. You can review, accept, or decline aid through the WVU Portal if you receive an offer, or revisit if aid is adjusted.•Pay your Bill When bills are generated, you will receive a billing notification in your MIX email. Students have a few payment options, including paying in full, using payment plans, or using third-party billing. The WVU Hub is your resource for all things related to financial aid, billing, understanding your bill, making payments, setting up a payment plan, and more. Find more information at https://hub.wvu.edu/, call their office at (304) 293-1988, or set up a virtual appointment. *Bills are processed for the entire 16-week semester, not only the 8-week term.
• Order Your Books A list of textbooks is available for the Marketing Communications Online Programs on the Student Dashboard in WVU eCampus.
•Explore the WVU Portal Go to portal.wvu.edu (this is your one-stop location for to access important West Virginia University systems)
Degree Works: You will use it to monitor your degree progress.
WVU eCampus: This is where you access the Student Dashboard and your current courses.
MIX Email: MIX is the WVU student email system. Plan to check this account regularly!
• Veterans and Military Students Visit the West Virginia University Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs (CVMF) page to find information and deadlines regarding tuition assistance, the G.I. Bill, and other military-related questions. For any questions, email veterans@mail.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-8825.
• Complete the Orientation Course before the start of the term (Marketing Communications students only).
• Register for the Upcoming Welcome and Information Sessions (Marketing Communications students only). More details to follow.
• Request a Mountaineer Card – WVU ID (Optional) You can request to have a Mountaineer Card mailed to you. View the Request Mountaineer Card to be Mailed service page for more information.
• Follow Us on Social Media! Don't forget to follow us on social media to get involved with your program and classmates.
Instagram @wvuimc