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 semester begins on January 12th.
☐ 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. Https://okta.wvu.edu should be your first stop for everything related to your WVU Login.
☐ Meet with your Advisor and register for classes. This is required for all students before registering for classes.
| Marketing Communications Advisor | Wendy Ridenour | wendy.ridenour@mail.wvu.edu | 304-293-3505 |
| 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 |
☐ Complete Health Insurance Waiver (opt out of student insurance) 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. If you have insurance, you will need to opt out of the WVU Aetna student health insurance plan for the upcoming academic year. Students without an approved waiver on file for the academic year will be automatically enrolled in the WVU Aetna student health insurance plan (SHIP). All new admits registered for classes will receive an email to their MIX accounts from Care26 (noreply@ahpcare.com) to set a password to their new account with AHP's Care26 opt-out waiver and enrollment platform. This process must be completed to access the new waiver platform. Have questions about opting out of the SHIP and the fall 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.
☐ Submit a FAFSA All students are encouraged to submit the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can find more information about financial aid at WVU at: https://marketingcommunications.wvu.edu/current-student/cost-of-attendance-and-financial-aid-options. 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 available to them, including full payment, payment plans, and third-party billing. The WVU Hub Student Account Office is your resource for all things related to financial aid, billing, understanding your bill, making payments, setting up a payment plan, and more. You can find more information at: studentaccounts.wvu.edu, by calling their office at (304) 293-1988, or setting up avirtual appointment. *Bill is for the entire semester, not just the class.
☐ Order your Books A list of textbooks will be found on the Student Dashboard in eCampus. I will notify you when this is available.
☐ WVU Portal portal.wvu.edu (this is your one-stop location for WVU access)
Degree Works: You will use it to monitor your degree progress.
eCampus: This is where you access the Student Dashboard and your current courses. The Student Dashboard, a valuable resource that includes regular announcements and other information, is available here.
☐ Veterans and Military Students Connect with West Virginia University’s Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs (CVMF) or email at veterans@mail.wvu.edu. For any questions, please call their office at (304) 293-8825.
☐ Register to attend the Information Session and Welcome Session (Optional) Details to follow.
☐ Request a Mountaineer Card – WVU ID (Optional) You can request and have a Mountaineer Card mailed to you. View the Request Mountaineer Card to beMailed 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.