Welcome
This page was created to answer common questions that may come up as you prepare for graduate study at the University of Utah. The information on this page was selected specifically for you, so please take time to explore. You may find that there is additional information presented here that is not relevant to your own situation or degree. After you have reviewed this page, I am happy to connect with you to answer any remaining questions.
I look forward to supporting you in your studies at the University of Utah.
Courtney Phillips | Graduate Academic Advisor
Schedule an appointment.
New Student Status Update
HIDDEN_All Graduate Students
This site has been created to better support you, and answer common questions that may come up as you prepare for graduate study at the University of Utah. Please take some time to explore the "assignments" selected specifically for you. After you have reviewed this information I am happy to connect with you, so that I can dedicate the time needed to clearly answer your questions.
I look forward to supporting you in your studies at the University of Utah.
Courtney Phillips | Graduate Academic Advisor
Civil and Environmental Engineering | Nuclear Engineering
- To be listed as full-time, graduate students must be enrolled in nine or more graduate credit hours.
- Most often, graduate students pursuing a research-based degree will enroll in six credit hours of coursework, and three credit hours of research. This does differ from student to student, and your faculty advisor will be the best resource to help you identify what will best support your research.
Please submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended by contacting the appropriate transcript office at each institution. Transcripts may be delivered by hand upon arrival in Salt Lake City.
Paper transcripts can be mailed directly from the college or university, or brought in an envelope sealed by the school to:
The Office of Admissions
201 S 1460 E, Rm 250 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
The University of Utah accepts electronic transcripts as official from the following agencies only:
- Credential Solutions/Parchment/Naviance
- National Student Clearing House
- eScript-Safe
- Scoir
- ScribOnline
- My eQuals
- MyCreds
- Digitary (see “How does Digitary work?” section)
- Vitnemalsportalen Diploma Registry
- University of Mumbai Online Attestation
*When requesting your transcripts using any of these services please use this email admisstranscripts@utah.edu.
Transcripts submitted by a student are not considered official. Transcripts must be sent from the awarding institution directly to the University of Utah to be considered official. Physical transcripts must arrive at the University of Utah in a sealed and unopened envelope from the awarding institution. Please do not order transcripts to be sent to your personal or student email, or open the envelope of mailed physical transcripts – they will be considered unofficial upon submission.
Documents submitted for admission become the property of the University of Utah and cannot be returned, with no exceptions.
University of Utah Closure Dates:
- Friday, December 23rd, 2022
- Monday, December 26th, 2022
- Friday, December 30th, 2022
- Monday, January 2nd, 2023
Note: In 2020 and 2021, in early December the U of U announced a full university closure in the week between the holidays. For 2022, a decision has not yet been made if this University Closure will occur.
Social Security Office Closures listed here.
I strongly recommend that you consider placing your name on the waiting list for the University Student Apartments and/ or that you secure temporary housing with another student for ~1 month upon arrival. Please know that housing in Salt Lake City requires thoughtful planning and thorough preparation. You will need to take action to locate housing at your earliest convenience. Consider exploring multiple opportunities for housing to ensure that you find a suitable option. You may use the following resources to support you in locating housing.
- University of Utah Graduate Student Housing
- University of Utah Family Housing. Roughly 560 new units opening August 2023. Get added to the interest list.
- Off-Campus Housing
Additional information from ISSS regarding housing.
Learn about recent updates related to housing students.
Living on a graduate student stipend can be challenging, with the ever increasing costs of living. Please review the resources below to learn about making the most of your stipend. The articles below are simply an introduction to financial planning. For additional support, schedule an appointment with the Financial Wellness Center.
General Financial Wellness:
- Developing a budget.
- A new budgeting tool.
- Growing an Emergency Fund.
- Learn about the University of Utah's Basic Needs Collective.
Credit Cards: The Good, the bad and the ugly.
Financially Responsible Meal Planning:
HIDDEN_Students Studying on a Visa
Payments are due to the University on:
Friday, January 20 by 4:45 PM(differential tuition + international fee). Estimated payment is $976.56.
($91.84 per graduate engineer credit hour + $150.00 International Fee)
Monday, February 13 by 4:45 PM(student portion of the health insurance for Spring & Summer) = $331.50
The following are steps that Civil & Environmental Engineering (CVEEN) students must complete in order to be hired at the University of Utah in a timely manner.
Before Travel:
- Once updated, at isss.utah.edu/orientation, complete Step 1: Spring 2023 Orientation E-Form.
- At the above address, complete Step 2: Watch Optional Webinars for additional information about living in Salt Lake City, and studying at the University of Utah.
- Speak with your faculty supervisor to identify 9 credit hours your wish to enroll in for the upcoming term. Inform the graduate advisor of the courses selected by emailing cveen-graduate@utah.edu.
- Arrive at the University of Utah by December 12th, 2022. If you plan arrive after this date, please inform the Graduate Advisor.
Upon Arrival:
- Check-in with the Graduate Academic Advisor, Courtney Phillips (2008 MCE) and Administrative Manager, Tiffany Hortin (2003 MCE). You’ll receive the Hiring Letter to use to use when requesting the On-Campus Work Authorization Request.
Bring with you: I-20 or DS-2019, passport, I-94 printout and if you have it, social security card. - At isss.utah.edu/orientation complete Step 3: Post-Arrival Check-In.
Be sure to provide your U.S. address, pay your orientation fee. - PAYROLL STEP ONE: Login to UAtlas (uatlas.isss.utah.edu) and submit a NEW STUDENT ON-CAMPUS WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUEST E-form (or NEW STUDENT ON-CAMPUS EARLY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUEST if you will begin working before the start of classes). This is time sensitive- and can delay student pay.
- Complete two online trainings/forms and save records documenting completion.
1. Online safety training video: https://video-training.coe.utah.edu/
2. Intellectual Property Agreement:
Go to: www.hr.utah.edu scroll down to see “New Employees” in the righthand column. Select “Onboarding”. In the “first steps” box select the bottom link labelled Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement. Complete the form titled “Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement (For Non-Benefits Eligible Employees and Student Employees)” - PAYROLL STEP TWO: When the Work Authorization has been issued ISSS will notify you via email. Stop into their office Union Room 410, as quickly as possible after notification.
a. Send the scanned authorization to t.hortin@utah.edu and Courtney.phillips@utah.edu
b. Once you have retrieved the paper copy document of the Work Authorization you may go to the Social Security Office. Appointments are NOT required (as of 4/7/22). This is time sensitive- and can delay student pay.
Bring with you: Hiring Letter, Work Authorization Letter, Original I-20 (request this from ISSS), Passport, and Form SS-5 (https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/).
Location: 175 East 400 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Telephone: 1-866-851-5275
Hours: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
- PAYROLL STEP THREE: Following your visit to the social security office, email Tiffany to inform
her your interview at social security if complete. She will provide for you a link to remotely
complete a portion of the I-9 document for U of U payroll. This is time sensitive- and can delay student pay.
Federal Law dictates that students may not begin receiving pay until payroll steps 1, 2 and 3 are complete. Payroll will not
be back dated.
When you receive your social security card in the mail, stop by to visit Tiffany or Courtney to get a digital copy of this on record.
Please direct questions to Courtney Phillips at 801 581-6678.
The purpose of this quiz is to help inform the Academic Department Staff of the progress that you're making with regard to your Visa. Please complete this on the 1st and 15th of each prior to the start of classes in the upcoming term.
Graduate students at the University of Utah studying on a Visa, must prove a certain-level of English Language Proficiency in order to hold a role as a Teaching Assistant. In our department, we have all international students receive the necessary clearance to hold the role of a TA. This is because a student could be called upon at any time to assist as a TA in an undergraduate-level course. There are many, many factors that come together to determine if a student will be assigned a TA role, and what class they're assigned to.
You will be asked to asked to complete the ITAP clearance process. This training may occur prior to semester during which you hold another job title/ job code. For example, you may be asked to complete this training in the month of August, prior to the start of school. Its possible your initial offer letter stated that you will hold another role or job title. The Department would still like for you to complete this training. Historically, this training has occurred in August and January the weeks immediately prior to the start of the academic semester. At the present time, students are required to be located in the state of Utah at the time of the course.
The processes required to receive the ITAP clearance are as follows. There are two portions the student must complete to receive the required clearance.
A. ITAP Spoken English Requirement
This can be completed in one of two ways:
1. Official English Proficiency Test Scores or
2. A Spoken English Evaluation (SEE) by ITAPS Program Manager
IF demonstrated with English Proficiency Test Scores, the test date must be within 2 years of ITAP registration and one of the following scores:
- iBT (internet-based TOEFL) Speaking sub-score of 25 or higher OR
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Speaking band of 7.0 or higher
IF demonstrated with the Spoken English Exam, this is a computer-based test facilitated by the ITAP program manager. If you must take this test please work with the ITAP manager to schedule a time to do so.
B. ITA Training
ITA Training increases general understanding of the educational system and thereby undergraduates, in the U.S. generally and at the University of Utah specifically. Content includes: reading and writing assignments, video viewing and reflections, information sharing with other candidates
Some students may receive a waiver for this training if they have (1) earned a degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada AND (2) met the ITAP Spoken English Proficiency requirement.
You may receive emails about this training from program manager Diane Cotsonas (diane.cotsonas@utah.edu) if you do, please respond promptly.
HIDDEN_Suggested Tasks for a Smooth Transition
Study the University of Utah map. Locate:
- Marriott Library
- Meldrum Civil Engineering: The department's main office is located in office suite 2000 (the northwest corner of this building).
- Olpin Student Union (UCard Office & International Student and Scholar Services: ISSS)
- Student Services Building (Graduate Admissions & Income Accounting)
- Student Health Center (Madsen Health Center) Hint: It's at the intersection of 500 South and Mario Capecchi Drive.
To upload a photo use the UCARD PHOTO UPLOADER.
Once you arrive on campus, pick up your University ID (UCARD) in building 53 , Olpin Student Union room 158.
Learn how to comply with these immunization requirements.
Need a vaccination? Learn about the cost of these here. Please note, immunizations are by appointment ONLY 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. Call for details. Note: Clinic is closed on Wednesdays,12-2pm.
Telephone: 801-581-6431
The default address for each student is Uxxxxxxx@umail.utah.edu . (Where Uxxxxxxx is the student university ID number.) You can customize your email address by following the steps linked here.
Learn about the resources available to you as a student at the University of Utah. This link includes information about campus WIFI networks, setting up your University email, Canvas online learning system and much more...
New Student Guide to Digital Resources
Access software licensed by the University for students, staff and faculty.
Campus commuter services manages parking permits on campus. If you have a car, please learn about the parking permit you will need while on campus.
If you need access to particular labs, or to buildings outside of business hours, please complete the building access request.
Please create an account with the College of Engineering computer labs (CADE Labs). This will allow you to have access to College of Engineering computing labs upon your arrival in Salt Lake City, UT.
You may also check-out a computer from the Marriott Library for up to three months! You can specify if you wish to use a PC or Mac and any software you may need. Learn more about equipment check-out here.
Resources for All Students
I strongly recommend that you consider placing your name on the waiting list for the University Student Apartments and/or that you secure temporary housing with another student ~1 month upon arrival. Please know that housing in Salt Lake City requires thoughtful planning and thorough preparation. You will need to take action to locate housing at your earliest convenience. Consider exploring multiple opportunities for housing to ensure that you find a suitable option. You may use the following resources to support you in locating housing.
- University of Utah Family Housing.
- Off-Campus Housing
Additional information from ISSS regarding housing.
Learn about recent updates related to student housing:
- To be listed as full-time, graduate students must be enrolled in nine or more graduate credit hours. Graduate courses are designated by the University as those with a course number of 5000 or higher. If a course is "co-listed" meaning that there's a 5000-level listing and a 6000-level listing graduate students should enroll in the higher of the two course number options.
- Most often, graduate students pursuing a research-based degree will enroll in six credit hours of coursework, and three credit hours of research. This differs from student to student, and your faculty advisor will be the best resource to help you identify what will best support your research.
Learn how to comply with these immunization requirements.
Need a vaccination? Learn about the charges and fees here. Please note, immunizations are available at the Student Health Center (building 685) by appointment ONLY, from 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. Call for details: (801) 581-6431.
Please submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended by contacting the appropriate transcript office at each institution. Transcripts may be delivered by hand upon arrival in Salt Lake City.
Paper transcripts can be mailed directly from the college or university, or brought in a sealed envelope to the school:
The Office of Admissions
201 S 1460 E, Rm 250 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
The University of Utah ONLY accepts electronic transcripts as official from the following agencies:
- Credential Solutions/Parchment/Naviance
- National Student Clearing House
- eScript-Safe
- Scoir
- ScribOnline
- My eQuals
- MyCreds
- Digitary (see “How does Digitary work?” section)
- Vitnemalsportalen Diploma Registry
- University of Mumbai Online Attestation
*When requesting your transcripts using any of these services please use this email admisstranscripts@utah.edu.
Transcripts submitted by a student are not considered official. Transcripts must be sent from the awarding institution directly to the University of Utah to be considered official. Physical transcripts must arrive at the University of Utah in a sealed and unopened envelope from the awarding institution. Please do not order transcripts to be sent to your personal or student email, or open the envelope of mailed physical transcripts – they will be considered unofficial upon submission.
Documents submitted for admission become the property of the University of Utah and cannot be returned, with no exceptions.
Use the UCard Photo Uploader.
Once you arrive on campus, pick up your University ID (UCARD) in Olpin Student Union (building 53), room 158.
If you have chosen to submit hard-copy transcripts, bring the unopened envelope(s) from your prior university to the University of Utah Office of Admissions. This office is located in the Student Services Building (SSB, building 40), second floor, south side of the building.
Visit the UCard Office on the first floor of the Union Building (building 53) to get your university identification printed.
This card works as a free public transit pass. Ask the staff in the UCard office when this benefit will be activated.
- Use UGuest network to access onboard.utah.edu. (Additional information/directions.)
- Windows users will be asked to download a file named "NetworkWizardLoader-<unique-alphanumeric-string>.exe," in order to set up UConnect. Once connected to UConnect, this network will be "remembered" and will connect automatically upon use on campus.
- Download Duo Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
- Use UGuest network to access onboard.utah.edu. (Read here for additional information)
- Windows users will be asked to download a file named “NetworkWizardLoader-<unique-alphanumeric-string>.exe,” in order to set up UConnect.
- Download Duo Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) you will need to login to University resources.
The default address for each student is Uxxxxxxx@umail.utah.edu (where Uxxxxxxx is your UNID). You can customize your email address by following the steps linked here.
Payroll Setup
In order to ensure you get paid in full and on time, these steps must be completed in the order listed.
The linked form is the first step in getting added to the University's payroll.
Additional Steps for International Students
A. Check-in with the Graduate Academic Advisor, Courtney Phillips (2008 MCE) and Administrative Manager, Tiffany Hortin (2003 MCE). Please bring with you: I-20 or DS-2019, passport, I-94 printout and, if you have it, social security card.
B. Complete the immigration check-in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
C. Sign up, and pay for New Student International Orientation.
D. Login to UAtlas to submit a F-1 Status Verification for On-Campus Employment.
** From the time of request to the time of completion, verification approval can take up to 10 business days. This document is required before you're able to proceed with visiting the Social Security Administration.
Tiffany will provide you a link to remotely complete a portion of the I-9 document required for U of U payroll.
Additional Steps for International Students:
E. Students will receive a notification to their University of Utah email (Umail) to bring the original form to ISSS during Walk-In Advising for a wet signature from the DSO. Bring the following with you: On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application Form.
F. Visit the Social Security Office to meet with an official to be issued a Social Security Number (SSN). Appointments are NOT required. (Additional information from USCIS, from ISSS.) Bring the following with you: On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application, Original I-20 (request this from ISSS), Passport, and Form SS-5.
Location: 175 East 400 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Telephone: 1-866-851-5275
Hours: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
G. Following your visit to the Social Security Office, provide Tiffany the reciept documenting your presence at the office. This will allow us to request a Temporary Working Number, so you can be added to University Payroll as quickly as possible.
H. When you receive your social security card in the mail, stop by to visit Tiffany or Courtney to get a digital copy of this on record.
Complete the following online trainings/forms and save records documenting completion.
1. College of Engineering Safety Video
2. University of Utah Intellectual Property Agreement as outlined below
- Go to www.hr.utah.edu and scroll down to see “New Employees” in the righthand column.
- Select “Onboarding." In the “first steps” box, select the bottom link labelled Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement.
- Complete the form titled “Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement (For Non-Benefits Eligible Employees and Student Employees).”
3. If you'll be ordering supplies in your role complete the online shopper training.
4. Complete the specified Safety Administration Management (SAM) trainings, as outlined by your lab supervisor.
Additional Resources for International Students
Learn about SIM Cards and data plans for US use.
Learn more about taxes for non US Citizens.