New Student Checklist
The New Student Checklist outlines the steps to prepare you for your first trimester at the Graziadio School and ensure your smooth transition into the program. If you have any questions, please contact your academic advisor.
Get Started
Step 1: Access WaveNet
Access the WaveNet student portal and create your ID Profile. WaveNet is Pepperdine's online student portal, providing access to relevant student resources, including your course schedule, grades, financial aid information, and activity posted on your student account. All this information is accessible through WaveNet. WaveNet may have a familiar appearance because it uses the same interface as the Applicant Center, which you accessed to manage and monitor the status of your admission application. Your access changes from "applicant" to "student" once you are admitted to your program. If you were recently admitted, the system takes 24 to 48 hours to update your access.
Create your ID Profile allows you to reset your WaveNet password by receiving a PIN on a mobile device or alternate email address.
Step 2: Connect with the Financial Aid Office
All students are highly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Upon completion of the FAFSA, the next step is to complete the online entrance counseling. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at PGBSFinancialAid@pepperdine.edu or (310) 568-5530 to finalize your financial aid package. Your financial aid award summary will be posted in the Student Center section of WaveNet.
Step 3: Sign Student Financial Responsibility Agreement
In acknowledgment of the financial obligation associated with being enrolled at Pepperdine University, all students must review and sign a Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFA) form. This form will appear as a "To-Do" item in WaveNet 24-48 hours after receiving your admittance letter. It must be signed prior to each academic term in order to receive clearance to register for courses. Upon logging into WaveNet, you will notice a registration "hold" pertaining to the SFA form. After you have reviewed and provided your electronic signature on the form, this hold will be automatically removed. To avoid delays with course registration, please be sure you have completed this step in advance of the first meeting with your academic advisor.
If you have questions related to the SFA form, we encourage you to contact the University Office of the Registrar (onestop@pepperdine.edu or 310-506-7999).
Step 4: Access Pepperdine E-mail
Add your Pepperdine email to your mobile device/laptop. Begin checking your Pepperdine email on a regular basis as this is how you will receive important information regarding your courses, registration, and other events.
- Visit our IT website for instructions.
Step 5: Review Academic Program Plan
Review your academic program plan to gain a better understanding of the sequence of courses in your program.
Step 6: Review Course Materials
Materials required for your courses will be available in the Student Center within WaveNet. We have provided instructions on how to access the course material list. Purchase your books online or visit the bookstore at the West LA campus. If there are no materials listed for your course, check back periodically before the start of the term.
Step 7: Access Courses
All Programs will have access to their coursework through Canvas which is Pepperdine's learning management system allowing faculty to share course information such as the syllabus, reading materials and more. Review the details of the weekend-long workshop you are required to attend as part of your Organizational Behavior class. Please find information regarding the workshop in the Resources section within the BSCI 650 (Master's students) and BSCI 468 (BSM students) course page in Canvas approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled workshop weekend.
Step 8: Review Parking Information
Hybrid Students: Review the parking information for your campus and if needed, purchase a parking pass
Step 9: Submit Student ID Card Photo
Step 10: Review Orientation Page
Visit the New Student Orientation page for details about the event.
Step 11: Data Analytics Primer (DAP)
For MBA Students:
If your admission letter referenced the Data Analytics Primer (DAP), a supplemental statistics module to prepare you for your academic program, please review the information below. If your admission letter did not reference the DAP, you are not required to take the course.
What is the DAP?
The DAP is an online faculty-guided weekend intensive supplemental module with four lessons and a final exam.
When will the module meet?
The weekend intensive will meet on Friday 6-10 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST) and Saturday from 8 am-5 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST). Specific dates will be emailed to you. To complete the DAP, you must attend both live sessions and pass a final exam. The instructor, Dr. Alfonso Berumen, will guide you through the four lessons during the two-day workshop to ensure each student is prepared for the final exam.
What will be required?
You will need access to a computer with Excel and a video camera. You must turn your camera on during the workshop, as active participation is required.
Where to find the DAP?
The DAP course can be found in Canvas, our student learning management system. You’ll be enrolled in the module the week of before the DAP session begins. Once you receive access to the module in Canvas, you must review it before the meeting dates to ensure you’re familiar with the system.
What is required to pass the final exam?
The lessons are designed to prepare you for the final exam, where you will have a maximum of three attempts to pass with a minimum score of 70%. Official completion of the DAP requires the successful passing of the final exam.
Is there a deadline?
To complete the DAP, you must attend both live sessions and pass the final exam. The final exam should be completed, with a minimum 70% passing score, by the end of the day on the Sunday following your course.
Do I get academic credit for completing the DAP?
The DAP is supplemental preparation and does not provide academic credit toward your degree requirements. However, it must be completed as a condition of your admission into the MBA program.
Once again, congratulations on your decision to pursue your MBA at the Graziadio Business School, and we look forward to working with you throughout your academic journey. Please do not hesitate to contact your academic advisor with any other questions.
Step 12: Prepare for Your BSCI Workshop
Please visit the Behavior Course and Workshop (BSCI) page for more information.
Additional Information
Review the new student information provided by the Office of International Student Services (OISS) and complete the International Student Data form to request your I-20 form.
The Registrar's Office provides information regarding veteran services and programs. If you are a veteran, military service personnel and/or a qualified dependent intending on using VA benefits, please review the services and programs available.
If you are eligible to waive a course, please discuss the process with your academic advisor. The course waiver form must be completed by the first trimester. For information about course waivers, refer to the Academic Catalog.