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New Student Checklist

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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.

 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

Courses (also known as Sakai) 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. Information regarding the workshop location and hotel reservations will be posted in the Resources section within the BSCI 650 (Master's students) and BSCI 468 (BSM students) course page in Sakai approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled workshop weekend.

 Step 8: Review Parking Information

Review the parking information for your campus and if needed, purchase a parking pass

 Step 9: Submit Student ID Card Photo

Visit our IT site for information on submitting your Student ID Card photo.

 Step 10: Review Orientation Page

Visit the New Student Orientation page for details about the event.

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.