Forms and Deadlines Checklist for First-Year Students

Activate Your Richmond Account

Setting up your University of Richmond student account is your first step in becoming a New Spider and it only takes a few minutes to do!

Within a few days of enrollment AND deposit, you will receive an email with the subject "University of Richmond Account Activation," which will contain your unique activation link; to activate your account, please click on this link. You will need your UR student ID number, which you will find in your Spider Portal.

If you have questions about your student ID number, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission

To access the Emergency Contact Information form, log into your Spider Portal and find the corresponding action item; you will be redirected to BannerWeb and the Personal Information page. From there, please scroll down to Emergency Contact and press the (+) Add New button.  Complete the form and hit Add at the bottom of the pop-up card. You may enter both a Primary and a Secondary emergency contact in BannerWeb.

The University of Richmond is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of your education records; to providing you with appropriate access to your education records; and to compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), its implementing regulations, and applicable Virginia law.

What is FERPA?
Read about the university’s FERPA policy and what it means for you here: UR FERPA Statement. Then, log into your Spider Portal and complete the FERPA Waiver form. Have questions about FERPA? Please contact the Office of the Registrar. 

Bridge to Success (Application deadline: May 10)

Bridge to Success is an immersive summer program designed to jump-start your transition from high school to the University of Richmond. You’ll complete coursework that will count toward general education requirements and degree completion; engage in community involvement opportunities, including off-campus excursions and activities in the city of Richmond; and get acquainted with campus and forge early bonds with peers, faculty, and staff. 

Admission to the program comes with full funding, which includes tuition, on-campus housing and food, class textbooks, and all community-based programming.

For program dates and more details, please click here.

URISE (Application deadline: May 10)

URISE aims to increase the number of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences who plan to complete a major in STEM and continue on to graduate or professional programs in science. To be eligible, a student must be passionate about science and interested in a research-based, interdisciplinary approach to their introductory science courses.

URISE is a 2.5 week summer experience for new first-year students. Admission to the program includes on-campus housing, meals, and activities (on and off campus). Students will also participate in a faculty-mentored scientific research project, as well as numerous team- and skill-building activities.

For program dates and more details, please click here.

Bonner Scholars (Application deadline: May 10)

Each year, 25 Bonner Scholars are selected by the Center for Civic Engagement to make a sustained commitment to the city of Richmond, giving 10 hours a week to nonprofits, schools, and government agencies in exchange for financial compensation. (Benefits include a $3,000 annual stipend, $9,000 for two 280-hour summer internships, and priority class registration.) If you are passionate about community engagement, want to learn from a dedicated network of local change agents, and are eager to develop your leadership skills, we encourage you to apply!

The Richmond Endeavor (Application deadline: June 1) 

The Richmond Endeavor is a living-learning experience for first-year students. Live together, take classes together and be part of an intellectual community your first-year! The Richmond Endeavor is designed for students to create meaningful bonds and friendships with their fellow classmates, develop a relationship with a faculty member during their first year at Richmond, and connect their interests both inside and outside of the classroom. Participation in Endeavor includes a pre-orientation transition program; please visit the website for details.

Spiders FLI Peer Mentor Program (Application deadline: July 1)

The Spiders FLI Peer Mentor program pairs incoming first-generation college students and/or limited-Income students with returning students who also identify in one or both of those categories to offer support and guidance during their first year at Richmond. Along with one on one time with your mentor, you will be invited to events with other FLI mentors and mentees and be introduced to all of the support the Spiders FLI program offers first-gen and limited-income students.

will (Application deadline: August 1)

will is a nationally recognized program for students interested in exploring gender and social justice issues both in and out of the classroom. Students strengthen their leadership skills, build close friendships, and work to create a more equitable world. It is open to all students. Summer applications are due by August 1.

Transition Programs are special programs that occur just prior to New Spider Orientation. Students move-in three days early and have unique and impactful experiences with their fellow classmates. They are an excellent way to start your journey as a Spider successfully!

The Richmond Endeavor (Application deadline: June 1)

The Richmond Endeavor is a year-long living-learning experience for first-year students where students live together and take classes together in an intellectual community (see "Academic-Year Programs" above). Participation in Endeavor includes a pre-orientation transition program. Students who are interested in Thrive Orientation (below) and Endeavor should indicate that on their Endeavor application.

Thrive Orientation for Multicultural Students
(Priority registration deadline: June 1; Regular registration deadline: July 1)

Thrive Orientation is a transition program that helps students build a community and familiarize themselves with the University of Richmond through a multicultural lens before New Spider Orientation. This track connects multicultural students to resources and opportunities they can use to support their wellness, growth, and experience at UR. Thrive Orientation is part of the Thrive Multicultural Experience, an enrichment initiative designed to cultivate, advocate, celebrate, and empower multicultural students throughout the different phases of their college experience.

Outdoor Adventure and Richmond (Application deadline: June 1)

Through the Outdoor Adventure and Richmond (OAR) Program, incoming students will have the opportunity to learn about our River City’s culture through a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Students will hone their observation skills hiking the trails of the James River Park System, enhance perseverance white water rafting on Class III & VI rapids, gain teambuilding skills on the Challenge Course, grow communication skills orienteering, and develop problem-solving skills as they navigate the first few days on campus, all while meeting and making new friends.

The University of Richmond adheres to the immunization and tuberculosis screening requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia. All full-time students new to the University are required to complete pre-entrance health forms prior to campus arrival. 

Please visit the Student Health Center website for specific instructions on completing the required pre-entrance health requirements.

(Recommended deadline: June 1)

If you are interested in learning more about accommodations related to a disability, please consider visiting the Disability Services website where you can find contact information, answers to frequently asked questions, and details about the accommodation application process and documentation guidance. 

While there are no deadlines for submitting accommodation applications, the process can take some time. In order to help ensure that all incoming students are able to complete the individualized and interactive intake process prior to the start of the semester, we strongly recommended students submit their applications by June 1.

(Available: May 15)

First-year students can view fall course options in BannerWeb.

Students may also review their personal information in BannerWeb and, if desired, update their gender and personal pronoun information

(Opens April 15; Closes June 30)

The housing application is required for all students who wish to live on campus. The application will be available beginning April 15.

The roommate section will open for new first-year students in StarRez on June 11 and close on June 30. Within this section, you will be able to request a specific roommate or search for a roommate. (You are not required to choose a roommate.)

Students and families interested in renter’s insurance can learn more about GradGuard through the Housing website.

(Due: June 15)

The Information for Academic Advisor survey will be available in BannerWeb in mid-May; you will find it at the bottom of the Student Services menu. This is an important form that will be used to match you with an academic advisor who will work with you until you declare a major. ALL incoming first year students (including student-athletes, Scholars & Endeavor participants) need to complete this form.

Starting in mid-June, Peer Academic Advisors (PA) will be in contact with all new students. Your PA will answer your questions, help orient you to UR’s online academic systems (i.e., BannerWeb and GradTracker), and they will help you create your Preference Plans for pre-registration. 

(Due: June 30)

All first-year students will be required to create one or more "Preference Plans" in BannerWeb for pre-registration. To help you do this, you will work with a Peer Academic Advisor (PA) and the Academic Advising Resource Center (AARC) will host two (2) informational webinars. Please see the New Spider Summer Series schedule for webinar dates and times. 

For more details on the pre-registration process, please visit Planning Your Schedule on the Academic Planning page of this website.

(Due July 1)

One week after graduation, you must submit your final high school transcript to Richmond. To be considered official, the final transcript must include the school’s official raised seal and/or the signature of a school official (if sent by mail) and the month/year of high school graduation (e.g., June 2024).

An electronic copy of the final high school transcript is acceptable from your school official. Please have it submitted through Common Application Online, Naviance, SCOIR, Parchment, Slate.org, or by email to application@richmond.edu with the subject of “Final High School Transcript" and the graduation date clearly displayed.
 
Your high school may also mail the final transcript to the Office of Admission at 142 UR Drive, University of Richmond, VA 23173. Please note that the transcript cannot be sent by fax.

UR Photo ID

Log into One Card to upload a headshot for your student ID card. This image will also be displayed in the online directory unless you opt-out.

Set your PIN for Keyless Entry into the Residence Halls

Follow the instructions on One Card’s Using Your Card: Keyless Entry webpage to set your PIN for dual authentication to your room.

Tuition (Due: August)

Invoices will be emailed to students and their designated QuikPAY Authorized Payers (see QuikPAY information below) in mid- to late July and due in early to mid-August.

Tuition Insurance

Tuition Insurance is available through GradGuard. For information and enrollment please visit their website or call 1-866-724-4384.

QuikPAY: Online Payment System

Tuition invoices are sent electronically to students (via their Richmond email account) and any "Authorized Payers" who have been established as such in QuikPAY. Only students and authorized payers can make online payments through QuikPAY. Students can designate authorized payers in QuikPAY by following the instructions on page 9 of the Student Accounts Handbook.  

QuikPAY also offers installment plans allowing Spiders to spread out their educational expenses over the course of a semester. Please visit the Student Accounts website for details. 

Have questions about invoices, payments, etc.? Review the Student Accounts Handbook or contact the Student Accounts Office at 804-289-8147 or bursar@richmond.edu.

Direct Deposit

The Office of Student Accounts asks and strongly encourages all students to sign up for direct deposit to expedite issued refunds. To sign up for direct deposit, please go to BannerWeb, click on Manage/Sign Up for Direct Deposit and enter your banking information.

(Due: September 15)

The University of Richmond requires domestic undergraduate students attending in-person classes to maintain health insurance and offers a comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to meet this requirement.

Each academic year, students must complete an online form to either confirm their enrollment in the SHIP or waive the SHIP by providing proof of alternative health insurance coverage. Please note that the SHIP fee is automatically added to the student’s tuition bill, but for students who opt out, the charge is removed within five (5) business days of waiver approval.

Students must submit the online form by September 15, 2024. Additional information about the SHIP can be found here.

(This only applies to US Citizens and US Permanent Residents)

Students who did not provide their Social Security Number on their application or FAFSA, must read, complete, sign, and return the Taxpayer Identification Number Form to the Student Accounts Office. Your SSN is needed to file Form 1098T with the IRS. Form 1098T helps determine whether you or the person who can claim you as a dependent may take either the tuition and fees deduction or claim an education credit to reduce federal income tax.

Bonner Scholars, Oliver Hill Scholars, Richmond Scholars, and NCAA Athlete Registration 
Priority registration is given to first-year students who have been named Bonner Scholars, Oliver Hill Scholars, Richmond Scholars (a merit scholarship program), or NCAA athletes; these first-year students will be registered for classes during the pre-registration period using the Preference Plans they create in BannerWeb. 

All Other First-Year Students
All other first-year students will have access to BannerWeb for self-registration on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. (ET). (Please refer to the Academic Planning site for full registration details.) It is recommended that students self-register as early as possible on the first day of registration. See the Registrar’s academic calendar for other important registration dates and details.

(Due: August 25)

In early August, you will be auto-enrolled in and need to complete the required Honor Code test in Blackboard.  This is a requirement and you are unable to start classes until you have passed this test.  Please make sure to look through all the materials in Blackboard to ensure you are prepared to take this online test.

Alcohol Edu & SAPU (Available late-July/early-August; Complete by August 25)

All full-time degree seeking students are required to complete a comprehensive alcohol education and abuse prevention program during their first semester on campus. The first part of this requirement involves an online component that must be completed prior to the first day of orientation. Students will receive email communication from the Health Educator in late-July/early-August with details as to how they can access their online alcohol education.

Textbook requirements for fall courses will be posted on the University Bookstore’s website in early August.

Any student who will not be 18 years of age by the time they arrive to campus must READ, COMPLETE, & SUBMIT this online form with their parent/guardian and visit the relevant webpages as presented on the form.

Move-In Day

Please visit the Residence Life website for move-in and check-in information.

Note: Before you can be issued a University of Richmond identification card, you will be required to show proof of identification. Be sure to bring a valid state-issued driver’s license, a passport, a military ID or an official state identification card when you come to campus. Review the Housing Office’s list of things to bring to campus and the Sustainability Office’s Green Move-In Tips.

2024 New Spider Orientation 

Pre-orientation for all international students and students participating in the Outdoor Adventure and Richmond, Endeavor, or Thrive programs begins with move-in on Sunday, August 18 and continues with orientation from August 21 through August 24. 

Orientation for all other first-year and transfer students begins with move-in on Wednesday, August 21 and continues through Saturday, August 24. Classes begin on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Please visit Parking Services’ website for information on bringing a car to campus.

If you will have bicycle on campus it is recommended that you register your bicycle to ensure we have the information needed if your bicycle is lost or stolen. You will receive a bicycle permit to be displayed on the bicycle’s frame. You will also be able to pick up a bike lock, front and rear bike lights.

Read more about the Police Department’s programs and services here, and submit a Student Inventory to provide an electronic inventory of valuable items you plan to store in your room.

Classes begin on Monday, August 26, 2024. Please review the complete academic calendar for other important fall dates.