New Student Orientation

Once you have submitted your confirmation fee, you'll receive an email from the UIW Help Desk within three days to set up Cardinal Apps for the first time. Cardinal Apps is the place to do many tasks such as:

• Access email
• Complete orientation modules
• Register for classes
• Purchase parking permit
• Enroll in payment plan
• Apply for housing
• Get involved at UIW

The UIW Help Desk will email your UIW credentials to access your Cardinal Apps.

Prior to attending New Student Orientation, you are required to watch the orientation modules through the Canvas platform in Cardinal Apps.

Once you log into Cardinal Apps, click on the Canvas icon to access the modules. Then choose the New Student Orientation course to get started.

Here are a few items you need to complete before the start of the semester.

1. Submit your proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination.

   Texas state law mandates that all students under the age of 22 entering college provide a certificate signed by a healthcare provider or an official immunization record verifying that a student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, or has received a booster during the five years preceding admission to the University. You may submit your vaccination record in PDF form to Document Receiving at  registrar@uiwtx.edu. Note: You must have your meningitis shot on record, if applicable, to enroll in classes and to apply for on-campus housing.

2. Register for New Student Orientation

   Orientation registration is now open. Once you confirm your attendance to UIW, register for orientation and complete other next steps to complete your enrollment.

3. Take the ALEKS PPL

   To be correctly placed in college-level math, students not meeting the minimum requirement must take the UIW Mathematics Placement through ALEKS PPL or be placed in a remedial math course (no credit). Visit uiw.edu/aleks for more information.

4. Apply for on-campus housing (if you plan to live on campus).

   Information about on-campus housing is available on the Residence Life website. Applications for housing can be completed through the StarRez student housing portal found in your Cardinal Apps.

5. Complete the Online Orientation Modules

   Access the Canvas app through Cardinal Apps and complete the online new student orientation modules so you are ready for orientation day! The orientation modules will be available after you confirm your attendance and receive your student login credentials. 

6. Register for classes

   Class registration opens May 1. You can access the online New Student Advising module in Canvas on May 1, for information regarding your degree plan, course selection and registration! Check your UIW email for further instructions from your advisor once you complete the advising module. Should you have any questions, contact your advisor or the University Advising Center at (210) 805-5814.

   Students in the majors listed below must reach out to the respective contact person to discuss program requirements and class registration.

   • Music: Please visit the Music Department web page or contact William Gokelman if you have any questions at (210) 829-3848 or gokelman@uiwtx.edu.
   • Pastoral Ministry: Contact Dr. Javier Clavere, (210) 829-6070, clavere@uiwtx.edu.
   Note: It's important to remember that you will not be allowed to register for courses until you have submitted your meningitis record.
7. Submit your final high school transcript with the graduation date.

   Submit documents to admissiondocs@uiwtx.edu or mail official high school transcripts to the address below. If you have dual credit, also submit an official college transcript.
   University of the Incarnate Word

   Document Receiving Office
   4301 Broadway, CPO 304

   San Antonio, TX 78209

Here are a few items you need to complete before the start of the semester.

1. Submit your proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination.

   Texas state law mandates that all students under the age of 22 entering college provide a certificate signed by a healthcare provider or an official immunization record verifying that a student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, or has received a booster during the five years preceding admission to the University. You may submit your vaccination record in PDF form to Document Receiving at  registrar@uiwtx.edu.

   Note: You must have your meningitis shot on record, if applicable, to enroll in classes and to apply for on-campus housing.

2. Register for New Student Orientation

   Orientation registration is now open. Once you confirm your attendance to UIW, register for orientation and complete other next steps to complete your enrollment.

3. Take the ALEKS PPL

   To be correctly placed in college-level math, students not meeting the minimum requirement must take the UIW Mathematics Placement through ALEKS PPL or be placed in a remedial math course (no credit). Visit uiw.edu/aleks for more information.

4. Apply for on-campus housing (if you plan to live on campus).
   Information about on-campus housing is available on the Residence Life website. Applications for housing can be completed through the StarRez student housing portal found in your Cardinal Apps.
5. Complete the Online Orientation Modules

   Access the Canvas app through Cardinal Apps and complete the online new student orientation modules so you are ready for orientation day! The orientation modules will be available after you confirm your attendance and receive your student login credentials.

6. Register for classes.

   Class registration opens May 1. You can access the online New Student Advising module in Canvas on May 1, for information regarding your degree plan, course selection and registration. Check your UIW email for further instructions from your advisor once you complete the advising module.

   To ensure relevant scheduling, all official transcripts must be submitted at least five business days prior to your selected orientation date. Please note: Students in the majors listed below must reach out to the respective contact person to discuss program requirements and class registration.

   • 3D Animation and Game Design: Contact Dr. Adam Watkins, (210) 805-1209, watkinsw@uiwtx.edu
   • Fashion Management: Contact Dr. Melinda K. Adams, (210) 805-1204, madams@uiwtx.edu
   • Graphic Design: Contact Dora O. Palmeros-McManus, (210) 283-6445, palmeros@uiwtx.edu
   • Interior Design: Contact Dr. Diana Allison, (210) 829-3859, dallison@uiwtx.edu
   • Music: Please visit the Music Department web page or contact William Gokelman if you have any questions at (210) 829-3848 or gokelman@uiwtx.edu.
   • Pastoral Ministry: Contact Dr. Javier Clavere, (210) 829-6070, clavere@uiwtx.edu

   Should you have any questions, contact your advisor or the University Advising Center at (210) 805-5814.

7. Submit your final official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

   All admitted students must submit official transcripts with final grades from each institution attended before the beginning of the fall semester. Students with fewer than 24 college credit hours are also required to submit an official high school transcript or official GED scores. Final documents may be submitted in PDF format to admissiondocs@uiwtx.edu or physically mailed to the address below.

   University of the Incarnate Word

   Document Receiving Office

   4301 Broadway, CPO 304
   San Antonio, TX 78209

Make sure to complete these next steps for a successful start to your semester.

1. Register for a parking permit.

   You may register your vehicle using the T2 Cardinal Cars app via UIW’s Cardinal Apps sign-on portal. Please, bring the required items with you to orientation in order to purchase your parking permit. Visit the UIW parking site for more information.

   • Valid email address (you will be required to verify your account using this email)
   • Vehicle license plate number and state
   • Vehicle make, model, color and style
   Note: Any vehicle not registered with a permit is subject to a parking fine.
2. Enroll in a payment plan.

   Students must pay tuition or enroll in a payment plan before the semester begins. Once you have registered for classes, you may enroll in a payment plan on CashNet via Cardinal Apps. Visit the Business Office webpage for more information.

3. Submit your health insurance waiver.

   All UIW students must have medical insurance. If you are insured on a family plan, please ensure you waive coverage through the University by Sept 1, 2023, to avoid charges. Visit the Business Office web page for more information.