New Student Undergraduate 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. Please set up your Cardinal Apps before orientation to ensure the registration process goes smoothly.

Cardinal Apps is the place to do many tasks such as:

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

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 the Office of the Registrar 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. 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.
3. Register for New Student Orientation
   Orientation registration is now open. Once you confirm your attendance to UIW, keep your eye on your email. You will receive information for registering for orientation and Next Steps to complete your enrollment.
4. 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.

   Watch How To Access the ALEKS PPL (video)

5. Register for classes.
   Registration is open for Spring 2025! Advisors are available to help you create your class schedule. To ensure relevant scheduling, all official transcripts must be submitted at least five business days before your orientation date. Once you have completed these steps, contact the University Advising Center at (210) 805-5814 or advising@uiwtx.edu to schedule an advising appointment prior to your New Student Orientation date.

   New students in the following majors must contact the person listed below to discuss program requirements prior to your advising appointment and orientation date.

   Contact Information for Majors

   Major	Contact	Phone	Email
   3D Animation and Game Design	Dr. Adam Watkins	(210) 805-1209	watkinsw@uiwtx.edu
   Fashion Management	Dr. Melinda K. Adams	(210) 805-1204	madams@uiwtx.edu
   Graphic Design	Doris O. Palmeros-McManus	(210) 283-6445	palmeros@uiwtx.edu
   Interior Design	Dr. Adam Nash	(210) 829-3860	anash@uiwtx.edu
   Music Please visit: Music Department Webpage	William Gokelman	(210) 829-3848	gokelman@uiwtx.edu
   Pastoral Ministry	Dr. Michael Romero	(210) 829-3902	maromer6@uiwtx.edu

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

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

   First-Time-in-College Students: Submit your final high school transcript with the graduation date 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.

   Transfer Students: All admitted students must submit official transcripts with final grades from each institution attended before the beginning of the spring 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
   Office of Admissions
   4301 Broadway, CPO 285
   San Antonio, TX 78209

7. Register for a parking permit.
   You may register your vehicle using the T2 Cardinal Cars app via UIW’s Cardinal Apps sign-on portal. Bring these 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

   Watch How To Obtain a Parking Permit (video)

   Note: Any vehicle not registered with a permit is subject to a parking fine.

8. 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.

   Watch How To Enroll in a Payment Plan (video)

   Watch How To Make a Payment (video)

   Watch How To Access Your Bill (video)

   Watch How To Set Up Direct Deposit (video)

Click the link below to see a list of the next steps you need for your financial aid.

• Accepting Your Aid Offer
• Scholarships and Grants
• How To Apply for a Work-Study Position (video)
• How To Accept or Decline Student Loans (video)
• How To Find Other Aid Options (video)

Download Financial Aid Next Steps Flyer (PDF)