Grad Guide

Get Oriented

On behalf of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS), welcome to UIW. ORGS serves as the advocate for leadership in research and graduate and professional education at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). In collaboration with administrators and faculty, ORGS provides strategic direction, support, and oversight to post-baccalaureate education and research at UIW.

Our vision is to empower innovative leaders and engaged scholars to serve local and global communities. Our guiding principles of graduate study are: 

  • To create an atmosphere of respect for each student, promoting individual self-realization, cultural diversity and intellectual stimulation.​
  • To install in each student a spirit of Christian service, based upon ethical reflection, social justice and the promotion of human dignity.​
  • To develop concerned citizens and enlightened leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges of the future with creativity and responsibility.

We are so excited for you during this next step in your academic journey.  Below you will find a guide on getting started as a graduate student. Should you have any questions throughout your tenure, we are happy to assist.

On behalf of University Mission and Ministry, I offer a warm welcome to all students, especially first year students and those new to main campus. I hope and pray that this will be a fruitful and fun year for all of us. As you begin your journey here at the University of the Incarnate Word, we invite you to join us in making “visible and tangible the Incarnate Word of God in the university.” 

Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI
Vice President of University Mission and Ministry

"The University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good" (University Mission Statement). 

There are several ways to get engaged in the mission and spiritual development. 

  • Attend Daily Mass
    • All Faiths Reflection Room located in the Student Engagement Center, Room 3140
  • Get involved with Mission and Ministry
  • Get involved in a student- led organization
    • Catholic Daughters of the Americas
    • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
    • The Fire
    • The Sisterhood of UIW
    • St. Vincent de Paul Society
    • Interfaith Student Organization

Familiarity With Policies

Stay informed of and comply with regulations and policies. All policies relating to graduate education can be found in the Graduate Catalog. For specific dates on adding/dropping courses, registering for graduation, or other academic processes, please review the Academic Calendar. Note that individual programs may have additional policies in addition to what is stated in the Graduate Bulletin. 

Academic Integrity

The University of the Incarnate Word is strongly committed to the nurturing of academic excellence. The University expects its students to pursue and maintain truth, honesty and personal integrity in their academic work. Academic dishonesty, in any form, constitutes a serious threat to the freedoms which define an academic community.

Academic Integrity Policy

Tracking Your Courses

Keep track of courses and meet all university and program requirements to successfully complete the degree. You can see your progress via Degree Works, which can be accessed via Cardinal Apps. Degree Works is a web-based tool to help students and advisors monitor student's progress toward degree completion. Degree Works combines UIW’s degree requirements and the coursework you have completed in an easy‐to‐read worksheet that helps you see how courses that you have completed count toward degree requirements, as well as what courses and requirements you still need to complete.

UIW Libraries

UIW Libraries support the University's academic programs with materials, instruction and technology that advance the intellectual development of its students and the scholarship activities of its faculty.

  • Graduate Research: Our library staff are available to work with graduate students in developing a topic, evaluating resources and other research skills. Students may also contact the Discipline Liaison Librarian for your field of study.
  • Graduate Computer Rooms: Graduate students may use two rooms on the first floor of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Library (103 and 105) for individual, quiet research and writing. Students who need to work collaboratively should request a group study room.

For more information go to Graduate Student Services on the UIW Libraries website.

Writing Development

Writing specialists help at any stage of the writing process and can guide graduate students in how to improve their writing skills. Writing specialists are knowledgeable about document construction, formatting per discipline style guides, and the document submission and format review process.  

  • Schedule an Appointment
    • To make an appointment with a writing specialist, first create an account in WCOnline, after which you may log in and access the calendar to find available times. You can choose either an online or face-to-face appointment.

Any questions regarding writing support can be emailed to gradwriting@uiwtx.edu.

Statistics Consultations

Brainfuse Online Tutoring. Select this app in Cardinal Apps for access to help and tutorials in a variety of subjects in several modalities. 

WCOnline. Graduate students seeking statistics/SPSS mentoring may also schedule an appointment with a statistics support specialist. 

Statistics/SPSS mentoring typically covers basic statistics and assistance with SPSS software, although more advanced assistance is available. When attending a consultation session, bring a copy of your assignment, course syllabus, and textbook. 

Financial Aid 

Financial assistance consists of various federal, state, institutional, and private programs designed to assist you with financing your college education. The majority of federal and state student aid programs are based on the idea that you (and your parents or spouse, if applicable) have the primary responsibility for paying educational expenses. Those expenses, or costs of attendance (COA), can include tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, personal expenses, transportation, and expenses related to dependent care. Financial assistance is generally intended to meet the gap between your expected family contribution (EFC) from your FAFSA and the cost of attending college.

Graduate Assistantships

A graduate assistant is a graduate student who is hired by the University of the Incarnate Word to assist faculty or administrators with their respective duties.

Graduate assistants are graduate students, first and foremost. Graduate assistantships provide financial assistance and educational and professional developmental opportunities for graduate students. Graduate assistants support the University in its teaching, research, administrative and service missions. 

Eligibility

Open to full-time and part-time graduate students who are enrolled in their programs as defined by enrollment policy, who are in good academic standing and who satisfy continuous enrollment policies. Other eligibility conditions may be applied depending on the type and location of work performed. If the student’s GPA falls below a 3.0 during any portion of the academic year, the student may be terminated by the department from the assistantship during that academic year. Students employed by the University in faculty (including adjunct faculty appointments) or staff positions are not eligible for assistantships. Graduate assistants may not concurrently work for more than one department/school/ college regardless of funding type.

Find open positions at Cardinal Talent.

GrantForward Database

The University of the Incarnate Word has subscribed to GrantForward Funding Opportunity Search and Recommendation service, which is open to all members of our institution. We invite you to sign up to use the service to keep your awareness of funding opportunities. GrantForward (see quick overview video) helps you find grant opportunities that suit your research needs with a database of grants from over 12,000 sponsors which is updated daily. You can search for grants by keywords and advanced filters, save your favorite searches for new grant alerts and save your favorite grants to keep track of them. GrantForward also recommends grants to you based on your CV, past publications and research interests. 

You can access GrantForward at grantforward.com.

Registration and Grades

BannerWeb - UIW's student information system, called BannerWeb, allows you to register for classes online, check grades, view the course catalog, etc.

To register for courses each semester you must contact your advisor. They will give you a PIN (that changes each semester) that gives you access to register for courses in Bannerweb. Communicate with your advisor in a timely fashion to ensure you get the necessary classes.

Purchasing Course Materials

The bookstore is located in the Student Engagement Center (UIW main campus). You have the option of purchasing a paper copy of your textbook as well renting or downloading it digitally (if applicable). Any bookstore credit will be applied to your UIW ID. To check if you qualify for a book loan or would like more information, visit Bookstore Credit.

Bookstore Contact:
Main: (210) 829-6056
Fax: (210) 829-6057
Email: uiw@bkstr.com

Student Portal

Many student services contacts can be found at the Cardinal Student Service Center. 

Your student portal, called Cardinal Apps, provides single sign-on access to many tech tools (e.g., UIW Mail, Blackboard, BannerWeb, etc.).

Help Desk

Help Desk personnel are located at the front desk of the HelpDesk@SEC, which is located on the lower level of the UIW Student Engagement Center.

Students and faculty may bring their laptops to the front desk for diagnostic services and minor troubleshooting. The HelpDesk@SEC serves as the initial point of contact for all calls related to desktop and laptop support as well as calls related to audiovisual classroom support.

When to Call the Help Desk

Call the HelpDesk@SEC or submit a ticket when you have technical troubles or need service with:

  • Computer hardware
  • Software
  • Email
  • Blackboard
  • Cardinal Apps
  • Username and password
  • Classroom technology
  • Meeting room technology
  • Network and more

24/7 Help Desk

After daytime work hours, there is a 24/7 Help Desk Service that the UIW community can call to report problems and to seek assistance.

(210) 829-2721
helpdesk@uiwtx.edu

Student ID

Get your student ID at the Office of Campus Life, located in the Student Engagement Center. Your first ID is FREE! You will need your card for the following activities:

  • Load money onto your card to purchase food on campus
  • Receive access to study rooms in the library, especially those designated for graduate students
  • Check out books from the library as well as be allowed entry after 9 p.m.
  • Gain entry into the Wellness Center, Natatorium, Athletic Events, and theater performances

For more information on obtaining an ID card, visit Campus Engagement.

Student Disability Services

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Subpart E and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the University ensures accessibility to its programs, services and activities for students with documented disabilities.

Accessibility is accomplished through the provision of a wide variety of services tailored to each student's documented needs and strengths.

To qualify for services, the student must provide the Office of Student Disability Services with the appropriate documentation of his or her disability at the time services and/or accommodations are requested.

Administration Building, Suite 51
4301 Broadway, CPO #295
San Antonio, TX 78209
Office: (210) 829-3997
Visit the Student Disability Services Website

The University takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and is committed to providing information, education, resources, support, interim measures, and clear direction to University of the Incarnate Word community members to prevent and address such conduct. The University will always attempt to respond to sexual misconduct that it knows or should know about in order to stop prohibited conduct, prevent the recurrence of any conduct of concern, prevent and/or eliminate any hostile environment, and, where appropriate, address any effects on campus from such prohibited conduct.

Report an Incident

Visit the Title IX Website

University Police Department 

The University of the Incarnate Word Police Department is a recognized by the State of Texas as police agency. The interim Chief of Police, Jessica Serbantes, oversees a staff combined of both sworn and nonsworn personnel. Police officers are on duty 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to insure the safety of the University community, enforce the laws of Texas and the regulations of the University.

Located in the lobby of Clement Hall
(210) 829-6030
Visit the University Police Department Website

Parking 

A parking permit is required to park on campus.

All registered students and UIW employees may register their vehicle and order parking permits online through Cardinal Cars (found in your Cardinal Apps portal). You may register multiple vehicles under the same account.

Visit the parking website for additional information such as parking permit rates. 

Find out where to park or where buildings are located using the interactive campus map. 

Health Services

The Primary Care Clinic provides health services that focus on primary prevention care, health education and counseling, care for illnesses and injuries, the maintenance of health records and assistance with the University insurance plan.

Services Provided

  • Treatment of illnesses and injuries
  • Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings
  • Smoking cessation program
  • Referrals to physicians, community agencies and campus resources
  • Health promotion, education, and counseling
  • Assistance with student accident and illness insurance
  • Health promotion, education, counseling and psychiatrist services

Hours of Operation and Location

Closed weekends and UIW Holidays

Monday - Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

We are located on the ground level of the Agnese/Sosa parking garage. The entrance to our facility is behind the Illa Faye Miller School of Nursing; there is a red awning over the entrance.

(210) 829-6017
healthsvcs@uiwtx.edu 

Behavioral Health Services

UIW Behavioral Health Services is a primary resource providing behavioral and mental health services that fosters personal, interpersonal, and academic thriving for UIW students. We provide students with accessible and diverse mental health services to promote overall wellness and help them to make the most of their experience at UIW. Consistent with the University’s mission of preparing students for a life of engaged global citizenship, we are committed to social justice and to a campus culture of inclusiveness, respect, and enthusiasm for diversity. Therefore, we engage the UIW community through behavioral health, counseling, outreach, and educational activities. We also provide rigorous training to UIW staff, faculty, and students, recognizing that the need for support and understanding demands the development of like-minded and committed individuals.

(210) 832-5656

Wellness Facilities

The University of the Incarnate Word Sports and Wellness department consists of the Richard and Janet Cervera Wellness Center, the Ann Barshop Natatorium and the Henrich Center for Fencing and International Sports as well as the intramural sport department and the club sport department. The mission of the UIW Sports and Wellness department is to enrich the lives of the UIW community through fitness, wellness, athletic participation and competition.

Military and Veteran Center

The University of the Incarnate Word Military and Veteran Center welcomes and recognizes all service members who are serving and who have served to protect the rights and freedoms of our country. We are here to assist UIW students using educational benefits under Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Educational Assistance Programs and Department of Defense Tuition Assistance in the pursuit of their educational goals.

This office is located on the Broadway campus in the Student Engagement Center Level 3, Room 3021.

(210) 832-5651

military@uiwtx.edu
veterans@uiwtx.edu
rotc@uiwtx.edu

Student Veterans of America

The mission of the Student Veterans of America at UIW is to expedite, facilitate, and reinforce the successful transition for U.S. military veterans and their families to university life while fostering a lasting bond of friendship with veterans of allied armed forces and mentoring the next generation of military and civilian leadership.

The University of the Incarnate Word offers a variety of resources to help students achieve their scholarly, personal, and professional goals. Visit the Student Resources webpage.