Accepted Student Checklist
Welcome to Mongoose University!
Congratulations on your acceptance! Complete these steps before your first day — from enrollment deposit to orientation, housing, and course registration.
Step 1: Accept Your Offer of Admission
Deadline: May 1 (National Decision Day) for fall admits; December 1 for spring admits. Log into your MyMongoose Applicant Portal at my.mongooseuniversity.edu. Click “Accept Offer of Admission” and complete the enrollment confirmation form. You’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you were admitted Early Decision, your deadline is January 15. Transfer students: your deadline is June 15 for fall, November 15 for spring.
Step 2: Pay Your Enrollment Deposit
Amount: $500 (non-refundable after May 1). Payment accepted via credit card, debit card, or electronic check through the MyMongoose portal. The deposit is applied toward your first semester’s tuition. Financial hardship waivers are available — contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-3100 to request. Deposit must be received by your acceptance deadline to hold your place in the class.
Step 3: Submit Your Housing Application & Deposit
Deadline: May 15 for fall; December 15 for spring. Housing deposit: $300 (refundable if canceled before June 1 for fall / January 1 for spring). All first-year students are required to live on campus. Apply through the Housing Portal at housing.mongooseuniversity.edu. You’ll complete a roommate questionnaire and can request specific roommates by mutual agreement. Room assignments are sent in mid-July. Three residence hall options: Founders Hall (traditional), Lakeside Commons (suites), and University Village (limited availability for first-years). Select your meal plan during the housing application: Unlimited ($3,250/semester), Mongoose 14 ($2,875/semester), or Mongoose 10 ($2,450/semester).
Step 4: Complete Your Financial Aid Requirements
If you haven’t already, file the FAFSA at fafsa.gov using Mongoose University’s school code MONG12. Priority deadline: February 1 (may still file after this date but funds are limited). Submit the CSS Profile if applying for institutional need-based grants exceeding $10,000. Review your Financial Aid Award Letter, which will be sent within 2-3 weeks of your enrollment deposit. Accept, decline, or adjust awards through the MyMongoose Student Portal under “Financial Aid.” If accepting federal student loans, complete Entrance Counseling and sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentaid.gov. Set up a monthly payment plan through Mongoose Payment Solutions if desired — available under “Billing” in MyMongoose. First tuition bill is generated in mid-July for fall semester; payment due August 1. Questions? Contact Financial Aid at financialaid@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-3200.
Step 5: Submit Health Records & Immunizations
Deadline: July 1 for fall; January 2 for spring. Required immunizations: MMR (2 doses), Meningococcal ACWY (within 5 years), Tetanus/Tdap (within 10 years), Varicella (2 doses or documented immunity), COVID-19 (up to date per CDC guidelines). Submit records through the Health Portal at health.mongooseuniversity.edu. You’ll also need to complete the online Health History Form and provide proof of health insurance (or enroll in the Mongoose University Student Health Insurance Plan at $2,150/year). TB screening required for international students. Physical exam recommended but not required. Students who do not complete health requirements by the deadline will have a registration hold placed on their account. Contact: Campus Health Center, health@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3275.
Step 6: Send Your Final Transcripts
Your final high school transcript showing graduation date and final grades must be sent directly from your high school to the Office of Admissions by July 15. Accepted method: electronic delivery via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, or Naviance is preferred. Mailed transcripts accepted at: Office of Admissions, Mongoose University, 100 Mongoose Way, Orchard Park, NY 14127. AP/IB/CLEP scores: Request official score reports be sent to Mongoose University (College Board code: 2847, IB code: 001247). Credit evaluation will appear in your MyMongoose portal within 2 weeks of receipt. Transfer students: official transcripts from all previously attended institutions required by July 15. Any discrepancy between your reported and final grades may result in rescission of your offer of admission.
Step 7: Set Up Your MU Technology Accounts
Within 48 hours of paying your enrollment deposit, you’ll receive an email with instructions to activate your Mongoose University accounts. Your MU NetID and email (firstname.lastname@mongooseuniversity.edu) are your keys to all university systems. Activate at accounts.mongooseuniversity.edu. Set up: MU Email (Microsoft 365), MyMongoose Student Portal, Canvas LMS (course management), MongooseConnect (student engagement platform), MU Mobile App (campus map, dining menus, bus tracker, emergency alerts). You’ll also receive free access to Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and MATLAB. Register for DUO two-factor authentication (required for all account access). IT Help Desk: helpdesk@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3400, available 24/7 during the first two weeks of each semester.
Step 8: Register for New Student Orientation
Mongoose Orientation is required for all new students. Summer orientation sessions are offered on 6 dates in June and July (exact dates emailed in May). During orientation (2-day, overnight program), you will: meet with an academic advisor and register for fall courses, take your student ID photo, attend campus tours and resource fairs, connect with fellow incoming students, learn about campus safety, student conduct, and academic expectations, and participate in social events. Orientation fee: $175 (covers meals, housing, materials, and a welcome package). Family Orientation Program runs concurrently for parents and family members ($75 per person, includes meals and dedicated programming). Register through the Orientation Portal at orientation.mongooseuniversity.edu by June 1.
Step 9: First-Year Experience Programs — All first-year students participate in Mongoose Launch, our comprehensive transition program: Welcome Week (August 18-24) features 50+ events before classes begin including move-in day assistance, campus resource fair, convocation ceremony, class photo, block party, and the Mongoose Midnight Breakfast tradition. First-Year Seminar (UNIV 101, 1 credit, required) covers academic success strategies, campus resources, time management, and wellness. Peer Mentor Program pairs each incoming student with an experienced upperclassman for the first semester. First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) are optional themed course clusters where 20 students share 2-3 linked courses and a weekly discussion. Learning communities available in STEM, Business, Arts, and Global Studies. The First-Year Reading Program — all incoming students read a selected book and participate in discussions and an author visit during Welcome Week.
Step 10: Select Your Courses
Course registration happens during orientation with guidance from your assigned academic advisor. First-year students typically register for 15-16 credits (5 courses). Your advisor will help you understand general education requirements (the Mongoose Core Curriculum: 42 credits across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, quantitative reasoning, and global perspectives), placement testing (math and foreign language placement tests completed online before orientation), and any AP/IB/CLEP credits that may fulfill requirements. Add/drop period extends through the first week of classes. Waitlist functionality available for full courses.
Step 11: Complete Pre-Arrival Tasks
Before move-in day, complete these remaining items: Purchase textbooks (course book lists available on Canvas by August 1; MU Bookstore price match guarantee). Set up direct deposit for any financial aid refunds through MyMongoose. Complete the online Alcohol Education and Sexual Assault Prevention courses (required; access through Canvas, takes approximately 2 hours total; deadline: August 15). Review and sign the Student Code of Conduct acknowledgment. Upload your student ID photo through the MyMongoose portal. Set up your campus parking permit if bringing a vehicle ($425/year for first-year students; apply at parking.mongooseuniversity.edu). File your emergency contact information.
Step 12: Move-In Day & Welcome Week
Fall move-in: August 18, 2026. Check-in time assigned based on last name (schedule emailed in August). Move-In Guide with packing lists, what to bring/not to bring, and driving directions mailed in late July and available online. Move-in day features: Mongoose Move-In Crew (upperclassman volunteers help carry belongings), residence hall check-in and key pickup, ID card activation at student center, welcome barbecue on the quad, floor meetings with your Resident Advisor (RA) at 7pm. Welcome Week (August 18-24) runs through the first day of classes on August 25. Schedule highlights: Campus Resource Fair (Aug 19), Club & Organization Fair (Aug 20), Convocation Ceremony (Aug 21), Outdoor Movie Night (Aug 22), Mongoose Block Party (Aug 23), Midnight Breakfast (Aug 24).
Key Contacts
Office of Admissions: admissions@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3100
Financial Aid: financialaid@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3200
Housing & Residence Life: housing@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3225
Campus Health Center: health@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3275
New Student Orientation: orientation@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3150
IT Help Desk: helpdesk@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3400
Office of Academic Advising: advising@mongooseuniversity.edu, (555) 478-3125
Important Dates at a Glance
May 1: National Decision Day (accept offer & pay enrollment deposit)
May 15: Housing application & deposit deadline
June 1: Orientation registration deadline
June-July: Summer orientation sessions
July 1: Health records & immunizations due
July 15: Final transcripts due
Mid-July: Room assignments emailed; first tuition bill generated
August 1: Tuition payment due
August 15: Online pre-arrival courses due
August 18: Move-in day
August 18-24: Welcome Week
August 25: First day of fall classes
Questions? We’re here to help! Call the Admissions Office at (555) 478-3100 or start a live chat at chat-demo.hellomongoose.com.