New Student Checklist

Congratulations on Applying to PWSC!

We look forward to having you attend our program! Here are some important next steps for you to take after you have completed your application:

 

FAFSA: Every Student, Every Year

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Have you submitted your FAFSA? Every degree-seeking student at PWSC should submit a FAFSA. Even if you aren't planning on using financial aid, you may be surprised by what you are eligible for. Most people take an hour or less to file this application.

 

Fill out the FASFA

 

 

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Set up your University of Alaska Student Account

Your UA username and password are essential for accessing most online services at PWSC and across the University of Alaska system. These services include your UA email, campus or housing wireless access, online classes on Blackboard, and registering, applying for housing, or viewing your student account in UAOnline.

To find your username or reset your password, visit me.uaa.alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska requires all students to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using Duo Mobile to secure student accounts. For assistance in setting up Duo Mobile for the first time, please refer to UAA’s IT guide or contact UAA IT support at 907-786-4646 if you encounter any issues.

Key Steps:

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Apply for Scholarships & File Your FAFSA

Make sure to file your FAFSA and explore any scholarships you may be eligible for! Completing these steps early ensures you can receive financial aid on time.

  • Scholarships: Explore and apply for scholarships through the University of Alaska's scholarship portal.
    • Fall 2025 PWSC Student Scholarship is due August 15, 2025.
  • Pay Your Bill: Visit the UAA Office of the Bursar to learn how to pay your student account.

    Apply for Scholarships

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Complete Course Placement 

PWSC believes it is important to start college on the right track, and course placement is important to your success!  Course placement helps you and your Academic Advisor make informed decisions about which classes are best for your first semester. Not all certificate-seeking students are required to take course placement. Please reach out to your program Academic Advisor to see if your certificate applies.

Course Placement Testing

 

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Apply for On-Campus Housing

Students wishing to live on campus are encouraged to apply for housing early, as space fills quickly. Immunization records and a negative TB test are required. You can apply through your UAOnline account. 

For more information, visit our Student Housing webpage, call 907-834-1634 or email pwsc.housing@alaska.edu.

Important Dates:

  • The Fall 2025 housing application will open on March 31, 2025.

Apply for Student Housing

 

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Meet with an Advisor and Register for Classes

PWSC offers a range of course delivery options for students. Your advisor will be the person you connect with to select courses and decide on the best course delivery method. 

Important Dates:

  • Summer 2025 registration is open!
  • Fall 2025 classes will be viewable on March 31, 2025.
  • Fall 2025 registration opens on April 10 for incoming freshman.

Schedule an Advising Appointment

 

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Purchase Your Books

Textbooks become available in the UAA Bookstore approximately one to two weeks before classes begin. You can research your textbooks ahead of time by visiting the UAA Bookstore website.
Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase your books—used books in excellent condition are often available and are cheaper than new ones!

Important Dates:

  • July 1, 2025 - Fall 2025 Bookstore Opens
  • August 8, 2025 - Fall 2025 student account charges open
  • August 14, 2025 - Free ship-to-campus closes

Purchase Your Textbooks

 

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Attend Orientation

Attending orientation is expected of all incoming students and gives you the opportunity to connect with PWSC students, staff, and faculty while getting information about life at PWSC. You will also learn about registering for classes. Contact our academic advisor Bernadette Irish to schedule your attendance at New Student Orientation by emailing bairish@alaska.edu or discuss this with her during your academic advising appointment.

Important Dates:

  • August 20-21, 2025 - Housing Move-In
    • NOTE: August 14, 2025 - Housing Move-In for Backpack Alaska students
  • August 22-24, 2025 - New Student Orientation
  • August 25, 2025 - Fall classes start