Congratulations new Knight!
Your Checklist:
This checklist will guide you through the onboarding and orientation process. You can log-in to MyKnight Portal to see which items have been completed. Unless otherwise noted, please reach out to your admissions counselor for any questions. Contact information can be found in MyKnight Portal. Students and families are encouraged to subscribe to our Onboarding Calendar to receive reminders about upcoming due dates.
January - May
1. Access your Arcadia email via PortalGuard – Due Date: Immediately After You Deposit
This step must be completed before all other steps. Check the email you used when you applied for admission for instructions to activate Arcadia’s single sign on site, PortalGuard. Once activated, PortalGuard will allow you to access your Arcadia email and other activities required during onboarding. For more information, please contact helpdesk@arcadia.edu.
2. Apply for Housing – Open Date: February 1, Due Date: June 3rd
Submit your Housing Application – Use the MCR Housing tile in your PortalGuard account (you must activate PortalGuard to submit a housing application). Assignments will be sent to students new to the University via Arcadia email. Students who submit the housing application after the application deadline of June 3 may be placed on a housing waitlist.
3. Prepare for Course Registration – Open Date: February 1, Due Date: June 10 (if attending a June Summer Welcome Day) or June 25 (if attending a July Summer Welcome Day)
Complete First-year Pre-registration course in Canvas (placement tests)-Use the Canvas tile in PortalGuard. This course contains information needed to register for your courses, including placement exams and other forms. Please review the course to better understand the time needed to complete each section. The course can be completed in multiple sessions. Transferring from a 2- or 4-year institution? You will be contacted if placement tests are needed.
4. Sign up for a Summer Welcome Day (Orientation) – Registration closes 1 week prior to event date or when the date reaches capacity
Register for a Summer Welcome Day - Orientation is required for all new students. First Year Students, click here to register for Orientation. Transfer Students, click here to register for Transfer Orientation.
May - July
1. Prepare for your Bill – Bills to be posted after June 1st – Bills Due: August 10th
Review your financial aid offer and required forms in the Financial Aid Portal
Use your Self Service tile in PortalGuard to view your bill and add an authorized payer (if applicable) From Self Service, click on ‘Finances’ and then ‘EBILL/EPAY.
2. Get your Student ID – Due Date: By your Summer Welcome Day (Orientation)
Use the GET tile in PortalGuard to submit your photo for your KnightCard. Your KnightCard is your student identification. Click HERE to learn more about the GET app.
3. Submit required health forms – Due Date: July 1
Use in your Patient Portal tile in PortalGuard to upload your health information and immunization documentation. Health physicals need to have been completed after August 2024 to be valid.
4. Upload your proof of health insurance – Due Date: August 1st
Use your Patient Portal tile in PortalGuard. Please note: this is not available until Mid-July. In addition to uploading to your Patient Portal, please also visit www.arcadia.edu/insurancewaiver to upload.
5. Update Emergency Contact information and sign up for Send Word Now (emergency notification system)
Use your Contact Info tile in PortalGuard.
6. Submit your final college or high school transcript – Due Date: August 15
Transcripts should be sent directly from your high school.
Fall 2025
