After Admission
Activate your RAIL account and pay your enrollment deposit
RAIL is where you’ll register for classes, view your transcript, manage your financial aid, and pay your bill. Submitting your enrollment deposit confirms your spot at Shepherd and grants you access to your student email, the housing application, course registration, and more!
Sign up for a campus visit
File your FAFSA
All eligible students should be sure to file the FAFSA by March 1st for priority consideration and list Shepherd’s school code: 003822. Need help? Call Financial Aid at 304-876-5470.
Apply for scholarships
Connect with us!
After Submitting Your Enrollment Deposit
Set up your Shepherd email/network account
About 24 hours after you’ve paid your enrollment deposit, you can activate your student email/network account which will give you access to the housing application, campus computers, RamPulse, and more.
Apply for housing and a meal plan
After you’ve set up your student email, you can apply for on-campus housing and a meal plan through the Good Living Portal. The housing application is usually available beginning November for Spring and February for Fall.
Review and accept your scholarships and financial aid
Sign up for Orientation: Advisement & Registration
Students who have taken care of their enrollment deposit are eligible to sign up for the Advisement & Registration portion of Orientation. During this program, you’ll meet with your advisor to choose and register for your classes.
Send official ACT, SAT, AP, IB scores and final High School/College transcripts
Official ACT/SAT scores are used to determine math + English placement. If you earned a passing AP/IB exam score, you can receive college credit. If you took college courses, we’ll need an official* college transcript with final grades in order to update your account.
*Please note: Official transcripts must be sent in their original sealed and stamped envelope or electronically sent from the issuing institution directly to Shepherd University.
Schedule an Accuplacer test
You can take the Accuplacer for math + English placement if you: a) don’t have ACT/SAT scores, b) have not yet taken college math + English, or c) believe your ACT/SAT scores don’t reflect your ability in these subjects.
Upload Your RAMBLER Student ID Photo
Your Rambler is your official student ID card and gives you access to the Wellness Center, the library’s 24-hr room, your residence hall + meal plan, and more.
After Registering for Classes
Provide immunization records
All students, regardless of campus housing status, must submit proof of certain immunizations prior to the start of classes.
Finalize your financial aid and pay your bill
Make sure you’re on track with the Financial Aid Checklist, tuition deadlines, and payment plans. You can pay your bill through RAIL, by check, or by calling the Business Office at (304) 876-5284.
Get your textbooks
The Shepherd bookstore makes it easy to look up and purchase your required course materials.
Purchase a parking pass
Send final High School/College transcripts
Freshmen will need to send their final official* high school transcript once they graduate. If you had college courses in progress, we’ll need an official* college transcript with final grades and/or degrees posted in order to update your account. *Please note: Official transcripts must be sent in their original sealed and signature-stamped envelope or electronically sent from the issuing institution directly to Shepherd University.
Sign up for Rave alerts
Sign up for text alerts regarding delays, closures, and emergency notifications.
Explore RamPulse
Get involved! Join a club or organization and view upcoming campus events.
Prepare for Move-In Day!
If you’re living on campus, it’s time to start preparing for move-in day! Review your residence hall specifics and this helpful “What to Pack” guide.
Review the Calendar
Each year, we create a calendar so new students will see helpful dates, such as move-in day, the first day of classes, advising periods, etc.
