Checklist for New Students

Know your Banner ID number

This would have been provided to you in your letter of acceptance from Registrar.

Make sure you have your Dal Card

Your Dal Card is you official Dalhousie University identification card. You must go to the Dal Card Office to obtain your card. The Dal Card Office is located at: 1443 Seymour Street

Set up your Net ID

You must set up your PIN and email account. Your @dal.ca email is the main source of email correspondence at Dalhousie University. All messages sent by Dalhousie University and the Biology Department will go to your Dal email address. You can also check the status of your student account, payroll and stipend information once you have set up your Dalhousie Net ID.

Return your “direct deposit” form and a void cheque to the Biology Office or Payroll Services

All payments (including expense and travel reimbursement) to Dalhousie students, faculty and staff are by direct deposit. It is important to provide Payroll Services with your banking information so that you will receive your monthly stipend. International students must provide an up-to-date copy of your student visa.

Take care of your health, dental and medical coverage

Note: If you have started in either January or May and you are in need of medical/health/dental care coverage, you must contact the appropriate provider as listed above.

Register for your courses

All graduate students must register for all three terms. If you are not registered, you will not receive your monthly stipend if you are paid through Dalhousie. New, January start graduate students will register for the current winter and summer terms. New May start graduate students will register for the current summer term. New students must meet with his/her supervisor to work out a program of study. All new and continuing students must register in all three terms (fall, winter, summer) for the upcoming academic year. In addition to any classes you will take during the year, you must register in REGN9999 and either the Master Thesis BIOL9000 or PhD Thesis BIOL9530. For registration information and deadlines and see Registration Information and Fees.

Pay your tuition and other fees

If your stipend is administered through Dalhousie University, your tuition and fees will automatically be deducted. If you are paid by an agency other than through Dalhousie University, you must arrange payment of your tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are paid three times a year (September, January and May).

Read the Graduate program procedures of the Department of Biology ... More info here  

These are the formal regulations of the graduate program of the department. It gives you information you require to prepare for your progression through your studies to your final thesis presentation.

Check in with the Graduate Secretary

Carolyn Young is the department’s Graduate Secretary. She will assign you a mail slot in the graduate student mail room and provide you with an access code to the room. You should provide her with your Dalhousie email address. Carolyn will arrange to have your name and email added to the Biology Graduate Student mail list. She will arrange your yearly meeting with the Graduate Coordinator in September.

Additional questions  

If, at any time, you have questions or concerns please bring them to your supervisor.