2 – New Student Information

2.1 – Orientation

An orientation event for new students will be held on each campus during the week before their first semester begins. During this orientation, students will review school and university regulations, begin a course in teaching training, receive training in lab and course safety and become familiar with faculty research programs, the school’s facilities, staff and expectations of their graduate program. During this time, the Associate Director will also meet each new student as needed to discuss degree requirements including any prerequisites or undergraduate deficiencies, transfer credits from previous MS degrees, graduate seminars, and special topics course requirements, and to answer any questions new students may have.

2.2 – Office and Desks

The School of Biological Sciences will provide desk and office space for all graduate students in the school, if space is available. Contact the Associate Director for your assignment. Please note that moving among offices can only be done with the permission of the Associate Director.

2.3 – Keys

The Administrative Assistant in the main SBS office will issue keys. To receive keys, you will be required to sign an agreement that states that you will obey all WSU rules regarding keys. There is no charge for keys; however, you may be subject to the costs of key replacement and rekeying if you lose or fail to return the keys when you leave. Please assume responsibility for locking all office, classroom, and laboratory doors.

2.4 – Building Pass

Graduate students are required to have a valid student identification card in their possession during hours when the buildings are closed and to present your card to security personnel upon request. In Pullman, student ID cards may be obtained from the Cougar Card Center in the bottom floor of the CUB or by calling 509-335-CARD (2273).

2.5 – Mail (Pullman-based students)

Pullman students will be assigned a mailbox in Eastlick 362. Mail sent from and received at the University should only be official correspondence. Personal mail should be delivered to private residences. Business correspondence can be left in the SBS main office for mailing. Letters should not be stamped, and they must have the return address of the school with the +4 zip code (4236).

2.6 – Telephones and Fax

Telephones are available for local calls. Graduate students should work with their advisors in case of a need for work-related long-distance calls. Personal long-distance telephone calls are prohibited. For long-distance faxes, you will need a long-distance access code. Please see the Finance Manager for additional information.

2.7 – Internet Access and Computer Use

A WSU network account, including an email address, is open for all graduate students upon admission. Roving IP addresses are also available through IT for connecting laptop computers to the internet. Official WSU correspondence should only be sent from, or to @wsu.edu email addresses.

Pullman-based students have access to laptop computers and projectors for presentations; scanners; digital topographical maps for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington; and limited amounts of software are available through the School of Biological Sciences. A sign-out sheet for computers and projectors is in the main office (Abelson 301). For other equipment and software, students should check with faculty or staff concerning their availability.

2.8 – Photocopying (Pullman-based students

Copiers are available to Pullman-based SBS graduate students in Eastlick 362. You will be assigned a copier code (usually the first 4 digits of your Social Security #) to be used for your educational endeavors. Copies will be charged against your annual graduate allocation, which varies from year to year (see below). There is a separate copier code for copying related to your TA responsibilities. Please see the Finance Office for the appropriate code.

2.9 – Graduate Coordinator

Your Graduate Coordinator is available for assistance with university forms, grant and scholarship applications, and general questions. All graduate paperwork must be routed through the Graduate Coordinator. Vancouver students should work with the Vancouver Graduate Coordinator.

2.10 – Research Supplies (Pullman-based students

Pullman students usually receive an annual allocation from the school for research-related costs (books are not allowed). Check with the finance office on availability of funds and to facilitate purchases.