First Steps for Admitted Graduate Students

Welcome to William Paterson University! The following information is designed to meet the needs of newly admitted students, both matriculated and non-degree. The information provided will help to ensure that you take the necessary steps for enrollment, payment, registration, and more. Please navigate through the following sections and use the links provided at the start of your graduate career with us. As you move through to your second semester, you may begin to use the "enrolled students" tab on the University homepage, as well as refer back to the Graduate Admissions page for necessary documents.

First steps once admitted into a graduate program

Once you are admitted into a graduate program, including master's, certifications, and endorsements, there are certain steps you must take to initiate your status. Please review the following categories:

Connect to William Paterson student email

As a graduate student, it is very important that you check your student email daily. All correspondence from University offices will be sent to this email address and professors often use this email to notify students of class cancellations. Your student email can be accessed through WP Connect or by clicking 1) Enrolled Students 2) Communication and Electronic Services and then 3) Email Login. Your login ID is usually your last name and first initial and your password is your student ID number (beginning with 855). This information is provided in your welcome packet or non-degree registration email.

Login to WP Connect

WP Connect is William Paterson University's web portal. By logging onto WP Connect, you can access your student email, Blackboard, view/pay bills, view academic transcripts, and access other important William Paterson information. Your user ID is usually your last name and first initial and your password is your student id number (beginning with 855). Your login and password information is provided in your welcome packet, sent out after you have been accepted into a degree program. For non-degree students this information is provided in your registration email. Access WP Connect at wpconnect.wpunj.edu.

Pick Up Student ID cards

All graduate students should pick up their free student ID cards at Hospitality Services, located in room 100 of the Student Center. William Paterson University student ID cards are a useful tool within the University community. They are used to check out books from the library, access the Rec Center and swimming pool, and gain access to student events. For more information, please refer to the Hospitality Services website at www.wpunj.edu/hospitality/.

Apply for Parking

All new students, matriculated or non-degree, must contact Parking Services (www.wpunj.edu/police/) to get their parking permits. The cost is $100 per school year and is included in your tuition bill from the Bursar's Office.

Register for Classes

Registration for classes each semester is done solely online. Students can register through WP Connect or through the University homepage by clicking on 1) Enrolled Students 2) Online Course Info and Registration and then 3) Register Here For Classes. For more information on registration, including timetables, please visit the Registrar's website at www.wpunj.edu/registrar/.

Complete Comprehensive Examination, Change of Status, Transfer of Credits and Application for Graduation Requirements

Comprehensive Examination
Change of Status: Program Concentration
Transfer of Credits

Applications for Graduation must be filed through WPConnect.

Submit Immunization Requirements

Students are required to submit the University Health Form, including a complete medical/health record and current immunization information. This applies to all new or continuing full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students at any public or independent institution of higher education in New Jersey. For information regarding immunization requirements, please click here.

International Students:
please note, all immunization records must be submitted in English.

Visit the University bookstore

The bookstore is located on the lower level of the student center on the main campus. Students can purchase their books in-person or through the bookstore website at www.bkstr.com/Home/10001-10151-1?demoKey=d.

Access Blackboard

Blackboard is an online portal used to enhance many classes at the University. Blackboard can be accessed through WP Connect or by going to bb.wpunj.edu. Your login ID and password are the same as your WP Connect and student e-mail login and password. If you have never used Blackboard, we suggest that you take time in the beginning of your first semester to get acquainted with the system. You can also participate in a Quick Guide for Students www.wpunj.edu/sec/cshbborientation/index.html.

Know Safety/Security Information

For more information about emergency procedures, transportation services, parking, and traffic safety, please visit the university police website at www.wpunj.edu/police/

Additional Safety/Security Information:
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Ask Pio a Question