Next Steps for DSW Admitted Students
Next steps for Admitted DSW Students
Congratulations on being admitted to the Doctor of Social Work program at KU! Next, you have important steps to take to fully accept your admission, prepare for enrollment and get ready to start the DSW program.
What to do right now
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Accept your offer of admission
Log in to the KU Graduate Admissions portal to accept your offer of admission to the DSW program.
Submit the DSW seat fee
Paying the $100 DSW seat fee is required to hold your place in the program. Students admitted to the program for fall 2026 must accept their admissions offer and pay the seat fee by May 1, 2026.
Before program orientation
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Create a KU online ID
Before you enroll, you’ll need to set up your personal KU account, which requires an online ID and password. You’ll use your ID to access crucial online services, including Enroll & Pay, university email, Canvas, and your myKU portal.
File your FAFSA
Financial aid can only be processed when a student's FAFSA is on file. The University of Kansas encourages early submission of the FAFSA. International, non-resident students will need to file the Institutional Student Need Analysis Worksheet, or ISNAW. The School of Social Welfare recommends FAFSA or ISNAW submission no later than March 1, 2026.
Follow KU Social Welfare
Follow the KU School of Social Welfare on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay up to date on stories from the School.
Register for DSW Orientation
The School of Social Welfare hosts a required DSW Orientation. The online orientation via Zoom will be scheduled for summer 2026. More information will be emailed in spring 2026 to students who have fully accepted DSW admission.
Complete Online Graduate Onboarding
Students in the fully online DSW program will complete a short KU Graduate Student Orientation course online. Students also meet virtually with academic success staff to get set up on KU systems and technology.
Before starting classes
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Review your financial aid package
If you have been admitted to KU and filed a FAFSA, KU will email you a link to a digital financial prospectus. This prospectus outlines your KU costs and how they’ll be covered. Once you’ve reviewed your financial aid package, you’ll accept or decline your awards in Enroll & Pay.
Attend DSW Orientation
Students will attend a required online DSW Orientation. More information and registration will be emailed to the email address used for your application.
Review the DSW Orientation Canvas course
In addition to the DSW Orientation program hosted on Zoom, additional prerecorded content and resources will be available in Canvas. Students will use their KU email and online ID to access the DSW Orientation course in Canvas.
Review technology requirements for online learning
Technical requirements for online learning include a stable internet connection, headset or earbuds with microphone, and access to your KU email address that is checked regularly.
KU offers support services: Microsoft Office, Zoom, Adobe PDF Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Teams, and guidance on a compatible browser and operating system.
Find more Resources for Success in Online Learning.
Admitted students with specific statuses
After being admitted, international students have their own series of steps to take before enrolling in and arriving at KU, including registering for Orientation. Visit International Support Services for more details.
To ensure a smooth enrollment and avoid payment delays, students should reach out to the Military-Affiliated Student Center to confirm their G.I. Bill benefits.
Non-native English-speaking students may have an enrollment hold placed on their account until they have successfully completed certain testing or coursework through the Applied English Center (AEC). If this applies to you, reach out to the AEC at aec@ku.edu to discuss your next steps.
DSW Academic Advisor
DSW Stories
KU DSW graduates complete capstone projects
National conference presentation highlights KU DSW program
Graduating DSW Spotlight: Sharilyn Ray
