Orientation for Transfer and Graduate Students

Welcome to University of Detroit Mercy!

groups of students sitting at the fitness center, near tommy's

We're delighted you've chosen to attend Detroit Mercy to continue your studies as a transfer, or new graduate student. In doing so, you show that you're serious about getting the best from your higher education.

On-Campus Orientation
Undergraduate on-campus transfer orientation varies by program. Students admitted to programs that do not offer an on-campus orientation are welcome to view the Virtual Orientation. 

Graduate on-campus orientations are conducted by program. Graduate students will be contacted by their individual programs with information regarding orientation. 

Virtual Orientation
The information provided below is designed to acquaint you with Detroit Mercy, and help make your time as a student the best it can be. You will find basic information such as obtaining necessities for a parking permit and student I.D., to an overview of resources available as a Detroit Titan. You can also "visit" via the video tour.

If you haven't yet received your My Portal login to access your financial aid award, please contact your admissions counselor as soon as possible by calling (313) 993-1245.

Always know that the faculty, staff and administrators at Detroit Mercy hold your success as our highest goal. Please contact us whenever you have a question, concern or comment.

Best of luck as you begin your boundless future!

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    Advising & Registration

    Your official transfer credit evaluation will be mailed to you within two weeks of your admission. This will confirm whether placement testing is needed prior to registration. All new students are required to meet with their Academic Advisor prior to registration. This may be done on the phone or in person based on your advisor's availability.  Some programs (Nursing and Dental Hygiene) advise their students as a group at their program orientation.  Please follow the directions provided in your admission letter to set up your advising appointment. You can view your admission letter by logging into your personal admissions portal. If you have questions or can't find the information, please contact the Office of Admissions by calling (313) 993-1245 or admissions@udmercy.edu.
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    Athletics

    The Detroit Mercy Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is responsible for conducting competitive men's and women's athletic programs. All Detroit Mercy students may use the athletic facilities according to the guidelines below. For intramural sports and activities, also see Campus Recreation.

    Athletic facilities

    • Athletic facilities at Detroit Mercy include Buysse Ballpark, Calihan Hall, Titan Field and the Titan Tennis Complex. Learn more on the Titan Athletic Facilities page.

    • Calihan Hall is not just Detroit Mercy's storied basketball arena. It also houses the Titan Athletic Offices, varsity and intramural locker rooms, sports medicine facilities, the Thelma Fox Murray running track, the Wayne Wheeler Golf Practice Center and the Larry Bleach Fitness Center. Find out more about Calihan Hall.

    • Students may use Calihan Hall between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., with the exception of a two-hour block in the weight room during the day which is reserved for student-athlete training. See the Calihan Hall hours of operation page.

    • A valid, University-issued student I.D. must be presented upon using the facilities.

    • All outdoor facilities are available for student use unless a varsity athletic team is practicing or competing.

    Participate

    • Students interested in trying out for varsity teams are encouraged to contact the coaching staffs about open try-out dates. See the Athletics staff directory.

    • Opportunities are available for participation on the Spirit Squads: Cheer, Dance and Pep Band. Contact 313-993-1700 for more information. See the team and band rosters page.

    Tickets

    • Students receive four complimentary tickets to all men's and women's home basketball games. Tickets can be picked up at the ticket window prior to the game or at the ticket office during the week. Student I.D. is required for tickets. See the ticket information page.

    About Detroit Mercy Athletics

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    Books

    The Detroit Mercy Bookstore is located in the Student Center by the south entrance. In addition to Detroit Mercy merchandise, snack food, school supplies, magazines and best-sellers, the Bookstore stocks textbooks for your classes. You can buy them in the store or online at whywaitforbooks.com.

    How to buy your books from the Bookstore

    • Bring a copy of your class schedule to the Bookstore.
    • The course number and section number that is listed on your schedule are important. These numbers will help you choose the appropriate book(s) for your class.
    • Everything on the textbook shelves in the Bookstore has a tag for each course offered by the University.
    • The Bookstore accepts payments by check, cash, money order or credit card.
    • Keep your receipts. If you must return a book, please bring the receipt. The last day for refunds is designated on the bottom of the receipt.
    • Buy early for best selection.
    • Order online: Order your textbooks online at whywaitforbooks.com, where there's often a larger selection of used textbooks.
    • Save 25% when you buy used.
    • They'll deliver online purchases to you, or you can pick them up at the campus Bookstore.
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    Career Assistance

    Visit Detroit Mercy's Center for Career and Professional Development at any stage in your Detroit Mercy experience to clarify your career direction and ensure that you are prepared to make the transition from university student to career professional.

    Schedule an appointment to meet with a career advisor to:

    • Develop a personalized career search
    • Get resume and cover letter reviews.
    • Learn tips and techniques for starting a job search
    • Discover opportunities available to your major
    • Request reciprocity services from the other schools that are members of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)

    TitanCareerLink is the website of the CEC. You can access it while you are a student, and after you graduate. Use TitanCareerLink to:

    • Find online job listings.
    • Schedule appointments with a CEC staff member.
    • Sign-up for on-campus recruiting.
    • Pre-register for career events.

    The CEC offers workshops and information throughout the academic year, including sessions on:

    • Resume preparation
    • Interviewing tips and techniques
    • Employer information sessions
    • Career fair preparation and networking skills

    The CEC offers three courses to assist you in your career development. You can receive one (1) academic credit upon completion of:

    • Cooperative Education Preparation
    • Career Development Strategies
    • Career Management Strategies

    As a Detroit Mercy student, you have access to graduate and career fairs offered by the CEC. See the CEC Events page for dates for events like:

    • Fall Career Fair (includes all majors)
    • Nursing Career Fair
    • Architecture and Engineering Career Fair
    • Graduate School Information Fair

    We also encourage Detroit Mercy students to take advantage of non-Detroit Mercy career fairs, such as the Michigan Collegiate Job Fair. Note that events offered by such external groups may require a registration fee.

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    Dining

    Whether you're in the mood for a sit-down meal or need to grab something quick on your way to class, Detroit Mercy offers a variety of dining options on all three of its campuses. To learn more about where to eat, visit the Dining page.
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    Financial Aid

    Every incoming, full-time undergraduate student receives a grant from Detroit Mercy. Financial aid officers specialize in assisting you and your family in creating financial aid packages to make your education affordable. Also, Detroit Mercy graduate and professional schools are eligible for need-based financial aid assistance. See the Detroit Mercy Financial Aid home page.

    Below are some financial aid highlights. For more Transfer Student financial aid information, see the Transfer Financial Aid page.

    FAFSA

    Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid

    • Students applying for financial aid should list the Detroit Mercy school code – 002323 – on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • Once you have been admitted and we have received the FAFSA information, you will be awarded all eligible financial aid, including student loans.

    My Portal: your financial aid connection

    Log in at my.udmercy.edu

    • Detroit Mercy's My Portal is the secure, personalized site where you can access your Detroit Mercy email, financial aid awards, calendar, registration, online payment, address changes and more.
    • To access your My Portal page, you will need your student user I.D. and password. If you have not already received this information, contact the IT Help Desk at 313-993-1500.
    • You should check your Detroit Mercy My Portal email on a regular basis, as it is the Financial Aid Office's main point of communication with you.
    • Login to My Portal at my.udmercy.edu.

    Financial aid awards

    • The financial aid award is designed to help you pay the cost of your Detroit Mercy education.
    • The financial aid award covers one full year and is divided equally between two terms. Detroit Mercy terms are September-December and January-April.
    • Each time financial aid is adjusted, we notify will you via your My Portal email.
    • Once you have reviewed your financial aid award(s) in My Portal, and you have decided which aid you would like to accept, please accept the award online and complete the award's requirements.
    • Once you have reviewed your online My Portal award, you should compare the amount of the award letter to the cost of your tuition.
    • Please visit our Transfer Financial Aid page for additional instructions on this process.

    Remaining balances

    • If you have a remaining balance for tuition or fees, you may choose to take out a private, credit-based loan or take advantage of our 10-month, interest-free payment plan through Tuition Management Systems.
    • For more details on these options, please visit the Detroit Mercy Accounting Office.

    Michigan Tuition Grant

    • If you have Michigan Tuition Grant (ESTIMATED) as a source of aid on your My Portal award, you must list the Detroit Mercy school code (002323) as the first school choice on your FAFSA in order for the state of Michigan to create an award for you.
    • This award is listed as "estimated" until the state actually makes an award.
    • You will receive a letter from the State of Michigan once the award is official.

    Books

    • You should be prepared to purchase books up front and independent of financial aid.
    • Detroit Mercy does not have a book voucher system.

    Refunds

    • If there are excess funds on your account after your tuition and fees are paid in full, then a refund check will be created.
    • All refund checks are mailed to students.
    • Refunds checks will be mailed beginning the first Friday after classes begin.

    Dropping classes

    • Refer to the Schedule of Classes for the specific refund date for each class section.
    • If a tuition refund occurs and you have received financial aid for the class, then the Financial Aid Office is notified.
    • Your financial aid award will have to be reviewed by a financial aid administrator before it can be determined if you will have a refund or balance due.

    Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) – Phase II

    • If you are a TIP recipient and you have an associate's degree or we accepted 56 credit hours (any major), you may be eligible to receive TIP at Detroit Mercy.
    • Please contact the Financial Aid Office at 313-993-1404.

    Michigan Promise Scholarship; Michigan Merit Award (MEAP)

    If you are a Michigan Promise/Merit recipient and you believe you have remaining funds, you must contact the State of Michigan at 888-447-2687 to secure your MEAP funds for Detroit Mercy by the deadline.

    Detroit Mercy Grant

    • The Detroit Mercy Grant is for full-time undergraduate enrollment only and is renewable as long as you maintain a 2.0 grade-point average and continuous full-time enrollment.
    • You may receive this grant even if you do not apply for financial aid.

    Employer discount and reimbursement programs

    You should consult your employer's human resources office regarding a Detroit Mercy discount and employer reimbursement programs. You may be required to complete the Employer Reimbursement Form.

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    Health requirements and services

    This page introduces health requirements and services for Detroit Mercy students.

    Health requirements for Detroit Mercy students

    If you are a "residential" student (i.e. you are living on campus), or if you are an international student, Detroit Mercy requires you to have a recent tuberculosis (TB) test on file. Also, all residential students must either enroll in student health insurance, or waive the insurance.

    TB test

    • Detroit Mercy requires that a recent tuberculosis (TB) skin test be on file for all new incoming residential (dorm) students and international students.
    • Chest x-ray is required if skin test is positive.
    • If already tested for TB, test must have been performed in the United States or Canada within the last 12 months (1 year).
    • Send in the TB skin test postcard.
    • TB skin tests can be done at the Detroit Mercy Health Center (see below).

    Insurance

    • Detroit Mercy requires all residential (dorm) students to carry health insurance.
    • All residential students are required to either enroll in or waive the student health insurance by the deadline.
    • If you do NOT waive the insurance, you will be billed for the student insurance, regardless of other insurance coverage (e.g., parent's insurance). 
    • Non-residential students (not living in a Detroit Mercy dorm) can also purchase the insurance if needed.

    Health services

    The Detroit Mercy Health Center offers many services to the student body. See the Health Center site.  A registered nurse or a nurse practitioner is on site, and the staff works in conjunction with physicians from a local hospital.

    Charges

    Note that office visits and tests at the Health Center will incur charges. 

    Types of services

    Services available at the Health Center include:

    • Illness and injury visits.
    • Immunizations/TB skin testing.
    • Health maintenance visits.
    • Women's health exams.
    • Health education and counseling.
    • Referrals to specialty physicians.
    • Pre-packaged prescriptions (based on cost of drug).
    • Basic laboratory tests.

    Appointments

    Appointments are necessary; use the contact information below.  Walk-ins will be worked into the schedule or placed on the schedule for a following day.

    Contact

    • Phone number: 313-993-1185
    • Location: 104 West Quad
    • Contact person: Deborah Hale, RN, BSN, Director, Detroit Mercy Health Center
    • Email: haledl1@udmercy.edu

    Office hours

    • Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Fall and Winter terms)
    • Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Spring and Summer terms)
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    I.D. cards

    All students are issued Detroit Mercy picture identification cards (I.D. cards) to ensure proper access to campus facilities. Your student I.D. card is not only for identification, it also allows you to:

    • Check out books from the Detroit Mercy Library.
    • Use game equipment in the Student Center game room.
    • Purchase Theatre Company tickets at the student rate.
    • Attend Detroit Mercy home athletic events for free.
    • Buy food from your Detroit Mercy meal plan.


    How to get your I.D. card

    Students may now upload a "selfie" head shot using website: https://get.cbord.com/udmercy/  or download the app for GET in the App Store.

    Please click on the link for specific directions: life/policies/files/CBord-GET-ID-Photo-Upload-Process.pdf

    You will receive an email confirmation when the picture is processed.  Please present a picture ID (driver's license or state ID card) to pick up the ID Card from the office. For students, ID cards must be validated each term. To validate an ID card, students must present a class schedule electronically or paper copy for the current term. 

    Validation

    Your Detroit Mercy student I.D. card must be validated each term with a small validation sticker. To validate your I.D. card for the term, bring a printout of your class schedule for the current term to the Parking & I.D. Center.

    Lost cards

    If you lose your student I.D. card, check with the Parking & I.D. Center to see if it has been turned in. There is a $20 charge for a replacement I.D. card. If you find a lost I.D. card, please turn it in to the Parking & I.D. Center.

    More information

    Fine more information about I.D. cards.

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    International students

    Each year, Detroit Mercy welcomes hundreds of international students from more than 40 countries. With students from as near as Canada and as far as China, Detroit Mercy is proud of the cultural diversity these students add to our University community.

    Visit the International Services Office (ISO) for information of special interest to our international students.

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    Library

    Detroit Mercy's libraries provide the University community with hundreds of thousands of books, scholarly journals, databases, media materials and more for your learning, research and personal enjoyment.  They are:

    The information on this page refers to the McNichols Campus Library.

    • The Library is Detroit Mercy's central location for information resources — print and online — for learning and research.
    • The Library website, the Re:search Portal, is your starting point for finding scholarly information in all formats.
    • For general information about the Library, see the Library Information & Services page.

    Hours

    • During the academic year, the McNichols Campus Library is open 80 hours per week.  See the McNichols Campus Library Hours page.
    • The Library's online resources are available 24/7, on-campus and off-campus, from the Re:search Portal.

    Printing at the Library

    Each year, you may print 400 pages from library computers for free.  Additional prints are available at the cost of $5 for 100 pages. Color prints, transparencies, and fax services are available at the Circulation Desk for a fee.

    Help is available

    • A librarian is on duty for research assistance during all hours that the library is open.
    • Online Reference Chat assistance is available 24/7. Find the online chat contact link on the Re:search Portal.
    • You can also use the Re:search Portal's Get Help page for guidance.  For example, the online tutorial, SearchQuest, provides research suggestions ranging from topic selection to using databases and preparing citations for your papers.

    Electronic resources

    The Library's online databases provide access to more than 32,000 full-text journals and more than 48,000 electronic books. Links to the databases are on the Re:search site under "Find."

    For fun, too

    In addition to scholarly and research materials, the Library holds thousands of general-interest books and materials including music, magazines, audio-books and a large collection of movie DVDs for entertainment breaks from your studies.

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    Parking

    A parking permit is required to park on any University of Detroit Mercy campus. To get a parking permit, new students need to register their vehicle at the Parking & I.D. Center in the Student Center.

    How to get your parking permit

     STEP 1  

    • Go to my.udmercy.edu in your web browser AFTER you register for classes. You can not obtain a parking permit until you are a registered student. 
    • Select Parking Permits listed under Quick Links

    The link is designed for you to add your vehicle information to obtain a parking permit.  

    STEP 2 

    You may proceed to the Titan Information Center to pick up your Parking Permit Tag when you receive a confirmation in your University email.  Please know your T number and bring a State ID Card or Passport for identification.

    After your first year at Detroit Mercy, you can get an updated validation sticker for your parking permit by showing a copy of your class schedule to the Parking & I.D. Center. If you lose your permit, a replacement permit will cost $20.

    More information

    For more details on Detroit Mercy parking, see the Parking policies page.

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    Personal counseling

    Anyone can experience anxiety, depression or self-doubt. Detroit Mercy's Personal Counseling Office can help. All Detroit Mercy students from any campus or school are eligible to receive counseling services for free.

    Making the decision to pick up the phone and call is the first courageous step. The Personal Counseling office is an appropriate and safe place to express and explore your thoughts and feelings.

    Some common concerns students bring to the Counseling Office:

    • Relationship difficulties
    • Low self-confidence
    • Self-defeating behaviors
    • Eating disorders
    • Fear of failure
    • Fear of success
    • Grief and loss issues
    • Surviving abuse
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Procrastination
    • Adjustment to university life

    Services provided by the Counseling Office:

    • Consultation
    • Short-term individual and group psychotherapy
    • Assessment and referrals
    • Educational presentations

    For information regarding appointments and confidentiality, visit the Personal Counseling Office online

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    Public Safety

    The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone at Detroit Mercy.  Refer to the Public Safety site for information on:

    • Reporting any incident on or off campus causing injury or concern
    • Signing up for the Emergency Alert system (see below)
    • Traffic and parking
    • I.D. cards
    • DPS services, like auto jump-starts, campus escorting, and self-protection seminars

    Important: Emergency Alert System

    Please sign up for Detroit Mercy's Emergency Alert System so that you will receive immediate notification of campus security issues, class cancellations or campus emergencies.

    When you register your phone(s), pager and/or email with the alert system, you can receive text messages, prerecorded voice messages and/or email alerts.

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    Residence Life: Living on campus

    On-campus living at Detroit Mercy offers opportunities and services that are beneficial to your overall development during your University experience.

    Transfer student housing is available on campus in either a traditional-style residence hall or a suite-style complex. To find out about living in Detroit Mercy's residence halls, see the Residence Life website.

    Advantages to living on campus

    • Living on campus offers a lot of convenience. There's no need to drive every day. Detroit Mercy's residence halls put classrooms, faculty, support services and campus recreation at your doorstep. Plus, quick, easy and nutritious dining is available in the Student Center. 
    • You are surrounded by hundreds of other people who, like you, are working toward their academic and personal growth.
    • You can really become involved in Detroit Mercy's student activities and organizations.
    • Our Resident Advisor (RA) staff offers a variety of social and educational programs just steps from your room.  The RA staff is also eager to assist you with any concerns that you might have.

    Detroit Mercy provides many amenities, including wi-fi, pre-furnished rooms, and facilities that offer game rooms, lounges, a chapel and a sand volleyball court. 

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    Student Success Center

    The Student Success Center (SSC) provides academic support services to help students achieve success. The SSC Learning Center is on the third floor of the McNichols Campus Library, and provides the following services:

    • Tutoring
    • Study groups
    • Athlete Study Table, required study time for student-athletes
    • Placement testing
    • Student Accessibility Services for students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act
    • The STAR Program, dedicated to assisting students in identifying the challenges they face, and meeting those challenges head on!
    • CLEP and DANTES testing
    • University College, Detroit Mercy's special admission program
    • Academic support and review courses

    For more information about the Learning Center and the Student Success Center:

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    Undergraduate and Graduate Transfer Credit

    Undergraduate student transfer credit will be evaluated by the Transfer Credit /Degree Audit Team within the Registrar's Office.  A copy of your evaluation will be mailed to you confirming classes/credit transferred to your Detroit Mercy record. You will also be able to view your credits on Detroit Mercy's My Portal system after you receive your My Portal account information.

    Graduate student transfer credit will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Program Director or Chair. Graduate students are encouraged to consult with their program advisor to discuss the transfer eligibility of graduate coursework. 

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    University Recreation

    Don't miss out on the fun sporting activities going on at Detroit Mercy. All students are encouraged to participate in intramural sports and recreation, and hundreds of students take part each year. Check out the University's recreation page to find out more about activities like:

    • Badminton
    • Basketball (5-on-5)
    • Club Hockey
    • Flag Football
    • Golf
    • Rock-climbing
    • Softball
    • Tennis
    • Yoga and stretching classes

    Besides intramural sports, University Recreation, based in Detroit Mercy's Fitness Center, can answer your questions about:

    • Detroit Mercy's recreation facilities
    • Recreation equipment rental
    • Recreation policies
    • Working for Campus Recreation
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    University Ministry

    University Ministry provides a space for all students to explore and experience spirituality, justice, leadership, service and immersion opportunities. Please visit their webpage to meet the staff, view religious service schedules, learn about faith programs, retreats, volunteer opportunities and more!