Fly Like a Phoenix

Register for an Accepted Student Day
Event Dates: March 28 or April 11

• WHY: Accepted Student Day gives you a firsthand look at Wilson through tours, faculty interactions, and student panels. It helps you understand academics, student life, and campus culture so you can feel confident about your next steps.
• HOW: Use the registration link sent to your Wilson email.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the admissions office at admissions@wilson.edu

Activate your Wilson Credentials

• WHY: Activating your Wilson credentials unlocks the digital tools you’ll use every day — email, course information, financial aid, housing, and important updates. This step ensures you’re connected to campus life and can access everything you need as a Wilson student.
• HOW: Check the personal email you used in your application. You’ll receive instructions from (name here) about how to activate your account and set your password.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Wilson Portal-Your student homepage for grades, schedules, billing, registration, and announcements.
  • MyWilson-Your dashboard linking you to email, Moodle, Self Service, and campus tools.
  • Self Service-Used for class registration, financial aid, academic progress, and billing.
• IF YOU NEED HELP:  Email IT Services at helpdesk@wilson.edu

Complete Your FAFSA — Do This ASAP! 
Deadline: June 1 for processing prior to Phoenix Days in June

• WHY: The FAFSA determines your eligibility for grants, loans, and work study. Many students complete it each year to help cover the cost of college. Completing it early keeps financial aid and billing on track for the fall semester.
• HOW: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• DEFINITIONS:
  • FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
  • Work Study-A part time campus job awarded to eligible students to help with expenses.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email financial aid at finaid@wilson.edu

Complete Math Placement
Deadline: May 31

• WHY: The assessment helps place you in the math course that fits your current skill level and academic major. It’s not graded — it simply ensures you start in the right place to support academic success.
• HOW: Use the link from the Registrar to complete it online. A practice version is included.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Registrar-The office responsible for academic records, transcripts, and course registration.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the registrar at  registrar@wilson.edu

Review Your Financial Aid Package
Deadline: June 1 for processing prior to Phoenix Days

• WHY: If you’re using financial aid, you must accept or decline your student loans, complete your Master Promissory note, and entrance counseling to activate them. Completing this early ensures everything appears correctly on your bill and prevents delays during registration or move in.
• HOW: Go to the my.wilson portal → Self Service → Financial Aid → My Awards to review and respond.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Grant-Aid that does not need to be repaid.
  • Scholarship-Aid awarded for academics, talent, or achievements — not repaid.
  • Subsidized Loan-Government pays interest while you’re in school.
  • Unsubsidized Loan-Interest begins immediately.
  • MPN (Master Promissory Note)-Agreement to repay your federal loan.
  • Entrance Counseling-Required tutorial explaining student borrowing.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email financial aid at finaid@wilson.edu

Submit All College Transcripts (Including Dual Enrollment)
Deadline: June 1

• WHY: College transcripts allow Wilson to transfer the credits you’ve already earned. This helps you avoid repeating coursework and ensures proper placement for fall classes.
• HOW: Request each college/program to send your transcript directly to Wilson.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Dual Enrollment: College courses taken while in high school.
  • Official Transcript: Sent directly from the college.
  • Final Transcript: Lists completed coursework and grades.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the admissions office at admissions@wilson.edu

Register for Phoenix Days (Summer Orientation)
Four options: June 12, 16, 18, and 19. Register early to reserve your spot.

• WHY: Phoenix Days connect you with faculty, advisors, staff, and future classmates. You'll build your first semester schedule, receive your fall billing statement, get your student ID, and learn important campus information.
• HOW: Register using the link sent to your Wilson email.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Advisor: Faculty member who helps you choose classes and plan your academic path.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the orientation team at orientation@wilson.edu
   

Submit Your Final High School Transcript
Deadline: July 1

• WHY: Your final transcript confirms you graduated and officially completes your enrollment file. Wilson must receive it before you begin classes.
• HOW: Ask your high school counselor to send your official, final transcript directly to Wilson.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Official transcript-Sent from your high school.
  • Final transcript-Shows your graduation date.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the admissions office at admissions@wilson.edu

Submit Your Housing Form (All Students)
Deadline: July 1

• WHY: All students complete this form — even commuters. It allows Wilson to prepare your room assignment or confirm your commuter status.
• HOW: Use the link sent by residence life.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email residence life at ResLife@wilson.edu

Request Accommodations (Housing, Academic, Service/Support Animals)
Deadline: July 1

• WHY: Submitting requests early ensures Wilson can set up your accommodations before you arrive. This includes academic supports, housing adjustments, emotional support animals (ESA), or service animals (SA).
• HOW: https://my.wilson.edu/pages/accessibility-information
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Disability: A condition that significantly affects major life activities.
  • ESA: Animal providing emotional support related to a mental health disability.
  • Service Animal: A trained dog (or miniature horse) performing tasks for a disability.
  • Accessibility Services: Coordinates academic and housing accommodations.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email Dianne Thomas by clicking here.

Submit AP/IB Exam Scores
Deadline: July 15

• WHY: Submitting official scores ensures Wilson awards the credits you’ve earned.
• HOW:
  • AP: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/sending-scores
  • IB: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment-and-exams/getting-results/
• DEFINITIONS:
  • AB: Advanced placement
  • IB: International baccalaureate
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the registrar at registrar@wilson.edu

Secure Your Financial Aid-Final Steps
Deadline: July 15

• WHY: Completing these steps ensures your aid appears correctly on your bill before the July 30 payment deadline. This helps you understand your true cost.
• HOW: If you’re using financial aid, you must accept or decline your student loans, complete your Master Promissory note, and entrance counseling to activate them. 
  Review your billing statement by going to the my.wilson portal → Self Service → Finance → Account Activity
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Student Financial Services: Handles billing and payment plans.
  • Financial Aid: Handles scholarships, grants, and loans.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email financial aid at finaid@wilson.edu

Sign Up for a Payment Plan (Optional)
Deadline: July 15

• WHY: Payment plans break your remaining balance into smaller, predictable monthly payments.
• HOW: https://payplan.acipayonline.com
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email student financial services at SSC@wilson.edu

Meal Plan Selection (Commuter Students Only)
Deadline: July 15

• WHY: Commuters can still enjoy campus dining by choosing a flexible meal plan that fits their schedule.
• HOW: Complete the Commuter Meal Plan Form at Student Records & Financial Services.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Meal Swipes: Used at Jensen Dining Hall and The Café.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email student financial services at SSC@wilson.edu

Meal Plan Selection (Residential Transfer Students Only)
Deadline: July 15

• WHY: Transfer students select a meal plan based on their housing assignment and daily schedule.
• HOW: Use the link provided by residence life.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email residence life at ResLife@wilson.edu
   

Submit Medical Forms (Non Athletes)
Deadline: August 1

• WHY: Medical forms ensure you're cleared to participate fully in campus activities. Completing them early prevents delays at move in.
• HOW: Complete your forms on the my.wilson portal.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the college nurse at nurse@wilson.edu

Submit Athletic Medical Forms (NCAA and IHSA Athletes)
Deadline: August 1

• WHY: Athletes must be medically cleared to participate in practices and competitions. Submitting forms early ensures a smooth start to your season.
• HOW: Use the link sent by athletics.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the athletic trainer at athletictraining@wilson.edu

Order Your Textbooks
Deadline: August 1

• WHY: Ordering early ensures you have everything you need on the first day of classes and avoids last minute delays.
• HOW: https://wilson.ecampus.com/shop-by-course Note - you may add your textbook costs to your student account by following the payment options.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • eCampus: Wilson’s online bookstore. Textbooks are not sold on campus.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the bookstore at bookstore@wilson.edu

Submit Your Housing Agreement Form (Residential Students)
Deadline: August 7

• WHY: This form finalizes your housing assignment.
• HOW: Use the link emailed by residence life.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email residence life at ResLife@wilson.edu

Phoenix Fly Together – Welcome Week
Attend Welcome Week: August 27–30, 2026

• WHY: Welcome Week officially welcomes you to Wilson and helps you start strong. This is required for all students. You’ll meet classmates, explore campus, learn academic expectations, and begin building your Phoenix community.
• HOW: Visit the orientation website for schedules.
• IF YOU NEED HELP: Email the orientation team at orientation@wilson.edu