Family Road to UM

One of the best ways you can help your student prepare for their Road to UM is to go over both the family and student designated checklist to ensure they are completing tasks on time. Be sure to check back regularly for updates. 

*Spring checklist will be posted in mid-late September.

• Partner with your student in completing their Road to UM tasks as assigned in their Applicant Portal

  Before getting started, please take time to review your student's checklist items with them, which provides a timeline and understanding of when items need to be completed before their arrival on campus in August. Expand the checklist items for more details on the assigned tasks. Make sure your student checks their Applicant Portal regularly for updates.

• Discuss with your student the importance of setting up their UM email and checking it regularly

  In mid-March, or 3-5 days after your student submits their enrollment deposit, a notification will be sent to their personal email with instructions on how to set up their @miami.edu email. All important communication will be delivered to their UM email only. Please remind them to check it regularly.

• Sign up to receive important information regarding your student's transition to college

  Join the mailing list if you are not currently receiving emails from the Office of Undergraduate Admission or the Admission Events team. You can use the same link to opt-in family members that you would like to receive emails from the University of Miami regarding your student's onboarding process. 

  You can also sign up to receive the Hurricane Family Connection newsletter, a monthly family newsletter to keep parents and families up to date on news and resources relevant to supporting their UM student.

• Ensure that your student has completed their emergency contact information in CaneLink

  In mid-March, or within 5 days of submitting the enrollment deposit, your student will gain access to CaneLink, the University's Student Information System. There, they will see a section for emergency contact information. Be sure that your student keeps this updated in cases of emergency, extreme weather, and important University notifications. 

• Talk to your student about the benefits of proxy access

  Your student can grant parent(s) and/or other individuals access to information in CaneLink. This is called proxy access. They can choose to grant access to important information about academics, financials, and/or billing. We recommend that you discuss the benefits of giving access to financials and/or billing to anyone who manages tuition payments.

  Having this access will also allow university employees to talk to you about the details in your student’s financial assistance package and bill. For more information, visit miami.edu/canelinkproxy.

  ’Canes Central Article: As a proxy/delegate, how do I complete and/or verify my proxy/delegate status?

• If your student is interested in applying for housing, ensure they submit their complete application, including their housing deposit

  The Fall 2024 housing application will be available in your student's Applicant Portal after they submit their enrollment deposit. The deadline to submit the application is May 15. 

  For the most up-to-date information on Housing and Residential life, visit miami.edu/housing. 

• Ensure your student completes all financial assistance To Do items listed in their Applicant Portal

  The University cannot award financial assistance until all required documentation is received and reviewed by the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment (OSFAE).

  Completing To Do List items by the recommended due date will help ensure that your student's bill is accurate.

  Families can help by:

  • Reminding students to check their Applicant Portal often. It is not uncommon for OSFAE to require additional documentation before they can complete file review.
  • Understanding what is required of your student to maintain eligibility for merit-based and/or need-based financial aid by reviewing any scholarship agreements.
  • Be sure your student is enrolled in a full-time courseload (12 credits or more). Financial Aid will not post if your student is enrolled part-time.

• If your student is requesting disability accommodations, assist them in completing required paperwork for evaluation by the deadline.

  The deadline to guarantee review of disability accommodations requests for the fall semester is June 1. All housing, meals, parking, and emotional support animal requests must also be received by June 1. Requests received after this date will be processed for the next term.

  Students with disabilities seeking accommodations must complete the Accommodation Request Form and submit current and comprehensive documentation of the disability.

• Review the course registration process and timeline with your student

  The registration process is specific to the school or college to which your student was admitted. Please have them review their particular information listed in their Applicant Portal carefully to ensure a smooth registration process. 

  It is essential that your student enroll in a full-time schedule (12-17 credits) by the end of June, so the tuition bill and any financial aid or scholarships can be processed accurately. Successfully completing 15 credits each semester is recommended for an on-time (four-year) graduation.

• Review your student’s fall semester billing statement and start making payment arrangements

  Your student will receive a fall billing statement sent to their UM email. Any proxy with billing access will also receive a copy of the bill in mid July.  Bills will be due in early August.

  The Monthly Payment Plan (MPP) option divides your educational expenses—tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meal plan expenses—into monthly payments during the fall and spring semesters.

  • Participants are billed in equal monthly installments. A nonrefundable three percent administration fee is charged and added on to the monthly payments.
  • Payment plan installments are scheduled and automatically deducted each month.
  • Financial aid requirements must be finalized before signing up for the MPP.
    
    

  The Office of Student Accounts website is the best resource for information about paying your bill and payment options. 

  Questions about billing or payments? After your bill has been issued, contact ’Canes Central.

• U.S. citizens, accept or waive University-sponsored health insurance

  All students are required to have comprehensive health insurance coverage, whether it be through the University’s plan or a personal plan.

  Starting mid-November, U.S. citizens must choose to accept or waive the University plan coverage and fee by July 15. For students with adequate insurance coverage, visit miami.edu/newstudenthealth to learn more about submitting a waiver request.

  International students are required to have University health insurance.

• Ensure your student has completed all immunization requirements

  All students are required to complete and present proof of immunizations before July 25. Vsit miami.edu/immunizations to print out an immunization compliance form for their medical provider to complete.

  Once completed and signed by a health care provider, the student will have to log into their MyUhealthChart.com account to upload the immunization form.

  Visit the Student Health Services website for more information.

• Familiarize yourself with the University’s Academic Calendar

  The Academic Calendar is a schedule of events that includes exam dates, holidays, and the last day of the semester. Academic calendars are published by semester, so you should bookmark the page and revisit it at the beginning of each semester.

• Consider having your student sign up for direct deposit for timely refunds.

  Enrolling in direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive student refunds from the University of Miami. To sign up, students will have to select Enroll in Direct Deposit from the drop-down menu under the Finances section in CaneLink.

  Only U.S. bank accounts can be used for this service.

• If your student is entering the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa, review U.S. entry procedures

  When traveling to the United States, your student will need their original Form I-20 or DS-2019 along with their passport, visa, and I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. Your student has to arrive no earlier than 30 days before, and no later than the start date listed on their Form I-20 or DS- 2019.

• Join us for the Family ’Cane Kickoff orientation program on August 12-14

  Students will be asked to provide their family members' email addresses when registering for ’Cane Kickoff.

  Family members will then receive a separate email containing Family ’Cane Kickoff registration instructions.

The GPS Team (Guides for Parents and Students) is a group of engaged undergraduate peer advisors who are eager to help your student find their way and successfully start their new life at the University of Miami! They will be available to assist in navigating the transition process, provide resources, and answer any questions you may have.