MS/PhD Students

Setup your strong password and email

You received your A# in your acceptance letter and now need to set up a strong password at myid.usu.edu. Find the “Reset my password” button and follow the steps to create your password. Utah State has implemented a two-step login process for all USU employees and students using DUO. You have the options to install the DUO app on your phone or purchase a fob through IT services.

The university has already set up an email address for you. It is your A# followed by usu.edu (A#@usu.edu). You may also request an alias for your email of "FirstName.LastName@usu.edu". To request an email alias, complete the form in ServiceNow. All official USU correspondence needs to be sent and received through your usu.edu account (see Policy 557).

ServiceNow is the program used to request services on campus. You will use your A# and strong password to log in. Knowledge articles and tutorials are available to help you navigate the system.

Read the NDFS Grad Handbook and orientation materials

The NDFS Graduate Student Handbook will help you to understand expectations, processes, and roles within the Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences Department. You may also want to review the portion of the catalog specific to the School of Graduate Studies.

• NDFS Graduate Handbook
• USU Catalog: School of Graduate Studies

The university has set up a student dashboard at my.usu.edu. You should familiarize yourself with it and its features.

Training

Your major professor is your advisor and supervisor. You are encouraged to meet with them often and set expectations. They will help you become orientated to your lab and workspace. Safety and other trainings are required prior to access to your assigned lab.

• Environmental Health & Safety Lab Training
  • Visit the website
  • Sign up for the Initial Lab Safety training
• Policy 337
  • Learn more and complete the NDFS Safety Agreement
  • Agreement to complete
• FERPA
  • FERPA laws protect student information
  • Access the training
• Teaching Assistant Workshop
  • You will sign up for this workshop through Banner. It is an online self-paced course that can be completed in one big day.
  • Learn more
• Research CITI Certificiation
  • This is an online training through the Office of Research. Please send a copy of your certificate of completion to Tara Black, Graduate Program Coordinator.
  • Access the training
• Responsible Conduct of Research Training
  • Access the training
• Student Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training
  • Access the training
• Employee Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
  • Access the training

This is not a complete list of possible trainings you may be required to complete. If you have any questions, contact your major professor, the safety chair of the department (Sulaiman Matarneh), the NDFS Graduate Program Director (Dr. Carrie Durward), or the NDFS Graduate Program Coordinator (Tara Black).

Register for classes and purchase supplies

After discussing course options with your major professor, you should be ready to register for courses. The USU student dashboard is located at my.usu.edu. You will register for courses using Banner, found in the left-hand menu in the student dashboard. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with this webpage. Tuition and fees are also paid via the "TouchNet Payment System" on my.usu.edu.

Graduate students with research assistantships may have their tuition paid by their major advisor, college, and graduate school. Fees and books are typically the responsibility of the student. If you are not a resident of Utah, the graduate school will apply a waiver for the non-resident portion of your tuition for your first two semesters. After the two semesters (or one year), you must establish residency or pay for the non-resident portion of the tuition. For more information about applying for residency, visit the admissions website.

Communication

Your major professor is your partner in this endeavor. Keep communication open and expectations clearly identified. You will receive an offer letter from the department that explains many important responsibilities and requirements. Consider developing a “memorandum of understanding” with your major professor clearly listing student and faculty responsibilities. You may also find the Individual Development Plan (IDP), instructions for completing the IDP, and Self-Assessment of Progress to help communicate your goals and progress to your advisor and committee during your time in the program.

Our goal is to help you succeed. If at any time you need additional assistance, please contact Dr. Carrie Durward or Tara Black.