New Student Resources
Welcome and congratulations (again!) on being admitted to one of Biola University’s fully online undergraduate or graduate programs. It is with great joy that we join you in this academic journey.
As a new student, we know there are many questions and concerns you may have. These can range from general information about how Biola University’s processes function (i.e. financial aid, class registration, buying textbooks, etc.) to more program-specific inquiries (i.e. course transfers, course availability, graduation requirements, etc.). This page is meant to help with some of those questions and concerns, though it is not a complete list of all that is available to you.
If you would like to meet with one of our success coaches, please make an appointment. We are always looking to ensure we provide you with the right resources for your academic success so if you did not find what you were looking for, feel free to send us feedback or suggestions.
New Student Checklist
Explore what’s next after you are admitted to Biola University. From creating your Biola email account, paying your enrollment deposit, registering for classes and attending orientation, we are here to help you through each step.
Student and Campus Services
Biola Bookstore
Biola's Bookstore has made it easy to see the list of required textbooks for your classes. Simply access their website and search textbooks using your Biola student ID. The system will pull up the list of courses you are registered for and their respective books.
IT Support
Biola’s IT department has various services to help you with your technology needs as an online student. Explore the quick links below for common solutions requested by our online students.
Learning Center
The Learning Center exists to provide students with academic assistance and support by providing a number of services, such as tutoring and academic mentors.
Rhetoric and Writing Center
The Rhetoric and Writing Center (RWC) is available to support students, faculty and staff in their writing. A team of peer consultants provides help with any writing assignments, research reports, graduate theses, conference presentations and conversational English, as well as providing feedback.
Prior Learning Assessment / Credit for Prior Learning
Biola offers options for credit for prior learning including assessment of prior learning portfolios and challenge exams. Visit the Prior Learning Assessment page for more details.
Academic Resources
Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar provides students with a quick and easy way to view important information about dates and deadlines for the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Canvas Help
For help using Canvas, the learning management system used at Biola, view the Canvas Student Quickstart Guide or click the “Help” button on Canvas, choose “Search the Canvas Guides” from the drop-down menu, and enter the topic in the search box.
- Canvas Student Tour Videos – In addition, here are links to 12 short, helpful videos:
Handshake
The Handshake app allows you to set up an appointment with your success coach at your convenience. There are 15 minute, 30 minute, 45 minute and 1 hour appointment blocks that you can choose from.
Download the Handshake app for iOS. The Handshake app for Android is coming soon! In the meantime, you can access Handshake through their website.
Tips for Success
Here is a curated list of tips to be successful as an online student.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As a new student, we want to make sure that you can find all the answers you need. For next steps after being admitted to Biola, explore the What’s Next page which you will find information from paying the enrollment deposit to registering for classes.
In addition, we have also compiled some commonly asked questions below. If you still can’t find your answer, please contact Online & Graduate Student Success at successcoach@biola.edu.
How do I contact my Success Coach?
You can connect with your Success Coach via email at successcoach@biola.edu or via phone at 562-777-4097. You can also schedule an appointment with your Success Coach via Handshake: https://biola.joinhandshake.com/login.
How do I access Student Financials on My Account?
Log into MyAccount.biola.edu and select Student Financials. Under the “Student Financials” tab, students can see what remaining items are required for their financial aid to be processed.
How do I complete my Financial Aid Verification?
Log into CampusLogic. If you have not created a CampusLogic account, you will need to do so.