New Student Resources
VIRTUAL
RESOURCE PACKET
Welcome and congratulations again on being admitted to Mercy College of Health Sciences! This Virtual Resource Packet is designed to help you start your journey as a Mercy College Guardian successfully. Browse the tabs below for campus resources, need-to-know info, and next steps.
REquired
Next steps
These tabs contain important next steps on your journey to becoming a Mercy College Guardian. Please review the tasks below and complete each one as soon as you are able.
All new students are required to submit an Intent to Register form via their student portal prior to enrolling in courses. When submitting the form, you will be asked to select a preferred format for your registration session. Once you have submitted the form, you will be officially invited to RSVP for the session of your choice. You will have one of two options:
- Open House Registration: This in-person, on-campus event is the perfect opportunity to get to know Mercy College! In addition to registration, a resource fair will be available to all attendees. You’ll have the chance to meet with your advisor, tour campus, chat with Financial Aid representatives, get your student ID badge and parking permit, and more!
- By Appointment: Your advisor will reach out to set up a time with you to go over course options and schedules. With this individualized, personal approach, you can have all your questions answered and be ready to start your classes!
You must attend one session in order to register for your classes. You will be given more information on your specific next steps at that time.
Your program’s New Student Onboarding session is an event that welcomes students who have officially been accepted into their major. These sessions provide program-specific information including expectations, faculty, resources, and more. Attendance at your respective onboarding session is required. Programs that provide New Student Onboarding sessions include:
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- Associate of Science in Nursing, Accelerated BSN, & Traditional BSN
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Health Science
- Healthcare Administration
- LAS & Pre-Program
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Paramedic (EMS)
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiologic Technology
Please watch your email for more information regarding specific dates and times. If you are unable to attend your program’s onboarding session, please contact your respective program chair to find an alternative way to meet this requirement.
Each of the following forms is available in your student portal. Please log in and review each form carefully before submitting.
- Multiple Consent Form (required)
- Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information (required)
- Emergency Contact Form (required)
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) From (optional)
- Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is an annual form and must be submitted each academic year you plan to enroll in courses. The next academic year’s FAFSA becomes available every year on October 1. Be aware that the state of Iowa has a deadline of July 1 for students to submit their next academic year FAFSAs in order to remain eligible for state-funded aid. While you can submit your FAFSA after that date, you will not be eligible for most state-funded grants or scholarships.
- Apply for Mercy College Scholarships
Mercy College Scholarship applications are available in the fall and spring for students who satisfy a wide range of criteria, from single parenthood to outstanding academic achievement. Funds awarded from applications received during the spring round (March 1 – 31) will be distributed evenly across each term of the next academic year. Funds awarded based on applications submitted during the fall round (October 1 – 31) will be distributed across that academic year’s remaining terms.
- Pay any remaining balance
Please be aware that your financial aid award offer may not completely cover your tuition and fee charges. If that is the case, you must either pay the remaining balance in full or set up a payment plan with our Billing Office before the first day of classes. Payments not made by the first day of term will be assessed a late payment fee. You can view your available financial aid and any remaining balance on your MyMercy account after you have registered for classes. View our Tuition Payment FAQs here.
- Apply for a book voucher
Students whose financial aid award offers do exceed total tuition and fees may apply for a book voucher to purchase books and supplies through Mercy College’s online bookstore. To use your financial aid to purchase your required materials, please submit a Book Voucher Request Form and follow the additional instructions sent to you.
Student ID
- Your Student ID badge must be worn visibly on campus and in clinical settings at all times. Your badge will allow you to borrow books from the College library, use print services, and to access buildings and parking areas.
Parking Permit
- Parking on campus is free to all students with a campus parking permit. View our campus map to see parking options.
- Parking permit stickers are to be placed in the back right rear window of your vehicle.
- As part of your New Student Onboarding, you will be asked to fill out the following form to be given directions on how to receive your student ID and parking permit.
New students are required to complete the following trainings:
- Bystander Training
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: All Mercy College students must be Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. You can earn BLS certification through any American Heart Association or Red Cross training center. Mercy College’s Continuing Education Training Center conveniently offers this course (Heartcode BLS) and is American Heart Association certified.
What is CastleBranch?
CastleBranch is an online, secure and confidential platform Mercy College utilizes for students to order their background checks and submit documentation on training and requirements online. All Mercy College students who participate in clinicals must complete CastleBranch requirements.
New User Guide
Watch our CastleBranch New User Guide video to help assist you with CastleBranch information.
Once you have registered for classes, you’ll be given information on ordering your required textbooks. Use your course schedule to search for your required texts on our online bookstore!
Important
Information
These tabs contain resources that will be helpful to you as you start your coursework at Mercy College. Make sure you review the important information below, and come back if you need a refresher in the future!
As a Mercy College Guardian, you are expected to be familiar with the policies and procedures contained in the Mercy College Student Handbook and the College Catalog. Each document contains important information detailing the expectations for you as a Mercy College student, as well as YOUR rights and responsibilities. Please review both documents carefully and thoroughly and familiarize yourself with their respective content.
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Mercy College Catalog Information |
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The Student Handbook contains information on the rights and responsibilities inherent to you as a Mercy College student. Campus resources and policies are also contained in the handbook, including:
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The College Catalog provides information on College-wide policies and procedures, as well as additional information including:
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We wouldn’t be setting you up for success if we didn’t mention the Norkaitis Student Success Center! All of the resources offered through the Student Success Center are free to students, and most are unlimited. We want you to be successful inside and outside of the classroom. If you find yourself in need of anything – tutoring, a job, a little extra cash to cover unexpected expenses – the Student Success Center likely has a resource for you!
Use the PDF to access your new Mercy College student accounts!
- MyMercy: The “business” side of your student experience, your MyMercy account is home to things like your financial aid checklist and award offer, account balance, student schedule, transcripts, and more.
- Student Email (Microsoft Outlook): Your student email will be the official form of communication once you become a student! Be sure to check it frequently for important campus information and new opportunities.
- Canvas: This is home to your academic experience at Mercy College! Canvas is our online learning platform. Online courses, trainings, and announcements will be posted here.
We offer a variety of student clubs and organizations designed to broaden your understanding of your chosen healthcare profession. Browse our list of clubs and orgs to see which you want to join!
Dining Options
Located in Brennan Hall, the Recovery Room is a self-checkout, grab-n-go convenience store with all you need to refuel from a busy day. Offerings include everything from coffee and sandwiches, to snacks and more. Campus also has dozens of vending machines throughout offering a variety of drinks and snacks.
Housing Options
Mercy College does not own or operate any student housing facilities. Our on-campus housing, College Hill Apartments, are owned and operated by Newbury Living. Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs offer a wide-range of living options that fit what you may be looking for.
From our iconic purple scrub tops to our stylish branded tees, The M-Shop lets you shop for your favorite Mercy College gear online 24/7 and have it delivered straight to your doorstep. Happy shopping!
Have Questions?
Contact us!
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For additional resources, visit our Student Resource Hub!
