Accepted Students
School of Theology
Congratulations, and welcome to Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology!
We are excited to welcome you to our community, there are just a few more steps to help your transition into a Mercer Bear!
The first step is to submit the Intent to Enroll form. You will receive a link to the form in your Theology Admissions Congratulations email.
Please note, all accepted students must comply with all requirements regarding health insurance and immunizations, background checks, and technology requirement standards prior to their enrollment in the program. Failure to submit any items required for enrollment by the deadline will impact enrollment.
Below is an overview of information for newly accepted students to prepare for their first semester.
International Students
We’re ready to support you as you begin university enrollment in the U.S. Complete the items below and contact Global Engagement for other next steps in the enrollment process.
Next Steps Enrollment Checklist
Step 1: Review technology requirements
All students must have access to a computer with Microsoft Word (or software that can export as a Word document [.doc or .docx]), presentation software (i.e. PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi, etc.), high-speed internet, headphones, microphone (earbuds with a mic or the built-in mic on your laptop or tablet are acceptable), and a webcam (the built-in camera on your laptop, tablet, or smart phone is acceptable) to facilitate video and audio conferencing. Students are required to access, use, and communicate through the following university systems: Mercer email, Canvas, Zoom, and MyMercer.
Step 2: Access your MyMercer portal
Through MyMercer, you can adjust your course schedule, view your grades, manage your financial aid, pay tuition, sign up for direct deposit for any refunds, and more.
Mercer University’s Information Technology Help Desk will email your MyMercer username and temporary password to the email address used to create your application. If you do not see their email in your inbox, please be sure and check your junk folder.
Step 3: Digitally accept the Statement of Student Responsibilities
Every semester, all Mercer students must sign their Statement of Student Responsibilities before they are eligible to register for classes. This is the first screen you will see when you log into your MyMercer account for the first time. Simply read the statement, check the box at the end, and select OK. If you have any questions about the Statement of Student Responsibilities, please contact the Office of the Bursar at 678.547.6121.
Step 4: Review Mercer IT new students site and begin checking your Mercer email
Through your Mercer email account, you will receive announcements from the University as well as communicate with your instructors and classmates. Mercer’s Information Technology Help Desk will send your login information to your personal email address that Mercer has on file. Access your account via web browser, mobile device, or email application.
Microsoft 365 is the university’s student email system, powered by Microsoft. All currently enrolled students are automatically assigned Mercer email accounts. Once you receive your account information, you are required to log in to your Microsoft 365 account at https://www.office.com, configure your account security (Multi-Factor Authentication or MFA), and immediately change your password.
Step 5: Review academic calendar, curriculum requirements, course schedule, and course sequence guide
Review and bookmark the Theology registration information site for use now and in future semesters. Here you can find information on academic calendars, curriculum templates and requirements, suggested sequences of courses for each program and modality, course schedules, help with registration steps, etc.
Step 6: Meet with your new student advisor and register for classes
After reviewing the curriculum template suggested course sequence for your program, as well as the academic calendar and course schedule for the upcoming semester, log into your MyMercer portal to register for classes. Please contact Dr. Michelle Garber with any questions or if you need suggestions or assistance with your course schedule or the registration process. We can discuss scheduling conflicts, course load, modalities, requirements, embedded certificates, combined degrees, prerequisites, course sequencing, etc. You will also be assigned a Faculty Advisor.
Step 7: Request all official transcripts as soon as possible
If you have completed any coursework since submitting your application or if you are currently enrolled in any coursework, visit your previous or current institution’s Registrar's Office website, and search “transcripts.” Follow the instructions for ordering your official transcript. When prompted, select Mercer University as the recipient. For quickest delivery, Mercer prefers that you select electronic delivery. If you prefer mail delivery, enter: Mercer University, School of Theology, Office of Admissions, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341.
Note: Mercer only accepts official transcripts sent from other institutions, either indirectly through ordering services or directly from the institution. We cannot accept any official transcripts sent from your email.
Step 8: Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Complete your FAFSA to be considered for financial assistance. Mercer’s federal school code is 001580.*
*You will not be able to select a location. Macon is correctly listed as the city, regardless of your program location.
Step 9: Review your federal student aid history
Make a financial plan to finish your degree utilizing your available funds. Keep in mind that federal loans have annual and lifetime limits.
Step 10: Complete entrance loan counseling and a master promissory note
If you are accepting federal loans, you will need to complete entrance loan counseling and a master promissory note. Funds will disburse to your account after these two actions are completed.
Step 11: Review your Financial Aid Notification
Step 11: If you are receiving aid, when your Financial Aid Notification is ready to review, you will receive a message with an access link through your Mercer email address. Schedule an appointment with your admissions counselor to discuss your Financial Aid Notification in detail and ask any questions you may have.
Step 12: Pay your account balance or enroll in a payment plan
Bills will be posted to your MyMercer account approximately 30 days before the start of the session if you’ve begun the registration process with your new student advisor. Check your Mercer email for notifications. You must pay your account balance or enroll in a payment plan by the first day of class. Information about payment plan options is available through the Office of the Bursar.
Step 13: Request accomodations, if needed
The Office of Access and Accommodations is excited to meet you and provide an accessible environment for you to grow and develop into proud graduates of Mercer University. We seek to provide a great experience and equal access to all programs and services while you are here at Mercer. Communication is key, and we believe it works to reach out and connect with our offices and coordinators as often as you need.
Step 14: Rent or purchase textbooks and materials
After meeting with an academic advisor before orientation, you should have your course schedule for the upcoming session. In preparation for your classes, check with the Mercer bookstore to order the textbooks and supplemental resources you will need. Bookstore locations are available in Atlanta and Macon, or you can order textbooks online at ShopMercerBears.com.
Step 15: Review the academic catalog and student handbook
Find your program in the academic catalog to learn more about your courses, elective options, and more. Be sure and select the Graduate Catalog. To familiarize yourself with the University’s policies and procedures affecting students, review the student handbooks in your MyMercer portal.
Step 16: Set-up your Bear Card
Your mobile Bear Card serves as your Mercer ID and gives you access to campus services and facilities such as the fitness center and the library. Minimal setup is required to use your Mobile Bear Card. Most users begin using their mobile Bear Card in minutes. An approved photo is required.
Step 17: Complete the Immunization Form process
Mercer University students are required to complete the immunization requirements for enrollment, which include submitting four distinct documents. Follow the link below to learn more. Failure to complete this process may result in withdrawal from classes.
*Distance learners may be exempt from immunization requirements. Contact Campus Health to confirm eligibility.
Step 18: Review the student health insurance and waiver process
Mercer University requires students enrolled in three or more hours on the Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus campuses to provide proof of health insurance coverage each semester. If you already have eligible coverage under another policy, you may waive the University-provided health insurance premium. To waive the University health insurance, complete the health insurance waiver process by the drop/add deadline.
Step 19: Complete the online training course on Canvas
Complete the Theology New Student Orientation online training course on Canvas. You will receive an invitation via email.
Step 20: Attend Orientation
Check the academic calendar to save the date and be on the lookout for an email from a member of the Theology admissions team to RSVP to the live event!