New On Campus Student Guide for Success

The Department and faculty will use your BU Email address to contact you with important details regarding your program. Login to your BU Email through http://www.bu.edu/webmail/.

Email forwarding is optional and can be setup once your account has been created by going to www.bu.edu/computing/email/forwarding/.

Prior to registering, visit the MyBU Student Portal to ensure that you are in compliance with University requirements.  If you have difficulty finding your compliance information, you may find the myBU Student Navigation Quick Card helpful.

Additionally, on-campus students must provide health and immunization information as indicated in the Incoming Health Requirements section of the Student Health Services (SHS) website.

All incoming BU students must provide certain health history information before arriving on campus. Massachusetts law requires that college students have certain immunizations before coming to school. Failing to submit your health history information by the start of school may jeopardize your enrollment status. Requirements are available on the Student Health Services web site.

There are several components to one’s health and wellbeing. Learn about available Health & Wellness along with BU’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

Disability & Access Services provides services and support to ensure that students are able to access and participate in the opportunities available at Boston University. In keeping with this objective, students are expected and encouraged to contact the Office of Disability & Access Services prior to the start of classes and utilize the resources to the degree they determine necessary. Although a significant degree of independence is expected of students, Disability & Access Services is available to assist, should the need arise.

Please visit the Office of Disability & Access Services web site for further details and to fill out the intake form. You may also call 617-353-3658, or e-mail access@bu.edu.

The Student Portal has the official printed schedule each semester. 

Degree and Certificate students should create a tentative program schedule at the start of their program using the recommended program sequences and/or the projected course schedules. Visit the Schedules page. You may also email metcs@bu.edu for assistance.

Visit the Academic Policies & Forms section to see important Department policies as well as forms for course waivers, transfer credit, etc.

The Department of Computer Science has one main Academic Advisor, Andrew Gorlin. He is available to assist current students with detailed questions regarding course and program curriculum.

Department administrators are assigned by program format to assist with navigating the university. For on campus students, this point of contact is Ronette Lyle, Academic Program Administrator.  Conditionally admitted students who are completing program prerequisites will work with Amy Johnson, Program Manager – Academic Support and Enrollment Services. Administrators are available to assist with:

• Department policy questions
• Program requirement clarifications
• Transfer credit/waiver requests
• Applications for graduation
• Program/Concentration change requests

You may view further details about both full time and part time Department faculty on the MET Computer Science People page.

Please review the Step-by-Step Registration Guide from the Metropolitan College

Please note: If you receive an error message or need any help selecting classes, please email your designated program administrator.

Courses are labeled as follows: (College) (Department) (Course #) (Section) (Course Name)
For example, MET CS 546 A1 Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Section Number Key:

• A1, A2, A3: Charles River Campus – Boston, MA.
• E1: Blended format*
• O1, O3: Online course* – scheduled in the first term of the semester.
• O2, O4: Online course* – scheduled in the second term of the semester.

*F1 or J1 student visa holders should email metcs@bu.edu prior to registering for any online or blended courses.

Settle your account through the “My bill and aids” tab on Student Portal.

Payment deadlines and bill pay options are available through Student Accounting Services.

Financial Aid options are available through the Graduate Financial Aid Office at 617-358-4072 or via email at finanaid@bu.edu. For more information, please visit their website.

ON CAMPUS STUDENT Orientations

• MET Admitted Student Orientation – During the first week of the Fall and Spring semesters, we welcome admitted, new on-campus graduate degree students to attend a MET-wide graduate orientation. Topics to be covered include academic expectations for graduate students and general University resources.
• Meet CS Faculty – During the first week of the Fall and Spring semesters, we host an hour long meet and greet for students, faculty and staff. Details on the date and time will be sent to your BU email address.
• International On Campus Student Orientation – The International Students and Scholars Office provides information on how to best transition to the U.S. and the BU community to new degree and non-degree students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. There will be an introduction to ISSO services, critical visa and immigration information, as well as important tips on cultural adjustment, employment in the U.S., the American classroom, and health.

On Campus/Blended Course Important Dates:

• Official Academic Calendar
• Registration open date for each semester.

Online Course Important Dates:

• Registration open date for each semester.
• Online Courses Official Academic Calendar.

Students can upload their photo online and receive a terrier card. View further details.

Please note, students who are not in a degree program are not eligible for a terrier card.

Classroom information is posted in the “Class Schedule” section on the Student Portal as soon as it becomes available.

Use the University Map to find your way around campus.

Visit Parking & Transportation Services to see several options available to students for travel to campus.

You are considered an on campus international student or scholar if you are not a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident (“Green Card” holder).

You will receive details from the ISSO regarding the online check-in process. You must check in if you are:

• a new international student in any immigration status
• a continuing international student beginning a new program of study or returning from a leave of absence
• a new scholar (faculty, researcher, or other employee).

If you are a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident (“Green Card” holder), you are not required to check in, however your information may need to be updated in the University system and ISSO may require copies of your passport and/or U.S. Permanent Resident card.

Further details are available on the ISSO web site.

New International Graduate Student Guide written by Students

Closer to the start of the semester, you will receive an invitation from Boston University’s Global Programs office to take BU’s First Class, an online noncredit pre-arrival course designed to prepare incoming international students for the transition to BU and the American classroom. BU First Class is delivered on the edX platform Edge and is comprised of short videos, polls, and self-checks designed to be completed from anywhere on any device.