Newly Enrolled Students

All GSSWSR communications will be sent to your Bryn Mawr College email: studentname@brynmawr.edu. You'll receive information regarding setting up your BMC email from the Office of Graduate Admissions after you've accepted your enrollment.  To complete the email setup process, contact the BMC Help Desk at 610-526-7440 to finalize your account and password. If you reach voicemail, leave your full name or Bryn Mawr username, and someone will get back to you. After receiving your password, go to webmail.brynmawr.edu and log in using your email and new password. Please review the Acceptable Use policy before using your account. 

Upon logging in, you'll be prompted to enroll in Duo, the College's multi-factor authentication service. We recommend setting up multiple devices to ensure you can always access your account. 

If you haven’t submitted your final official transcript yet, please send it gradadmissions@brynmawr.edu

In addition to your Bryn Mawr email account, you will need access to several other student accounts, including BiONiC* and *Moodle,* during your time at Bryn Mawr.  

All current Bryn Mawr College students, faculty and staff are eligible for accounts on Bryn Mawr College’s institutional Zoom* license.  Learn more about your Bryn Mawr Zoom account here.

 
Your username for these accounts is your Bryn Mawr email address without @brynmawr.edu. The username is case sensitive and your password is the same as your email account password.  
 
If you need help accessing these accounts, contact the Help Desk at 610-526-7440. Please leave a voicemail if no one answers your call.  Learn more about our technology support services.

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• *What's BiONiC? BiONiC is Bryn Mawr's online student information system where you can register for classes, view your schedule, check grades, view your unofficial transcript, and access financial aid and student accounts.
• *What's Moodle? Moodle is Bryn Mawr's online learning platform where you can access course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussions, and communicate with professors.
• *What's Zoom? Zoom is a video conferencing platform used for virtual classes, meetings, and events at Bryn Mawr, allowing you to connect remotely via video, audio, and chat.

Soon after your BMC email account is activated, you will receive an email with instructions on how to activate your Sonia account* and instructions on scheduling a meeting with either the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education to discuss the practicum placement process. This email may be sent to your personal email address, so please check both. The steps outlined in the email should be completed as soon as possible.

Prior to meeting with the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education, complete the following: 

• Complete the Pre-Placement Questionnaire in Sonia 
• Upload an up-to-date resume into Sonia 
• Upload your Mandated Reporter Training Certificate into Sonia. If you need to complete the training, the University of Pittsburgh’s Child Welfare Resource Center offers an approved free on-line training here. 

Meet with the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education. They will work with you to secure an approved social work practicum.  

Part-Time Students: Part-time students do not need to activate an account in Sonia or meet with the Practicum Office until they are preparing for their Generalist year practicum.

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• *What's Sonia? Sonia is the online database used to manage your Practicum Education. You'll have questionnaires and assignments to complete for the Practicum Education Office in the Sonia system.

We invite you to connect with your new classmates and share helpful resources in our exclusive Facebook group for incoming students.  You'll receive this invitation via email. This is a great way to get to know your peers and stay informed as you start your graduate school journey. Simply request to join the group at your convenience.  If your Facebook name differs from the one on your application, please reach out to the Office of Graduate Admissions for assistance at gradadmissions@brynmawr.edu. 

We also invite you to follow the GSSWSR at Facebook and Linked In. 

And don't forget to listen in to "Social Work Journeys," our GSSWSR podcast.  

Once you have your Bryn Mawr email, you may create an account on JobX to search for student employment opportunities.  Sign up here. 

Counseling is available to all Bryn Mawr students at no additional cost.  The Counseling Office is closed during the summer, but virtual services including TELUS and Healthiest You are available at all times.

Click here for information about our Counseling Services during the academic year. 

TELUS Health Students Support Services  

• Free to all currently enrolled students. 
• Confidential mental health support with a counselor at no cost to you. 
• Speak with a counselor 24/7 via telephone or chat.  
• Telephone, video, and in-person counseling by appointment for short-term support. 
• Language and lived-experience counselor matching upon request.  
• Self-directed resources including articles, videos, assessments, virtual fitness, and much more. 
• Download the app now: iPhone  Android 

Healthiest You 

If you have insurance through Bryn Mawr College, you can login to the UHCSR portal (firststudent.com) to access free online counseling services through Healthiest You. When you sign up for Healthiest You, make sure you choose to sign up using your insurance UnitedHealthcare ID # so that your sessions are 100 percent covered! Even if you do not have the school insurance, telehealth services are available for a fee — go to firststudent.com. 

The Access Services office at Bryn Mawr provides support and reasonable accommodations when necessary to ensure equal access for students with learning, physical and/or psychological disabilities. Decisions about appropriate accommodations are made on an individual basis. Since previous accommodations (e.g. those informally given and/or via an IEP or 504 Plan) do not automatically carry over to graduate school, the process to arrange for your accommodations at your new institution does take some time, so start now to ensure everything is in place for your arrival! If you have a diagnosis, have had an IEP or a 504 Plan in high school and/or for any reason think you might be eligible for academic modifications at Bryn Mawr, please contact Access Services as soon as possible at accessservices@brynmawr.edu. For additional information – including eligibility criteria and documentation requirements – please visit the Access Services web page. 

Student & Career Services works to support each student in your journey through the program, providing holistic supports through academic coaching, problem-solving, resource-connections, and more.  Student Services also provides community-building and enriching programming for our students like Community Conversations, Panel Discussions, and more.  On the Career Services side of things, we assist with everything from job search, alumni connections, interview prep, and licensing readiness.  Whatever you need, Student & Career Services has got you covered!

Reach out directly to the GSSWSR Student Support staff:

Marcy Nyachogo, LS
she/her/hers
Director of Student & Career Services
mnyachogo@brynmawr.edu

Quinn Cao, LCSW, Ph.D. Student
Student Services Coordinator
qcao@brynmawr.edu 

Did you know that ALL Bryn Mawr Students (that includes us!) are required to complete Information Security Training Modules each year?  If you’re unsure if this applies to you, please check out the Eligibility Questionnaire on Ask Athena.  After you complete the questionnaire, it will provide a link and instructions to complete the modules.   

Please review instructions and access the training link here: https://askathena.brynmawr.edu/help/information-security-education-program 

Note: You do not need to complete all five (5) modules in one sitting -- your progress is saved automatically! Each module should take ~10 minutes. 

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Help Desk (help@brynmawr.edu, 610-526-7440) if you have any questions or issues! 

First Year Students starting Full-time and Advanced-Standing students should meet with the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education to discuss the practicum placement process and your career goals. 

Once matched with an approved social work practicum, schedule an interview with the site’s contact person.  It is strongly recommended that you have an in-person interview at the potential practicum site. This provides an opportunity to tour the site and gain a better understanding of the potential practicum experience.

Prepare for your interview by researching the site and the population served, develop potential questions to ask, and anticipate questions you might be asked.  After the interview, send a ‘thank you’ email to the site’s contact person to confirm your acceptance of the practicum and inquire about the next steps/on-boarding requirements. Notify the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education of your acceptance of the practicum.  

MSS Students:

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your new colleagues, learn about the resources available to you, and kick off your grad school experience!  You will receive this invitation via email.  Please be reminded that attendance is required for all incoming students.  Please reach out to Marcy Nyachogo at mnyachogo@brynmawr.edu with any Orientation questions.

Advanced Standing Students: 

You will have your own Orientation in June before your summer classes begin.  Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your new colleagues, learn about the resources available to you, and kick off your grad school experience!  You will receive this invitation via email.  Please be reminded that attendance is required for all incoming students. 

Join Us This Summer for the GPS Workshop! 

Prepare for success in graduate school while connecting with your colleagues through our Graduate and Professional Skills (GPS) Program. This unique workshop, offered both virtually and in-person, is designed to help you brush up on essential academic skills before the start of the year. 

Workshop Description 
The GPS Program provides enrolled students with the tools and strategies needed for academic success in graduate school.  

Topics include APA formatting, planning and organizing papers, reviewing scholarly articles, study skills, and time management. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your confidence and get a head start on your academic journey! 

You will receive an email with dates and registration information. 

Students entering the GSSWSR may waive the following first-semester courses by passing a waiver exam:  

1. B503 - Research Informed Practice I  
2. B504 –Research Informed Practice II 

Students must have satisfactorily completed undergraduate or graduate coursework in the area in which they are taking the waiver exam (with a grade of "B" or better). 

This coursework must be supported by an official transcript and have been completed within the last five years. Waiver exams must be taken before coursework begins.  

To apply for waiver examinations, please reach out to the Dean's Office at ddellarcip@brynmawr.edu.  All requests will be reviewed by the Dean's Office and, if approved, you'll receive confirmation via email. 

AB/MSS Students: You have a unique Plan of Study approved by the Undergraduate Dean’s Office, your Major Advisor, and the Graduate School of Social Work Advisor.   

Students enrolling in the GSSWSR who have completed graduate level courses at another accredited college or university may be eligible for transfer credit. 

1. The GSSWSR will grant transfer credit for up to two foundation-level courses and one elective for a total of three transfer credits.
2. The Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@brynmawr.edu is responsible for review of all transfer credit requests. 
3. Courses must have been taken within the last five years and a grade of "B" or better must have been earned. 
4. Students requesting transfer credit must provide a syllabus and an official transcript verifying course completion.
5. Request for transfer credit must be made before students begin the program to gradadmissions@brynmawr.edu.  

Advanced Standing Students:

Students in the Advanced Standing program may receive transfer credit for up to eight courses, including six generalist year courses plus two units of field instruction. All transferred courses must have been taken within the last 5 years and a grade of “B” or better must have been earned. In addition, an official transcript from the institution at which the courses were taken must be submitted along with syllabi and any other related materials. 

In the Advanced Standing program, the potentially transferrable courses from an accredited BSW program are: 

• Foundation Practice I 
• Foundation Practice II 
• Research Informed Practice I 
• Research Informed Practice II 
• Social Policy Foundations 
• Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work 
• Practicum I 
• Practicum II 

AB/MSS Students: You have a unique Plan of Study approved by the Undergraduate Dean’s Office, your Major Advisor, and the Graduate School of Social Work Advisor.  

Bills for the fall semester will be available in late July and payment will be due in early September. For more information about billing and payment, visit the Student Accounts website. 

To learn more about how to afford your degree, click here. 

Review the  NASW Code of Ethics.  Review the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research Standards of Professional Behavior.  You'll be asked to sign stating that you have read and agree to both.

Learn about this opportunity here.   

To make sure you have access to campus facilities and resources, you will need a Bryn Mawr College OneCard (ID card). This card is your official ID for both Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, providing access to libraries, meal plans, and various facilities—including the GSSWSR building. Please note that the GSSWSR doors are always locked, and you'll need your OneCard to enter. 

To apply for your OneCard, follow these steps: 

1. Visit this website. *Please note that it is a Haverford landing page.  Use your BMC credentials to log in.
2. Click "Sign up now!" 
3. Register and upload a photo for your ID card. 
4. Pick up your OneCard at your New Student Orientation or at the Dean’s Office in the GSSWSR building once classes begin 

Make sure to complete this process ahead of time so you have your OneCard ready for the start of the semester!   

For those students who completed the OneCard application process, you may pick up your OneCard at the New Student Orientation from the Dean’s Office Staff upon check-in.  If the Dean’s Office Staff do not have your card, you should reach out to the One Card Office directly using the contact info below.  Please be ready to reference your OneCard number, which can be found in your Admitted Student Portal. 

Phone: 610-896-1111 or 
Email: onecard@brynmawr.edu 

For questions related to your OneCard, please contact the OneCard Office here. 

Parking Pass Information: 

Please be advised that you can obtain your Bryn Mawr Parking Pass (needed for all campus parking lots) at the Campus Safety Building, located across the parking lot from the Campus Center at 908 New Gulph Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.  To obtain your pass, you'll need to present: 

• Drivers License, 
• Proof of Insurance, 
• Registration, and 
• Bryn Mawr One Card 

Please fill out the request form here first.  The “Department Contact” should be Diane Dell'Arciprete.  The fee for the academic year is $35, which can be billed to you or paid on the spot.  Please be sure to put GSSWSR under “Campus Mail Address,” as we have a lower parking rate than undergrad students.  If payment presents a barrier, please connect with Marcy at mnyachogo@brynmawr.edu to explore solutions. 

Waiver available end of June and due Aug. 31. 

More information about this process and links to the college's insurance provider are available on the Student Accounts website. Domestic students who do not waive the student health insurance by August 31 are automatically enrolled and the charge is added to their student account. International students are automatically enrolled in the international student policy, and waiver is not available. 

Advanced Standing Students: For Advanced Standing Students who need to enroll in health insurance early, please contact  Student Accounts to get prorated insurance before the start of the academic year. 

• If you do not receive an offer to complete a practicum at the site where you were matched or have reservations about completing your practicum at the site, please contact either the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education to discuss your reservations and next steps.  
• Provide your confirmed practicum site with the documentation that is required prior to starting.  
• Complete the practicum confirmation form in Sonia once initiated by the Practicum Education Office. 

Part-time Students: Part-time students do not need to secure a practicum until later in the year. 

Join Us This Summer for the GPS Workshop! 

Prepare for success in graduate school while connecting with your colleagues through our Graduate and Professional Skills (GPS) Program. This unique workshop, offered both virtually and in-person, is designed to help you brush up on essential academic skills before the start of the year. 

Workshop Description 
The GPS Program provides enrolled students with the tools and strategies needed for academic success in graduate school.  

Topics include APA formatting, planning and organizing papers, reviewing scholarly articles, study skills, and time management. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your confidence and get a head start on your academic journey! 

Check your email for registration information for both our in-person and virtual GPS offerings.  Also, note the "Important Dates" section at the bottom of this page.

Join the Graduate Admissions Office and members of the faculty and staff of the GSSWSR for our Philly-themed June and July Summer Socials.  You’ll have the opportunity to meet your new classmates, chat with GSSWSR staff, play some lawn games, and enjoy some snacks!  Check your Admitted Student Portal for event dates and details. 

All incoming MSS Students are expected to attend the Orientation, scheduled for Tuesday, August 19th 8:30-4:30 and Wednesday, August 20th 8:30-4:30.  Orientation will occur on Bryn Mawr's main campus in Dalton 300.  Check your email for registration information. 

Advanced Standing Students: You need not attend the August Orientation, as you have an Advanced Standing Orientation on June 4th.

Part-time Students: Part-time students do not need to attend Day 2 of Orientation on Wednesday, August 20th, as this day focuses on preparation for Practicum Placement.  Rather, you'll attend it next year as you prepare to enter your first Practicum Placement. 

Over the summer, your temporary advisors will be the Dean's Office staff.  You will be invited to several optional Summer Group Advising sessions.  Or you can reach out to individually to ddellarcip@brynmawr.edu with any registration or advising questions. 

Once the fall semester begins, you'll be assigned your permanent advisor.  You can always find out who your Advisor is on BiONiC.

Over the summer, before you begin, you will receive an email from the Dean's Office assigning you a Registration Appointment Number and additional instructions.  Once you have your Registration Appointment Number, you may log into Bionic here to select your courses.

To learn more about plans of study in preparation for Course Registration, click here.

Student & Career Services works to support each student in your journey through the program, providing holistic supports through academic coaching, problem-solving, resource-connections, and more.  Student Services also provides community-building and enriching programming for our students like Community Conversations, Panel Discussions, and more.  On the Career Services side of things, we assist with everything from job search, alumni connections, interview prep, and licensing readiness.  Whatever you need, Student & Career Services has got you covered!

Reach out directly to the GSSWSR Student Support staff:

Marcy Nyachogo, LSW
she/her/hers
Director of Student & Career Services
mnyachogo@brynmawr.edu

Quinn Cao, LCSW, Ph.D. Student
Student Services Coordinator
qcao@brynmawr.edu 

Soon after your BMC email account is activated, you will receive an email with instructions on how to activate your Sonia account* and instructions on scheduling a meeting with either the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education to discuss the practicum placement process. This email may be sent to your personal email address, so please check both. The steps outlined in the email should be completed as soon as possible.

Prior to meeting with the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education, complete the following: 

• Complete the Pre-Placement Questionnaire in Sonia 
• Upload an up-to-date resume into Sonia 
• Upload your Mandated Reporter Training Certificate into Sonia. If you need to complete the training, the University of Pittsburgh’s Child Welfare Resource Center offers an approved free on-line training here. 

Meet with the Director or Assistant Director of Practicum Education. They will work with you to secure an approved social work practicum.  

Part-Time Students: Part-time students do not need to activate an account in Sonia or meet with the Practicum Office until they are preparing for their Generalist year practicum.

______________________________________

• *What's Sonia? Sonia is the online database used to manage your Practicum Education. You'll have questionnaires and assignments to complete for the Practicum Education Office in the Sonia system.

No, but since we are in a very college- and university-heavy area, there are many options for housing both in the area of Bryn Mawr and in Philadelphia.  Many students commute with Septa's Regional Rail.  Connect with Student and Career Services with any questions.

To learn more about how to afford your degree, click here. 

Bills for the fall semester will be available in late July and payment will be due in early September. For more information about billing and payment, visit the Student Accounts website.