New Student Checklist

Take the next steps to complete the admissions process with this quick checklist.

Activate and set up your Clayton State Student Account

When you apply to Clayton State, you're given a student account with a Loch ID (alphanumeric username, such as jsmith1) and Laker ID (9-digit number).

Your account is more than your student email address. It is your key to accessing campus resources, including the Digital University Campus Kiosk (DUCK), where you'll check your admissions application status, register for classes, manage your financial aid file, and pay for tuition.

Activate Your Account

Head over to Account Manager.
Select Activate Your LochID.
Enter your Loch ID, Laker ID, and birthday.

Loch ID: (alpha numeric username, such as jsmith1)
Laker ID: (9-digit number)

Don't know your Loch ID or Laker ID?
Email - Applicants receive an activation email with their student account information.
Text - If you provided your mobile phone number on your application, you can also retrieve your Loch ID and Laker ID by texting the word "ID" to (678) 466-6038.

Select Submit.
Create a new password and add security questions.

Activate Your Student Account

Setup Your Account

Visit LochNet, Clayton State's intranet and central hub for campus announcements, featured apps, and essential links.
Sign in to the Digital University Campus Kiosk (DUCK) and update your contact information.
Sign in to your student Email (Outlook), and set up your preferences in Outlook settings.

Set up Your Student Account

Head over to the HUB's website to learn about how multi-factor authentication (MFA) keeps you safe, and download the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Get Multi-Factor Authentication

Register for New Student Orientation

Get acquainted with the campus during New Student Orientation. This mandatory event will get you familiar with all the services and resources available at Clayton State. You’ll also get a chance to:

meet students and faculty
register for classes
pick up your Laker ID card and parking decal
get your questions answered about course registration, financial aid, and much more!

Get Your LakerCard

The LakerCard is your student ID for Clayton State. You can also use your LakerCard for spending at vending machines and SmartPrint by depositing funds to your LakerBucks account.

Upload your photo to get started:

Upload Your LakerCard Photo

Resolve any remaining holds listed on your account in the DUCK.

Head over to the DUCK.
Select Admissions Status Checker tile.
Review and resolve your remaining holds.

View Remaining Holds

HOW TO RESOLVE COMMON HOLDS

Transcripts

Submit your final Official Transcripts in-person, by mail, or electronically.
- You may mail or deliver your transcripts to:
  - Office of Recruitment and Admissions
    Edgewater Hall, Suite 150
    2000 Clayton State Boulevard
    Morrow, GA 30260-0285

- If your previous school(s), college(s), or universities offer this service, they can submit your official transcripts to: transcripts@clayton.edu. If not, we currently accept electronic transcripts from E-Transcript providers such as:
  - eSCRIP
  - Clearinghouse
  - Parchment

Residency and Lawful Presence

Verify your residency and VOLP for tuition purposes. All admitted students seeking to pay in-state tuition or receive an out-of-state tuition waiver, must verify their residency and lawful presence in both the State of Georgia and the United States.

Residency

Review Your Classification - Admitted students can review their residency status in the Digital University Campus Kiosk (DUCK). After you have logged in, click on the Student Profile tile then scroll to General Information. 
Confirm or Petition Your Classification - Students answer questions about residency on their application. However, additional info may be required to prove in-state status. Requested documents can be emailed to residency@clayton.edu. Students classified as nonresident who feel the consideration of additional information could alter that classification may submit a USG - Petition for In-State Tuition.

Lawful Presence (VOLP)

To verify lawful presence, submit one of the following:
- a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  - or
- other VOLP document electronically or in person by delivering your document to our physical address in Edgewater Hall. View a full list of acceptable VOLP documents here.

Immunization

Submit the Certificate of Immunization and TB Screening Form via email to HWC@clayton.edu or in person to the Office of Student Affairs on the second floor of the James M. Baker University Center.

Complete your financial aid file (Submit FAFSA, Check Financial Aid status, etc.)

Students seeking federal financial aid, as well as a number of state financial aid programs including HOPE, must complete their Financial Aid file.

Begin by submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can be done electronically online, or with the paper form by mail.

For further assistance, please refer to the Clayton State Financial Aid website to meet with a financial aid counselor.

Review Financial Aid File Checklist

Apply for Housing (REQUIRED for freshman students)

We offer two options for students in need of comfortable, affordable on-campus housing. Laker Hall is our freshman residence, which features a lounge, pool, and fully-furnished rooms. Laker Village houses undergraduate students in apartment-style accommodations. Find the comforts of home in our University Housing.

Undergraduate freshman and transfer freshman students (who have earned less than 30 credit hours) are required to live on-campus in Laker Hall for the fall and spring semesters. Learn more about freshman housing policies.

Apply for On-Campus Housing

Attend/Complete Orientation

All degree-seeking students must attend/complete an orientation session to register for classes. If you miss your session, you'll need to reregister for a new one.

Pay tuition and fees.

After registering for your classes, confirm your enrollment by paying your tuition and fees in the DUCK. Visit the Bursar's website to

get information about current tuition and fee rates and instructions on how to pay your account balance.
use the tuition calculator to estimate how much you'll owe each semester.
learn more about payment options, including the Nelnet Payment Plans.

Get More Tuition Info

Pay Tuition/Fees

Get Loch'd In

Become an informed and engaged member of the Laker Nation family.

Before classes begin, get familiar with campus and student support services. Learn to navigate the school website. Stay up-to-date with campus events and deadlines. Find your peers, and get involved around campus.

Get Loch'd In

Need Help Logging In?

For additional assistance with account activation and logging in, more information can be found in Knowledge Base. You can also email our technology help desk, the HUB, or call (678) 466-4357. NOTE: Your password cannot be changed by an email or phone request. To have your password changed or reset, you must go to the HUB (located in the James M. Baker University Center) and show a picture ID.