Welcome to the CAU New Student Information Hub

Congratulations on becoming an official member of the Panther family! This page is your go‑to resource for everything you need to begin your journey at Clark Atlanta University. Here, you’ll find the link to submit your confirmation fee, step‑by‑step instructions for setting up your CAU email, and all the essential next steps to prepare for your enrollment. Explore the sections below to get started — we’re excited to support you as you take your next steps toward joining us at CAU!

Pay Your Confirmation Fee

Submitting your Enrollment Confirmation Fee is the first step to officially joining the Panther family at Clark Atlanta University. To secure your place in the incoming class, submit your $275 non-refundable Enrollment Confirmation Fee through your Future Panther Portal. Once your fee has been paid, you will gain access to the next steps needed to complete your enrollment.

What Happens Next?

After your Enrollment Confirmation Fee is successfully processed through the Future Panther Portal, your CAU student email account will be automatically activated. Your student email is essential for accessing university systems, receiving important updates, completing enrollment requirements, registering for orientation, applying for housing, reviewing financial aid information, and staying informed about important university deadlines.

New Student Checklist

A New Student Checklist is a simple, step‑by‑step guide that helps admitted students keep track of all the tasks they need to complete before starting college. It lays out important actions, such as paying the confirmation fee, activating university accounts, submitting required documents, reviewing financial aid, and registering for orientation, in a clear, organized order so students know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 New Freshman Checklist

1. Receive Your Admission Decision

Students must first be admitted to Clark Atlanta University before completing any enrollment requirements.

2. Submit Your Enrollment Confirmation Fee

To secure your place in the incoming class, submit the $275 non-refundable Enrollment Confirmation Fee through the Future Panther Portal. This fee confirms your intent to enroll and activates access to additional enrollment resources.

Future Panther Portal: https://futurepanther.cau.edu

3. Activate Your CAU Email Account

Your CAU student email account is automatically activated after your enrollment confirmation fee has been received.

Set Your Password

  1. Visit the My Password Portal
  2. Select Reset Password.
  3. Enter your username (the portion of your email address before "@").
  4. Enter your 901 number and complete the security verification.
  5. Create and confirm your new password.

Complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  1. Log in to MyCAU
  2. Select MyCAU from the application menu.
  3. Sign in using your CAU email address.
  4. Follow the prompts to register for Multi-Factor Authentication.

Important: Your CAU email account is the university's official method of communication. Check it regularly for important updates and next steps.

4. Complete the FAFSA and Review Your Financial Aid Package

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Clark Atlanta University School Code: 001559.

FAFSA

After your FAFSA is processed, review your financial aid award and accept or decline any offered aid through the Financial Aid Portal.

Financial Aid Portal 

Scholarship Recipients: Must be financially enrolled by June 15, 2027.

5. Review Your Student Account

Monitor your Student Account regularly to:

  • Review tuition and fees
  • Make payments
  • Establish a payment plan
  • Track outstanding balances

Student Accounts

6. Submit Required Immunization Records

All students must submit required health and immunization documentation before enrollment.

Health Services Information

Immunization Upload Portal

Failure to submit required records may impact registration and housing eligibility.

7. Submit Final Official Academic Documents

All admitted students must provide final official academic records before enrollment.

First-Year Students: Submit a final official high school transcript showing graduation.

Students with Dual Enrollment, AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, A-Level, or College Credit: Official transcripts and/or score reports must be submitted for evaluation. Students who complete additional coursework after admission are responsible for submitting updated official records.

Official documents may be submitted through:

8. Complete the Housing Application (If Applicable)

Students planning to live on campus should complete the Housing Application as soon as it becomes available.

Scholarship Recipients: The Housing Application and Housing Fee must be submitted by May 15, 2027.

Residential Life & Housing

9. Register for New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation information will be sent to your CAU email account. Orientation provides important information regarding registration, academic success, campus resources, and student life.

Scholarship Recipients: Attendance at an in-person New Student Orientation session is required.

For questions, contact orientation@cau.edu.

10. Stay Connected

Continue monitoring your CAU email for updates regarding financial aid, housing, registration, orientation, and enrollment deadlines. Missing required communications may delay your enrollment process.

Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 New Transfer Checklist

1. Receive Your Admission Decision

Students must first be admitted to Clark Atlanta University before completing any enrollment requirements.

2. Submit Your Enrollment Confirmation Fee

To secure your place in the incoming class, submit the $275 non-refundable Enrollment Confirmation Fee through the Future Panther Portal. This fee confirms your intent to enroll and activates access to additional enrollment resources.

Future Panther Portal: https://futurepanther.cau.edu

3. Activate Your CAU Email Account

Your CAU student email account is automatically activated after your enrollment confirmation fee has been received.

Set Your Password

  1. Visit the My Password Portal
  2. Select Reset Password.
  3. Enter your username (the portion of your email address before "@").
  4. Enter your 901 number and complete the security verification.
  5. Create and confirm your new password.

Complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  1. Log in to MyCAU
  2. Select MyCAU from the application menu.
  3. Sign in using your CAU email address.
  4. Follow the prompts to register for Multi-Factor Authentication.

Important: Your CAU email account is the university's official method of communication. Check it regularly for important updates and next steps.

4. Complete the FAFSA and Review Your Financial Aid Package

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Clark Atlanta University School Code: 001559.

FAFSA

After your FAFSA is processed, review your financial aid award and accept or decline any offered aid through the Financial Aid Portal.

Financial Aid Portal 

Scholarship Recipients: Must be financially enrolled by June 15, 2027.

5. Review Your Student Account

Monitor your Student Account regularly to:

  • Review tuition and fees
  • Make payments
  • Establish a payment plan
  • Track outstanding balances

Student Accounts

6. Submit Required Immunization Records

All students must submit required health and immunization documentation before enrollment.

Health Services Information

Immunization Upload Portal

Failure to submit required records may impact registration and housing eligibility.

7. Submit Final Official Academic Documents

All admitted transfer students must submit final official transcripts from every college or university attended, including institutions where Dual Enrollment credit was earned.

Official transcripts must reflect all final grades and any degree earned. Students enrolled in courses after admission are responsible for submitting updated official transcripts once grades have been posted.

Official transcripts may be submitted through:

8. Complete the Housing Application (If Applicable)

Students planning to live on campus should complete the Housing Application as soon as it becomes available.

Scholarship Recipients: The Housing Application and Housing Fee must be submitted by May 15, 2027.

Residential Life & Housing

9. Register for New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation information will be sent to your CAU email account. Orientation provides important information regarding registration, academic success, campus resources, and student life.

Scholarship Recipients: Attendance at an in-person New Student Orientation session is required.

For questions, contact orientation@cau.edu.

10. Stay Connected

Continue monitoring your CAU email for updates regarding financial aid, housing, registration, orientation, and enrollment deadlines. Missing required communications may delay your enrollment process.

Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 New Student Checklist (Readmit)

How to Log In to Your Panther Portal

  1. Go to cau.edu.
  2. Click the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select MyCAU.
  4. Log in with your CAU email address and password.

Step 1: Confirm Your Readmission
Make sure you’ve received your official readmission letter from the University. You can begin the steps below once your readmission is confirmed.

Step 2: File the FAFSA and Review Your Financial Aid

  • Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using CAU’s Federal School Code: 001559
  • Once your FAFSA is processed, log in to your Panther Portal (see above) or go directly to the Student Self-Service Portal to review your eligibility and accept or decline your awards.

Step 3: Review Your Student Account
Log in to your Panther Portal to review your student account and view:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Your current account balance
  • Bill payment options
  • Payment plan setup

For questions about your bill or payments, visit Student Accounts & Receivables.

Step 4: Submit Your Immunization Records
All students must have current immunization records on file before registering for classes. Upload your documents through the Student Health Portal.

Step 5: Apply for Housing (If Living on Campus)
Students planning to live on campus must complete the housing application and pay the housing fee through Residential Life & Student Development.
Deadline: May 15, 2027

Step 6: Get Registration Approval
Readmitted students must receive departmental approval before registering.

  1. Contact your academic advisor or department to get registration clearance. Contact information is available through your academic unit.
  2. After you’re approved, contact the University Registrar’s Office to receive your registration time ticket.

University Registrar’s Office: 404-880-8938

Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 New Student Checklist (International)

1. Receive Your Admission Decision

Students must first be admitted to Clark Atlanta University before completing any enrollment requirements.

2. Submit Your Enrollment Confirmation Fee

To secure your place in the incoming class, submit the $275 non-refundable Enrollment Confirmation Fee through the Future Panther Portal. This fee confirms your intent to enroll and activates access to additional enrollment resources.

3. Activate Your CAU Email Account

Your CAU student email account is automatically activated after your enrollment confirmation fee has been received.

Set Your Password

  1. Visit the My Password Portal
  2. Select Reset Password.
  3. Enter your username (the portion of your email address before "@").
  4. Enter your 901 number and complete the security verification.
  5. Create and confirm your new password.

Complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  1. Log in to MyCAU: https://myapplications.microsoft.com/
  2. Select MyCAU from the application menu.
  3. Sign in using your CAU email address.
  4. Follow the prompts to register for Multi-Factor Authentication.

Important: Your CAU email account is the university's official method of communication. Check it regularly for important updates and next steps.

4. Review Your Financial Aid and Scholarship Information (If Applicable)

International students are generally not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Students receiving institutional scholarships should regularly review their financial aid information and monitor their CAU email for updates.

Financial Aid Portal

Scholarship Recipients: Must be financially enrolled by June 15, 2027.

5. Review Your Student Account

Monitor your Student Account regularly to:

  • Review tuition and fees
  • Make payments
  • Establish a payment plan, if available
  • Track outstanding balances

Student Accounts 

6. Complete the I-20 Request Process

International students must submit all required documents to obtain their Form I-20 from Clark Atlanta University.

Required documents may include:

  • Proof of financial support
  • Bank statements
  • Passport identification page
  • Affidavit of support, if applicable

Instructions will be provided by the International Programs Office.

7. Apply for Your F-1 Student Visa

After receiving your Form I-20:

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Schedule Your Visa Interview
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule your F-1 visa appointment click here.

Students should complete this process as early as possible to avoid delays in securing their visa.

8. Submit Required Immunization Records

All students must submit required health and immunization documentation before enrollment.

Health Services Information

Immunization Upload Portal

Failure to submit required records may impact registration and housing eligibility.

9. Submit Final Official Academic Documents

International students who completed secondary or postsecondary education outside of the United States may be required to submit a credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency of their academic records.

Clark Atlanta University accepts evaluations from World Education Services (WES) and other approved credential evaluation agencies. Students seeking transfer credit may be required to submit a course-by-course evaluation.

World Education Services (WES)

Documents that may require evaluation include:

  • International secondary school transcripts
  • Postsecondary transcripts
  • Degree certificates or diplomas
  • Academic records submitted for transfer credit consideration

Important: Processing times for credential evaluations can vary. Students are encouraged to begin the evaluation process as early as possible to avoid delays in admission processing, transfer credit evaluation, course registration, and enrollment.

Students who complete additional coursework after admission are responsible for submitting updated academic records.

10. Complete the Housing Application (If Applicable)

Students planning to live on campus should complete the Housing Application as soon as it becomes available.

Scholarship Recipients: The Housing Application and Housing Fee must be submitted by May 15, 2027.

Residential Life & Housing

11. Register for New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation information will be sent to your CAU email account. Orientation provides important information regarding academic expectations, campus resources, student services, immigration compliance, and student life.

Scholarship Recipients: Attendance at an in-person New Student Orientation session is required.

For questions, contact orientation@cau.edu.

12. Prepare for Your Arrival in the United States

Before traveling to Atlanta, ensure that you have:

  • A valid passport
  • An approved F-1 visa
  • Your Form I-20
  • Proof of financial support
  • Housing arrangements
  • Copies of all important immigration documents

Students should carry these documents in their carry-on luggage and have them readily available when entering the United States.

13. Stay Connected

Continue monitoring your CAU email for updates regarding immigration requirements, housing, registration, orientation, tuition payments, and enrollment deadlines. Missing required communications may delay your enrollment process.

Why is my CAU Email Important?

Your CAU email is your official communication channel with Clark Atlanta University—and one of the most important tools you’ll use as a new Panther. Your email becomes eligible for activation three (3) days after you submit your confirmation fee.

Once activated, this inbox will be how the university sends you essential updates, including:

  • New Student Orientation (NSO) information
  • Housing application details and deadlines
  • Financial aid notices and award updates
  • Academic advising and course registration steps
  • Campus announcements, events, and opportunities

Checking your CAU email regularly ensures you never miss an important message or requirement as you complete your enrollment.

How do I Activate my CAU Email?

Email Activation and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) registration

1-3 business days after paying the confirmation fee, use these instructions to set up your CAU email account:

Navigate to https://studentssb-prod.causaas.elluciancloud.com:8100/StudentSelfService

  • Enter your User ID (Student ID) and PIN (in Acceptance letter)
  • Click on “Student Profile”
  • Write down the information for the CAU email address

Click on “My Password Portal”

  • Click on Reset Password
  • Enter Domain User Name (first part of your email address before @ sign) and click Continue
  • Enter 900 number, security verification, and click Continue
  • Enter New Password, Confirm New Password, security verification, and click Reset Password
  • Password requirements: minimum 13 characters, must contain at least one of the following Letters, 1-Lowercase Letter, and 1 number and/or special character

After you successfully reset your password, you must register for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

  • Navigate to MyCAU
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on MyCAU
  • Enter your CAU email address as your login name
Step By Step on Instructions for MFA
  1. Click MyCAU.
  2. Enter your full CAU e-mail address, and click Next.

 

Microsoft login screen showing email input with "Back" and "Next" buttons.
  1. Enter your e-mail password, and click Sign in.

 

Microsoft login page with password entry field.
  1. When the message below appears, click Next.

 

Microsoft login screen with "More information required."
  1. When the message below appears, click the dropdown arrow next to “Authentication phone” and select “Mobile app.” NOTE:  Mobile app has already been selected in this dialog.  Click the radio button next to “Receive notifications for verification.”  Click Set up to configure the mobile app.

 

Security verification screen with email and app options.
  1. When the message below appears, install the appropriate Microsoft authenticator app based on the type of phone you have.
  • Windows phone – install from Microsoft store
  • Android – install from Google Play store
  • iOS – install from Apple App store
QR code with setup instructions for a mobile app on screen.

 

  1. After installing the app, open it, click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen, select Add account and select “Work or school account.”
Account list on a mobile screen, third shows Clark Atlanta University.
Add account options: Personal, Work, Other.
  1. Use your phone to scan the QR code on your computer screen.
  2. Your account will be added to the Microsoft authenticator app on your phone.
  3. In the browser window on your computer, click Next.
  4. The following screen will display indicating that the mobile app has been configured. Click Next.
Security verification page with contact options, blue 'Next' button.

12. When this dialog appears, tap Approve on the notification on your phone.

Verification process screen with step instructions.
  1. When this dialog appears, enter your mobile number, and click Done.
Security verification page with input field and Done button.
  1. You are now registered for MFA using the Microsoft authenticator app. You will be logged into the My Apps portal where you can access the applications that have been made available to you.  It will look similar to this page:
Online app icons displayed in a grid on a browser window.