WELCOME KIT

ACADEMIC YEAR 2023-2024

TABLE OF ICONTENTs
1. How do register?

1 Welcome to University of the People 2

1.1 Our Students 2

2 Your First Term 3

2.1 Course Registration 3

2.2 UoPeople Online Learning Platform 3

2.3 Payments 5

2.4 Resources and Services 5

3 Life at UoPeople 7

3.1 Study Preparation 7

3.2 Learning Methods 8

3.3 Peer-to-Peer Learning 9

3.4 UoPeople Ambassador Program 10

4 To-Do List 11

5 Student Success Stories 12

5.1 Employed at Top Companies 12

5.2 Where Are They Now? 13

6 Academic Calendar 14

The world’s greatest small liberal arts college, that

happens to be online, tuition-free, and global.
Dr. Dalton Conley
Dean of Health Science UoPeople
Henry Putnam University Professor in Sociology, Princeton University

1
1. Welcome
1. How to University of the People!
do I register?

In becoming a member of the UoPeople community, you are

embarking on an educational journey with peers from over
200 countries and territories. Our students are incredibly
diverse, and we know that each one of you deserves
personalized attention and support. Studying online is not
easy; it takes an incredible amount of dedication, focus, and
hard work. Your success is our priority, and we are here to
guide and support you in your educational journey.

Shai Reshef
UoPeople President

1.1 Our Students

Students at University of the People come from all walks of life, many have families and some
are also working while they complete their studies. With so many students leading busy lives
it’s important that our classes fit any schedule. One of the most unique aspects of learning at
UoPeople is the ability to network with over 117,000 other students from all over the globe! You’re
part of an impressive global student body - explore the facts below to learn more!

Student Demographics

200+
Countries and
64%
work while earning
77%
have dependents
Territories their degree

What Our Students Say

88%
feel instructors are
90%
believe they are taught
90%
are proud to study at
helpful and supportive career centric skills UoPeople and enjoy
and knowledge their experience

2
2. YourdoFirst
1. How Term
I register?

2.1 Course Registration

One of the most exciting times in your academic career is getting ready for your very first term!
Don’t be nervous, we’ve made it simple – for your first term we will take care of your course
registration for you. All you need to do is sit back, relax and check your email for a notification
about your registration that should arrive a week before the term is scheduled to begin.

You can expect to be registered for 1 - 2 courses based on availability and the required
prerequisites for your program of choice.

We’ve taken care of registration for you for this first term, but afterwards you’ll need to register
for courses on your own for subsequent terms. We’ve got a step-by-step video that makes it
simple to learn how to register--click here to watch.

2.2 UoPeople Online Learning Platform

To prepare for a successful academic career at UoPeople we recommend that you familiarize
yourself with resources that will be available to you.

Moodle
Moodle, our Online Campus, is where you’ll find all course-related materials and resources.
This includes your assignments, calendar, and materials that you can use to help you ace your
coursework.

You will receive your own login details (username and password) in an email from Student
Services.

If you encounter any technical issues and need support, please contact support@uopeople.edu.

Student Portal
The Student Portal is your hub for making a variety of important requests. It’s here that you can
manage all your courses, make payments, even contact your Program Advisor. You'll also be able
to take care of important actions, like submitting transcripts.

3
2. YourdoFirst
1. How Term
I register?
Here’s a quick rundown of the main elements:

Personal Message: Displays a weekly message to keep you up to date on various topics like
upcoming registration and pending payments

Enrollment Progress: Keeps you informed on your enrollment progress, providing essential
details to help you stay on track.

Checklist: Keeps you organized with a checklist of important tasks and activities, including
updates on pending tasks, documents, and payments. Completed tasks move to the
"Completed" tab, while the "Current" tab shows pending items.

Academic Progress: Keeps you informed on your academic progress, providing essential details
to help you stay on track.

Your Courses: Stores information about your current and completed courses.  

4
2. YourdoFirst
1. How Term
I register?

2.3 Payments
As you know, UoPeople is tuition-free – this means there are no fees for instruction, course
materials, or campus costs. However, in order to keep our mission of making higher education
affordable and accessible for all we do ask for minimal assessment fees ($120 for Undergraduates,
$300 for Graduates and $200 for Certificates) to be paid at the end of each course.

If you have trouble affording our minimal assessment fees, please contact your Program Advisor.

Submitting Payment
Submitting payment is simple! You can access the UoPeople Student Portal and go to the
‘Payments’ section to pay any balances, view upcoming payments and take a look at your
payment history.
We have several payment options for you to choose from. Online options include: debit/credit
cards, PayPal, or Google Pay. We also have an offline Western Union option if needed.

2.4 Resources and Services

Attending university is extremely fulfilling, but coursework can sometimes be challenging. We
have a variety of resources readily available to help provide the support and assistance you need
to tackle your studies with confidence.

Program Advisors (P.A.)

Every student at UoPeople is assigned a Program Advisor. Once you are assigned you will be
notified through your email. A Program Advisor will be with you every step of the way from your
first day at UoPeople up until graduation. They will be happy to answer any of your questions,
discuss course selection and offer any administrative support that you may need. You can chat
with your Program Advisor by email or sending a message by using our chatbot, “Michelle".
In all emails you receive from UoPeople, including from your Program Advisor you will never be
asked for sensitive information. Please report any suspicious emails to your Program Advisor.

5
2. YourdoFirst
1. How Term
I register?

Chatbot “Michelle”
Have you met our UoPeople chatbot “Michelle”? You can find our chatbot on our website just
waiting for you to ask any questions that you may have so it can provide support. You can also
use “Michelle” on the Student Portal, UoPeople Online Campus (Moodle), and to connect with
your Program Advisor. You can access “Michelle” through our WhatsApp bot (+1 (626) 264-8880),
Facebook and the official UoPeople website.

Self-Service Forms
Need transcripts, disability accommodation requests or confirmation of enrollment? Head on
over to the ‘Self-Service Form’ section in the UoPeople Student Portal. It’s here that you will find
any essential documents you may need.

Library and Information Resource Network (LIRN)

Our LIRN is located inside the ‘UoPeople Library’ under the ‘Resources’ section in UoPeople Online
Campus (Moodle). It provides you with free access to various materials to support your studies. In
the LIRN you will discover a wide range of academic journals and other open education resources
through JSTOR.

Learning Resource Center (LRC)

The Learning Resource Center, located under the ‘Resources’ section in UoPeople Online Campus
(Moodle). gives students instruction and support on the best practices for writing and tips for
effective research to help you graduate successfully.

6
3. Lifedo
1. How atI UoPeople
register?

3.1 Study Preparation

For a successful academic journey at UoPeople all you need is a reliable internet connection.
Online learning comes with big benefits like 100% online flexibility. Since there are no live lectures
and all coursework is completed online you have the ability to complete coursework when it best
fits your schedule. Study from anywhere, anytime.
Here at UoPeople we've created Student Orientation so you'll know what to expect and how you
can best prepare for class. If you’d like to learn more about Student Orientation, click here.
Also, have a look at our current students on their academic journey!

Student Study Spaces

Sumesh S. Tita Y.
Computer Science M.Ed.
Nepal Indonesia

Noberto A. Andrea S.
Health Science MBA
Belize United States

7
3. Lifedo
1. How atI UoPeople
register?

3.2 Learning Methods

Each course at UoPeople is accompanied by a Learning Guide in UoPeople Online Campus
(Moodle). that will help you to better understand your weekly assignments and stay on track by
completing coursework on time. Your participation for these weekly assignments are taken in
consideration when measuring course attendance.
Each Learning Week begins on a Thursday and ends on Wednesday. So, make sure you look at your
weekly tasks and plan them accordingly. We recommend you spend about 15 hours per week on
each course for study time and to complete your assignments.
These are a few of the course requirements you can look forward to completing:

Reading Assignments Learning Journal

Quizzes final Exams

8
3. Lifedo
1. How atI UoPeople
register?

3.3 Peer-to-Peer Learning

Peer to peer learning is an important aspect of University of the People’s unique educational
model. All students participate in a system of peer assessments for their discussion assignments.
These peer assessments are not only an important element of our educational philosophy, but
also contribute to students’ final grades alongside quizzes, tests, and the instructor-graded online
learning journal.

Within UoPeople Online Campus (Moodle), students post responses to reading assignments
within a class discussion forum. The student’s work is then reviewed carefully by three other
students in the class who each give the work a grade. While this is happening, the student being
reviewed will also be expected to read, review and grade the discussion assignments of their
classmates.

This valuable experience gives students insight into the ideas and perspectives of their
classmates and sharpens their critical thinking skills. It is a key element of how learning and
community are emphasized at UoPeople.

9
3. Lifedo
1. How atI UoPeople
register?

3.4 UoPeople Ambassador Program

Are you ready to tell the world about UoPeople? Join the UoPeople Ambassador Program! We’re
always looking for students like you to help us get the word out about our mission to make
education affordable and accessible for all. Ambassadors earn points by completing challenges,
posting about their experiences with the university, or helping prospective students learn about
our programs.

Each challenge you complete scores you points that go toward earning exciting rewards. Apply to
be an Ambassador, click here today. You might even be featured on the UoPeople homepage!

10
4. To-Do
1. How do List
I register?

New Student To-Do List:

Check and verify your login details

Read our “welcome” email

Attend orientation

Check your pending actions: documents / payments / English Exemption

Take action if needed for the pending actions

Familiarize yourself with how to contact your Program Advisor

Explore the student portal and locate forms, courses, and vital information

Get ready for an amazing academic adventure!

11
5. Student
1. How Success Stories
do I register?

5.1 Employed at Top Companies

We are so proud of our UoPeople graduates! They are proof that UoPeople prepares students with
the tools needed to be successful upon graduation. UoPeople grads report working at leading
companies worldwide. Including:

5.2 Where Are They Now?

Meet Mieko
As a hardworking mom in Japan, she ran her own business
with an ambition to expand to the global market. After
moving to the United States, she decided to pursue
an associate’s degree at UoPeople. Because UoPeople
offers a flexible online schedule she was able to run her
business, and take care of her son – all while earning her
associate’s degree in Business Administration. Mieko then
leveraged the valuable partnerships UoPeople has with
top universities. She transferred to our then partner, the
University of California at Berkeley where she graduated
with a 4.0 GPA!
Mieko M. Her story doesn’t end there – Mieko is currently pursuing
Business Administration Graduate her master’s degree at MIT. In 2020, she founded a shop
United States
called Crane and Turtle in Boston, to introduce sustainable
and practical Japan-made household items to Americans.
Mieko is a wonderful example of what you can accomplish
with hard work and ambition, and the support of
UoPeople!

12
5. Student
1. How Success Stories
do I register?

Greetings from Abdullah

This is Abdullah O., life was difficult for him growing up
in war torn Syria. He had lost hope for the future and
recognized that he was at a disadvantage without an
education. He knew that in order to make his dreams come
true he would need a degree. Then, he happened to see an
ad on social media for University of the People. It seemed
too good to be true, but Abdullah applied anyway.
Abdullah was accepted into the Computer Science
Bachelor’s degree program with a full scholarship. Living
in Syria he still had issues with losing power or elements
beyond his control, but supportive instructors worked
Abdullah O. with him to help him overcome these challenges. But
Computer Science Abdullah wasn’t content, he pushed himself to achieve
Syria one of his greatest dreams- attending prestigious
Columbia University and pursuing a career as a theoretical
physicist.
This year Abdullah was accepted to Columbia University
and continues building the future of his dreams.

Say Hello to Sarah

By the age of 13, Sarah and her family were homeless.
She eventually dropped out of high school and had two
children. Life was extremely difficult for her. Sarah earned
an undergraduate degree at another online university, but
knew she wanted an advanced degree. Sarah then made a
decision that would forever change her life.
She completed her application and was accepted into
University of the People! Sarah loved learning about other
cultures and gaining the specialized skills that employers
were looking for. She completed her MBA and quickly
found a job at Amazon.
Sarah M. Sarah loves her job at Amazon where she can fully utilize
MBA Graduate
her skillset to make a change in the world. She now owns
United States
her own home and has her own car. Life has completely
changed for Sarah who had to overcome so much.

13
6. Academic
1. How Calendar
do I register?

Academic Calendar 2023 - 2024

You can also refer to the calendar on our website.

1. University of the People reserves the right to make changes to this calendar at any time.
2. Exact registration dates are set according to class standing group and program. Class standing
is determined by the number of credits earned.
3. Course availability during late registration is limited. For proctored courses, students must
complete all required steps to arrange for a proctor during the registration period.
4. Grades may be published earlier; students are advised to check for updates in the Student
Portal.

disclaimer
In the event of any conflict between the terms of this manual and the UoPeople Catalog, then the language
of the UoPeople Catalog shall take precedence and be the guiding document.

14