Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry! You’re just a few steps away from becoming a Blazer. Please be sure to complete the following enrollment checklist to help make your transition smooth and simple. This will also be helpful to ensure you are on track to join your class!
Step 1: Complete and Release Your Background Check
You should receive an email from Certiphi Screenings. We must receive your complete Background Screening to provide your BannerID. Be sure to monitor your junk and spam folders for missing or delayed notifications.
You should receive an email from Certiphi Screenings. We must receive your complete Background Screening to provide your BannerID. Be sure to monitor your junk and spam folders for missing or delayed notifications.
Step 2: Activate Blazer ID & Explore BlazerNET
Your BlazerID (*****@uab.edu) is the username for accessing many of UAB's services andonline resources. You’ll need a BlazerID for orientation, to register for classes, and do manyother important things. Use your BannerID to activate your BlazerID and password.
The BlazerID and password takes one hour to activate once you create them. Afterward, you should be able to access your UAB Email through the BlazerID Central Authentication system.
BlazerNET is the official portal to the UAB community and the most reliable source of information for UAB students. It’s convenient, secure, and provides easy access to your UAB email, class schedule, financial aid status, important announcements, and more. Use your BlazerID and password to log in.
Your BlazerID (*****@uab.edu) is the username for accessing many of UAB's services andonline resources. You’ll need a BlazerID for orientation, to register for classes, and do manyother important things. Use your BannerID to activate your BlazerID and password.
The BlazerID and password takes one hour to activate once you create them. Afterward, you should be able to access your UAB Email through the BlazerID Central Authentication system.
BlazerNET is the official portal to the UAB community and the most reliable source of information for UAB students. It’s convenient, secure, and provides easy access to your UAB email, class schedule, financial aid status, important announcements, and more. Use your BlazerID and password to log in.
Step 3: Technology & Equipment Requirements
To ensure a smooth start, review your program’s technology standards before classes begin. Confirm that you have:
- A computer or laptop that meets minimum specifications
- Updated operating system and required software
- Reliable internet connection
- Essential accessories (webcam, microphone, etc.)
Additional equipment items include:
- Clipboard, iClicker, watch, TI-30Xa Scientific calculator, and laptop privacy screen.
Action Step: Visit the official Technology Requirements Page to verify details and purchase any needed items.
To ensure a smooth start, review your program’s technology standards before classes begin. Confirm that you have:
- A computer or laptop that meets minimum specifications
- Updated operating system and required software
- Reliable internet connection
- Essential accessories (webcam, microphone, etc.)
Additional equipment items include:
- Clipboard, iClicker, watch, TI-30Xa Scientific calculator, and laptop privacy screen.
Action Step: Visit the official Technology Requirements Page to verify details and purchase any needed items.
Step 4: Make Plans to Attend Spring Visit
Spring Visit is an annual event similar to a mini-orientation. Everyone is encouraged to attend. The date will be shared at the beginning of the Spring Semester via email from a Student Affairs representative and in the class GroupMe with 1st year reps.
Spring Visit is an annual event similar to a mini-orientation. Everyone is encouraged to attend. The date will be shared at the beginning of the Spring Semester via email from a Student Affairs representative and in the class GroupMe with 1st year reps.
Step 5: Apply for or Accept Federal Financial Aid
All it takes is just one form. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov opens a new website. Use Code 001052 to send your application to UAB. If you receive a financial aid award, accept or decline the offer at uab.edu/blazernet opens a new website. Contact Financial Aid at finaid@uab.edu or 205-934-8223.
All it takes is just one form. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov opens a new website. Use Code 001052 to send your application to UAB. If you receive a financial aid award, accept or decline the offer at uab.edu/blazernet opens a new website. Contact Financial Aid at finaid@uab.edu or 205-934-8223.
Step 6: Apply for Endowed Scholarships
Applications for Endowed Scholarships for all Optometry students will be sent to you via email beginning April 1st. The deadline to apply for endowed opportunities is May 31st.
Applications for Endowed Scholarships for all Optometry students will be sent to you via email beginning April 1st. The deadline to apply for endowed opportunities is May 31st.
Step 7: Submit Immunizations
At UAB, all students have a “Patient Portal” to house (online only) records of healthcare info, including immunizations. You’re required to upload proof of these immunizations to your Patient Portal (instructions at uab.edu/immunizations opens a new website).
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Questions? Contact Student Health at studenthealth@uab.edu or 205-934-3581. Deadlines & details: uab.edu/immunizations
At UAB, all students have a “Patient Portal” to house (online only) records of healthcare info, including immunizations. You’re required to upload proof of these immunizations to your Patient Portal (instructions at uab.edu/immunizations opens a new website).
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Questions? Contact Student Health at studenthealth@uab.edu or 205-934-3581. Deadlines & details: uab.edu/immunizations
Step 8: Submit Health Insurance
If you’re a full-time student, then you must show proof of the required level of health insurance coverage. Don’t have private coverage? Then you’ll be automatically enrolled in UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan, and the cost of that insurance will be added to your student account. If
you do have private insurance, you must submit a completed waiver form AND proof of personal insurance coverage by the first day of class. Failure to submit proof of your personal
insurance will automatically enroll you in UAB's Student Health Insurance Plan, and the premium will be added to your student account. Have questions? Go to uab.edu/students/health/insurance-waivers opens a new website for answers!
If you’re a full-time student, then you must show proof of the required level of health insurance coverage. Don’t have private coverage? Then you’ll be automatically enrolled in UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan, and the cost of that insurance will be added to your student account. If you do have private insurance, you must submit a completed waiver form AND proof of personal insurance coverage by the first day of class. Failure to submit proof of your personal insurance will automatically enroll you in UAB's Student Health Insurance Plan, and the premium will be added to your student account. Have questions? Go to uab.edu/students/health/insurance-waivers opens a new website for answers!
Step 9: Submit your ID Photo and Plan to Attend Orientation
Choose a photo of yourself for your ONE Card, your official student ID, and upload it at least 24 hours before the beginning of your orientation session. Be sure your photo follows the guideline
More information will be shared at Spring Visit regarding the One Card and Orientation. During the four-day Orientation event, you will receive your ONE Card (UAB ID). You will also receive access to your mailbox and locker, learn about support services, meet other new students, and much more
Choose a photo of yourself for your ONE Card, your official student ID, and upload it at least 24 hours before the beginning of your orientation session. Be sure your photo follows the guideline
More information will be shared at Spring Visit regarding the One Card and Orientation. During the four-day Orientation event, you will receive your ONE Card (UAB ID). You will also receive access to your mailbox and locker, learn about support services, meet other new students, and much more
Step 10: Send Final Transcript
If your acceptance letter listed missing prerequisite course(s) you will need to submit your updated transcript to OptomCAS before the end of January, If you do not have any missing prerequisite courses to take and you submitted your transcript with your degree posted when you submitted your OptomCAS application, no further actions are required. If you do not have any missing prerequisite courses, took classes in the fall semester, and completed your degree, you will need to submit your updated transcript to OptomCAS. Make sure you wait until your degree is posted on your transcript to have it sent to them.
If you will be enrolled in the spring semester, you will need to have your official transcript sent from your school’s Registrar’s Office to Delia Lewis in the Optometry Student Affairs Office at dlewis1@uab.edu. If you are graduating at the end of the spring semester, make sure you waituntil your degree has been posted and your transcript shows your graduation date.
If your acceptance letter listed missing prerequisite course(s) you will need to submit your updated transcript to OptomCAS before the end of January, If you do not have any missing prerequisite courses to take and you submitted your transcript with your degree posted when you submitted your OptomCAS application, no further actions are required. If you do not have any missing prerequisite courses, took classes in the fall semester, and completed your degree, you will need to submit your updated transcript to OptomCAS. Make sure you wait until your degree is posted on your transcript to have it sent to them.
If you will be enrolled in the spring semester, you will need to have your official transcript sent from your school’s Registrar’s Office to Delia Lewis in the Optometry Student Affairs Office at dlewis1@uab.edu. If you are graduating at the end of the spring semester, make sure you waituntil your degree has been posted and your transcript shows your graduation date.