Frequently Asked Questions
BEFORE ARRIVAL
Who is my advisor?
Check with the main office in your department. Graduate students have been notified of the initial advisor in the
admission letter. If you are an undeclared major, contact University Advisement at ETSU. (Center is located in the
ARC – 2nd level of the D.P. Culp Center).
What is my student identification number?
Your student identification number is on your admission letter (e.g., E-00XXXXXX).
Where can I get information about On-Campus housing?
Housing information is available at http://www.etsu.edu/students/housing/. Housing information is also included in
your pre-arrival packet.
Where can I go to get information about Off-Campus housing?
Limited information is available at http://www.etsu.edu/students/acts/students/offcampushousing.aspx. ETSU does not
have an office for off-campus housing.
How do I pay my ETSU bills?
You can pay your bills:
 By Credit Card or WebCheck in Goldlink (https://selfserv.etsu.edu)
 At the cashier windows, Room 202 Dossett Hall (Administration Building)
 By U.S. Mail (ETSU, Comptroller's Office, PO Box 70719, Johnson City, TN 37614)
 By phone - (423) 439-4212
 Traveler’s checks can be mailed along with student ID and Name to East Tennessee State University, PO
Box 70719, Johnson City, TN 37614
 Wire transfers are done through First Tennessee Bank, PO Box 1596, Johnson City, TN 37605. To initiate
wire transfers, the SWIFT code for First Tennessee Bank is: FTBMUS44.
AFTER ARRIVAL
How do I schedule placement testing?
Undergraduate students who did not submit ACT or SAT scores must make an appointment to take the COMPASS
test. To make an appointment, contact the University Testing Center at (423)439-6708. Students are required to bring a
valid photo ID. The COMPASS test is a computerized test and is not timed. You can find out important COMPASS
testing information by going to http://www.etsu.edu/uac/dsp/compass/schedule.aspx. The University Testing Center is
located in The Center for Academic Achievement on the first floor of Sherrod Library (near Einstein Bagels).
How do I register for classes?
You can register for classes on Goldlink (https://selfserv.etsu.edu). Make sure you discuss with your advisor which
classes to take before you register.
How do I get a student identification card?
Student ID cards are issued at the ID office (423) 439-8316 located on the 2nd level of the D. P. Culp University
Center. You must be registered for classes before you will be issued an ID card. Your ETSU ID card has many uses
including access control to residence halls, some computer labs and parking gates, athletic events, the Center for
Physical Activities, Sherrod Library, and the Digital Media Lab. The ID card also gives access to meal plans, library
services, and gives the holder the option of using his/her card as a campus debit card.
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How do I open a bank account?
Go to a local bank. Some of the banks allow you to open an account with your Passport. Most of the banks will
eventually require that you provide a Social Security Number, especially if you have an interest bearing account.
Some local banks are:
 Regions
 Bank of Tennessee
 Greater Eastern Credit Union
 Bank of America
 BB&T
 First Tennessee
How do I buy my books?
You can purchase your books from the University Bookstore (http://www.etsubookstore.com/) located on the 2nd level
of the D.P. Culp University Center. The telephone number is (423) 439-4436. You can also get them from The College
Store and SBX bookstore, both located on W. Walnut Street, just across campus.
How do I get a Post Office box?
Undergraduate students who live on-campus are automatically assigned a post office box upon registering and paying
for 12 credit hours. Once you pay your fees, take your ID card to the ETSU Post Office to obtain your box assignment
and combination. Graduate students in need of a campus post office box must contact the Bursar’s Office to request
one. The ETSU Post Office is located on the lower level of the D.P. Culp University Center. Students who live offcampus are NOT automatically assigned a post office box but can request one using the same procedure as above and
will be assigned a box according to availability.
How do I set up my e-mail account?
You can activate your GoldMail account by going to the account activation page at http://www.etsu.edu/activate/.
You'll be asked for some information so that the system can look up your account and you can set your password.
Once you have successfully entered a password and the system finds your account, you'll be given your username and
e-mail address. When you see this, wait 15 minutes and you should be able to log into your GoldMail account. You
can access GoldMail by going to http://goldmail.etsu.edu/.
How do I set up my D2L account?
Desire-to-Learn (D2L) is an internet-based educational program designed to assist teachers and students in the learning
process. Many professors will post readings, assignments, and discussion boards on the site as an integral part of the
course work. To access D2L, go to https://elearn.etsu.edu. The first time you use your account, it will need to be
activated by going to http://www.etsu.edu/activate. Your username and password are the same as for your GoldMail
account. If you have already logged into your GoldMail account, you will not need to activate your password again.
How do I use the telephones on campus?
 The dorm rooms and apartments on campus include a phone line. A phone is not provided, but you may
purchase one after arrival.
 If you are calling an office on campus or a student who lives on campus, press the last five digits of their
telephone number.
 If you want to call off campus, press 8 and then the telephone number.
Where can I send and receive faxes?
The ETSU Bookstore located on the second floor of the D.P. Culp University Center.
Where can I make photocopies?
The ETSU Sherrod Library Copy/Print Rooms on Floors 1-3 and Late Night Study. Black and white copies are 5 cents
per sheet.
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Where can I use a computer until the computer labs open?
Great Room 109 in Yoakley Hall, right beside International Programs and Services.
Where can I buy groceries?
Kroger is located on N. State of Franklin Road and is within walking distance from campus. You can save money by
requesting a free Kroger Card from a store employee. Earth Fare is another grocery store within walking distance to
ETSU.
Where can I get something to eat?
 The Marketplace – Residential Restaurant – features all-you-care-to-eat style with a variety of foods to suit any
eating habit. The Marketplace is open to all students, whether you have a meal plan or not, all faculty and staff,
and the public. Located on the third floor in the D.P. Culp Center.
 The Atrium Food Court – a great place for quick but tasty options. Choose from: Chick-Fil-A, Zoca-Fresh Mex to
the Max, Quizno’s with toasted subs, salads, and soups, Grille Works and a large grab and go selection. Located
on the second floor in the D.P. Culp Center.
 The Buc-Mart – an on-campus convenience store with everything you could need including sodas, icees, chips,
candy and other snacks, freshly brewed Java City coffee and Java City Express, grab and go items, and other home
necessities. Located on the second floor in the D.P. Culp Center.
 The Cave – Java City Coffee Shop - a coffee shop featuring freshly brewed coffee, hot and cold espresso
beverages and freshly baked yummy pastries. Asian Express - featuring classic Asian cuisine, sushi and many
other delicious dishes. Located on the ground level of the D.P. Culp Center.
 The Treehouse – located in the center of the academic hub, this location features a Grab-N-Go, freshly made
salads and sandwiches, along with a tasty sushi and noodle bar. New to the Tree House this year is Einstein Bros.
Bagels featuring freshly baked bagels, yummy muffins and Einstein's Darn Good Coffee!
 Freshens – refreshing smoothies and frozen treats on the first floor of the Center for Physical Activity.
 Centennial Stop – The newest convenience location on campus. Designed for students looking for a place to relax
and socialize, buckle down and study or get the grub and go. Located in the new Centennial Hall on the east side
of campus.
 Einstein Bros. Bagels - at Sherrod Library: featuring freshly baked bagels with homemade shmears, yummy
muffins and Einstein's made to order Darn Good Coffee and refreshing hot and cold espresso beverages.
How about some places to eat before the campus eateries open?
There are restaurants located on the East Side of Campus on W. Walnut Street and many more located on State of
Franklin that are all within walking distance of ETSU.
Where do I get a job on campus?
Open positions for student workers are posted online at:
http://www.etsu.edu/finaid/jobsads/jobslist.asp?category_id=RSWP or just by visiting various departments, such as
Housing, ARAMARK Food Services, Physical Plant, Library, Center for Physical Activity, etc.
F-1 international students are only eligible for regular work study positions (RSWP), not any federally funded jobs.
Please visit International Programs and Services to obtain assistance in applying for a social security number, if you do
not have one. If you are a graduate student looking for a Graduate Assistantship or Tuition Scholarship, go to the
Graduate Studies website at http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/Home.aspx and click on Assistantships.
Who is eligible for Social Security Number (SSN)? When can you apply for SSN?
Social Security numbers are generally assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States.
As an F-1 student, you are eligible to apply for SSN, provided you have an on-campus paid job. (Example:
Graduate Assistantship, Student Worker). Students who receive Tuition Scholarships are not eligible to
apply, since they do not get paid. In order to obtain a SSN, students must be in the United States for at least
10 days before applying and be registered full-time for classes. For more information, contact our office.
Updated 11/18/10
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