Orientation Overview
Student Orientation

Online New Student Orientation is required for any student that does not attend an in-person New Student Orientation. In this orientation, you will learn more about OCtech, academic policies, campus resources and student support available to you as you start your college journey.

To start your Orientation, follow these instructions:

For the best experience, make sure you review the NEW Student Guide page.

Orientation Videos

These are informative videos you can view at any time, but they do not replace the actual orientation experience.

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President's Welcome Message
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Introduction to D2L Brightspace
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Student Services Overview
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Campus Security
Instructions
Directions for Starting Online New Student Orientation

If you prefer to download instructions you can use this button:

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Login to Brightspace D2L. (You will log in on the Student Side using your college username and the password you created in Self-Service.)

If you have not logged in to Self-Service and D2L Brightspace, please visit the following page to complete the steps for logging in to your accounts for the first time.

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On the Home page of Brightspace D2L, click on Course Catalog.

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Click on New Student Orientation.

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Click Log In and then click Enroll (Do not choose Register).

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Once you complete the steps above the Online New Student Orientation will be listed in your D2L Brightspace as a course where you can click on the course at any time to complete orientation.

If you have any questions or need assistance with Online Orientation, please email success@octech.edu or stop by the Student Success Center in the Library on the second floor of building B.

New Student Checklist

Make sure you have completed this list prior to your first day of class.

D2L ↗

Check your school email and classes in D2L. If your class is virtual you will be given directions in your D2L class. Attend a D2L Workshop for help if you need it. (See below.)

Pay Tuition ↗

You can pay using Self Service or at the Cashier’s desk (Building S Café). You can also view your financial aid in Self Service.

Bookstore ↗

Get to know our opening times, ticket prices and discounts.

Student ID

Student IDs are made in the Student Services (Building S). You must provide a picture ID and schedule.

Parking Permit

Purchase a Parking Permit if you plan to drive to campus. A parking permit will be $30.00 if you plan to drive a car on campus. See the cashier located in Building S (atrium area) to purchase a parking permit.

Campus Map ↗

Familiarize yourself with Campus.

Workshops:

D2L/Brightspace:

D2L is the college’s online learning management system where students will go to access their classes and school email. Students that would like to learn more about navigating D2L can attend one of the following workshops or visit the following page for more information:

Location: Library Computer Lab (Second Floor of Building B)

  • Monday, January 9 at 10:00 am
  • Tuesday, January 10 at 2:00 pm
  • Wednesday, January 11 at 11:00 am

First-year Experience Workshops:

All workshops meet in the Library.

Study Skills Success Check
  • Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 2-3pm
  • Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 1-2pm
  • Thursday, Feb. 16 from 2-3pm
Using Microsoft 365
  • Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 11-12pm
  • Thursday, Feb. 23 from 2-3pm
MLA and APA Citations
  • Tuesday, March 14 from 10-11am
  • Wednesday, March 29 from 2-3pm
Midterm Time Management and Study Skills

Wednesday, March 15 from 2-3pm

Research/Project Assistance
  • Wednesday, April 12 from 11-12pm
  • Tuesday, April 25 from 2-3pm

Important Student Information

Attendance Policy
Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Policies can be found on the Registrar's page.

Advising and Registration

Advising is important to navigating your college career.  Visit the Advising and Registration page for more information.

Bookstore

The OCtech Bookstore offers books, laptops and other supplies you need for your classes.  They also sell college branded merchandise and snacks.

Website:  OCtech’s Bookstore

Location:  The Bookstore is located on the first floor of the B Building.  (You can enter the Bookstore from the sidewalk that runs between the B and S buildings.)

Hours: Monday-Thursday from 8am to 6pm

Using Financial Aid in the Bookstore:

Any financial aid that may be available to you for books and supplies will be on your account which the bookstore will reference when making your purchase. Please have your student ID and class schedule on hand when visit the Bookstore.  Schedules for financial aid purchases are posted on the Bookstore's webpage each semester.

Emergency Alerts

Student Brightspace email addresses are automatically enrolled in the college’s emergency alert system. Students are encouraged to add cell phone numbers and personal email addresses to the system. Adding your cell phone will allow the receipt of emergency text and voice messages, in addition to an email.

Visit the Emergency Alert System page for more details.

Library Services

The Library is located on the second floor of the B Building.

The OCtech Library’s goal is to provide resources, services, and information in support of the personal, academic, and professional goals of students, faculty, and staff at OCtech. The Library’s
resources are accessible both on and off campus, through OCtech’s website and D2L. Library resources include electronic databases, print and electronic books, DVDs, PASCAL Delivers, magazines, journals and newspapers, workshops, study space, computers and streaming content.

Visit the Library's webpage  for 24/7 access to resources.

Parking

Student vehicles on College property must be registered. Vehicles should be registered at the time of class registration. Parking passes can be purchased at the Cashier's Desk in the S building lobby. Parking passes are valid for one academic year and must renewed each year.

  • Please make sure you have your car’s license plate information and your Student ID.
Self Service, Brightspace and Student Email Accounts

For instructions on setting up your Student Self Service and Brightspace accounts, visit this page: Setting Up Student Accounts

A variety of short How-to videos are also available on this page that will show you how to use various features of these accounts.

Student Handbook and Catalog

Current and past issues of the official OCtech Catalog and Student Handbook can be found on the Catalog page.

Student IDs

Student ID’s are issued in Student Services Office in Building S. No appointment necessary to get your ID.

Every registered student at OCtech must have a valid student ID and is required to have it on their person at all times while on the College’s campus.

  • There is no fee for the first student ID.
  • IDs are required to conduct campus related business.
  • To obtain an ID, students should bring a driver’s license or other picture ID to Student Services.

Replacement ID’s:

  • The cost to replace a lost ID is $15.00.
  • Students pay at the Cashier’s Desk in Building S and bring the receipt
  • to Student Services to get a replacement ID.
  • Replacement ID without cost: IDs are replaced at no cost under the following guidelines: Name change, Broken ID (pieces must be brought to Student Services), or if a student has not attended OCtech for 3 consecutive semesters or 1 academic school year

Tuition and Fees
  • Information regarding current tuition and fees can be found here:  Tuition and Fees
  • Tuition due dates are posted on the Academic Calendar.  Pay by the posted due dates to avoid late fees.

Payment:

  • Tuition can be paid online through your Self Service account or at the Cashier's Desk in Building B.
  • Payment Plans are available.

For more information about the various ways our Financial Aid department can help you, visit the Financial Aid section of our website.

Student Success Center


Student Success Center Logo

Be sure to take advantage of free tutoring and other help you can find for free in the Student Success Center. The Student Success is located in the Library.

Helpful How-To Videos


First-time User Login Instructions

Locate Unofficial Transcripts

Student ID Number – How to Locate

How to Find and Print Class Schedule

How to Register for Classes

Reset Self Service Password

How to Search for Classes

Logging Into Self Service

Payments, Payment Plans and Checking Balance

Check Your Grades

How to Drop a Class

Find Your Adviosr