Get the OCtech Mobile App
- Check your grades
- Search and register for classes
- Pay your bill
- Explore our campus
- Contact faculty and staff
- Connect with us on social media and so much more!
(First time users will need to create an account in Connect. Please see Connect to My Accounts below.)
Wi-Fi access is available in the Library and the Parking Lot.
- Enter the campus through the gate from Cook Road (across from the Regional Medical Center Emergency Department entrance).
- Park in the lot behind Buildings S and K.
- Wi-Fi access is available Monday through Thursday from 8am to 6pm.
Other Wi-Fi resources are listed on the SC Department of Education website here.
All OCtech programs require a computer in order to complete coursework. On-campus and hybrid classes require a laptop computer. Students may purchase a laptop computer from the OCtech Bookstore or provide their own. Students may use financial aid or scholarship funds for laptops purchased from the bookstore. Students are also encouraged to purchase a support package, extended warranties and/or accidental coverage for their device.
Bookstore Laptops:
The bookstore stocks three different models of laptops.
- All models are OCtech compliant with classroom requirements.
- Some programs recommend at least the middle tier laptop stocked by the OCtech bookstore.
- Engineering Design Technology (EDT) students: due to the size of the graphics programs used in computer design, the EDT program recommends the top tier computer.
If you already own a computer, it must:
- have a USB port;
- be capable of adding a second browser, such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox;
- be capable of playing, downloading and recording audio and video;
- be capable of downloading a free Office 365 license provided by OCtech.
Microsoft Office 365:
Microsoft Office 365 offers the latest Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This is free to use for OCtech students and includes cloud storage. More information and download links can be found in your D2L account.
Students are encouraged to contact instructors if they have any issues, questions or need assistance accessing online course materials.
First-time Users
Connect is our online self-service portal where you can check your application and financial aid status, view your classes and adjust your schedule, and much more. It is also where you can pay your tuition and fees. If you are new to Connect, you can view a video on how to get started on our Tutorial Videos page.
Learning Management System
OCtech uses Desire2Learn (D2L) for our learning management system. If you are new to online classes, refer to our D2L page for more helpful information.
The library is open Monday-Thursday: 7:30 – 7:00 and Fridays: 7:30 – 1:30. In person services are available by walk-in or appointment, depending on capacity.
Making Reservations
Students can make a reservation for computer use, virtual library orientations, research assistance, and help with technology. Make a reservation using this link.
Computers
Our capacity for students in the library is limited due to social distancing needs.
Computer reservations can be made here.
Tables and Study Rooms
Study rooms are currently off limits. However, students are able to use study tables and study carrels, depending on capacity.
Printing
Students can print in the library or at the printer outside the library. Funds can only be added to a student’s print account in the bookstore.
Research Help
Students are able to get help with research and library resources several ways. Reservations can be made to meet with the library staff via Zoom and we can be contacted through the chat function that can be found on the library homepage, in D2L, and in the library’s catalog search.
Library Orientations
Library orientations will be held virtually via zoom. Times for library orientations can be reserved here.
Technology Help
We are providing technology assistance in the cafeteria. A member of the library staff will be stationed at the counter near the kitchen and will help with setting up laptops, checking out hotspots, downloading Office 365 and other technology needs/questions students might have. Assistance will be available virtually or in person.
Chat
We are available via chat, Monday – Friday. You can get to the chat function from our homepage, the D2L and from within our library catalog search.
LibGuides
We are constantly updating our libguides. If you haven’t taken a look at ones for your program lately, please do.
New library system
We have a new library system! The new system makes it possible to find all of our resources in one place.
Request a book
If there is a book you would like to check out, you can request it from within our shared library system, or you can contact us and let us know. At the moment, we are limiting browsing the shelves and will retrieve books for you.
Laptops
For students who need them, we have a few new laptops that can be checked out.
Tutoring will be offered virtually this semester with opportunities to meet in person. More information about tutoring can be found on the Student Success Center website. If you need help with study habits, test taking, specific subjects, we’ve got you covered. For questions, please email success@octech.edu.
Book Store Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Students receiving any type of Financial Aid may charge in the bookstore Wednesday, January 6 – Monday, February 8, 2021.
Social distancing and all other guidelines set by the CDC will be observed.
- Students can make their own schedule adjustments through Self Service through January 10, 2021.
- After that, students should email askme@octech.edu or call 803.535.1224.
- The last day to make adjustments is January 15, 2021.
Tip: Our Tutorial Page has many short and helpful videos where you can the find the answer to commonly asked questions.
The health and safety of students, faculty and staff are the college’s top priorities. Guidelines to protect the health and safety of the college community have been developed based on the recommendations of the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
PLEASE review this checklist every day BEFORE reporting to class
IF YOU HAVE ANY of the following, stay HOME, and immediately contact Dr. Sandra Davis, Vice President of Students Services at 803.535.1218 or 803.535.1226 or via email to davisss@octech.edu.
- A fever (a temperature above 99.5 F)
- A (new) cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches or chills
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea / vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- You or anyone you have been in close contact with has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed on quarantine
- You have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by a medical professional or local public health official
OCtech requires all students returning to campus to wear a face covering upon entry/exit into buildings, while walking through any public or shared spaces, while using shared equipment, and when encountering others in the classroom or inside college buildings. OCtech will provide face coverings or face shields to students who do not have their own face coverings.
Face coverings are to cover both the mouth and nose to minimize spreading respiratory droplets when talking, coughing or sneezing. Although not all face coverings may prevent the person wearing the face covering from being infected, they help stop the spread of respiratory droplets to others. Some infected people may be asymptomatic, so widespread use of face coverings can help slow the spread.
Please keep in mind that face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing, but to be used in addition to keeping space between others. Face coverings are not required when alone in enclosed spaces.
If you are wearing a homemade face covering, be sure it is properly washed/disinfected on a regular basis.
Students are to adhere to social distancing practices by keeping six feet from others in classrooms, labs, waiting areas, and other common spaces. The goal of social distancing is to limit exposure to infectious bacteria and viruses. In addition to keeping space between individuals, students are to also wear a face covering to help reduce the spread of illness.
Students are to adhere to public health hygienic recommendations by washing hands regularly, especially after touching commonly used items or coming into contact with someone who may be ill. Proper hand washing involves scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If you are not able to wash your hands, hand sanitizer dispensers are available in all OCtech buildings.
Please be sure to also avoid touching your face, nose and mouth and avoid rubbing your eyes, and practice proper coughing or sneezing etiquette.
Follow these guidelines if you have symptoms or are diagnosed with COVID-19:
- If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms – fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, etc. – stay home from class and contact your medical provider as well as Dr. Sandra Davis, Vice President of Students Services, at 803.535.1218 or 803.535.1226 or via email to davisss@octech.edu.
- If you are on campus and start experiencing symptoms, please notify your instructor in a way that maintains social distancing and avoids close contact with others and leave immediately, seeking medical help/advice if needed/required.
- If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, please report this information to Dr. Sandra Davis, Vice President of Students Services, at 803.535.1218 or 803.535.1226 or via email to davisss@octech.edu. Student Services may require you to provide validation (written proof) from the SC Department of Health Environmental Control, and/or from your physician.
Confirmed or suspected cases will be managed according to the college’s protocol. College personnel will request cleaning of the impacted college area and will close the area for 24 hours. The area will be disinfected by a professional cleaning company. The college will also communicate with those identified as “close contacts” regarding the potential exposure on campus and will work with you to develop a plan for your safe return to campus.
If you have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (this is considered a secondary contact), please notify Dr. Sandra Davis, Vice President of Students Services at 803.535.1218 or 803.535.1226 or via email to davisss@octech.edu.
- Once exposed, if you start experiencing COVID-19 symptoms – fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, etc. – stay home from class and contact your medical provider. If you are then diagnosed with COVID-19, notify the Vice President of Students Services at 803.535.1218 or 803.535.1226 or via email to davisss@octech.edu.
