Welcome

New Student Guide

We’re glad you’re here!

Use this page to start your college career right.

Activate Self-Service

Meet Your Advisor

Sign Up For Classes

View Your Financial Aid Status

Explore Brightspace/D2L & Navigate

See Important Reminders

Self Service

STEP ONE:

Activate Self-Service

You must log in to Self-Service before you try to access your other accounts.

You will be asked to reset your password. Wait 30 minutes before setting up your Brightspace/D2L and Navigate accounts.

Your login information is in your acceptance letter.

Learn About Your Student Accounts

Meet Advisor

STEP TWO:

Meet With An Advisor

This meeting is an important part of being successful in college.

Your advisor will help you develop a class schedule and provide you with information to get off to a great start.

How to setup your advising:

You can meet with an advisor in any of three ways – pick the best for you:

In person: Visit the Advising Center on the first floor of Building S/Student Services Building

By phone: Call 803.535.1224

Email us and make an appointment: askme@octech.edu

Register For Classes

Once you’ve met with your advisor, you will be able to register for classes through Self-Service.

Ready to register?

Financial Aid

STEP THREE:

View Your Financial Aid Status

For you to be able to receive FREE TUITION and other benefits, it’s important that you complete your FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – even if you don’t think you qualify.

FINANCIAL AID:

Our Financial Aid staff is here to guide you through the process and make sure you benefit from all of the grants and scholarships that make college affordable.

Visit Our Financial Aid Page

Office: First Floor, Building S/Student Services Building

Phone: 803.535.1224

Email: finaid@octech.edu

You can check your financial aid status and pay tuition on Self-Service. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more.

About Accounts

STEP FOUR:

Explore Your Student Accounts

Once you’ve successfully logged in to Self-Service and waited 30 minutes for the system to process your account, you can log in to your other accounts. Here’s a brief overview of how you to use your accounts:

Self-Service is your business account. This is where you:
• check your financial aid status
• pay your bill
• review missing documents
• choose your classes
• see your transcript
• apply for graduation

Go To Self-Service

Brightspace/D2L is your main school account. This is where you:
• access class content
• submit assignments
• check your email
• see campus announcements
• apply for OCtech Foundation scholarships

Log in to this account using your Self-Service password.

Go To Brightspace/D2L

NAVIGATE

Navigate is your app while you’re on the go. This is where you:
• schedule appointments with your advisor, tutors or Student Services
• see your class schedule
• add reminders to your calendar
• find class study buddies

Navigate Quick Start Guide

Other information

Important Information:

Below are important items you don’t want to overlook before you start classes.

Pay tuition

Tuition is due by the published deadline to avoid late fees. You can pay tuition in your Self Service account.

Learn about paying tuition

Login to Self Service

Join Campus Communication

Add your cell phone number and personal email address so you don’t miss important announcements like weather closings.

You can add your phone number in your D2L/Brightspace account (look for “Emergency Alert.”)

Login to D2L/Brightspace

Attend Orientation

Have a fun time learning insider tips and the ins-and-outs of student life here at OCtech.

Orientation information

Student ID and Parking Pass

Student IDs are available in Student Services in Building S. You must sign up for classes before getting an ID.

Permits are required to park on campus. Parking permits may be purchased at the cashier’s desk in Building S.

Student Success Center

You have access to free tutoring services through the Student Success Center.

In-person and online tutoring is available, as well as a variety of study resources to help you succeed.

803.535.1376 | success@octech.edu

Visit the Student Success Center

Important Dates

Summer 2023
March 13 – class registration opens
May 1 – tuition due
May 15 – classes begin
Fall 2023
July 31 – tuition due
August 8 – new student orientation
August 14 – classes begin

Academic Calendar

First Day of Class

Attendance is required on the first day of class. If you can’t attend, it’s your responsibility to notify the instructor prior to your first class.

If you don’t attend the first class or notify your instructor of your expected absence, you’ll be dropped from the class.

If you drop a class, you’re responsible for paying any non-refundable fees.

You can drop classes without penalty by the end of the first week for full-term classes or the second day for mini-session classes.

Misc. Info

• Online classes are found in your D2L/Brightspace account.
• College Wi-Fi is free with your Self-Service login.
• On-campus printers are located in the Library. Copies are $0.10 per page with your student ID. (Visit the Bookstore in Building B to add money to your account.)

Technology Requirements

•All OCtech programs require a computer
•For complete technology requirements and information about your Free Microsoft 365 access, visit the technology requirements page.

Technology Requirements and Microsoft 365