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


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.
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.
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.
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
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.

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