Online Student Checklist
Are you planning to take your COCC classes online? If so, this printable checklist shows all the steps you need to complete before your first day of class. See when classes begin on the academic calendar.
1. Apply for admission
As a new student, the first thing you'll want to do is get admitted! The admissions process varies depending on your students status (new, returning, transfer, etc.), so be sure to get yourself off to the best start by contacting Admissions and Records and visiting the Future Students webpage for details on placement testing, advising, financial support and new student programs like Bobcat Orientation.
2. Attend Bobcat Advising and Bobcat Orientation
Once you have made a reservation for placement testing, sign up for your Bobcat Advising and Registration appointment. Here you will meet with an advisor to plan your path to success. Bobcat Orientation prepares you for classes, lessens anxiety, and helps you tackle the first three weeks of the term.
3. Complete the Orientation for Online Courses
You must complete Online Orientation before you can register for your first online class at COCC. Completing the Orientation takes about an hour, and will give you important and specific information you will need to be successful taking online courses. This orientation is a required prerequisite for any online students, and can be completed at any time leading up to registration.
4. Review COCC's Technology Requirements
If you're taking online classes, knowing that your computer - or access to a computer lab - meets our standards for capable technology and software is really important! Make sure you're prepared by reading through our Technology Requirements page. You can also Tour a Blackboard course to see what kind of environment you'll be working in as an online or hybrid student.
5. Read the Netiquette Guidelines
Online communication is unique, with its own set of 'rules' to guarantee a smooth experience when working in your online classes. Read through our etiquette guide to avoid committing a blunder online, and ensure good communication between yourself and your peers and instructors.
6. Register for classes
Register for classes online through your Bobcat Web Account. Detailed information about how to register is available on the registration website. Your COCC ID is set up when you are admitted and the default password is your birthday (mmddyy). If you have forgotten your username or password, use the links on the login page to get help. View the schedule of classes or the programs catalog for full course and degree descriptions.
7. Visit the Student Resources Page
In Canvas, you'll see two tabs at the top of the main page: eLearning and Student Resources. Each page has a collection of on-demand links to COCC resources, like CAP Services, Testing and Tutoring, Disability Services, and the Library, as well as technology tutorials and other self-help guides. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these two pages!
8. Login to Canvas!
Making sure you log in to each of your online classes as soon as possible during the first week of classes is really important. The COCC attendance policy allows your instructor to give your seat to someone else if you do not participate during the first week, so it's important to test your login and make sure your classes are all listed before the start of term. If you are unable to log in on the first day, contact elearning. Additionally, some online classes may require assignments or other activities be completed during the first week to remain enrolled in the course. Check each of your courses carefully for specific requirements and deadlines or you may be dropped from the class. If you don't attend or stop attending a class and fail to drop the class before the drop deadline, you will be responsible for all tuition and fees.