Student Orientation
In an effort to help you succeed in college, Tri-County provides student orientation sessions in a variety of formats based on the program you’re entering. Orientation sessions are designed to help you transition to the College by

• enabling you to meet other students as well as faculty and staff;

• presenting key information you need to be successful as a student; and

• directing you to advising and registration resources.

Get ready to register
Be sure any credit you have from other colleges or through advanced standing opportunities (like Technical Advanced Placement or AP) is documented properly on your Tri-County transcript, and that your advisor is aware of this credit before assisting you with course selection. After admission to the College, you can check your Tri-County transcript through your eTC account.

See your advisor
After attending orientation, you will meet with a faculty advisor to plan your schedule and get registered for classes. Before your first semester, you should receive a letter from your department head indicating who your advisor is.

Know your resources
It’s important that you know how to get help for whatever you need at Tri-County. The College offers many Student Services and Activities to assist you, such as career counseling, academic counseling, and job placement services.

Purchase your books and get a parking decal
After you register, you can purchase your books in the Bookstore and get a parking decal. Or purchase books online . During the week before classes start and the first week of the semester, there will be a table set up outside the Bookstore where you can get a parking decal. After that, you’ll need to go to the Security Office to get a decal. Be sure you’re familiar with (and follow) the campus parking regulations. (Free Bus Service is now available in some areas, if you want to avoid parking hassles!) It’s important too that you read and follow the Campus Security Guidelines. You should receive a copy of the Guidelines in the mail from the Admissions Office. Copies are also available in the Library. After the semester is underway, you can get a student ID. Watch for announcements about when/where IDS will be made.

Protect your financial aid
Be sure you read all the material you received on any financial aid awards you may have received - follow all the guidelines, so you don’t jeopardize your ability to keep your financial aid! Pay particular attention to Important Information for Current Year Recipients and new student information.

Log into your eTC account
eTC is the College's online resource for all kinds of information and web-based services. If you've registered for classes and the semester is underway, your account is ready. If you registered for all classes after the semester is underway, your account should be ready the next day. To get your login user name & password information and having problems with eTC to email the helpdesk.

Get ready for the first day of classes – on campus or online
If you’re taking courses on campus, be sure you have a current schedule of your classes - walk around campus and find where each of your classes will be held. You can print out a copy of your class schedule from your eTC account or from any of the terminals located across campus: Library, eTC Lab in the Student Center, Pickens Hall, Miller Hall, Oconee Hall, or Fulp Hall. One more thing...Parking can be a challenge during the first week of each semester, so get here EARLY! If you’re taking courses online, you won’t be able to log into your class until the semester has started; however, be sure you read How To Access Your Online Courses in the Distance Learning & WebCT Login section of this website now so you’ll know what to do. You may also receive important information from your instructor or department head regarding your online course.