Orientation

New Student Orientation

You’ve made a huge step in choosing to attend college and better your future. To make sure you’re prepared and ready to take advantage of your investment, we’ve prepared a combination of online and in-person New Student Orientation steps. FGC’s orientation is a journey that can begin when you receive your acceptance letter in the mail. It takes some time on your part to review the resources we’ve prepared for you, but it will be so worth it for your student experience and academic success! The culmination of this journey will occur just before classes begin at New Student Convocation, where we will officially welcome you and your family to our campus. 

Orientation Steps

1. Check out FGC’s Online Orientation: Watch our New Student Orientation video, review the helpful quick-start guide and learn about campus resources! This Orientation course will also be made available to you as a new student when you enroll in courses
2. Log in to MyFGC, your student email, and Canvas (instructions are found in the online orientation). This is helpful to accomplish before you meet with your Academic Advisor. 
3. Meet with your Academic Advisor – find your advisor in the Advising Guide. They will help you lay out your educational plan and select the courses you should take in your first semester. You will be given a folder of important resources for your first semester as a Timberwolf! 
4. Know your New Student Resources:

• Student Handbook – Important resource for all students, with detailed academic and student services information and policies. 
• Academic Calendar – deadlines for registration, withdrawing, etc. 
• College Catalog – official policies and program/course information
• Student Success Center – Visit us for all of your academic support and tutoring needs.
• TRIO Student Support – Grant program for assisting first-generation, low-income, or disabled students with individualized support for succeeding academically, professionally, and personally.
• Tuition Payment Plan Information 
• Career Center and Job Search Tools – Receive assistance with career assessment, exploration, and planning! Check out Career Coach which aligns our programs with potential careers. 
• Accessibility Services – We ensure students with disabilities have equal opportunity in all aspects of FGC life, especially when it comes to academic access. 
• BayCare Life Management – This program provides personal counseling services, including challenges with stress, anxiety, adjustment to college, depression,  substance abuse, unhealthy relationships, time management, etc.

Watch the Below Videos for More Orientation Information

Module 1

Residency Status
Learn how to complete your residency status and receive in-state tuition rates.

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Module 2

Placement Testing
Learn about who needs to take a placement test.  Who may be exempt, and how to schedule to take a placement test.

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Module 3

MyFGC, Student Email, and Canvas
How to set up your MyFGC, student email, and Canvas accounts.

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Module 4

Advising Services
Learn about the services provided by Academic Advising.

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Module 5

Campus Resources
Learn about the campus resources available to FGC students.

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Module 6

Policies and Procedures
Understanding the Academic Catalog, where to locate it, and understanding policies and procedures related to your academics.

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Module 7

Schedule Planner
Learn how to use the schedule planner to see all possible schedules based on your scheduling preferences (days, times, length, and delivery method).

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Module 8

How to Register for Classes
This video will show you how to web register for classes at FGC.

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Module 9

How to Run a Degree Evaluation
This video will guide you on how to run a degree evaluation that will list the classes you have taken and the classes you need to take in order to complete your program of study.

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Module 10

Transfer Information
What to know if you are interested in transferring to another institution.

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Module 11

Financial Aid Basics
Understanding the basics of financial aid.

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Module 12

Financial Aid Appeals
Things to know and consider before you submit a financial aid appeal.

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Module 13

Filling out your FAFSA
A detailed step-by-step on how to complete your FAFSA paperwork for financial aid.

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Module 14

STEM AA and Transfer Information
This is an overview of things to consider if you are interested in the following majors: Computer Science & Engineering, Engineering, Health Professions and other STEM majors.

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Module 15

Sexual Predator and Sexual Offender Notification

Florida Statute 1006.695 Sexual predator and sexual offender notification requires colleges to inform students and employees at orientation and on its website of the existence of the Department of Law Enforcement sexual predator and sexual offender registry website and the toll-free telephone number that gives access to sexual predator and sexual offender public information.

Sexual Offenders and Predators Search Website
Telephone number 1-888-357-7332