COCC NEW ONLINE STUDENT CHECKLIST
1. Apply for admission
Complete the online COCC admissions form. The admissions process will vary slightly depending on
your student status (new, returning, transfer, etc.). Contact Admissions and Records if you have any
questions!
2. Placement testing & Advising
COCC uses placement tests to help determine your skill level in writing and math. Placement tests
assess academic skills and help place you into the right level of courses and may meet a
program/course prerequisite. You can find more details on placement testing requirements and
options by visiting COCC's Placement Tests web page.
Once you have completed your testing, you will meet with an academic advisor to review any
transfer credits or transcripts you may have, discuss degree requirements, your academic plan,
and set your first term schedule. Visit the Academic Advising page for more information.
3. Get Financial Support
Financial Aid: the first step is to fill out the FAFSA. COCC offers FAFSA and ORSAA workshops on
every campus prior to the start of term, or you can contact the financial aid office if you have any
questions.
Veteran Benefits: first, apply for benefits with Veterans Affairs at least 6 weeks before you plan
to start classes. Then check out the Veteran Benefits page for more information.
Scholarships: you can apply for COCC Foundation scholarships or private scholarships visit the
scholarships page for more.
4. Register for an upcoming Bobcat Orientation
Bobcat Orientation is an option but highly recommended workshop held the Friday before each
new term for new, returning, and transfer students. Whether you are taking online or face-to-face
classes (or both!), attending a Bobcat Orientation session will orient you to the COCC campuses,
technology, instructor expectations and more, as well as giving you the opportunity to speak with
advisors and financial aid, pick up your ID, and more.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 guide to avoid committing a blunder online, and
ensuring good communication between yourself and your peers and instructors.
8. 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.
9. Visit the Student Resources Page
In Blackboard, 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 the CAP Center, 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!
10. Login to your classes!
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. If you are unable to log in on the first
day, contact your instructor.