New Student Checklist

Welcome! This checklist will help you prepare for a successful start at PVCC. Complete these tasks before and during the first weeks of classes.

Administrative Tasks

Activate your PVCC email: Log into Gmail via MyPVCC for your official college communications. Access to Gmail will be available before your first class.
Get student ID: Visit PVCC Public Safety (M218 Main Building). Bring photo ID and proof of enrollment.
Get parking decal: Pick up a free decal at Public Safety to park in student lots. See campus maps.
Sign up for emergency alerts: Register for closure or emergency notifications.

Buy/rent textbooks: Check your course syllabi in Canvas and the Bookstore. Financial aid may cover costs of your textbooks.
Open Canvas: Access Canvas via MyPVCC using Chrome or Firefox. Log in to Canvas and open each course tile. See the Canvas Login tutorial.
Review the Orientation Module in each Canvas course.
Use SIS: Access SIS via MyPVCC to view your class schedule, records and financial aid to do list.
Review catalog, code of conduct, and handbook: Check policies at PVCC’s catalogs and publications.
Mark dates: Note important academic calendar dates and syllabi deadlines in a personal planner.
College supplies: Acquire supplies such as a computer, notebooks, highlighters, pens, etc.

Attend orientation: Join a new student orientation to learn about PVCC resources.
Prepare schedule: Review your SIS schedule (times, locations, formats: in-person, online, hybrid). Locate and walk to the room of each class. Building codes: D (Dickinson), K (Keats), M (Main), S (Stultz), G (Greene County), J (Jefferson School).

Log into Canvas: Access courses on day one to review syllabi and assignments. Check out Canvas support for help.
Understand class formats: In-person classes meet as scheduled; online classes require Canvas login.

Find all the facilities you might need: Use campus maps to locate classrooms and campus resources.
Find your support team: Visit Academic Advising (Bolick Center, 2nd floor), Student Resource Center (M103 Main Building), Tutoring Center (M253 Main Building), Writing Center (M617 Main Building), and Student Success Office (M136 Main Building).
Computers: Access computers for student use or GOAL laptop loans via the Library. Contact help@pvcc.edu or 434.961.5261 for IT support.

Plan study time: Allocate 2-3 hours per credit hour weekly (e.g., 12 credits = 24-36 hours).
Use a planner that works for you: Balance classes, work, and life. See the Student Success Office for help.
Adopt college success strategies: Explore StudentLingo’s student success workshops.

Inform your network: Share your schedule with family and employers for support.
Join activities: Engage in Student Life and Activities via Campus Life.
Follow social media: Like, Subscribe and Follow PVCC’s accounts.
Seek accommodations: Contact the Student Accessibility and Accommodations Office for 504/IEP needs.

Plan commute: Use bus routes, ride-sharing, or biking. See campus maps and directions.

Start strong: Log into Canvas early, check assignments, modules and announcements regularly, and seek help if needed.
Stay organized: Track deadlines to stay on track.
Reminder to use your success team: advising, tutoring and student success are here to help.
Review Strategies for Success: Visit Student Success for some courses at PVCC.