New Student Checklist

Welcome new students!


Now that you have completed the steps to enrollment, here are a few other things that you need to do, and we’ve included a few pointers, too. Best wishes!

*  Buy or rent your books. Check your class syllabus to determine what books are required. (The course syllabus will be in Canvas.) OR you can visit the PVCC Bookstore Web site and click the link for textbooks. Once you enter the specific course information, you will be given the book information including the ISBN number. The PVCC Bookstore, which is operated by Follett, is located on campus in the Main Building (near Library). Hours and contact info are posted on the Bookstore’s Web site. You can use your financial aid funds to pay for textbooks and required supplies only during certain dates each semester.

*  Activate your PVCC email. Very important! You’ll receive official PVCC announcements about financial aid and other updates through your PVCC email. Set up your email through MyPVCC. After logging in with your username and password, select the “Gmail” link. Your student email is only available 24 hours after you have registered for classes.

*  Don’t worry if you do not see your credit classes listed in Canvas before the first day of class! Your class schedule in the VCCS Student Information System is considered your official list of credit classes for which you registered. Access your schedule through MyPVCC, and you’ll see all the classes for which you registered. Credit classes show up in Canvas either on the first day of the class or within 48 hours after registering.

For a brief tutorial video about Canvas, visit www.pvcc.edu/odl.

*  Set your browser to Firefox or Google Chrome to use Canvas. PVCC strongly recommends that you use Firefox or Google Chrome as your web browser rather than Internet Explorer.  There are a number of known issues with using IE to access Canvas.

*  Have your class schedule available during the first week of classes. The classes you are registered to take are listed in the Student Information System, which you access through MyPVCC. On the first day of class, be sure to have a printed or online copy of your class schedule handy so you’ll know the date, time, building, and room number of your classes.

Online Scheduled Time - will meet on the days and at the times listed. The class meeting will occur through Zoom.

Online Anytime - have no set meeting time. You complete the classwork on your schedule, at whatever time of day is convenient for you.

Remember, the letter which precedes the room number designates the building in which your class is held:  D = Dickinson Building on main campus, G = Greene County at the PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center, J = Jefferson School in downtown Charlottesville, K = Keats Science Building on the main campus, M = Main Building on the main campus and S = Stultz Center on the main campus.

*  Use maps to help you find your way. Campus maps are available online here, or pick up printed copies from the receptionist at the south entrance to the Main Building or in the Admissions and Advising Center (Main Building, room M144). A campus map is also available on the PVCC app. Of course, any PVCC staff or faculty member is happy to help you if you have questions.

*  Get a free parking decal if you’ll be parking your vehicle on the main campus, and observe parking signs. See this campus map for designated student parking lots. Warning: Your vehicle is subject to ticketing if you do not have a PVCC parking decal and/or you park in lots for employees or visitors.  Decals are available in the Main Building at the receptionist’s desk at the south entrance, the Department of Public Safety & Campus Police (room M218 near the Library) or the Cashier’s Office (near the north entrance to PVCC). 

*  Get a student photo ID. This is not a requirement; however, having a PVCC student photo ID may enable you to find discounts around town. Get your photo ID from the Department of Public Safety & Campus Police in the Main Building (room M218 near the Library).

*  Get help when you need it!

  • The Admissions and Advising Center is your go-to place. Appointments are highly recommended.  You can call 434.961.6551 or email admissions@pvcc.edu. Sometimes during the summer, Friday hours may differ, so be sure to check www.pvcc.edu/hours.
     
  • Help with online services:

Canvas Help – Email Canvas Support or call 434.961.5315.

Student Information System (SIS), student email, log-in, password or username – Email the IT Help Desk or call 434.961.5261.
 

Tutoring – Email tutoring@pvcc.edu or call 434.961.5499.

First Quadrant Math Center 
(business, mathematics, sciences and technologies tutoring) 
Main Building, room M253 
434.961.5284

The Writing Center 
(writing, humanities and social sciences tutoring) 
Main Building, room M617 
434.961.5499

*  Sign up to receive PVCC emergency or closing messages.  For your safety and convenience, we strongly recommend that you sign up for our emergency alert system. It will notify you quickly with an email and/or text about PVCC closings due to inclement weather or emergency situations. See sign-up details here.

* Become familiar with the PVCC Student Handbook, which includes the Code of Conduct.