New Student Orientation
Orientation Benefits
Students who attend orientation are more likely to succeed academically, as they are better prepared and more informed about what to expect. Orientation familiarizes students with the campus, resources and provides opportunities for students to meet their peers, faculty and staff, helping them feel more connected and less isolated. By addressing common concerns and offering practical information, orientation alleviates anxiety and boosts students' confidence as they start their college journey.
PVCC offers the following orientation experiences for associate degree and career studies certificate students.
Don't Delay! Register Now for New Student Orientation (ALL SESSIONS ARE FULL).
- PVCC Virtual Orientation (required for associate degree students)
Complete PVCC’s Virtual New Student Orientation to get key resources and next steps for your first semester. The session takes 30–45 minutes. Click Virtual New Student Orientation and log in with your VCCS username and password to begin
- Live Orientation (encouraged for associate degree and career studies certificate students)
Don't Delay! Click Here Today and Register for New Student Orientation (ALL SESSIONS ARE FULL)!
Live orientation sessions will take place in the Bolick Center:
- Tuesday, June 17 (FULL)
- Wednesday, July 16 (FULL)
- Tuesday, August 5 (FULL)
- Wednesday, August 13 (FULL)
Session Highlights
College Life: The Game Show
Get ready for a high-energy game show experience! Test your knowledge, learn all about PVCC’s campus resources, college lingo, and ways to get involved. Come for the fun—stay for the prizes!Student POV: An Insider's Guide to College Success
Who better to tell you about PVCC than current students? Hear their stories, get real tips for success, and ask your questions during this honest and helpful student panel.Jumpstart! (students only)
This hands-on session will walk you step by step through setting up your PVCC email, using college technology tools, making appointments, checking alerts, and connecting with key resources to get your semester off to a strong start.Family & Friends: Supporting Your Student’s Journey (for parents and guests)
This session is designed for parents, family members, and friends. Learn how to best support your student as they transition to college, navigate new challenges, and make the most of PVCC’s resources.From Here to Cavalier: Starting Your UVA Transfer Journey
Thinking about transferring to UVA? This session offers a quick overview of transfer programs, key deadlines, and the resources available to help you plan your path.Quest for Success: Level Up Your Undergraduate Experience
Take your college experience to the next level! This interactive, game-themed workshop explores self-advocacy, academic planning, campus resources, support systems, and personal growth to help you succeed at PVCC.Bonus Content
After the sessions, students can pick up parking decals and student IDs, take a self-guided tour, and snap a photo with Pouncer, the PVCC mascot.
Park and Check In
Please park in Lot 3 and check in at the Bolick Center.
Contact Admissions at 434.961.6581 or admissions@pvcc.edu for more information.
Accessibility and Accommodations
PVCC is committed to accessibility. For questions or accommodation requests, contact Student Accessibility and Accommodations at 434.961.5281 or accommodations@pvcc.edu.- PVCC Orientation to Online Learning (required for all online students)
Complete PVCC’s Orientation to Online Learning to prepare for success in virtual courses. Click Orientation to Online Learning, log in with your VCCS username and password, and then submit your completion certificate to your instructor.
- Campus Safety Videos (required for all students)
All students are required to watch three short safety and awareness videos. These videos are an important step in helping us build a safe, respectful, and supportive campus community.
1. Campus Safety and Active Shooter – Learn what to do in an emergency and how to stay alert to keep yourself and others safe.
2. Sexual Violence Awareness & Prevention (Title IX) – Understand your rights and responsibilities, how to recognize warning signs, and how to get help for yourself or a friend. Requires PVCC username and password.
3. Understanding Human Trafficking – Learn what human trafficking looks like, how to prevent it, and what steps to take if you suspect it’s happening. Requires PVCC username and password.
Please complete these videos before classes begin.
- SDV 100 College Success Skills (required for associate degree students)
College Success Skills is a one-credit course designed to help learners succeed in college. It helps students develop the core values, attitudes, and practices essential for success. The course connects students with crucial college resources and support services, immerses them in college culture, encourages active engagement in learning, and promotes academic success.
SDV students will…
- discuss their rights and responsibilities as college students.
- use technology (e.g., email, software, student information system) to complete college-related tasks.
- identify their skills, interests, values, and needs.
- describe at least two career paths that align with their skills, interests, values, and needs.
- choose a program of study and prepare a graduation plan in keeping with their academic and vocational goals.
- assess their academic readiness and employ strategies (e.g., note-taking) for college success.
- utilize campus resources to achieve their academic and vocational goals.
- demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication skills for college success.
- identify strategies for managing personal finances and create a spending plan.
- explain strategies for maintaining health and well-being.
- formulate a plan to achieve their academic and vocational goals and evaluate their progress.