Throughout your time with us, there will be tasks for you to complete. Completing them will keep your enrollment and, eventually, your graduation running smoothly. We encourage you to take it one step at a time, and as always, we are here to help.
Thank you for choosing DCTC!
To prepare for your first semester—and a successful academic journey—here is a list of things to do after you have been admitted to DCTC.
After you have been accepted to the college, there are things you will need to do before you can register for your first semester.
Check your admissions status here.
All new students must complete orientation online.
Log in to your Student D2L Brightspace account. Once logged in, click on the Dakota County Technical College Online Orientation course. This is found in the My DCTC Courses section. On the course home page, read the instructions and then click the "Begin Here" button.
This is a registration session where you will work one-on-one with your advisor to register for classes. For a virtual session, we recommend using a laptop/computer for the Registration Session. Upon joining the Virtual Registration Session, you will be placed in a waiting room, until your designated start time of. For an in-person session, please arrive 5 minutes early and check in at Enrollment Services.
In the time between registering for classes and the start of the semester, there are a few things you will need to do to get ready for class and have a successful first semester.
All official communication from faculty and staff will be emailed to your student email account, which ends in .edu.
YourStarID@go.minnstate.edu and use your StarID password.Visit Technology Services page for detailed instructions and additional information.
Financial Aid and Tuition Statements are found in e-Services.
If you have not yet done so, submit an immunization form. If this is not completed, you will not be able to register for your second semester. You should know your most recent date of Tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years) and the date of your Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination. Students who have an exemption or are conscientious objectors should complete the paper form and have the form notarized.
Online courses (and many in-person classes) use D2L Brightspace.
Complete the SVPT Training on D2L Brightspace. See the instructions above.
Ready, Set, Go! is an optional event that will help you learn about campus resources, services, and how to prepare for your first semester.
For students receiving financial aid, you should check your aid status and, if using loans, review and request your loans. Students must accept loans, complete the federal Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note before loans will disburse.
For students who are paying their tuition in other ways (including Veteran's benefits), here's how to set up different forms of tuition payment.
After you know what classes you are taking, you can find and buy the books you need online through the DCTC Bookstore.
Watch these tutorials on navigating the bookstore's online ordering process:
Your Degree Audit is available through e-Services about 12-14 business days from your date of acceptance. Your Degree Audit shows how any previous courses/credits have been applied to your academic program, including graduation requirements and general education. It also shows what program requirements you've met and what requirements you still need to meet.
Check your Degree Audit in Student e-Services.
After you've reviewed your Degree Audit, if you have questions about the transfer of your courses/credits, connect with your advisor to discuss transfer course/credit decisions.
DCTC has partnered with BankMobile to deliver overages and refunds. Visit the BankMobile website to select your refund preferences.
Starfish provides you with a central location to connect to the people and services that can help you successfully complete your degree.
A student ID is not required but may be helpful. You can use your college ID to check out library books.
Your Faculty Advisor is your mentor and will guide you through your program. Faculty Advisors have worked in the industry, know the progression of classes, and provide deeper understanding of what you need for your future career. Your Faculty Advisor will help you register in future semesters. Your Faculty Advisor and their contact information is listed on the first page of your Degree Audit.
For success each semester, here are basic tasks to complete at suggested times. The time in which you complete the task may be different than what we list. It is important that you complete these steps every semester.
Often the first week is referred to as the Add/Drop period. Here are things that you should do during the first week of each semester.
During the first week of the semester, you have some ability to change your schedule. Each class's Add/Drop period is determined by the length of the course and when it starts. Students may add/drop full semester courses through the fifth day of the semester. You can check the last day to drop each course in your E-Services account.
For more information on the add/drop process, visit Records and Registration.
Find the list of books that you need through the Online Bookstore. You will need to create an account with the bookstore. You will need to know your Tech ID when purchasing your books.
Students can use a Book Voucher to obtain books and supplies from Dakota County Technical College Bookstore by charging the cost to your student account. You must have a FAFSA on file to be able to use the Book Voucher.
Return textbooks from classes you have dropped. All textbooks are eligible for returns ONLY during the first nine business days of the semester.
To avoid being dropped from your courses on the fifth day of the semester, you can either pay your tuition balance in full or have an approved deferment on file.
Approved deferments:
Financial Aid Disbursement is the day that financial aid funds (Grants and Loans) are released into all DCTC student accounts.
You can view and manage your student account by logging into E-Services and clicking the Bills and Payments section on the left sidebar menu. In the Bills and Payments section you can:
Refunds/Overages occur when a student’s financial aid award is greater than the cost of their tuition and fees. You must select a refund preference with BankMobile to receive your refund/overage.
Starfish provides you with a central location to connect to the people and services that can help you successfully complete your degree. You may also receive messages from your faculty regarding progress in your courses.
Near the end of the first month make a list of all assignments and check with your instructor that you are not missing anything. Ask yourself:
If you answered "no" for any of these questions, it is time to ask for help.
There are various resources, support systems, and staff at DCTC that are available to assist you with your academic goals and progress. These resources are available at all points during your academic journey.
Not sure what kind of assistance you need? Reach out to your Academic Advisor, who can help you learn which resources may be beneficial to you at DCTC.
Your Degree Audit shows what program requirements you've met and what requirements you still need to meet for graduation. It is important to check your Degree Audit at registration time to review your degree progress and the courses you still need to complete.
Check your Degree Audit in Student e-Services.
Faculty Advisors will help you register for classes each semester and understand your progress towards graduation. As industry experts, your Faculty Advisor will help guide you through the program and provide deeper understanding of what you need for your future career.
There are various clubs, organizations, and activities on campus that you can be part of as a DCTC student. Joining student life can add skills to a resume and provide leadership opportunities. Explore Campus Life opportunities at DCTC.
There are various resources, support systems, and staff at DCTC that are available to assist you with your academic goals and progress. These resources are available at all points during your academic journey.
Not sure what kind of assistance you need? Reach out to your Academic Advisor, who can help you learn which resources may be beneficial to you at DCTC.
Withdrawing is the process of removing yourself from a class that you are not going to successfully pass. The last day to withdraw from a class is at the 80% point for the individual class. You can check the last date to withdraw for each of your courses in your e-Services account. You are still responsible for the cost of the course and a W will be placed on your transcript for that course. Withdrawing can impact financial aid, your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and Military or Veteran's Benefits. It also affects PSEO, F1 students, and Athletes' statuses. Check with your Academic Advisor to see if this is the best option for you.
Don't wait until the night before or the week of to start becoming familiar with the final project or exam for your course. You can find this information in your course syllabus. Review test preparation tips.
If you rented a textbook from the DCTC Bookstore, visit the Rental Return webpage for more information.
If you purchased a textbook from the DCTC Bookstore and would like to see if the textbook can be bought back, visit the Book Buyback webpage for more information.
You can check your posted final grades in three areas within e-Services. Log into e-Services with your Star ID and Password. Go to Academic Records.
This is also where you can find the grade report to submit for tuition reimbursement needs. If you need to request a copy of your official transcript, please visit the National Student Clearinghouse.
Whether you are graduating and entering the workforce, transferring to another school, or taking a break from school, there are important steps that need to be taken to ensure a smooth transition.
Applying for graduation is required to obtain your degree. Even if you do not plan to attend the graduation/commencement ceremony, you still need to apply to graduate!
Graduation — the official declaration that you have earned your degree, certificate, or diploma.
Graduation application — the application that tells the college to review your transcript for graduation eligibility. Students who meet all requirements for graduation will have their degree conferred upon them at the end of their last semester. Applications are due by March 22nd for your name to appear in the graduation booklet.
Commencement — the celebration of the year's graduates. This is an optional event held in May.
Your Degree Audit shows the program requirements you have met and what requirements you still need to meet for graduation.
It is important to ensure that you pass all in-progress classes and maintain a 2.0 GPA overall (or higher). Failure to do so may result in not meeting graduation requirements.
You must apply for graduation to receive your award, even if you do not plan to attend commencement. For your name to appear in the graduation booklet, the graduation application must be completed by March 22nd.
View the Graduation page for more information on how to apply for graduation.
If you would like to purchase a cap, gown, and tassel from DCTC, they are available in the Bookstore. These are not required to attend commencement.
If you are a Veteran or PTK member, don't forget to get your stole or honor cord!
For more detailed information on graduation and commencement review the Graduation Newsletter.
Participation in commencement events is voluntary but encouraged! View the Graduation page for more information on commencement events. If you have a family member living outside of the US and would like to invite them to attend your commencement you can request a graduation verification letter for visa application interviews.
You are invited to attend the commencement of the academic year you graduate. Academic years are Fall through Summer. Example: If you Graduate Fall 2023, you will attend commencement in Spring 2024. If you graduate Summer 2024 you will attend the commencement of Spring 2024.
You receive a scroll signifying the completion of your program at commencement. Your award will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks after the semester in which you graduate. You can stop by Enrollment Services to pick up your award cover.
Let us know what your plans are after graduation! Check your email for information about completing a graduation follow-up survey. This information helps our programs develop and fit the needs of incoming students as well as employers. You can complete the graduation follow-up survey online.
Stay connected with DCTC after you graduate by joining the Alumni Association! Benefits include:
Choose a college or university that meets your goals and apply! Unsure where you would like to attend next? Connect with the Career & Transfer Resource Center for resources to help you decide.
You can order your official DCTC Transcript online through the National Student Clearing House. An official transcript can cost up to $15 to purchase.
To remain official, the transcript must be sent directly to its final destination. For other options, view our Transferring from DCTC webpage.
Find Resume and Cover Letter resources in Handshake under the "Career Center" then "Resources". Creating an account is free! Upload your resume or email CareerServices@dctc.edu to have a career professional review and provide feedback. For more information and additional resources, visit the Career Readiness and Development webpage.
Handshake is DCTC's go-to resource for jobs, internships, events, and more! Through Handshake, you can apply for positions, explore companies and connections and sign up for career fairs and workshops all in one place.
For more resources, visit the Job and Internship Search webpage.
If at any point you need help with your career path, the Career & Transfer Resource Center is available to DCTC alumni for free. We offer the following services:
Loan repayment does not always begin when you graduate from college. You may be required to begin repayment if you:
The information in this section will help you learn about the process to begin loan repayment and provide you with additional resources to guide you through the process. Your loan repayment process is handled by your loan servicer, not Dakota County Technical College.
Please note that this section only applies to Federal Student Loans. If you have a Private Loan, please reach out to your lender for next steps. Is my loan a Federal Student Loan?
Exit counseling provides important information that you need as you prepare to repay your federal student loan(s). If you are a student who has received subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loans under the Federal Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, you must complete exit counseling each time you:
View the Federal Student Aid Loan Service website for more information.
There are a few steps to manage your federal student loans. To begin Log in to the Federal Student Aid website with your FSA ID and password and view your account dashboard. This is where you can:
You can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243 to find out who your loan servicer is. View the Federal Student Aid Loan Service website for more information.
Learn about the steps to managing your federal student loans in the videos below.
You are required to make monthly payments on your student loans unless you talk with your loan servicer to change your repayment type or request a Deferment or Forbearance. If you are unable to make payments and do not work with your loan servicer to set up an alternative plan you will default on your loans.
If you don't make a payment on time or if you miss making a payment, your loan is delinquent and late fees may be assessed. Even if you are delinquent on your loan, you may still be able to avoid default, so it's important that you contact your loan servicer immediately.
View the Federal Student Aid Loan Service website for more information.
Federal Student Aid is the Federal Government's website for you to get your questions answered. Start here when you have questions.
Create an account with GradReady for great information about managing loan repayment, personal finances, and creating a budget to help manage debt and bills. If you found the videos helpful, then you will want to use GradReady as many of the videos in this section are from this website.
Student Loan Servicers. For quick access to all the student loan servicers contact information.
The Consumer Protection Finical Bureau provides education about your rights as a student loan borrower, information about common issues you may experience, and a handy list of Student Loan Key Terms.
