New Student Checklist

Congratulations on your decision to reach higher and go further with your education. The processes can run smoothly if you know what to do and how to do it. The checklist below is a step-by-step process designed to help you make this happen.

 

BEFORE ANYTHING: Gathering what you need.

  • Get an expand-a-file or have a set of folders in a drawer at home for paperwork. Rarely mistakes occur or paperwork gets lost. You need to have a secure place to keep a copy of all your important paperwork.

    • Transcripts: Anytime you request a transcript to be sent somewhere, have a second copy sent to you. In case of a mailing mishap you can hand-deliver the transcript to the requesting office
    • Correspondence: Anything sent from the college needs to be filed for a just-in-case scenario. Emails need to be printed and filed as well.
    • Financial Aid: There is a great deal of paperwork involved between filing the FAFSA and receiving aid. Keep the paperwork and keep it organized.
    • Syllabi: Every instructor in college will provide you with a syllabus detailing aspects of the course. Keep a syllabus file so that when you transfer, if there are any questions that arise you can provide this information to the college you transfer to. Many out of state colleges and universities will request this and information from the catalog.
  • Take the SAT or ACT: Though not required for admission at SPC, one or both of these tests are required for most scholarships. Depending on your scores, you could be granted credit for some college courses.
  • Procrastination and last-minute details are the kiss of death in college. Nothing will sabotage your academic career more than waiting too long in getting things done. Inevitably you will forget a step, or a problem will arise that you do not have the time to fix. Do it early, check on it often.
  • Take a tour: Find out more about the college you plan to attend. Give us the chance to impress you, and find out if SPC is the best fit for you and your goals. (call 806-894-9611 ext. 2113 to schedule)
  • Student with Disability?:  Whether you have a learning disability or physical impairment, you can contact the Special Services office for accommodations information.
  • Military Veterans: Get your paperwork together to access any education benefits you have earned for your service. South Plains College has staff trained to deal specifically with veteran’s educational benefits.
STEP 1 - Paperwork:
  • Application for Admission (No fee)
  • Official Transcripts for all Academic Work (High School, Colleges, GED) High School transcripts must include date of graduation and all final grades. If using for TSI exemption, complete test scores must be included.
  • Test Scores / TSI Placement Testing Students will not be allowed to register for classes until they have taken the placement exam or proven their exemption.
  • Financial Aid paperwork There are deadlines that occur a few months prior to the start of the term so get it done early. You may complete the applications after the deadlines, but your financial aid money may not be available by the payment deadline for the school. See the website for full details.
  • Apply for Scholarships Nearly all scholarships have early deadlines so make this a top priority. Even if you do not feel like you are academically qualified for a scholarship, go ahead and apply. Several smaller department scholarships are offered every year for students (such as playing in the SPC bands, journalism scholarships, etc.)
  • Contacted program about specific admission requirements. Vocational Nursing, Radiology, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement Academy, and other programs have specific admission requirements that need to be met sometimes months in advance before enrolling. Please check with the program you are applying for to see what pre-requisites must be completed. (testing, CPR certifications, age limit, coursework, etc.)
  • Housing Application Students are encouraged to apply early for dorm housing. See our website for full details on dorms, meal plans, and other important information here.
  • Follow-up on paperwork as needed to ensure that everything is turned in and your file is complete.
STEP 2 – You are in!
  • Acceptance Letters: Acceptance letters are sent to your email address that you provided on the application, or they are mailed if no email address was provided. On your acceptance letter you will be provided with log-in information for Campus Connect. This is vitally important information for you to be able to register, check your grades, change your schedule (before classes begin) and a host of other things.
  • Pay careful attention to the letter, as it may have requests for other information needed by the college.
STEP 3 – Getting Prepared for College
  • Attend an Orientation (New Student Experience) A one day seminar on college success. You can meet with an advisor and register for classes on this date. It is a great way to take care of everything in one shot.
  • Meet with an Advisor. The one relationship that every student should establish early is that of a faculty mentor / advisor. Your advisor can help you select classes based on your individual goals, provide help in choosing your next steps after South Plains College, and help you through any tough spots in your degree. Advisors know the resources on campus and help get you connected with what you need.
  • Pick up a Catalog: All the standard information for the college is in the catalog. It contains student expectations, resources, financial information, degree plans, graduation requirements, course descriptions, staff listing and credentials, and a great deal of other information. The catalog that is printed in the year you arrive is the catalog you will “graduate under”.
  • Register for Classes: Using the log-in information from your acceptance letter pull up your Campus Connect account. (Link available from the SPC homepage) Add the courses you have selected, then choose “Review / Pay Account” from the menu. Print your bill and schedule.
  • Pay for your classes: Pre-registered classes have a payment deadline approximately two to three weeks prior to the start of the term. The exact date will be on the bottom of your bill that you printed. You must pay the balance or sign a contract for installment payments by that date or your schedule will be dropped and you may not get back into the classes you selected.
STEP 4: Other details
  • Parking Permit – Available in the Dean of Students office
  • Student ID – Available in the Student Center Office near the game room
  • Books – In the SPC bookstore, locations at Reese and Levelland. Contact the bookstore about how to use financial aid funds to pay for your books.
  • MySPC & Student Email – See SPC website for details. An email account is generated for every student at South Plains College and is being implemented as the official communication address for students.