New Student Orientation Process

Visit

Apply Now

Academic & Campus Life Calendars

Questions

We’re here to help. Click below to send us your questions.

First Year Student Orientation Process

For all students attending college for the first time or a transfer student who has completed less than 30 credits.

Step 1 - Module

The Sand Shark 100 Module will be available for completion for incoming Fall 2026 students on Friday, May 1st after 5:00pm.

log into sand shark 100 module

If you have any issues navigating Sand Shark 100 this video should help you troubleshoot any issues. Please note that the module works best on a laptop/desktop computer, using Google Chrome as your browser. If you are having issues with the module functioning properly, please clear your cookies and cache in Chrome. You may also need to reboot your computer. If issues persist, please contact Blackboard Support at 803-777-1800.

If you still have questions, email newstudents@uscb.edu.

After completing this module and your Next Steps Checklist the Office of Advising and Academic Support will create your course schedule starting May 15th. Once your schedule is created, you will have the opportunity to meet with an advisor either in-person or virtually to make any necessary changes.

Students will only receive a schedule after completing the module if they do not have holds preventing registration. Common holds incoming students have are due to missing:

immunization documentation
citizenship verification
high school and college transcripts

Check your Fins Up Portal Checklist to verify that none of these items are missing!

Please also make sure you do not skip the New Student Information Form linked in the Advising and Degree Planning Section of the Module. Advising will not be able to complete your course schedule without this form.

Step 2 - Personalized Visits

Personalized Visits will be an opportunity for incoming students to get individualized support in preperation for starting USCB. Students who book an Personalized Visit will choose from a menu one-on-one meetings with various offices such as Advising, Financial Aid, and the Accessibility Services. They will also take an Enrolled Student Tour which will focus on showing students how they will navigate the University once they arrive on campus to start classes.

Personalized Visits will begin in late June. Some dates will cater to specifc majors, campuses, and student types. There will also be an Express Personalized Visit option which have fewer menu options but the same individualized care. Personalized Visit Registration will be available starting May 1st.

PERSONALIZED VISIT INFORMATION

Step 3 - Shark School

Saturday, August 15th-Monday, August 17th 2026

Shark School is required for all new first-year students taking in-person classes at USCB. USCB defines a First-year student as anyone who is attending college as a full-time student for the first time or a transfer student who has completed less than 30 credits. This immersive 3-day experience will give students the tools they need to successfully transition into college life and face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.