Online Student Orientation Process
For all students enrolled in an online degree completion program.
Step 1 - Module
The Sand Shark 100 Module will be available for completion for incoming Fall 2024 students on Wednesday, May 1st after 5:00pm.
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 15. Please allow 7 business days after completing the module to get your course schedule. 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!
Online students are not required to do a math placement exam unless they are not transferring in an approved college level math. The math placement exam appears at the end of the Module, in the optional/supplementary materials section. Advising will reach out to you about taking the placement exam if you choose to skip it and you do not have a transfer course that meets the requirement.
Step 2 - Boot Camp
Have additional questions after completing Sand Shark 100? Join us either in-person or virtually for a series of workshops that take a deeper dive into the information students and families need to start their Sand Shark experience with confidence. Our Optional Summer Orientation Program, Sand Shark Bootcamp will expand on what was learned during Sand Shark 100 and allow students and families to work with USCB staff members to get their questions answered.
In-Person Sand Shark Boot Camp
These in-person events will be completely customizable for both students and their families. There will be multiple session options during each time block. Students and family members are encouraged to split up and attend different sessions so they can compare notes at the end of the day. Each incoming student can bring up to 4 family members or guests. Incoming students attend these events for FREE. There is a $10 fee for each family member or guest in attendance.
Virtual Sand Shark Book Camp Sessions
These sessions will take place throughout the summer for students and family members. After completing Sand Shark 100 incoming students and their families can choose sessions that support them in an area where they might still have questions. Topics covered will include Financial Aid and Billing, Advising and Degree Planning, University Technology and more. This is a great option for online students and families if coming to campus is not possible.
Step 3 - Shark School Online
Online Student Shark School is required for all new students enrolled in an online degree completion program through Palmetto College or USCB Online. This 2.5 hour in-person orientation session will give students the tools they need to successfully transition into college life at USCB and face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Fall 2024 Online Student Shark School will take place virtually on Friday, August 16th from 5:30-8:00pm
Online Shark School 2024 Agenda
Fill out this form so we can send you the virtual meeting link.
In-Person Opportunities for Online Students
Are you an online student who is interested in an in-person orientation experience? Email newstudents@uscb.edu and we will help match you with the Shark School experience that best suits your needs!
Questions about the New Student Orientation Process? Email newstudents@uscb.edu for support.
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