Navigating the SCC Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide
Starting college can feel overwhelming, with numerous questions arising about classes, financial aid, registration, and more. The SCC student portal is designed to address these concerns and provide students with the resources they need to succeed. This article will explore the features of the SCC student portal, offering guidance for both new and returning students.
Understanding Class Types and Modalities
SCC offers a variety of class types to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. These include traditional face-to-face classes, online courses, and hybrid options.
Traditional Face-to-Face: These classes meet in person at a specific location and time.
Online Courses: Indicated by an "N" at the end of the section information, these courses are conducted virtually. Labs for online courses are also conducted virtually, eliminating the need for face-to-face meetings.
"Flex" Courses: These courses offer a blend of face-to-face and synchronous online options, allowing students to choose their preferred mode of attendance based on their comfort levels.
Read also: Comprehensive ETAR Guide
Courses with Clinicals or Lab Components: These courses, along with hands-on classes like welding and culinary, typically meet in person.
It's important to note the letter at the end of your class section, as it indicates the class type. If there is no letter, the class is a traditional, face-to-face setting. For specific questions about a course or program, students are encouraged to reach out to the department chair.
Accessing and Utilizing D2L Brightspace
D2L Brightspace, the learning management system (LMS) at SCC, is accessed through the MySCC portal. While a Windows or Mac computer is preferred, most functions can be completed with a Chromebook. Tablets and smartphones can be used to access online courses, but may not support all assignments and testing. Some courses may require a webcam or headset microphone for live meetings or recording student projects, so it's important to check for additional technical requirements indicated by instructors.
Technical Requirements and Online Proctoring
Many online, synchronous, hybrid, or flex courses require students to take one or more proctored online tests. Instructors may use Honorlock or Respondus LockDown and Monitor to allow students to take these tests remotely.
Students must have access to a Windows or Mac with the Chrome Browser or a Chromebook with a webcam, microphone, and reliable Internet connection. Tablets and smartphones are not supported for proctored testing. Online tests should be taken in a quiet environment free of interruptions and distractions.
Read also: Accessing the Cal Poly Portal
Before a proctored test, students will be prompted to take a photo of their SCC ID (or government-issued photo ID) and scan the testing environment with their webcam. During the test, the student’s webcam, microphone, and screen will be monitored.
Support Services for Online Learners
SCC is committed to supporting students online. The Learning Center (TLC) offers a variety of services to help students succeed, including:
Tutoring: TLC is open Monday - Thursday 8 am - 8 pm and Friday 8 am - 1:30 pm for walk-in, face-to-face tutoring. Virtual tutoring options are also available.
Paper Review: Students can drop off a paper for review.
The Testing Center is also available for SCC students and operates Monday - Thursday 8 am - 8 pm and Friday 8 am - 1:30 pm. Students will need to bring their SCC ID or government-issued ID card and any other testing materials required for the exam. No appointments are necessary for the Giles Campus during operating hours, but satellite campuses do require an appointment prior to testing.
Read also: Accessing the MUSD Student Portal
Library Resources
Most library services are available in-person or virtually. The library's collection is largely available online. Students can submit questions to "Ask a Librarian" or chat with a librarian for assistance. Screensharing is also available for more in-depth help. Librarians monitor questions and chats while the library is open and strive to respond as quickly as possible.
Career Services
Career Services can assist all SCC students and graduates with anything career development-related, including:
- Resumes
- Job Search
- Interview Skills
- Professionalism
Career Services offers in-person, phone, or Zoom appointments. All SCC students have access to Handshake to find job postings and hiring events exclusively for SCC students. Resume critiques, practice interviews, and career development appointments can be done by phone or Zoom meeting.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Students requiring accommodations, especially testing accommodations, still apply. Student Disability Services (SDS) can assist students remotely with accessing their online materials. Students needing notes should contact SDS to discuss the need and how to access notes.
Financial Assistance
Current students who find themselves in a difficult financial situation at SCC often seek monetary relief through SCC's Emergency Fund Request.
WiFi Access
If your Wi-Fi access is limited or unavailable, you can access the SCC network from your car at all SCC locations. The public library also has WiFi available at all branches.
Student Accounts
The Student Accounts office, formerly known as the Cashier’s Office, handles financial aid. Students are asked to pay by check, with checks made payable to St. Checks must include an imprinted name and a phone number with area code. The office cannot accept bank starter checks. Payments can also be made with MasterCard or Discover. The Student Accounts office can also help you connect with an outside vendor so you can extend payments.
Online Learning at SCC: A Deeper Dive
SCC offers a variety of programs and courses that can be earned entirely online, providing students with flexibility and convenience.
Benefits of Online Learning
Flexibility: Online learning is ideal for students trying to balance work, family, and education.
Accessibility: As long as you have access to a computer and Internet connection, you can participate in online courses.
Quality Instruction: Online courses provide the same in-depth instruction as in-person classes.
What to Expect in an Online Course
Learning Management System: SCC uses Canvas as its Learning Management System (LMS).
Coursework: Online courses typically involve a combination of discussions, assignments, and quizzes.
Time Commitment: Students should expect to spend approximately 3-4 hours per week per credit hour.
Communication: It's important to maintain proper etiquette for communicating with faculty and staff.
Tips for Success in Online Learning
Stay Organized: Use a planner to keep track of schedules and due dates.
Be Proactive: Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek help when needed.
Prepare for Technical Issues: Technology can be unpredictable, so be prepared for potential issues.
Online Proctoring
Some online courses may require online proctoring, which involves the use of a webcam to record your screen and/or you during the exam.
On-Campus Resources
The Excelerator on campus offers tutoring services. Students can receive up to four (4) sessions per week for each class in which they are enrolled. Students can meet with a tutor, drop off a question, or drop off a paper for review.
Online Course Design and Review
Online and hybrid courses are reviewed after they are designed and prior to offering by Online & E-Learning staff and online faculty, focusing on instructional design and pedagogy.
Canvas: Your Online Learning Hub
Canvas is the LMS used at SCC. It is where you’ll find and work in your courses. Through Canvas, students can access course materials, participate in discussions and exams, complete assignments, and receive feedback. Online classes become available one week before the start of the semester. Once available, you can log into Canvas and access the course syllabus.
Canvas Mobile App
SCC also offers a Canvas mobile app, available in iTunes and Google Play. The app provides a convenient way to access course materials and participate in online activities on the go. However, some features may not be fully supported on mobile devices, especially on iOS.
Browser and Computer Requirements for Canvas
Canvas supports the last two versions of a browser release, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. It can be accessed from Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
IT Support
The IT Service Desk is available to help with technology-related issues, including password resets.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)
SCC participates in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, which assures the value of credits earned at SCC. However, if you live in California, you will need to go to the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Enrollment in Online Programs
To enroll in an online program at SCC, you will first want to complete the online application.
tags: #SCC #student #portal #features
