Glen Oaks Community College

Orientation

What to expect at New Student Orientation

Diverse mid adult students using computers during class in college
College Guests do not need to go through New Student Orientation. Please contact Admissions for further instruction if you are a College Guest.

The first portion of New Student Orientation is completed entirely online. You can access the course by selecting “Start Orientation” above. This will walk you through important information that you will need to know during your time as a Viking!

Once you have completed this course and submitted the questionnaire at the end, you will be able to select an in-person orientation date to get registered for courses, set up your payment plan, and more.

Please reach out to the Admissions office at admissions@glenoaks.edu or (269) 294-4253 to discuss alternative options that may be available to you. 

What to expect at New Student Orientation

Why do I have to do a New Student Orientation?

All new students to Glen Oaks are required to complete the New Student Orientation process. There are exceptions (guest students from another college, personal interest students), though we advise all students to expect to complete New Student Orientation. If you would like to know if you are required to do this step, you can contact the Admissions office and they will be able to provide you with an answer.

When can I complete the New Student Orientation?

You will be able to complete the Orientation after March 1st for the Spring and Fall semesters.

How do I take the placement tests?

Placement testing is necessary for advisors to place you in the appropriate class based on your skill level.
  • Submit ACT/SAT scores (if taken in the last 5 years) by sending a PDF to admissions@glenoaks.edu. Make sure that your name is visible on the document (not handwritten). Once received, we can let you know if you have received qualifying scores, if not see options below. You may also check the Course Placement Evaluation page to see what qualifying scores are.
  • Submit your official high school transcript. If you do not have an official transcript at the time you speak with an advisor for scheduling, an unofficial transcript may be used, if the transcript is no more than five years old. Any students with transcripts over five years old must complete a self-assessment for English placement and the ALEKS placement tests for Math. Official transcripts can be sent to us via Parchment, emailed directly to us from your high school or via USPS mail. We will determine if you have met the GPA requirements for high school english that allow you to take many of our courses, if not, see option below. We will not use your transcript for placement in a math class, see option below.
  • Take the online self-assessments if you do not meet or have the above options. There is an assessment for English and one for math, called ALEKS. Please contact Admissions to set up your placement testing. This can be done from home (we advise not attempting these on a smartphone) or on campus. Students will need to be able to access their myGOCC and student email logins. Information was included with the acceptance packet.

    Students that have completed a Homeschool curriculum or a GED will only have the option to complete this step.

How do I request my high school transcript?

Contact your high school and request for them to submit one. If you do not have an official transcript at the time you speak with an advisor for scheduling, an unofficial transcript may be used, if the transcript is no more than five years old. Any students with transcripts over five years old must complete a self-assessment for English placement and the ALEKS placement tests for Math. Official transcripts can be sent to us via Parchment, emailed directly to us from your high school or via USPS mail.

Per college policy, students that have graduated less than 10 years ago need to submit official high school transcripts.

What if I am transferring in credit from another college/university?

You will need to provide proof of the courses you took at the other institution for our advisors, this can come from an unofficial transcript. For record keeping and to transfer in the credit, our Records and Registration department will need an OFFICIAL copy from the other institution, this needs to be electronically sent or mailed via USPS from the institution.

What happens if I don’t qualify for certain courses based on my transcript, SAT/ACT scores, or if I have graduated more than 5 years ago?

You will be able to take the online self-assessment for English courses and the ALEKS test for math placement (if applicable to your program of study). Additionally, if you are a student that is a homeschool graduate or received a GED you will need to take these tests. Admissions will inform you how to complete these.

Do I have to take the online self-assessments?

Some programs will not require you to take a placement test. Admissions or an advisor will let you know if it is necessary, based on your program of study.

When will I get to talk with an advisor?

Students completing online orientation will be connected with an advisor AFTER they complete the questionnaire and speak to an Admissions staff person.

What if I’ve been to college before, or I’m returning to Glen Oaks?

Students who have attended another college and are transferring to Glen Oaks are required to complete a New Student Orientation. If a student is returning to Glen Oaks after a time period of 3 years or more from when the last course was completed, then they will be required to complete the New Student Orientation video. Students returning to Glen Oaks within 3 years of their last completed course, do NOT need to complete a New Student Orientation. We can verify this information for you. Students that have already received a degree or certificate from any college/university can still benefit from viewing the video. Every college has different guidelines, and processes, we want to be sure you are just as informed about Glen Oaks as a student that is brand new to college.

I did Dual Enrollment or CTE while in high school. Do I need to complete the New Student Orientation videos and parts after?

Yes. New Student Orientation is required for any student attending after they have graduated high school. We want to make sure that you transition successfully and begin working with an Academic Advisor. Students that Dual Enrolled or took CTE will also need to ensure they have an up to date application on file.

Should I complete the FAFSA before completing these steps?

Yes, if you could benefit from help paying for school. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, takes time to process (3-5 weeks), so we recommend completing the FAFSA as soon as you can. Having a processed FAFSA by the time you are ready to register for classes will be a big help.

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