New Student Checklist: Your Steps to Success
Stay Enrolled and On Track
The transition to college can feel overwhelming, but Forsyth Tech is here to help with some important details you need to remain enrolled and be successful.
This guide provides a quick overview of the key items you’ll need to check off your new student to-do list in order to maintain your enrollment and achieve your goals. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Onboarding Navigator and/or advisor, or contact the Student Success Center. We’re here for you!
Connect with your Onboarding Navigator
Your Onboarding Navigator is here to help you start your journey at Forsyth Tech. They can help you:
- Access your accounts
- Explore program and career goals
- Navigate TechLink
- Submit transcripts and complete RDS requirements
- Complete financial aid steps
Onboarding Navigators are assigned by last name and an email/text with their information is sent to the email/cell phone number provided in your application.
Complete Your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a single application that you can fill out to learn if you are eligible for federally-funded grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans that help reduce the amount you pay for college.
States and colleges may also use FAFSA to award their own financial aid packages. So when you apply, you have access to the largest potential source of financial aid for school.
Things You’ll Need
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Your parents’ SSNs, if you are a dependent student.
- *Being a dependent for FAFSA purposes is separate from being a dependent for tax purposes. View the questions that determine if you are a dependent student here. If you are a dependent student, that doesn’t mean your parents are required to pay anything for your education. The information is used to determine how much aid you qualify for.
- Your tax returns
- Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. You can can create one at studentaid.gov. (Your parents will also need an account)
FAFSA Steps
Step 1: Go to studentaid.gov and log in with your FSA ID. Click “Complete the FAFSA form”
Step 2: Fill out the Student Info first (name, birthday, SSN, email, phone). The name you enter must match the name on your Social Security card. Select Forsyth Technical Community College from the school list, including the school code: 005317.
Step 3: Add your parents’ info. If you’re under 24, not married, and don’t have kids, you probably need to include your parents’ information, even if they don’t plan to help pay for college. You’ll need:
- Their names, birthdates, and SSNs
- How many people are in your family
- How many family members are in college
Step 4: Enter Financial Info using tax returns from two years ago
- The FAFSA tool can often pull this info in automatically from the IRS
- You’ll also need to list savings accounts, checking accounts, and any other money/assets
Step 5: Sign & Submit
Start Your FAFSA Now
What Happens Next?
After submitting your form, you’ll get a confirmation email that it was received.
Once processed, Forsyth Tech will then email the financial aid offer for you to view and accept.
Complete Basecamp Orientation
Basecamp Orientation is designed to help you become familiar with the resources, tools, and support services available at Forsyth Tech so you can start your journey with confidence. The online orientation takes approximately one hour to complete and can be completed at your convenience. Students who prefer a more interactive experience may attend an in-person orientation, which lasts about two hours and is offered once per month. If you are unsure which orientation option is best for you, we are happy to help guide you.
Basecamp Orientation: Online vs. In-person
Online
- Can typically be completed in about one hour
- Offers a quicker pathway to advising and course registration
- Provides the flexibility to complete orientation from home or at your own pace
- Best suited for students who are comfortable navigating online platforms independently
- Covers essential information, though it may not provide the same level of detail as an in-person experience
- Does not include live, real-time opportunities to ask questions or interact with staff
- Limited opportunity to explore campus spaces and become familiar with office locations and student resources
In-person
- Typically lasts about two hours, depending on student participation and questions
- In-person orientations are offered once per month and must be completed prior to advising and registration
- Requires students to attend on campus at a scheduled date and time
- Provides a welcoming and supportive environment, with convenient access to the Digital Literacy office for students who may need additional technology support
- Offers an interactive experience that allows students to ask questions in real time and engage directly with staff
- Includes the opportunity to tour the Robert L. Strickland Center, where many student support services and resources are located
Speak to Your Advisor
After you complete Basecamp orientation, if you have not already connected with your academic advisor, your Onboarding Navigator will contact you to help schedule your advising appointment. Your assigned Onboarding Navigator will send communication directly to your Forsyth Tech email address with next steps and important information. If you have questions or need additional assistance at any point during the onboarding process, please contact Student Onboarding at (336) 734-7440.
Pay Your Tuition or Set Up a Payment Plan
College is a commitment. Once you are enrolled, you are expected to pay your tuition costs (whatever amount is left after financial aid has been awarded), or risk losing your enrollment.
How to Get Started with Payment
- Log into your student portal to view your tuition
- Pay online or at the business office, or set up a payment plan
If something you couldn’t plan for is preventing you from making a payment, we won’t let tuition costs stand in your way. The Forsyth Tech Cares office has resources and assistance programs that help with tuition costs.
Complete Your Course Entry Assignment
After paying your tuition, all students must complete their Course Entry Assignment for each class in which you are registered. The Course Entry Assignment is a short questionnaire that can be found on Blackboard for each class on your schedule.
This is required, and must be completed by the Census Date (10% of the class duration).
Find more information about accessing and completing your Course Entry Assignments by watching this video.
Additional Resources
If you have more questions, see the additional resources below or feel free to contact us any time.
Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Success Coaches are here to help students from all backgrounds.
- Student Groups: Find a club or group based on shared interests
- Forsyth Tech Cares: Our program to help students with non-academic support, such as food and housing assistance and legal aid
- Ride Shares: Find someone to share your commute to campus
- View All Student Resources and Services
If you have any other questions or need support in your journey at Forsyth Tech, don’t hesitate to contact our Student Care team today:
336-734-7195