New Student Orientation

Orientation

Finding your way around the academic world is like entering a new culture. Higher education has its own vocabulary, policies, and “rules of the road.” Some Centers provide orientation sessions for learners, in addition to the individualized information you receive from your advisor. Included is information on where books can be purchased, how courses are organized, what homework and outside assignments can be expected, how library resources are accessed, and what it takes to complete a degree program. You will also learn about electronic resources including the MyGranite Portal and WebROCK. Look for announcements of these orientation sessions through the portal MyGranite, on the GSC website, and in the term course schedules.

Granite State College also offers a two credit course, SDLR 500 Introduction to College Learning: Strategies for Success, in face-to-face classes and also online. Contact your advisor or Center academic resource and information coordinator for more information on availability. Consult the term course schedules, and the two-year listing of courses available on our website under Academics>Catalog and Course Schedule.

• Learn about Granite State College
• Meet the Alumni
• Learn About MyGranite Email
• Go to MyGranite Portal, Blackboard, WEBRock
  
• Registering for Classes

Academic Advising
Granite State College's academic centers have a staff of experienced professional advisors who will help you become acclimated to the college. We are here to offer individualized advising to assist you, whether it's career goals, financial aid, or designing an academic program that's just right for you. Contact an advisor.

About Placement Testing
Prior to enrolling at Granite State College, you may be required to complete specific skill assessments to help you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses and make appropriate course selections. GSC uses the College Board's Accuplacer, an online assessment program, comprising computerized placement tests in reading comprehension, sentence skills, and arithmetic and elementary algebra.

Accuplacer assessment sessions are available on a regularly scheduled basis at all GSC sites. Your advisor will help you determine which assessments to take and where and when to take them. The tests are done online, and each one takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.

If you need to brush up before taking Accuplacer, our learning centers offer an array of services ranging from computer-assisted tutorials and workshops one-on-one tutoring and developmental courses

Online Courses

Purchasing Books
You can purchase textbooks of your classes conveniently through MBS Direct, our "virtual bookstore". We encourage you to order all books and materials before the first class meeting and bring them to the first class. Please order early to be sure your textbooks arrive in time.

You can look up the required textbooks for your class by following the link below, clicking on "Buy Course Materials" and searching by location and course. Please familiarize yourself with the return policies prior to placing your order. Buying your texts with MBSDirect allow us to provide assistance if there are mistakes in ordering or shipping, a service we cannot to provide to students who opt to use other vendors.

Books are available from MBS Direct online, or by phone, mail or fax:
By Phone: 1-800-325-3252.
By Mail/Fax: Print, complete, and mail the MBS Direct Order Form to MBS Direct, 2711 West Ash, Columbia, MO 65203, or Fax to 1-800-499-0143.

Using a Virtual Library
Welcome to the GSC Virtual Library!

What is it?

• A carefully selected collection of resources that directly supports the coursework at Granite State College
• A gateway to the full text of licensed, scholarly journals to support your research
• A gateway to trusted reference sources searchable by keyword
• A link to a librarian to have your questions answered

Where is it?

• Available to you 24/7 at www.granite.edu/current-students/virtual-library/

Support Services
Academic Resource & Information Coordinators are available to all students.
Contact an ARIC.
Skills Assessments
Virtual Library
Compass
ADA Accommodations
Study Skills
Tutorial Assistance
Online Resources
Testing programs (CLEP, DSST)