Returning Students
Are you a returning Veteran student?
Veteran students returning after a period of absence due to active military service may qualify for direct readmission.
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1Apply to TVCC
Students can apply online through TVCC's Online Application. Applications submitted online are typically processed within 3-5 business days; however, be aware that during heavy registration times (July, August, and December) turnover may be higher. It is best to apply as early as possible, preferably before the registration period for your starting semester has opened. This allows students ample time to complete the admission process before completing course registration.
2Apply for Financial Aid
TVCC recommends all students visit the financial aid department. Whether you qualify for aid through FAFSA, or are a candidate for scholarship, check with financial aid each semester to see what sort of tuition aid might be available to you.
The Financial Aid department can only guarantee processing for students who have submitted their aid requests and documentation by the priority deadline each semester. The priority deadlines for aid processing are:
Spring Session - Nov 1
Summer Sessions - Apr 1
Fall Session - July 1
3Submit testing (if applicable)
Degree seeking students with TVCC should submit testing scores. If you are unsure if you are required to test or if you are unsure if you have already tested, contact the registrar or advisement center. If student testing is required, TVCC gives the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) exam on the Athens, Palestine, and Terrell campuses. Visit the Testing Center for information on the TSI exam schedule. Students who apply via apply.tvcc.edu can submit their test scores or exemption documentation through their admissions portal or email them to admissions@tvcc.edu.
Already sure you'll need to test on campus? Be sure to complete the Pre-Assessment Activity online; print and take your Pre-Assessment Certificate with you on testing day.
4Advising
All students returning to TVCC after a period of absence must visit with an Academic Advisor prior to their registration. It is vital to our students' success that we discuss any degree plans, career goals, and your academic needs prior to enrollment in courses. There are advisors available on each campus Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Students have several options to meet with an advisor; a trip to campus may not even be necessary.
5Register for Classes
Student registration may occur any time after meeting with an academic advisor; if registration is open, students may be registered during their advising session. Students who have not met their advising requirement will not be able to complete registration.
As a returning student you may be eligible to register online through My Cardinal Connect. Students wishing to register online may do so if they feel confidant in what courses they need to take, and are still happy with their degree pathway. If you need to change your major, are unsure of what classes to take, or just feel the need for some guidance, we have Advisors on each campus ready to assist you. Otherwise you can log into My Cardinal Connect to complete registration. If you are new to the My Cardinal Connect Portal, we have some Instructions for Registration.
My Cardinal Connect may tell you are ineligible for online registration; below are some of the reasons a student might not be eligible to register online:
- Not TSI Complete
- Overdue Balance
- Academic Probation/Suspension (GPA below 2.0)
- Documentation owed to the Registrar's Office
- Hitting a 30 hour marker (Students who reach a 30, 60, or 90 hour milestone must see an advisor to discuss the completion of their degree plan and graduation plans.)
If you are not eligible to register online (for reasons other than overdue balance), you can still meet with an advisor. Students with a past due balance must contact the Business Office to settle the overdue amount before any further registration. Students on academic probation/suspension should contact the Academic Review Board for an appointment to discuss further action and registration.
6Log Into Your Student Portal and Cardinal Email
Now that you are back with TVCC, it is time to familiarize yourself with your My Cardinal Connect student portal and Cardinal Email. The student portal is your resource for most school related tasks, from viewing and accepting your financial aid awards, making tuition payments or installments, registering for classes, and one day applying for your graduation. To log into your TVCC student portal, My Cardinal Connect, you will need your Cardinal ID username. TVCC has compiled instructions on how to log in to your portal for the first time, complete with a way to locate your Cardinal ID username and find your password. Once you have successfully logged in, it is best to take a look around and explore all of the resources and tools you have as a student right at your fingertips.
Your Cardinal Email will use the same log in information as your student portal. TVCC provides students with their own emails so that we may communicate with you securely. Be aware that any communications from TVCC will go this email address; check your Cardinal Email regularly to stay up to date and informed.
7Pay Tuition
Payment for tuition and fees is due a week or two before the semester start date; you can find due dates on the TVCC Calendar. Be sure to double check your statement through your student portal to ensure any financial aid awarded to you is distributed. There are instructions available for how to set up your tuition payment(s) through your portal.
If you have signed up for housing on campus, be sure to stay alert for these due dates as well.
8Get ID and Books
All students are required to carry their student ID on campus. Student IDs are required for admittance into many school facilities, such as the library, Cardinal Success Center, or our testing centers. TVCC student ID cards can be obtained at the following locations during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
Athens - Campus Security, Math/Journalism Building
Palestine - Learning Resource Center
Terrell - Learning Resource Center
Terrell HSC - Please visit the Terrell campus Learning Resource Center
You can acquire a list of your textbooks at the bookstore website; their are instructions available on how to find your textbooks. To purchase your textbooks, visit the TVCC bookstore on the campus that is most convenient for you. If you are enrolling in a campus-specific course, be sure to call ahead and ensure that your required textbooks are available.
9Attend Class
TVCC has several locations as well as an abundance of online courses available. Good luck with your first semester back! Needing assistance getting started in your online courses? Distance Learning has resources available for first time online students.