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.

TVCC's Online Application

 

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 your shot record

Texas state law requires all student sunder the age of 22 to submit documentation of their bacterial meningitis vaccination.  Students who apply via apply.tvcc.edu can submit their shot record through their admissions portal or email them to admissions@tvcc.edu.

 

4Submit your shot Transcripts

For full admission to TVCC, students must submit a high school or GED transcript, as well as any transcripts from previously attended institutions of higher learning.  Please inquire with your previous institutions as to how to go about sending your transcripts to TVCC.

 

5Submit testing

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.

 

6Advising

All students new to TVCC 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. 

Meet with an Advisor

 

7Register for Classes

Student registration may occur any time after meeting with an academic advisor; if registration is open, students may be registered during their initial advising session if all admissions requirements have been met.  New students who have not met their advising requirement will not be able to complete registration.  

TVCC understands that many of our distance learners may live remotely, or have work or other obligations that prevent them from being registered on campus during business hours.  There are several option to meet with an advisor, in addition to the option to complete E-advising.  If you feel that you may require E-advising, be sure to complete your E-advising request as early possible to ensure you are able to complete your registration in a timely manner.  E-advising requests submitted late in the registration process can not be guaranteed to process before the end of registration.

 

8Log Into Your Cardinal Email and Student Portal

Now that you are accepted with TVCC, it is time to familiarize yourself with your Cardinal Email and your My Cardinal Connect student portal.  TVCC provides students with a unique student email account 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.

The My Cardinal Connect 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.  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.

First Time Login Assistance

 

9Familiarize Yourself with Distance Learning & Canvas

Online classes are taught through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).  Students can access their Canvas account typically within 48 hours of registering for classes, but be aware your classes will not be loaded to your account until the first day of class.  To log in you will use the same Cardinal ID username and password combination that you use to access your Cardinal Email and your My Cardinal Connect student portal.  There is an app available for Canvas on mobile devices, so you can stay connected on the go.

TVCC's Distanced Learning department is here to assist you with your online learning experience.  They have resources for online learners available from their webpage or directly through your Canvas account.  It is best to familiarize yourself with them and the tools they have available for you in advance, so you never find yourself in a bind.  Distance Learning also recommends students take a short survey to determine their online readiness; pinpointing any short falls in the technology you have available to you will help you determine if you are ready to tackle a fully online course load.

 

10Pay 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.

 

11Get ID and Books

All students are required to carry their student ID on campus.  As a distance learner you may not find yourself on campus very often, if at all; however, you never know when you may be in an emergency situation and require the use of a computer.   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, you may visit the TVCC bookstore on the campus that is most convenient for you or continue with your purchase online.

 

12Attend Class

Online courses will appear within your Canvas account on the first day of class.  Good luck with your first semester!

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Find the ApplyTexas application here.