New Student Weekly Guide

As an incoming student at Clark College we have been sending you emails each week of items you can complete before the term starts. This also assists with any questions you may have or if something is not working for you it is best to know early. Below are the emails you should be getting, this just creates a place you can refer back to.

If you have any questions about the content about please email Student Success.

Week 1: Orientation, Academic Advising, and Placement Information

Step 1: Orientation Completion

The first and most important task is to complete orientation. Orientation is in a Canvas module packed with helpful resources and information you will refer to during your time at Clark. Please follow this link to get started. Doing this early will allow you ample time to complete the other steps required to get you registered and into your classes successfully. If you have any questions, please connect with the Welcome Center.

Step 2: Placement

Your individual situation determines what placement path is best for you. Reviewing the assessment paths is a great place to start to find your next step. Most programs require students to have math and English placement to take the necessary classes. You must have your placement completed before planning and registering for classes. Again, we are excited to have you start at Clark. If you need placement assistance, our virtual support center is a great place to check out.

Visit the assessment website for more information about your placement options.

If you have transcripts, submit unofficial or official copies of transcripts to enroll@clark.edu. An official college transcript is required for the evaluation of transfer credits.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment with Your Academic Advisor

Schedule an appointment to meet with an Academic Advisor before registering for classes. It is not required to meet with an Academic Advisor prior to registering but is recommended. Appointments can be scheduled two weeks in advance. If there are no appointments available when you check, please try again the following day as more open daily. Before meeting with the Academic Advisor, please complete Orientation, and your placement (see Step 2). Academic Advisors at Clark support you through developing long-term educational plans that fit your personal and career goals and connect you to the necessary resources for your future academic success.

Once your first term is underway, you will be assigned an Academic Advisor in your ctcLink account. Before then, you can schedule an appointment with any Academic Advisor who best aligns with your intended program of study. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Week 2: Complete Your FAFSA or WASFA Application

Step 1: Complete Your Application for Financial Aid & Scholarships

The choice to attend college is a big decision–and potentially a big cost. But it does not have to be. Many resources are available to help students cover the expenses of attending college – tuition, books, tools, transportation, childcare, and more. Many students use a variety of these options based on their individual needs to help pay for college. These resources help ease the financial burden so that you can focus on your education and remove barriers that may prevent you from completing your degree or certificate. 

Please note that the FAFSA/WASFA opened for the 2024-2025 year. It looks a little different and we want to offer support. For more information about the change, please visit the 2024-25 Financial Aid Changes webpage. 

If you need assistance with any of the above applications, you can connect with Financial Aid. They are available by drop-in, phone, email, or appointment.

Again, we are excited to have you start at Clark. Our virtual support center is a great place to check out if you need assistance.

Week 3: Time to Set Up Your Accounts

Setting up your accounts before the first day of the term will allow you to be better prepared for when class starts and have the resources readily available.

Step 1: Set Up All Clark Account Logins

Step 2: Update Your Personal Details in ctcLink

      • Login to ctcLink
      • Select Student Homepage
      • Select Profile and review each of the six sections and make updates
        • The phone number and email in your profile should be yours. That way we can reach you when needed.
      • Check and enter or update your emergency contact information
        • Student homepage > Profile > Emergency Contact
        • Add at least one contact in case you have a medical emergency on campus

How do I Review My Balance in ctcLink

      • Login to ctcLink
      • Select Student Homepage
      • Select Financial Account and choose account balance
      • You can also make payments in there and this is where you can set up payment plans

Payment Plan Options

Applying for financial aid does not guarantee funding for students. We do offer the Student Tuition Easy Payment Plan (STEPP) as an optional payment program. STEPP makes budgeting for college expenses more flexible each term because it lets you pay in installments interest-free in the term. You can make payments by personal check, cash, or credit card. There is a $20 non-refundable charge for each term that you enroll in STEPP to set up your account.

Again, we are excited to have you start at Clark. If you need assistance, a great place to check out is our virtual support center.

Week 4: Career Services Highlight

Declare a Major

Does your major align with your long-term goals (and, if seeking financial aid, meet financial aid eligibility requirements)? You declared an academic major when you applied to Clark. If you initially chose “undecided,” or your career or academic goals have changed, please visit the Choosing your Major webpage for step-by-step guidance with the Major Declaration process. 

Career Services website

The Career Services website provides current information about resources for self-assessment, career exploration, internships and other work-based learning, job search and employment support while at Clark and beyond.  You can schedule 1-1 in-person or virtual appointments as well or by contacting careerservices@clark.edu or calling (360) 992-2902.

Week 5: Registration Reminder and Virtual Support Center Highlight

Registration Time

If you have not registered for the upcoming term, now is the time. Please login to ctcLink, select student homepage, manage classes, class search, enroll, and pick the term connected to Clark College, search courses that you are interested in, and walk through the steps to register for the classes. If you need assistance, we are available virtually at the Zoom links below or in person. 

If you need technical accessibility support, for example, screen-reader users, please contact Zach Lattin or call 360-992-2016.

Virtual Support Center

Connect with our services through Zoom. When you select a department, you will be put into a waiting room and a staff member will be with you as soon as possible. You can also connect with departments by clicking into a Zoom lobby. Zoom can be used on a computer, tablet, or smartphone or you can call in. Zoom hours for each department are listed on the Virtual Support Center.

Here is How to Connect with Clark College Faculty and Staff

Need to reach out to someone at the college? Let our student ambassadors tell you.

Week 6: Orientation Reminder, STEP Payment Plan & Requesting a Laptop

Orientation Reminder

Students need to complete orientation prior to registering for classes, you can find the orientation information on the Student Orientation webpage.

STEPP- Clark's Payment Plan

One of the next steps after registration is paying for your classes. The Tuition Payment Due Dates website can assist you with finding out when your tuition payment is due.

We also offer the Student Tuition Easy Payment Plan. STEPP is an optional tuition payment plan that can help make budgeting for college more flexible, by offering you interest free payment installments each term.  

Need a Laptop?

We have laptops for student use. However, they are on a first come first serve basis. If you need one, please follow these steps to get on the list. If you are unable to get one, please know we have multiple computer labs available on campus as well.

      • Login to MyClark@Clark
      • Under Get Started you will see Technology Request Form
      • Complete the form and once the library has one available, they will contact you

Week 7: Student Success Coaching & Registration Reminder

Student Success Coaches

We have three student success coaches at Clark College. Each of them has different areas of study that they support.  You do not need to schedule now, just know that this is a resource you can use once classes start. Not sure what a coaching session will look like?  You can expect that your coach will:

      • Get to know you as a student and a person
      • Be by your side along your academic journey, from start to finish, helping you navigate higher education
      • Work together with you to access academic supports and life resources services
      • Provide regular, consistent 1:1 coaching that supports both your academic and personal success.
      • Equip you in developing skills or connect you to skills workshops and other resources.

Registration Time

If you have not registered for the upcoming term, now is the time. Please login to ctcLink, select student homepage, manage classes, class search, enroll, pick the correct term related to Clark College, search courses that you are interested in, and walk through the steps to register for the classes. If you need assistance, we are available virtually or in person.

If you need technical accessibility support, for example, screen-reader users, please contact Zach Lattin or call 360-992-2016.

Week 8: Apply for Workforce Education Services (WES)

Complete a Workforce Education Services Application

You may be eligible for support through Workforce Education Services if you meet one of the following criteria:

      • Considered low-income
      • Receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
      • Receiving federal food benefits (SNAP/EBT)
      • Receiving unemployment benefits
      • Exhausted unemployment benefits within the past 48 months
      • A military veteran discharged within the past 48 months or have an upcoming separation date
      • A displaced Homemaker (loss of primary income due to becoming widowed, separated, divorced, or lost income due to loss of a spouse's job or incarceration of a spouse) within the past 48 months
      • Laid off due to the COVID-19 crisis and received unemployment benefits
      • A Former Foster Youth and under 22 years old
      • An Unaccompanied Homeless Youth and under 22 years old

If you are a current Clark College student and meet any of the qualifications listed above, please complete the WES Application.

Week 9: Finding Your Community, Student Life & Campus Tours

Finding Your Community

Clark College has many places you can study and learn but an essential part of your success is feeling a sense of belonging on campus and with your fellow students.

      • Campus life is a great place to start. It highlights events, student government, student life, athletics, student ambassadors, and more. Check out the Campus Life webpage!
        • Free Bus passes with the purchase of a student ID card
        • Discounted Fitness passes
        • Lockers
      • ASCC Clubs & Programs: Student Clubs and Programs is the hub of all that you can get involved in with students who have the same interests as you. If after reviewing the list you don’t see one that fits you, you can create one and find others that would be interested as well.
      • Diversity Center: A great place to visit between classes. Everyone is welcome to go in and hang out, study, and meet other people.
      • Penguin Early College (PEC) Center: This is a place for running start students to study, have groups, snacks, and chat with others who are in running start. This lounge is located through the double doors in between Gaiser Hall and the library. It is GHL 022 (follow the blue signs) and by the single-user bathrooms and drinking fountain. It is open Mon-Thurs 9am-4pm during the term.
      • Penguin Digest: Every Monday during the term a new penguin digest is emailed to you through ctcLink and posted on the webpage. Inside is important information for you to review. Including events, resources, scholarships, contests, and much more. Don’t miss the newest info.
      • Veterans Center of Excellence: Our veteran center is a has it all type of place. There are snacks, coffee, activities, tutoring, workshops, a study area, and more.

Campus Tours

Clark College’s main campus is on 101-acres in Vancouver Central Park. The campus can seem overwhelming when you are unsure of your surroundings. We encourage you to schedule a campus tour before the first day. This is not required, and there are maps around the campus but we do recommend it.

We are excited to have you meet other students and find your club, program or space that you enjoy.

Week 10: Picking Out Your Books & What to Expect on Your First Day

How to Find Your Books

The bookstore is in East Gaiser Hall, you can get parking permits, discounted bus passes, copies, faxes, and other services.

Once on the site, you can review all the services and items the bookstore has to offer. Before you go find your books you want to make sure you know the class name and class number. An example is if you are taking English 101 you want to know that and the four- or five-digit class code. This will be located on your class schedule in ctcLink.

      • On the bookstore webpage choose the blue textbook tile
      • Select a campus term (fall, winter, spring)
      • Select a department (English)
      • Select the course (101)
      • Select the section (the four- or five-digit code)
      • Add the course to the list and continue this process for each class you have
      • Click get your books
      • All books and supplies will be listed
        • There will be multiple options for the same book in most cases. An example is an eBook or a paperback, you choose what is best for you and your learning style
        • In some cases, you may have materials like a study guide or other pieces and they will either say required or optional
      • After picking out all your supplies, you choose in-store pickup or shipping, complete the checkout. Please review the return and exchange policy as well

What to Expect on Your First Day

When you come to campus, depending on where your classes are you will see an information table with people that can assist you with questions. You can also look for anyone with a nametag and a light blue welcome week shirt that will be happy to assist you.

      • Arrive at least 10 minutes early to give time to find parking, drop off traffic or bus delays
      • Consult your schedule and the maps above for location
      • If you get lost there are stationary campus maps around campus
      • Bring a refillable bottle as there are water filling stations around campus
      • Check Canvas for any class updates, the syllabus, course schedule and assignments
        • You want to make sure to login to Canvas the first day of the quarter (July 8, 2024) no matter what, this allows the instructor to see you were able to get into the Canvas page

Good luck on your first day. If you are unable to find anyone around campus or an information table please head to Gaiser Hall (GHL) or Penguin Union Building (PUB) and there will be staff there to assist you. Welcome to your first official day as a Penguin.

Week 11: Download the Rave Alert App on Your Phone & Attend Involvement Fair (Fall, Winter, Spring Terms Only)

Involvement Fair & Events Calendar

During week one of fall, winter, and spring student life hosts an Involvement Fair. The ASCC Student Government plans an exciting two-hour event for everyone on campus. Student clubs, programs, and Clark departments host tables to tell you about all that they offer and the fun that can be had. And guess what? It is all free!! There are snacks, activities, giveaways, photo opportunities, and much more at this event. Check the events calendar on a weekly basis to ensure you do not miss anything the campus has to offer. 

Rave Alert: Emergency Notification System

RAVE Alert is Clark College's text message and email emergency notification system. It allows you to quickly receive emergency communications and other important information via text message and email. Notifications may be about inclement weather alerts or emergency incidents on campus. All faculty, staff, and students that have provided the college with a cellular telephone number will be automatically enrolled in the RAVE Alert system.

      • Go to Rave Alerts login page
      • For Students Your Clark Username is your Labs/MyClark@Clark username and password
        • Do not include @students.clark.edu
        • This is a case-sensitive field
      • Login and confirm your phone number and email address

Thank you and welcome to Clark College. We are happy you are here,

Clark College Welcome Committee