New Student Checklist
You know you’re accepted, but what’s next? There are a number of tasks you must complete to finish the enrollment process and begin your journey as a Mariner. Please read through each section and item carefully and explore the links provided for more information.
- Immediate steps/Claim your spot
- Prior to orientation
- After attending orientation
- After classes start
Questions?
Contact Admissions at admissions@ccga.edu or visit the Meet Your Counselor page so we can get you the information you need!
1. Immediate Steps/Claim Your Spot
The portal is the main gateway to most applications and resources for students, faculty, and staff. At the College of Coastal Georgia, your student ID is the username you use to log in to most applications, including the portal. As a new student, your default password is CCGammddyy, (the “mmddyy” represents the numbers of your 6-digit birthday).
In addition to your password, you will need to set up multi-factor authentication. Passwords are increasingly easy to compromise. Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to your online accounts. Verifying your identity using a second factor (like your phone or one-time password token) prevents anyone but you from logging in, even if they know your password. Click here to visit the portal.
At Coastal, your student email is the official means of communication. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have access to it and that you review it daily. Log in to your email via the Office 365 Email application inside the portal. Click here for more information.
Orientation is required for all incoming freshmen. We see orientation as an important opportunity for students and their families to learn more about Coastal Georgia and the spirit of our Mariner Family. Click here to register for orientation.
When do I need to do this?
Fall: Feb. 1 – July 1
Spring: Oct. 15 – Dec. 15
Summer: Feb. – May 15
The College of Coastal Georgia can be your next home away from home! Our suite and apartment-style housing, available on our Brunswick campus, will give students an immersive college experience. Living on campus is a great way to see an increase in academic success and find a closer connection to the campus community. To apply, visit the portal, then click on the “Student Housing” application.
When do I need to do this?
Fall Priority: May 1
Summer Priority: April 1
Spring Priority: Dec. 1
Students wishing to apply for all programs that the College administers, including federal grants, loans, and work study, will need to first request an FSA ID and password. Then, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The College of Coastal Georgia Title IV code is 001558. Click here to visit the Federal Student Aid page.
When do I need to do this?
Fall Priority: April 1
Spring Priority: Nov. 1
Summer Priority: March 1
If you are wishing to be evaluated for institutional scholarship funds, you are encouraged to complete the College of Coastal Georgia Scholarship Application. To begin the application process, go to the portal and click on the “Scholarship” application.
When do I need to do this?
Fall & Summer: Jan. 1 – May 1
Spring: Sept. 1 – Dec. 1
Coastal offers great flexibility of course delivery to fit your needs. Beyond our face-to-face courses, we have a variety of online and hybrid options. Visit the following page to learn more about the different course modalities available to you.
eCore – short for electronic core-curriculum – allows University System of Georgia (USG) students the opportunity to complete their first two years of their collegiate careers in an online environment. eCore courses are taught entirely online, except for the occasional proctored exam. All Coastal Georgia students are eligible to register for eCore courses. Before you can register for eCore courses the first time, you need to complete the eCore Introduction Quiz. This orientation gives the student important information regarding what it is like to be an eCore student. For information and advice on taking eCore courses, contact your COMPASS advisor or COMPASS@ccga.edu.
2. Prior to Orientation
It is important to ensure that your information on record is correct. Visit the portal, click on “COAST,” then click on the “Personal” tab, and finally, click on the “Personal Information” tile. Click on “Request Changes” to submit any changes.
Tech Start is the Hub or Roadmap for all Technology Related Services that Tech Services has identified for you. This important resource will give you information about your portal and the different applications and services you have access to. You can also find the minimum recommended equipment guidelines. Click here to access Tech Start.
The College of Coastal Georgia mobile app is a great tool to use to stay connected. Download the app and see campus wall, students nearby, campus maps, social scheduling, courses, campus events, and more. Download the mobile app by searching “CCGA” in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and follow your device’s instructions for installation.
The first of your three-phase orientation process, NAVIGATE is an online pre-orientation program designed to start your transition into your new life as a Mariner. Interactive modules introduce you to campus leadership, academic programs, and support services. Solve the riddle at the end, and you will be entered to win a scholarship! NAVIGATE should be completed prior to attending Orientation. Click here to begin NAVIGATE.
The College of Coastal Georgia’s Office of Financial Aid has financial aid counselors available to assist students. The counselors are divided based on the student’s last name. To find your financial aid counselor, log into your portal to view your Student Success Crew. Once you have identified your counselor, email them to schedule an appointment. You may also email our financial aid office to request an appointment at finaid@ccga.edu.
Once you complete the orientation survey, COMPASS Career & Academic Advising advisors will build your first semester schedule based on your major and your survey preferences. Check your email for any correspondence or updates from your advisor. At orientation, you can meet with your COMPASS advisor to discuss any questions or changes.
3. After Attending Orientation
To help the College prepare for your arrival, you are required to complete the Commit2Coastal Enrollment Confirmation process each term you plan to enroll. The process is easy and only takes a few minutes. This is a very important part of your enrollment process here at the College. Failure to complete this process by the due date will result in the cancellation of your scheduled classes and housing reservation, and will impact the awarding of your scholarships and financial aid. Visit the portal application Commit2Coastal to complete the enrollment confirmation process.
When do I need to do this?
30 days prior to the start of the semester
The Mariner Access Card (MAC) is the official College of Coastal Georgia identification card, and the key to the campus. With it, you can access services, attend events, and make purchases on campus without the hassle of carrying cash. With eAccounts, you can add funds to your Coastal Cash account, as well as manage and monitor your campus accounts, including meal plans, Dining Dollars, and other functions. Learn more about the eAccount here.
To review your tuition and fees, visit the portal, click on “COAST,” then click on the “Financial Services” tab. Finally, click on the “Account Detail” tile. Once you select the appropriate term, this screen displays all tuition and fee charges and any Financial Aid that is on your account at the time you have logged in. Keep in mind that balances are due by the first day of classes for each semester.
The College of Coastal Georgia offers Nelnet Business Solutions (NBS) as a convenient budget plan. This is not a loan program. You have no debt, there are no interest or finance charges, and there is no credit check. Enrollment in this plan is easy and available online. To set up a payment plan for your balance, visit the portal, click on “COAST,” then click on the Financial Services tab. Finally, click on the “Payment Plan” tile. You will then be directed to the Nelnet payment plan website. Create an account and follow instructions for setting up the payment plan.
Direct deposit is the best method of getting your student refund. To set up your direct deposit account, you will need to log in to COAST, Financial Services, and then Account Information. In Touchnet, you will click on “Refunds” and complete the two-step verification. Once this is complete, you will include your bank account information and submit. If you do not have a bank account, the refund method will be a paper check. Please make sure your mailing address on file is correct.
The Office of Student Well-Being and Support at the College of Coastal Georgia is your dedicated resource for holistic student care. We understand that your well-being is essential for your academic success and overall college experience. Our office provides a range of services to support you on your educational journey, including counseling services, accessibility services, and Health Center services. Please contact our office if you need to establish accommodations for your classes or for housing. We are happy to guide you through the process.
All students are required to submit immunization records after being accepted to the College of Coastal Georgia. To submit immunizations, please login to the portal and click on the “Student Well-Being” application. From there, select “Upload” and follow the directions.
When do I need to do this?
30 days prior to the start of the semester
Students must submit all final documentation to the Office of Admissions prior to the start of their first semester. Examples: Official final high school transcripts, final college transcripts (including any transcripts for dual enrollment credit), applicable test scores (IB, AP, CLEP, etc.), and verification of lawful presence. Check your status here.
When do I need to do this?
30 days prior to the start of the semester
You will need a parking decal to park your car on campus. In your CCGA Portal under Student Forms, you will need to complete the parking decal application. Once complete, you will visit the Bursar’s Office and pay $30 to obtain the parking decal.
Bookstore credits are available at least seven days prior to the start of classes, provided the student’s financial aid file is complete and they have financial aid in excess of tuition and fees. Students must also “Authorize” in order that their financial aid will be available in the bookstore. This can be found in COAST, which is within the portal.
Housing move-in typically takes place the weekend prior to the first day of classes. Check your email for more information about Move-In from the Office of Residence Life & Housing. You may also visit their webpage here.
Anchor Days, held each Fall on the Sunday prior to classes starting, is a program that assists new students in their transition to Coastal. It’s designed to familiarize students with campus and academic expectations, and highlight programs and services that assist in student success.
4. After Classes Start
To access the internet on campus from your personal device(s), you will connect to the Wi-Fi network, “WAVE.”
On your device, select the WAVE network for the Wi-Fi network. Enter your 920# and password for the credentials when prompted. You may be prompted to trust a certificate when connecting for the first time.
The Office of Student Life partners with several offices and organizations on campus to plan Welcome Week events to help students get involved on campus, meet new students, and learn about campus resources. This is a great way to get involved in clubs and organizations. Joining a club or organization on campus provides opportunities to engage with other students that share your common interests. To join a club or organization, access the Presence application from your portal, or click here.
The Academic Tutoring and Instruction Center (ATTIC) provides free tutoring services to all College of Coastal Georgia students. Visit the ATTIC at the Brunswick Campus Library, the Camden Center Library, or online here.
The Writing Center provides an easily accessible setting where all Coastal Georgia students can seek guidance and assistance with written course assignments. The Center provides additional resources such as online tutorials, handbooks, dictionaries, and other reference materials. Visit the Writing Center at the Brunswick Campus Library, the Camden Center Library, or online. For additional information and hours, click here.
This short meeting will provide you with the tools needed to successfully navigate your first year. So, what can you learn at a Freshman Meeting? We will talk about 4-year plans, college and career expectations, and when it’s time to register for the next semester. Even if you plan to transfer, we can make that transition smooth. This is vital information so you can stay on track and not waste time or money toward graduation. Contact your advisor for an appointment.
Whether you want to play intramural sports with friends, get in shape through fitness, or just kick back and relax, Mariner Recreation has what you need to meet your goals. Visit the Rec and Wellness page to see our full slate of services and connect with us on social media @MarinerRec for the latest news, photos, and updates.
You’ve Got This affords students the opportunity to reflect on their college journey. Through short videos from College administrators, students are given suggestions that coincide with each unit. The materials in the units offer the student a chance for personal reflection and provide responses to unanticipated questions.