Starting college is an exciting experience, but it is a big transition. All incoming students come in with questions and concerns. Our New Student Orientation Process was put together to support our incoming students throughout the summer and into the fall semester with multiple opportunities to get the support they need to thrive at USCB and beyond.
Step 1: Sand Shark 100 Online Orientation Module
Required for all incoming students - Available May 1, 2023.
- Introduction to USCB
- Investing in your Future - Financial Aid and Students Accounts
- Get Connected - Understanding University Technology
- Preparing for day one at USCB
- Advising Basics and Placement Testing
- Course Scheduling Information
Step 2: Sand Shark Boot Camp Summer Orientation Program
Optional for incoming students - Registration available April 24, 2023
- In-person and Virtual workshops
- Get extra support in order to be ready for day one of your college experience
- Connect with staff members for assistance
- Get answers to any final questions
- Meet with advising and get more information about degree requirements
Step 3: Shark School Fall Orientation
Required for all incoming students - August 20-23, 2023
- Engage with your new campus community
- Connect with your peers
- Learn how to be successful in college
- Get support managing your transition to USCB
- Have Fun!
This module will help familiarize you with our campus and support you through the intake process with helpful information about:
- Paying for college
- University policies
- University technology
- Course registration and degree planning
Sand Shark 100 Premodule Instructions
The Sand Shark 100 Module will be available for completion for incoming fall 2023 students on Wednesday, May 3rd after 5:00 PM
If you have any issues navigating Sand Shark 100 this video should help you troubleshoot any issues. Please note that the module works best using Google Chrome as your browser. If you are having issues with the module functioning properly, please clear your cookies and cache in Chrome. You may also need to reboot your computer. If issues persist please contact Blackboard Support at 803-777-1800.
If you still have questions email newstudents@uscb.edu.
After completing this module and your Next Steps Checklist the Office of Advising and Academic Support will create your course schedule within the next 5 business days. Once your schedule is created, you will have the opportunity to meet with an advisor either in-person or virtually to make any necessary changes.
Students will only receive a schedule after completing the module if they do not have holds preventing registration. Common holds incoming students have are due to missing:
- immunization documentation
- citizenship verification
- high school and college transcripts
Check your Fins Up Portal Checklist to verify that none of these items are missing!
Have additional questions after completing Sand Shark 100? Join us either in-person or virtually for a series of workshops that take a deeper dive into the information students and families need to start their Sand Shark experience with confidence. Our Summer Orientation Program, Sand Shark Bootcamp will expand on what was learned during Sand Shark 100 and allow students and families to work with USCB staff members to get their questions answered.
In-Person Sand Shark Boot Camp
These in person events will be completely customizable for both students and their families. There will be multiple session options during each time block. Students and family members are encouraged to split up and attend different sessions so they can compare notes at the end of the day. Each incoming student can bring up to 4 family members. Incoming students attend these events for FREE. There is a $10 fee for each family member in attendance.
Sand Shark Boot Camp Dates
- Friday, June 23rd 8:30am to 4:00pm - Bluffton Campus
- Saturday, July 15th 8:30am to 4:00pm - Bluffton Campus
- Friday, July 21st 8:30am - 4:00pm - Beaufort Campus
Example Sand Shark Boot Camp Schedule
Virtual Sand Shark Boot Camp Sessions
These sessions will take place throughout the summer for students and family members. After completing Sand Shark 100 incoming students and their families can choose sessions that support them in an area where they might still have questions. Topics covered will include:
Living in Campus Housing 101
Learn everything you need to know to be ready to move-in to campus this fall. Housing staff will be there to discuss floor plans, what to bring, what to leave at home, and housing policies
Financial Aid and Billing Session
In this session representatives from the Office of Financial Aid and the Bursar's Office will explain how to read your bill, understand your financial aid package, apply your aid to your bill, set up and payment plan, and make your fall tuition payment.
Degree Planning Session by Major
These sessions will review the degree components of each major, explain common first semester course schedules, and give important advising and registration information. Please sign up for the session that corresponds with your declared major.
- Monday, June 26th 3:30-4:30 PM- Nursing and Public Health (View Session Recording)
- Monday, June 26th 6:30-7:30 PM- Human Services, Psychology, and Sociology (View Session Recording)
- Tuesday, June 27th 3:30-4:30 PM- Business Management, Communication Studies, and Hospitality Management (View Session Recording)
- Wednesday, June 28th 3:30-4:30 PM- Biology (View Session Recording)
- Wednesday, June 29th 6:30-7:30 PM- English, English Education, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Undecided (View Session Recording)
- Wednesday, July 5th 3:30-4:30 PM- Studio Art (View Session Recording)
- Wednesday, July 5th 6:30-7:30 PM- Computational Science, Information Science and Technology, and Mathematics (View Session Recording)
- Thursday, July 6th 3:30-4:40 PM- Early Childhood and Elementary Education (View Session Recording)
Life Preserver Session for Family Members
We know that sending your student to college is hard and we want to give you the tools you need to support your student while also giving them room to grow.
Monday, July 24th 4:00-5:00 PM
Wednesday, July 26th 4:00-5:00 PM
Understanding University Technology
Learn how to access University Technologies such as Self-Service Carolina, University Email, and Blackboard. The session will also cover how to download free software, what kind of computers work best for USCB students, what kinds of support ITSS can offer, and how students get their USCB Student ID Card.
Focus Group Sessions for Students & Parents
We want to hear your feedback about USCB’s recruitment processes! We invite you to participate in a focus group to share your experience. Participants will receive a special edition bucket hat while supplies last!
Virtual Sessions for Students
Virtual Sessions for Parents
Shark School is required for all new first-year and transfer students taking in-person classes at USCB. This immersive four-day experience will give students the tools they need to successfully transition into college life and face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
During Shark School Students will:
- Connect with peers and form friendships
- Identify and understand campus resources, services, activities, University technologies, policies, and procedures
- Comprehend academic requirements, expectations, and the purpose of a liberal arts education
- Understand the student experience and what it means to be a member of the USCB Community
- Recognize common issues and experiences during the transition to USCB
Shark School Schedule - Bluffton Campus
Shark School Schedule - Beaufort Campus
Shark School Schedule- Transfer Students
Contact newstudents@uscb.edu if you have any questions
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