Transfer Orientation

Transfer Orientation

Transferring to a new college can be overwhelming for some students. At the College of Charleston, we're dedicated to ensuring transfer students have the support and resources needed to succeed.

Transfer Student & Family Orientation:

We offer several one-day orientation sessions just for transfer students and their families. Orientation is an opportunity to get familiar with the campus, meet other students, connect with faculty, and learn about the various resources available on campus.

Orientation is required for all incoming transfer students and optional for family members. Transfer students can register for orientation by selecting the "Orientation Registration & Confirmation" tile found in MyPortal. Students can confirm the orientation date by going to this same tile approximately 5 days after registering.

During orientation, transfer students register for classes and can make changes to the course schedule throughout the drop/add period. A registration hold preventing course registration is on the student's account and is removed when the student attends orientation. Transfer students do not have to declare a major before attending orientation.

Declaring a Major Online:

Initially, all incoming freshmen and transfer students are categorized as undeclared majors, allowing students to explore different fields before deciding on a major.

When students are ready to declare a major, the process can be completed online by completing this two-step process through MyPortal:

Log into MyPortal: Use your student credentials to access this essential platform.
Navigate to the "Program of Study Management" (POSM) tile: Select your major. This allows students to officially declare a major. Remember, some departments may have additional requirements that students must complete before the major request is approved.

It’s important to promptly respond to departmental correspondence regarding these requirements, as delays may affect course enrollment and academic plans. Faculty, advisors, and campus departments communicate using the student's assigned campus email account. A faculty advisor from the major area will be assigned to the student when a major is selected and processed.

New Transfer Student Checklist:

After registering for orientation, students are encouraged to review the New Student Checklist. This resource will outline the necessary steps that must be completed before classes begin, such as:

Submitting a Photo: A photo is needed to issue a campus ID card (referred to as a Cougar Card).
Confirming Housing Arrangements: Confirm your living situation, whether on-campus housing or off-campus accommodations. Students living on campus must select a room and move-in appointment time. Check campus email for messages from campus housing about this process.
Financial Aid & Tuition Payment: Take steps to accept the financial aid package and understand the tuition and billing process.
Immunization Records: Submit required medical documentation to comply with health regulations. This documentation must be submitted before a student can attend orientation or start classes.
Course Registration: Get familiar with MyPortal and how to use the course registration system. Transfer students will learn more about this during orientation.

For further assistance, contact the Office of New Student Programs by emailing orientat@cofc.edu or call 843-953-2017 (Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00 pm).

Special Degree Programs

This information applies if you are a Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) or Bachelor of Integrated Studies (B.I.S.) student.

Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.)
If you have been accepted into the Bachelor of Professional Studies program, you will attend a special orientation. You do not have to complete the registration form for regular orientation. The B.P.S. program staff will send you information regarding the orientation in the summer.
- About the B.P.S. Program
Bachelor of Integrated Studies (B.I.S.)
If you are interested in the Bachelor of Integrated Studies, please indicate that on your orientation registration form. The B.I.S. program staff will reach out to you regarding the program. You will be advised by the Academic Advising and Planning Center during orientation.
- About the B.I.S. Program

It provided me with the ability to have friends before moving in and starting class!
Rebecca D.

Community Service Project

As College of Charleston student, you also become part of the community of Charleston, S.C. At the College, we feel it is important to give back to our community and that starts at orientation.

For the upcoming orientation sessions, we are asking for donations for the College of Charleston food pantry - the Cougar Pantry.

We have the goal of donating a total of 1,000 items!

We encourage all students and families to help us reach our goal by donating needed items. If you do not want to purchase items ahead of time, you may visit the Walgreens and the CVS within walking distance of campus. You can also drop them off at check in or at the New Student programs office (No. 4 on the campus map).

Please do not donate expired food as the food pantry is not able to distribute it.