Getting Started

Ready, Set. . . Go to Tacoma Community College in Gig Harbor!

APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE:
Complete the Online Application or submit a paper admissions form.  
The application is good for both campuses.  Acceptance information will be mailed.  If you take 5 credits or less & do not take a math or English course you may be eligible for a shorter enrollment process as a Non-Degree Seeking Student.

ASSESSMENT:  Entry Skills Assessment in reading, writing, & math is required if you plan to register for 6 or more credits, take a math or English course, or if you have never attended college before. 

• Visit the GHC front desk, or call 253.460.2424, to schedule an appointment. 
• Walk-in assessment is offered on main campus- call 253.566.5158 for dates & times. 

The cost of the assessment is $15.80 and must be paid at the time of service.  Photo ID is required. 

Assessment may be by-passed upon a transcript review if you have taken English &/or math at an accredited college. 

NEW STUDENT ADVISING & REGISTRATION:  New students taking 6 or more credits, taking math or English courses, or taking courses with prerequisites, must meet with an advisor prior to registration.  Advisors will assist each student with educational /career planning and with the online registration process.  Classes fill up fast, so register as soon as possible.

• Stop by the front desk after your assessment session or call 253.851.2424 to make a new student advising appointment.

SET UP FREE TCC EMAIL & PORTAL ACCESS:  See Current Student: MyTCC Portal on home page.

LAB ORIENTATION:  If you are registered for a self-paced class in the Business or Health Technology Labs, you must sign up for a mandatory orientation session.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION:  Students attending the GHC are not required to attend a group orientation session on main campus but may complete the online orientation or one-on-one orientation if preferred.  Students receive valuable information regarding: degree programs & classes, student services & activities, instructor expectations, student success, & TCC policies.

PAYMENT:  Tuition & fees are due by the quarterly deferment date or within 2 business days upon registration, after the deferment date.  Failure to make payment by the indicated time will cause automatic withdrawal from your classes.  You may pay by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or Financial Aid award. 

• Pay at GHC front desk or at the cashier’s office on main campus in Building 11.
• Use a credit card to pay for classes online on the college website. 
• Use Automated Payment plan.

FINANCIAL AID:  Packets for federal aid are available at the GHC.  Direct questions regarding financial aid to the Financial Aid Office on main campus (Building 18 or 253-566-5080).  If your employer or another agency will be paying your tuition, you must contact the Financial Aid Office before registering.  Scholarship information is available on the college website or by searching the internet for information about scholarships that are not offered through TCC.

BOOKS: Books & resources needed for classes offered through the GHC must be purchased at the GHC front desk or on the college website.  All other TCC class books are available at the main campus bookstore (Building 11).  Books can only be returned at the main campus bookstore, including books purchased at the GHC.  Books cannot be returned without a receipt.  Return policy information will be given to you at the time of purchase.  If you are using financial aid/scholarship awards to purchase books must first establish a student account each quarter with customer services at the main campus bookstore.

PARKING:  The quarterly safety & security fee includes the cost of parking on main campus – there is no parking fee for the GHC.  However, parking stickers are available at the GHC front desk.  Visitor passes for main campus are also available.

STUDENT ID CARD:  Your student ID can be used for free & discounted admission to main campus Student Life events, computer lab, fitness center, & for discounts from local merchants.

• Visit the Campus Public Safety office on main campus in Bldg. 18.  There is no fee for students enrolled in credit courses. 
• You may pick up a new sticker each quarter at the GHC front desk. 

BEGIN CLASSES:  Congratulations!  You’re ready to begin. 

• You must attend the first day of class or communicate with the instructor in advance. 
• If you register for a lab (self-paced) class, you will need to attend an orientation session at the beginning of the quarter. 

For more info please contact Student Services at the Gig Harbor Campus at 253.460.2424 or jmott@tacomacc.edu

For more information about our Continuing Education program, please contact Joyce Schultz, Program Coordinator, at jschultz@tacomacc.edu

For more information about our ABE/GED/ESL program, please contact Linda Creswell, ABE Program Coordinator, at lcreswell@tacomacc.edu

For more information about our Fresh Start program, please contact Melody Griggs, Fresh Start Program Coordinator, at mgriggs@tacomacc.edu