New RCTC students must complete the below steps prior to receiving an advising appointment. Please read through the steps carefully.
FALL 2024 STUDENTS: Individualized information will be sent to the email address provided on your application.
ACTIVATE YOUR STAR ID AND PASSWORD
The StarID is a username with the goal of replacing your many login IDs with one ID, one password, everywhere. Once you activate it, you can use your StarID and password anywhere that accepts StarID. It is unique across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, so you can use it at more than one school.
If you have problems activating or updating your StarID, please contact the Technology Support Help Desk at 507-536-5555 or stop by their office in the Welcome and One Stop Center.
PROVIDE COURSE PLACEMENT MATERIALS
ALL New students need to be evaluated for course placements prior to registering for classes. Students can submit one or more of the following for placement consideration:
Test Scores: Students can verify test scores (ACT, SAT, MCA, or ALEKS) pulled out of their portal (unofficial test scores) with a College Transitions Advisor or high school Counselor and send to RCTC. Official ACT or SAT copies are also accepted when a student requests them from ACT or College Board. ACT, SAT, and MCA test scores are valid for 5 years. ALEKS test scores are good for 2 years.
Provide your unweighted GPA:
- Send a high school transcript with your unweighted GPA to RCTC for placement. High school GPA is valid for 10 years.
- If you intend to participate in RCTC athletics, you will need to send an official, final high school transcript for eligibility purposes. This transcript can also be used for placement.
- PSEO students do not need to provide an additional transcript if their transcript was included in their PSEO materials.
College Transcript: Students who have completed college-level English and/or Math must have official transcripts sent to RCTC for evaluation.
Previous Accuplacer Scores: Students who completed the English Accuplacer within 5 years or the Math Accuplacer within 2 years can forward a copy of those scores to the Records and Registration office.
COMPLETE THRIVE IN THE HIVE D2L ORIENTATION
All new students must complete the new student Orientation course through D2L (Desire 2 Learn/Brightspace) called Thrive in the Hive. Admitted students are automatically enrolled in the course. Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 must be completed prior to placement testing (if applicable) AND receiving an advising/registration appointment.
To access Thrive in the Hive, click on this link: D2L Login. If you cannot see the THRIVE IN THE HIVE banner, please contact the Welcome and One Stop Center at 507-285-7557 or email onestop@rctc.edu.
Students who need assistance with Thrive in the Hive can drop in during business hours. Make sure to bring your star ID and password, as well as a photo ID. All drop-ins will be located in the Welcome and One Stop Center.
ONCE YOU HAVE REGISTERED FOR CLASSES, ACTIVATE YOUR RCTC STUDENT EMAIL
RCTC-issued email addresses are used for OFFICIAL correspondence. Access your RCTC email account under Technology Services.