Why do I have two ID numbers?
As a student, you’ll use two different ID numbers, each with a specific purpose:
StarID
Your StarID is a unique username used across all Minnesota State colleges and universities.
You’ll use it to log in to:
- Campus computers
- eServices
- Brightspace (D2L)
- Email (format: [email protected])
- Other campus technology systems
If you transfer to another Minnesota State school, your StarID and password stay the same.
Stinger ID
Your Stinger ID is an 8-digit number unique to your college.
You’ll need it for:
- Financial Aid
- Records and Registration
- Welcome and One Stop Center
- Student ID card (used for events, library checkouts, printing, and Learning Center access)
What is the Beeline?
The Beeline is a virtual ticketing system that the Welcome and One Stop Center (WOSC) uses to reduce wait times for you. Join the Beeline with your email and phone number and your questions to be added to the line. Employees will assist you as quickly as possible.
Why should I meet with my advisor?
Every student with a declared major has an academic advisor/counselor. The assigned advisor/counselor appears on the student’s schedule and is here to support students in their educational growth and guide them through their program requirement roadmap. Roadmaps are guides to the “best” or most efficient path to graduation for a program of study and provide a pathway/map for students to create a term-by-term plan of specific coursework.
Students should work closely with their academic advisor/counselor so that educational goals are met in a timely and efficient manner. It is important to meet with their academic advisor/counselor each semester to ensure that they receive ongoing advice regarding satisfactory academic and career progress and they should be prepared to access their Degree Audit Report System (DARS) in eServices during the meeting (know your StarID and password). Students who have personal concerns that cannot be addressed by their assigned advisor are always welcome to meet with a counselor.
What’s the difference between an advisor and a counselor?
Academic advisors and counselors assist students with academic decisions, help students clarify academic goals, transfer & career planning, and understand how courses fit into these goals. Counselors also provide credentialed crisis counseling and services to assist with family and personal relationship concerns. Please contact Advising and Counseling at 507-285-7260 or stop in SS133 to set up an appointment with an advisor or counselor.
What is the Welcome and One Stop Center?
The Welcome and One Stop Center (WOSC) provides a universal space for students to receive information and complete all ongoing enrollment processes in one location. Staff within the Welcome and One Stop Center assist with admissions application, enrollment status, filing financial aid, connecting with academic advisors and counselors, directions, eServices assistance, and collecting paperwork, among other activities. Please utilize the Welcome and One Stop Center to maintain your enrollment.
How do I get my financial aid?
All financial aid disbursements and student payroll checks at RCTC are disbursed using a system called BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution powered by BMTX, Inc. When your payment is ready, the funds will be forwarded to BankMobile and paid to you using the disbursement method you designate. You can choose to have your funds sent to your own bank account, or to a BankMobile Vibe Account.
Once a student registers for their first semester, they will receive an email automatically from BankMobile with the information needed to set up an account.
What is the difference between eServices and eForms?
eServices is a platform that students use to register, check grades, access unofficial transcripts, pay their tuition, check their balance, find their financial aid award, and much more.
eForms is a webpage that houses College forms available online to students. These include academic petitions, suspension appeal, change contact form, program applications, graduation application, major change, transcript retrieval, as well as others.
How do I change my address?
It is essential that you maintain current contact information with RCTC so you receive all of the important information to keep you moving toward completing your goal. You can change your address by logging onto eServices and clicking on Account Management on the left side of your screen. You can also change your address in the Welcome and One Stop Center.
What is DARS?
DARS is an acronym for Degree Audit Reporting System. DARS is a tool to assist you and your advisor in the process of course selection and academic program planning to keep you on track for graduation. To learn how to read your DARS report, check out the DARS webpage. You can run your DARS report in eServices. For more information on DARS, make an appointment with your academic advisor.
My instructor doesn’t take attendance. Do I still need to go to class?
YES! You have paid money to receive an education. When you don’t attend class, you miss a great deal of that learning. In addition, surveys show that students receive higher grades when they attend class regularly. If students do not maintain satisfactory progress, they will not be eligible for financial aid and will not be allowed to register for classes in upcoming semesters. It is important to know that, although your instructor may not take attendance, they are obligated to report students who fail to participate or otherwise do not attend class. This may include your access to D2L content for your class.
It’s snowing…how do I know if the campus is closed?
When severe weather makes travel to campus unsafe, the RCTC President may cancel classes, delay their start, or close the campus. Announcements will be shared via local TV stations, the RCTC website, social media, and the RCTC Alert System. Students are automatically enrolled through their campus email but can opt in to receive text or phone alerts. See the Weather Cancellation Policy for further details.
Where do I go when I’m feeling sick?
Students are welcome to contact the Student Health Services Office, located in the Health Sciences Building, (HS140). During the fall and spring semesters, a registered nurse is available daily to assist with first aid/illness care, and health education/information. A nurse practitioner is available for evaluation of health concerns and academic and athletic program-required physical exams or health assessments. A minimal fee may be charged for certain services or supplies.
Please note that drop-in visits are not available. All visits must be pre-scheduled. Current RCTC students can schedule appointments online at MyHealth.RCTC.edu (login with RCTC login: [email protected] + password) or by calling 507-285-7261. Anyone with respiratory symptoms (cough, congestion, etc.) will be asked to wear a face mask while in the Student Health Services office. Telehealth (virtual) visits will be utilized when available and appropriate. To talk with someone, call 507-285-7261 or email [email protected].
Students should not attend class or come to campus if they are not feeling well. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate their absences to their instructors. RCTC Student Health Services does not provide excuse notes for class absences.
Are there any lactation rooms on campus?
Yes! RCTC has lactation rooms on both the Main and Heintz Center campuses.
Main Campus:
- Health Services Building HS150
- Goddard Library GL204
Heintz Center:
- H1312
Where do I go if I have mental health concerns?
RCTC and Zumbro Valley Health Center have partnered to provide on-site mental health therapy services to our students. If a student has health insurance coverage, ZVHC can bill the insurance company for mental health therapy services. Students are never denied services if unable to pay or are unable/unwilling to use their health insurance.
The therapy office is in the Student Health Services area. Current RCTC students may schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist at MyHealth.RCTC.edu (login with RCTC login: [email protected] + password) or by calling 507-285-7261. Additional mental health resources are listed under the mental health tab on RCTC’s Basic Needs Support page.
I have a documented disability. Are there resources for me on campus?
Yes. RCTC Disability Support Services offers accommodations such as extended time, scribes, a reader, or a sign language interpreter. Distraction-free testing rooms may also be available for students who qualify for Disability Support Services.
What is Student Support Services (TRIO)?
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is an academic success program funded through the U.S. Department of Education. It helps 250 students each year succeed academically at Rochester Community and Technical College. SSS provides advising, study skill development, college survival skills, transfer assistance, career exploration, resume writing, money management training, and much more. For more information or to apply for SSS, please call the SSS Office at (507) 280-2543.
Where can I find a place to live?
RCTC has compiled a list of options for you to explore off-campus housing in Rochester.
How do I find a roommate?
Yellowjacket Connector is RCTC’s roommate finder platform. The purpose of Yellowjacket Connector is to connect students seeking roommates with one another.
Is there one place I can look for important policies and required disclosures?
Yes! Check out RCTC’s Policies.