If you do not intend to seek a degree, diploma, or certificate, RCTC allows you to register as a visiting student. Registering for courses as a visiting student is an easy way to enroll in courses that will help you accomplish your educational goal.
Steps to Become a Visiting Student
Individuals who have never applied or are NOT a current student at any Minnesota State College or University:
Apply to RCTC for free at www.rctc.edu/apply. You may be prompted to create a StarID prior to accessing the application. If you created a StarID at any point in your college journey, you will need to recover that Star ID at starID.minnstate.edu.
Once your application has been processed (48-72 hours during business hours), please check your email for further information and instructions.
If you have not received an email more than 2 weeks after your application was submitted, please contact the Welcome and One Stop Center for further assistance at 507-285-7557 or email onestop@rctc.edu.
Individuals who are currently a student at any Minnesota State College or University:
Log into your eServices account with your current StarID and password. Then, under “Courses and Registration,” choose Rochester Community and Technical College, the semester and course(s) you are seeking, and register for those classes as you would at your current college or university.
Prerequisites: Registration in many courses may require a Visiting Student to demonstrate they met the defined course prerequisites. This includes the submission of unofficial copies of college transcripts, ACT Scores, SAT scores, and/or MCA scores. If your courses require you to show that you have met a certain prerequisite please complete the Prerequisite Evaluation for Visiting Student Form and submit this to the Welcome and One Stop Center or email them to onestop@rctc.edu.
*If you don’t have the ability to demonstrate the proof that you have met the required prerequisites for the course please contact the Welcome and One Stop Center for further instructions at 507-285-7557 or email onestop@rctc.edu.
Pay your tuition– See payment dates. Visiting students are not eligible for financial aid unless the student demonstrates the coursework is needed for prerequisites at a different institution. Contact our financial office regarding eligibility.
Purchase your books online at the RCTC Bookstore.
Ensure your college e-mail account is set up to receive RCTC emails.
Log into D2L (Desire to Learn/Brightspace) to access your RCTC courses. Make sure you click on the “RCTC” tab at the top of your homepage to bring up your RCTC courses. You can also access D2L at www.rctc.edu under “Quick Links.”
Resources
1. Manage your registration. Use eServices to review, as well as add and drop course(s) for which have registered. You can log in to eServices using your StarID.
2. Follow the Academic Calendar. The student schedule includes breaks throughout the year. See the academic calendar.
3. Know how to find academic support. It’s normal to need support to be successful. RCTC has many great resources to help you:
- Find help for tutoring. RCTC’s students get tutoring support from the Comprehensive Learning Center.
- Find support for disabilities. RCTC has many resources for students with documented disabilities. Disability Support Services.
- Find help from instructors. You’re encouraged to work with your Instructor(s) if you need clarification regarding assignments or to talk about your academic progress.
- Advising. RCTC’s Academic Advisors are assigned to degree-seeking students. Visiting students who need assistance from a counselor can contact the Advising and Counseling Center at 507-285-7260 or email advising@rctc.edu.
4. Academic Transcripts. Need a copy of your academic record after the semester ends? RCTC students can get unofficial copies of their academic records in eServices. Official copies can be requested through the National Clearinghouse. Official transcripts do charge a fee. Access copies of your transcript.