Guide: How to Get Ready for the New Semester

• Make sure you've heard from your instructor, or contacted them yourself, to know how to access your class
  • Check all email accounts - personal, SMC, and spam
• "Attend" class every week:
  • Be active! - or risk a poor grade, or being dropped
  • If your instructor uses Canvas, login the first day
• More about Canvas: 
  • FYI, not all instructors use Canvas (ask your instructor)
  • Some instructors do not open Canvas until the first day
• How to "Crash" a course
  • First, make sure you are on the Wait List
  • Next, email the instructor from your SMC email to show your interest
  • Due to COVID, no student should enter a classroom unless enrolled in the class.  Signs posted near the door will aid instructors in reminding students of the policy against in-person crashing.  Please note this policy applies even to students who say they are vaccinated; since it is not possible for an instructor to check the vaccination status of a student who is not on the course roster. All students must use email to contact an instructor for an add code.
• Know your class dates and deadlines (Refund, Avoid a W, Late Drop)
  • Find them in Corsair Connect next to your enrolled classes

• Download the official SMC GO app
• Go to "My Messages" and "Opt-in" to get other updates
• Chat with Pearl...seriously, lots of great answers
• Free WiFi and more!
• Explore the Student Remote Instruction Checklist
• WATCH: Helpful videos
• Visit the FAQ page
• Zoom and Video Call backgrounds
• Check out these great SMC backgrounds
• Get assistance ASAP if you get stuck
• Connect with a counselor
• Contact student support and services

Who is Pearl?

Our bird-chatbot! Pearl can provide answers to most commonly asked questions on admissions, enrollment, classes, counseling, financial aid, login issues, etc. Pearl is still learning, and you can help her by asking questions! 

Where do I find Pearl?

Pearl is available at www.smc.edu, just click the chat bubble at the bottom.

• Free enrollment and up to $1,200 for textbooks for those who meet the criteria. Goto the SMC Promise webpage for details.

If you haven’t already downloaded these helpful SMC apps — do it now for FREE at the App Store or on Google Play.

• SMC GO App

• SMC LiveSafe

Check the SMC Bookstore website to order your books or arrange to pick them up safely.

• Important deadlines under Dates & Deadlines and in the SMC GO app.
• Check course-specific deadlines on Corsair Connect.

• First, identify the problem in Corsair Connect and follow instructions. Contact Admissions & Records if you continue to have problems. Take a screenshot of error messages.

• If you have an "Orientation Hold," you must complete the SMC Online Orientation to enroll.

• If you have an "Assessment Hold," you likely need to complete the English/ESL and mathematics placement process. Do that on Corsair Connect (Placement tab).

• Make sure you know when and how your classes meet. Check your schedule on Corsair Connect. Contact your instructors to see how your class will be conducted and accessed.

• Go to all your classes and participate in online classes the first week to avoid the risk of being dropped.

• Crashing a course? Students should email the instructor instead to request an add code.  Due to COVID, no student should enter a classroom unless enrolled in the class.  Signs posted near the door will aid instructors in reminding students of the policy against in-person crashing.  Please note this policy applies even to students who say they are vaccinated; since it is not possible for an instructor to check the vaccination status of a student who is not on the course roster. All students must use email to contact an instructor for an add code.

• Get your books at the SMC Bookstore.

• Get your free student ID card at the Cashier’s Office. Read these instructions.  

• Pay the Student Benefits Fee of $22.50 to get your sticker, and then ride the BBB for free.

• Contact cashier@smc.edu to opt-out of nonmandatory fees before the term starts!

• Password recovery is available on Corsair Connect.

• Ask Pearl for help!

• Find Student Resources to help you succeed

• Corsair Connect (Student Portal)
• Canvas (Learning Management System)

• Student Remote Instruction Checklist

• Degrees Available
• Schedule of Classes
• Student Success Guide

• Athletics
• Clubs
• More Student Life
• SMC GO (SMC Mobile App)
• SMC LiveSafe (Mobile Safety App)