Welcome New Students!

Get ready to fly with the eagles with a free swag pack that includes a sticker, pen, pencil, and more!

You have been assigned a unique username and EMPLID (your EMPLID is linked to all of your student accounts). If you didn’t save or copy your application confirmation page, don’t worry you’ll get a packet in the mail that has your username and EMPLID listed – be sure to keep this info handy! You will need it to register for classes and access other services.

You will need to submit additional required documents to complete your educational records. These include your “Official” high school, GED, and/or college (non-VCCS) transcripts. Please have your official transcript mailed to Southwest Admissions, PO Box 1101, Richlands, VA 24641 or e-mailed to SWCC Admissions

Be sure to complete the FAFSA! FASFA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application requires extensive financial documentation, so you’ll want to get an early start on this step! On the FASFA application, you’ll be asked to enter a school code so they know where to send your information. Southwest’s FAFSA code is 007260.

If you need assistance with the FASFA, our Financial Aid Advisors are located in Dellinger Hall. See Financial Aid Advisors Contact Information

Your FAFSA must be completed before you can be awarded any other aid. See information on all the types of aid available to Southwest Students:

• Paying for College
• Foundation Scholarships
• Free Tuition Program scholarships

Before registering for classes, meet with your Student Success Advisor.
Why see an advisor? Southwest advisors can help you:

• interpret direct enrollment needs
• explore career and program selection options
• plan your class schedule so that the classes you take are the right ones for your program
• ensure that your courses are eligible for financial aid
• keep on track for graduation
• orient on Navigate, Canvas & other online tools provided for your success.

How to connect with a Student Success Advisor:

• Email: SWCC Advisor
• Call: 276-964-7300
• Visit The Advising Center in Buchanan Hall, room 100.
• View a list of our Student Success Advisors
• Schedule an appointment by logging into MySouthwest and selecting the Navigate icon.
  
  1. Click on Schedule an Appointment and Select Advising for type of Appointment.
  2. Select a Service (reason for an appointment) and Pick a Date or Find an Available Time.
  3. Choose your location or a virtual session and Reserve a time slot that works best for your schedule.
  4. Review Appointment Details and Confirm your appointment information (this info will be emailed to you).
  5. If you would like to share anything else with the advisor (phone number, specific questions, etc.), fill out the text box.
  6. Select Schedule to finalize the appointment.

On the go? You can also download the Navigate Student App from your Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Our New Student Orientation is available online or in-person.
Use the links below for more information or to register.

Access the Online Orientation

If you have any questions, please e-mail Kaitlin Pruitt

Student ID: Go to the library in Dellinger Hall to get your free student ID photo taken. Your Student ID will give you access to Southwest library services, bookstore purchases, and student discounts with area retailers. This ID will also be required if you have to take tests in the Testing Center, located in Dellinger Hall, room 101.

Southwest Alerts: Go to Southwest Alert to sign up for the Southwest Alert system. The alert system enables Southwest to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as active shooter, lockdowns, building evacuations, and closing/ schedule changes due to inclement weather.

Email: You will receive emails from Admissions, Financial Aid, and your Student Success Advisor on your student Gmail account, accessible through MySouthwest. CHECK EMAIL REGULARLY so that you can stay on top of any changes in finances or scheduling. Also in MySouthwest, click SIS, and then click “Student Center” to view the to-do list and notification center for important information.

CANVAS: Online course information will be available to you on the first day of class in CANVAS. It is important to log in and regularly participate in your online class from day one so that you stay on track and don’t fall behind in your coursework.

Protect your account: All students must use a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method whenever logging into MySouthwest. Visit the MFA help site for instructions.

Check the Academic Calendar

View Calendars for important Academic dates and deadlines like adding and dropping classes. Be sure to consider how dropping classes may impact your financial aid.

We strongly recommend that you consult with your advisor before making any schedule changes.

Become Involved

Southwest offers numerous opportunities for students to become involved. Check out the college Event Calendar and look for the links to subscribe so events will show up on your phone or computer calendar. View student clubs and organizations on the SGA page.

You may purchase your books from the Southwest bookstore or any bookseller. Visit the SWCC Bookstore for information about buying/renting textbooks.

If you are eligible for financial aid, you can ‘charge’ your books for approved courses. Visit the Southwest Bookstore in Buchanan Hall, room 180 with your Student ID and a copy of your schedule to purchase textbooks. Please visit the website to verify hours of operation, view dates for financial aid charges, or purchase textbooks online.

Please keep all receipts, as refunds will not be allowed without a receipt. Remember – if you drop classes and your financial aid is decreased, you will be responsible for any balance previously covered by financial aid.

Tuition is due on the first day of class. If you are eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid, you must work closely with the financial aid staff to ensure that you get the maximum amount of funding and that all of the required documentation is in place. Information about your tuition status is available in your SIS account in MySouthwest. 

If you are not eligible to receive financial aid or if you have a balance due after financial aid has been disbursed, payments may be made online when you register, or with the Cashier in Tazewell Hall. Please contact the Business Office for current payment plan options at 276-964-7367.

The Southwest Educational Foundation offers many scholarships for Southwest students. Visit the Scholarships page for more information.

Southwest appreciates our service men and women. Veterans and their dependents may be entitled to various benefits. Please contact the Office of Veterans Affairs, Dellinger Hall, room 220, or call 276-964-7290.

Be sure to save this link! Student Information & Resources

The Student Information & Resources page is where you can fink quick links to all Southwest Student Resources for academics, events, clubs, activities, financial services, and more.

You should also review and save a link to the Southwest Student Handbook.