RiverGuide

Welcome to Pearl River Community College! While you attend PRCC you will use a variety of technology resources. Below is some information to help you learn about accessing those resources. RiverGuide is the Portal used at PRCC. This serves as a single stop shop for students to access everything they need. Once you login to RiverGuide, the Student homepage contains links for Canvas, GradesFirst, Wildcat Web, and Student Email that are single sign-on so you do not have to login to each service separately. RiverGuide also contains many pages with information regarding your Student Account, Financial Aid, eLearning, Academics, and Campus Activities in one convenient location. Your account has been automatically setup when you were accepted to PRCC with a default password. When you receive your account information, it is important that you change your password to one of your choosing. Passwords can be changed on the RiverGuide homepage (https://precc.onelogin.com).

You will be provided with a single set of credentials that include: » Student ID Number » Username » Password » Email Address

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These credentials will be used to access: » RiverGuide » Student Email » Canvas » GradesFirst » Wildcat Web » Wireless

Office of Information Technology Website: http://www.prcc.edu/information-technology

If you need assistance, technical support is available 24 hours a day, every day. There are three ways to submit a support ticket: » Email – helpdesk@prcc.edu » Phone number – On Campus: 601-403-1800 Toll Free: 844-292-3214 » Online Chat – Link on Information Technology website

Time Management 101

General Guidelines

 Know where your time is going (track your time for one week).  Identify your free spaces of time and assign study blocks to your schedule. Have a spare 30 minutes after class and before work? Designate that time to study or do homework.  Don’t forget to also schedule in breaks or fun activities.  Be realistic about how much time you need to complete an assignment (don’t allow yourself only 1 hour to complete an intensive research paper).  Constantly check in with your habits. If you’re studying but your grades don’t reflect that, you need to rethink your strategies.

Prioritize

 Prioritize your tasks each week so that you are completing the most important & urgent items first.

Tips and Strategies

 Use a planner (paper or digital) that has a month view, weekly view, and a place for to-do lists.  Set aside time each week for organizing your calendar and creating to-do lists for the week.  If you have multiple tasks to complete, do your hardest task first and it will be much easier to complete the rest.  Pomodoro Technique: Get the jump on procrastination by setting a timer for 20 minutes and focusing all of your energy on one subject until the timer stops, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat until you have completed everything or feel comfortable. Just getting started is sometimes the hardest part and this technique helps overcome that challenge. The key to this technique is removing all distractions during those 20 minutes (including your phone!).  Time Blocking: A great strategy for anyone who has to complete a lot of homework or studying in one day. With this strategy, you dedicate/ block hours of time to complete related tasks. For example, you might dedicate 2 hours to work only on Math.

Things I Wish I Knew Starting College

1. Time Management:

 Managing your time is a lot different from high school because there is so much more “free” time out side of class.  In high school your whole day/ week is planned out for you. In college you have to plan your whole entire day from when your classes are, to eating and studying.

2. What to bring to the dorms:

 I brought a lot of things that I never used or needed. I also forgot things I didn’t even consider a necessity.

3. Socializing:

 Even if you dorm with your friends, there are chances that you still won’t get to see them much.  Having friends in class is nice and helpful.

Tips:

 Talk to at least one person in every class - this will spark new friendships!  Learn more about the people in your residence hall. After all, you will be living with these people for the year.  Attend school events - this opportunity is a great ice breaker.

4. College goes by fast:

 Before you realize it, you’ll be halfway done with the semester.  Use your time wisely and enjoy this experience while it’s happening.

5. Money management:

 You will spend more money than you think you will.

Money Saving Tips:

 Take advantage of student discounts.  Track your spending.  Write down what you buy and how much you spend.  Set aside savings.  Create a list of how much you want to spend on everything.

6. It’s okay to change your major:

 Researching a lot of majors is helpful even if you don’t think you’ll be interested in something.

7. Keep up with your financial aid:

 If there are any unexpected changes, the sooner you know the better.  Be sure you are consistently checking your student email – the Financial Aid will use your student email to send you important communications.

8. Know where you can go for help:

 Go to your professor’s office hours.  Know where tutoring is available.