Complete the following checklist before classes start.

Complete Enrollment

Important Dates

Keep up-to-date on important academic dates.

Program Requirements

Several programs have additional entrance requirements. Double-check the instructions for your program.

Transcripts

Send your official high school or college transcripts to transcripts@witcc.edu.

Student Housing

If you plan on living on campus, complete the online student housing application and submit the $270 fee. For housing questions, visit www.witcc.edu/housing/.

New Student Orientation

Orientation is strongly suggested for new students and you must sign up for a time. Orientation will take approximately 90 minutes with laptop pickup or one hour hour without it.

Sioux City Orientation
For new students
Tuesday, August 19 from 9am - 1pm
Wednesday, August 20 from 1 - 6pm
Thursday, August 21 from 12 - 4pm

4647 Stone Avenue
Sioux City
Entrance 1, Parking lot 1

New students can avoid the long wait lines and attend orientation. You can meet with financial aid, finalize housing, and anything else you need to get you ready for the semester. Parents or support persons are welcome to attend. Please bring your student ID if you have one.

Sign up for orientation

Faculty will reach out to you regarding specific academic program orientation.

Denison Orientation
Tuesday, August 19 from 9 - 11am
Wednesday, August 20 from 2 - 4pm
Thursday, August 21 from 4 - 6pm

Cherokee Orientation
Tuesday, August 12 from 9am - 1pm
Tuesday, August 19 from 9am - 1pm

Laptop Checkout and Student Responsibility

Laptop checkout from the Western Iowa Tech IT Department is optional and available to support your coursework. If you choose to borrow a laptop, you are fully responsible for its care and timely return.

Key Reminders

  • Return if Not Enrolled: Laptops must be returned if you're not currently registered for classes.
  • Late Fees: $50/month fee applies if the laptop isn't returned on time.
  • Locked Devices: Overdue laptops will be locked and unusable until returned and enrollment is verified.
  • Reactivation: If re-enrolling after a lock, bring the device to IT to unlock.
  • Lost/Stolen Devices: You're responsible. A $1000 charge applies unless a police report is provided (in theft cases).

New students in most programs pick up their laptops during orientation in the fall. Watch your email for information regarding orientation and check-out dates.

Returning students/missed orientation can start picking their laptops up August 19-22 in Room L136, across from the entrance to the Overlook Cafe during regular business hours.

Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 712.314.2727 or helpdesk@witcc.edu.

Pay for College

FAFSA

To apply for financial aid, fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The process takes 6-8 weeks, so start early. You will need to use the Western Iowa Tech Federal Student Code: 004590. Use our helpful financial aid guide to walk you through the financial aid process. Need help filling out the FAFSA? Contact Jessa Grosenheider / 515.402.4241 / jgrosenheider@ICANsucceed.org and check out our FAFSA guide.

Foundation Scholarship

Get more money to pay for college and apply for the Foundation Scholarship. Priority deadline is March 15. To apply, go the Finances card on MyWIT (login instructions below) and click on the Foundation Scholarship Application link.

Financial Aid Status

Once you have completed your FAFSA check your MyWIT email for financial aid status updates. You can also check your aid status on the student portal MyWIT (login instructions below) by finding the Finances card, and clicking on the Required Documents link. Follow the instructions and supply the needed documents. For financial aid questions contact the Student Financial Services / 712.274.6402 / finaid@witcc.edu or view our helpful guide.

Log into MyWIT

MyWIT is the student portal that houses all of your important college information. Your MyWIT login credentials and student ID number can be found in your college acceptance letter. For login assistance contact the IT Help Desk.
712.314.2727

  • Go to my.witcc.edu
  • domain/user name: wit + student ID number + @witcc (wit0123456@witcc)
  • default password: first initial capitalized + last initial lowercase + birthdate in eight-digit format + witcc (Flmmddyyyywitcc)
  • You will be prompted for additional security verification. Select your preferred method of contact and country. Enter the code you receive to complete verification.

Email

MyWIT email is the primary way the college communicates with you. Go to the Student Email card on MyWIT.

  • email address: email address: firstname.lastname@my.witcc.edu
  • email password: first initial capitalized + last initial lowercase + birthdate in eight-digit format + witcc (Flmmddyyyywitcc)
  • You will be prompted for additional security verification, please follow the onscreen prompts to enter the necessary information.

Class Schedule

Go to the Class Schedule card on MyWIT. Select the term you wish to view and click on the schedule. If you can't find the Class Schedule card, Click on the Discover More button for more options.

Online Orientation

Online orientation is called Cengage Activation/Student Resources. This class provides important information and helpful tips for a successful school year. Orientation is a free, non-credit, non-graded course. "ECengage Activation/Student Resources" will be added to your course list in Canvas. You can access the class by going to the Canvas card on MyWIT and selecting Cengage Activation/Student Resources. Review the modules, especially the module for First Year Students.

Canvas

The Canvas card is where you will go to access online classes. Your online classes won't show up until the first day of school but you can watch the Canvas Overview for Students video for helpful hints.

Student ID

Your student ID is available on MyWIT in the WITCC ID card. Use your digital ID for laptops, student center, library, and cafeteria.

Get Your Books

You may need physical textbooks, digital materials or ebooks for class. Book information will be posted 3-4 weeks before each semester starts. To find out what books you need, log into MyWIT and locate the Class Schedule/Books card. Click on "Click here for class schedule and books". Select the term you wish to view.

If "Available Through Bookstore" is listed, you will need to purchase or rent textbooks from the bookstore. If "Cengage Unlimited", "Open Educational Resources", "Lumen Learning", or "My Lab" is listed, your class uses digital materials and you will need to renew or activate your Cengage Unlimited account. Students are automatically provided a Cengage subscription and no additional purchase is required. If you are a College Now student, talk to your counselor about getting textbooks.

Activate Cengage Unlimited Account

Visit the Comet Learning Center in Sioux City library or the front desk in Denison and Cherokee for assistance in setting up Cengage. You can also view Cengage Unlimited tech support for most frequently asked questions.

You can activate your account before the semester, but digital books won't be available until the first day of class.

  • Use Google Chrome or Firefox browsers and enable pop-ups.
  • Go to my.witcc.edu > Canvas > Cengage Activation/Student Resources > Click Here to Activate Your Cengage Unlimited Subscription Activation Page (near the bottom of the page)
  • Load Cengage Unlimited student dashboard in a new window
  • Returning students sign in with your existing account.
  • New students click on Create Account at the bottom of the screen. Fill in your information and choose the student account type. You must use your MyWIT student email.
  • Go to your MyWIT email account to verify your account. Use the same device and browser as when you created your account.
  • Set your password. You will see Cengage Unlimited access confirmation.
  • After logging on or completing registration, you will land on your dashboard.
  • If at any point you are prompted to add or purchase an access code, do not do it.

Online Student Support

Visit https://info.cengage.com/OfficeHours_MidWest_Mindera to chat with customer support. You will be asked to enter your name and school before entering the zoom. Please join through your computer, not your phone, so that you can share your screen.

Student Needs Survey

Please take a few moments to fill out our student needs survey. This will help us better help you achive your academic goals.