New Student Checklist

Printable version: New Student Checklist (PDF)

Things to do

Step 1: Apply

• • Pay $20 application fee.
  • Look for your welcome letter in 1-2 business days at the email address you provided on the application.
• Send official transcripts from your high school and/or previous college.
• Send placement scores from another school or ACT/SAT test scores (taken within the last two years).
• Apply for financial aid at fafsa.gov. BHC’s school code is 001638. FAFSA is available December 2023 for the following fall semester. Get more information about Financial Aid.

Step 2: Log into myBlackHawk

• Reference the welcome letter for myBlackHawk login instructions.
• Access myBlackHawk through the BHC website or myblackhawk.bhc.edu.
  • Login questions? Contact the ITS Help Desk at 309-796-5555 or 5555@bhc.edu.

Step 3: Begin Hawk’s Journey

• Access Hawk’s Journey, your individualized guide for success, on the Student tab in myBlackHawk.
• Use Hawk’s Journey to do the following:
  • Determine if you need to complete the placement test.
  • Prepare to meet with an advisor.

Step 4: Work with an Advisor and Register

• Create your schedule and register with the help of an advisor.
• Visit Advising for more information or call to schedule an appointment:
  • East Campus: 309-854-1709
  • Quad-Cities Campus: 309-796-5100

Step 5: Pay Tuition

• Access the Student Billing tab in myBlackHawk to check payment options, due dates, pay online or set up deferred payment.
• Contact Career Services to explore jobs.
• Apply for a BHC Foundation scholarship (March 15-June 1).

Get prepared for the first week of classes

Don’t Forget!

• Check your myBlackHawk email frequently for important messages.
• Access Hawk’s Journey to view the calendar where important dates and deadlines are noted as well as additional information regarding the remaining items.

Library Card

• Get your Black Hawk College Library Card at the Quad-Cities Campus or East Campus libraries.
• Use your library card for free unlimited Metro Link rides.

Books

• Order books online.
• Pick up books at the Quad-Cities Campus in the Hawk’s Hub in Building 1 or at the East Campus Bookstore in Building A.

Parking Permit

• Purchase a permit for $25 at the BHC Police Department at either campus, the Bursar’s Office at the Quad-Cities Campus or Enrollment Services at the East Campus. Summers and minimesters are free.
• If you are using financial aid to buy your parking permit, pick up a voucher at the Hawk’s Hub or the East Campus Bookstore.

Welcome Week

• Connect with students, faculty and staff to learn about support resources on campus.
• Visit bhc.edu/orientation to sign up.

Get Involved

• Learn more about clubs, organizations and events on campus by stopping by the Student Life Office at the Quad-Cities Campus in Building 4 or the Advising Center at the East Campus in Building A.
• Visit bhc.edu/studentlife for more information.

Ideal Timeline

Fall Classes

Registration begins in April.
Apply and start financial aid October-January.

Summer Classes

Registration begins in April.
Apply and start financial aid January-March.

Spring Classes

Registration begins in November.
Apply and start financial aid September-October.