Institutional Resources

Students can receive assistance with logging on or navigating Lighthouse, Canvas, Respondus, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). 

• For assistance, contact the GCSC Information Technology Services (ITS) at 850.913.3303.
• Printing can be done on campus in computer labs and the library using the Papercut system.

New Student Orientation is now online! All first-time college students are required to complete the New Student Orientation before registering for classes. To begin, just enter your first name, last name, and your student identification number (AXXXXXXXX) and click ENTER. The orientation does not have to be completed in one sitting, but takes a total of 45 minutes to complete.

New students or those who have never taken an online class in the Canvas LMS are encouraged to take Canvas 101. It’s a brief, self-paced course that introduces you to Canvas and the features you’ll rely on for online learning, such as how to view and submit assignments and check your grades. 

For resources and information about Canvas, visit the Canvas Student Guide. A variety of 24/7 Canvas help options with Canvas support agents are available, including chat, phone support hotline, and a support ticket system. Just click the Help button at the bottom of the left-hand menu inside Canvas.

• Math Tutoring
  The Math Lab offers free tutoring in developmental mathematics up through Calculus I, including Math for Liberal Arts, Statistics, and Health Math. We encourage you to come to do your math homework in the lab so you can ask questions as you practice the material.

• Writing and Reading Tutoring
  The Writing and Reading Lab provides free tutoring in Developmental English and reading courses, and we're also happy to provide tutoring if you're seeking assistance with French, Spanish, English, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, essay development, reading comprehension, organization of ideas and MLA, APA, and Chicago-style formatting. 

• Accounting and Microcomputer Applications Lab
  The accounting and microcomputer applications lab is located in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 225 and offers free tutoring to students in accounting, economics, and CGS1570 classes. Students are encouraged to come do their homework or projects in the lab so they can ask questions while they do their work.

Proctored tests and assignments for your online classes can be taken free of charge at any one of the GCSC Testing Centers. For online classes, Respondus Monitor is a test proctoring solution that must be used in conjunction with Respondus Lockdown Browser and allows you to take proctored exams using a web camera and a microphone from anywhere. The type of testing required for each class is determined by the professor.

Librarians and library staff provide online library services and resources. Laptops are available for a semester-long loan. Library electronic resources, including databases, articles, e-books, and streaming videos, are available online 24/7. You may contact Ask a Librarian to answer research and library-related questions via live chat and e-mail. For more help and information, visit the Quick Start Library Guide and visit the library online.

Each student has an assigned Pathway Navigator based on the student's academic pathway. Students can book a virtual or in-person appointment with their Pathway Navigator by clicking Schedule an Appointment under their assigned Pathway Navigator's name. Pathway Navigators work with students via phone, email, and other communication modes. During your first semester, you will be assigned to a faculty advisor according to your selected major or area of study. Your faculty advisor will work with you to complete your degree plan so that you know all the necessary requirements to graduate.

Need to talk to someone? For non-emergency situations, students can reach out to counselors at counseling@gulfcoast.edu or call 850.769.1551 ext. 4861.  If you have experienced setbacks that cause you to question whether or not you should be in postsecondary education, you should contact the Counseling Center. They will provide you with direction and guidance to help through these confusing times.

The Student Accessibility Resource (SAR) team is here to assist you in your education, career, and personal achievement/goals with equal access to all programs using both on-campus and off-campus resources. In addition, we advocate for you in order to lift educational barriers while empowering and embracing differences by exploring new awareness campaigns and training for the GCSC population.

Our Financial Aid experts are available to walk you step-by-step through the process of completing FASFA. For information about scholarships, visit the GCSC Foundation.

Register for classes through Lighthouse, the student portal. You can access this from the GCSC website "MyGCSC" links. Using the Lighthouse student portal, you will be able to register for your classes, check your financial aid status, view your grades, and more. Learn about Lighthouse and how to use it.

1. Click the My Student Dashboard Tile
2. Under  Registration  - Select Lighthouse
3. Choose to Register for Classes
4. Select  Your Role  - "Student" and Click OK to Proceed
5. Click the  Dropdown Menu  to Choose the Correct Term and Select CONTINUE
6. Search for Classes  by Entering Course Information and Selecting SEARCH
7. When You Find the Right Course - Click ADD and  Repeat the Search Until Your Schedule is Complete
8. Review Your Schedule and Click SUBMIT
9. To  Check/Pay Your Bill  - Click My Student Profile and Locate Check/Pay Bill on the Left Side of the Screen
10.  Follow the Online Instructions for Payment Options

Whether you are exploring your interests or finding ways to engage in opportunities, the GCSC Career Development Center is here to help you figure it out! For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Career Development Specialist.

The Military and Veteran Services Center (MVSC) is the main point of contact if you are receiving educational assistance from Veterans Affairs (VA). It is professionally staffed to assist you with VA educational benefit inquiries. If you are receiving benefits from the VA, you must visit this office during registration or whenever a change occurs in your class schedule. The MVSC provides services to veterans, active-duty military, reservists and eligible dependents enrolled at the College. Contact us at 850.769.1551, ext. 3210.

TRIO provides outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students who are first-generation (neither parent has a four-year bachelor's degree), have a low income (based on federal guidelines), or with disabilities and an academic need are eligible. Among the services offered are specialized workshops and tutoring.

Right now, a new best friend, an employer, a future business partner, or even a future spouse, could be playing intramurals, studying in the library, or working on a project in a lab. You may meet in class, but your chances of meeting increase dramatically when you get involved with a club or organization at Gulf Coast State College. Check out our list of current student clubs.

The Student Government Association (SGA) fosters activities for and with all clubs and organizations and empowers students in all aspects of campus governance. They are the official voice through which the opinions and concerns of the student body may be expressed. SGA also serves as a liaison between the student body and college administration to ensure all procedures and practices within the organization are inclusive and non-discriminatory.

The Seminole-Commodore Alliance (SCA) brought about the Student Activities Board Alliance (SABA).  SABA fosters student unity by providing a number of student activities for the students at FSU-PC & GCSC.  By hosting these activities, the Student Activities Board strives to bring students together from both campuses to enhance student involvement and create a collaborative campus atmosphere that addresses student needs outside of the classroom.

The campus bookstore offers new and used textbooks for your classes, which they will ship to you for an additional fee. In addition, you'll find school supplies, apparel and gifts, plus a range of snacks and beverages.

Visit Campus Safety to sign up for the Gulf Coast Alert System and familiarize yourself with safety services and resources on each of Gulf Coast’s campuses. While on the main campus, call the FSU Police Department 850.774.2705 for assistance.

All motor vehicles (including motorcycles and motor scooters) driven and/or parked on any Gulf Coast State College Campus by students, faculty or staff must have a valid parking decal or display a valid temporary parking permit. There is no charge for the first parking decal; however, there is a $5 fee for additional or replacement decals. For more information, visit Campus Life.

Student IDs provide information to others that you are in fact a student at Gulf Coast State College, and all students must have an identification card which you can obtain after paying for classes. You will need to present a valid photo ID (driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military identification) and a copy of your schedule with your GCSC student ID number visible. There is no charge for the original ID card; however, a $5 fee is incurred for replacement cards. For more information, visit Campus Life.

Bay Town Trolley is the provider of public transportation in Bay County, serving Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Parker, and Springfield. It provides an affordable and reliable option. Visit The Baytowne Trolley website for the most current ride schedules and routes.

There are some local Off-Campus Housing (Links to an external site.) options available to students. Additionally, GCSC students taking at least 6 credit hours a semester can seek housing availability at Seminole Landing, located right next door at FSUPC.