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Current Students

student resources

Welcome to Gulf Coast State College, your home for pursuing an academic degree or certification. Your success matters to us, and we strongly encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you.

Student Resources

student resources & assistance

Familiarize yourself with these important academic resources designed to enhance your college journey and support your educational goals.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Academic advising is a cornerstone of your academic success at GCSC! Our Pathway Navigators are here to offer you the individualized attention you deserve, guiding you to explore your interests and career pathways. 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Stay organized by referring to the GCSC academic calendarThis tool keeps you in sync with essential dates such as class registration, class start dates, exam schedules, tuition deadlines, student breaks, and grade release dates. Regularly check and bookmark this page to remain up-to-date.

BOOKSTORE

Your one-stop destination for course materials and exclusive GCSC merchandise - the GCSC Bookstore. Here, students to acquire their required textbooks and find a range of branded merchandise that showcases your Gulf Coast State College pride. Whether you're looking for academic essentials or stylish gear, the Bookstore has you covered.

LIBRARY

Explore the GCSC Library – a  hub of academic empowerment. Immerse yourself in a study and collaboration space designed for focused learning. Our dedicated staff is here to assist you, offering guidance and support for your research projects. Need tech on the go? Check out laptops to stay connected. For those seeking a quiet haven, the library offers reserved study rooms for a space of concentration. 

MY STUDENT DASHBOARD

Once you've logged into myGCSC, the My Student Dashboard awaits. From exploring courses, registering for classes, checking financial aid status, managing bills, and viewing grades to accessing student records, this hub gives you comprehensive control over your academic journey.

To search and register for courses, utilize College Scheduler or Lighthouse (the student portal), both of which are available under "Registration" in My Student Dashboard.

ONLINE LEARNING WITH CANVAS

If you're taking online courses, you'll soon become acquainted with Canvas, GCSC's dedicated online learning platform. Here, you'll engage with course content, collaborate with peers and professors, submit assignments, take exams, and much more. Prepare for success in your virtual classrooms by getting familiar with Canvas - learn more on our Online Learning page.

PRINTING SERVICES

GCSC offers PaperCut Printing locations for students to manage and secure their printing, copying and scanning needs. 

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES (SAR)

SAR ensures equitable access to all programs, leveraging both on-campus and off-campus resources. They advocate for students with educational barriers, fostering empowerment, and celebrating diversity through innovative awareness campaigns and training initiatives for the GCSC community.

TRIO 

TRiO offers eligible students personalized academic and personal development services to support them during their post-secondary education. The team is dedicated to enhancing college retention and graduation rates among those who participate. 

TRiO also advocates for empowering low-income and first-generation Americans, helping them access higher education and journey towards a brighter future.

TUTORING 

Access a powerful tool to support your success in class through GCSC's Tutoring Services.  We offer tailored guidance aligned with your individual learning style, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to thrive. 

Your safety is our top priority. Familiarize yourself with Gulf Coast's safety services, resources, and the Gulf Coast Alert System by visiting our Campus Safety page. Make sure you're well-prepared and informed to navigate campus securely. 

For any questions or uncertainties, don't hesitate to reach out to our a GCSC employee. Our team is dedicated to assisting you and keeping you safe.
Gain insights into admissions procedures, academic advising, degree prerequisites, course descriptions, Florida residency requirements, and a comprehensive range of student support services through the Gulf Coast State College Catalog. This resource equips you to customize your educational journey and degree planning.

Keep your finger on the pulse of campus life and community happenings through the GCSC events calendar. Stay connected with  club activities, crucial campus updates, and community events that will connect you to your College and enhance your college journey.

FINANCIAL AID

GCSC's Financial Aid Office is dedicated to efficiently and effectively assisting students to achieve their educational goals without the financial burden. Financial aid encompasses grants, scholarships, part-time work opportunities, and student loans designed to alleviate your education-related costs such as tuition, fees, and books. These resources can originate from federal, state, institutional, or private sources.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Students are encourage to explore the wealth of scholarship opportunities provided through the GCSC Foundation. There are currently over 700 scholarship opportunities available annually. 
GCSC is recognized as a great place for active duty, dependents, and veterans to redeem their education benefits. Our Military and Veteran Services team is here to assist you in navigating the complexities of your military education benefits, ensuring you achieve your academic goals. 
Feeling unsure about your life path? No worries! If you're in the process of exploring your interests or seeking meaningful opportunities, look no further than the GCSC Career Center. The team will help you explore, enhance, engage and achieve success through focusing in your interests and skills. 
Gulf Coast’s Student Handbook is your compass for important information during your time at the College. Here you will find class registration details, important dates and deadlines, the GCSC Student Code of Conduct and other policies that impact you, student advising and campus services that contribute to your academic journey success. 

Discover a range of campus housing options situated within walking distance of GCSC. Although the college itself doesn't offer on-campus housing, we've curated a list of recommended housing resources to assist you in finding a comfortable and convenient living space.

STUDENT ID & PARKING DECAL

Your Student ID serves as tangible proof of your status as a Gulf Coast State College student. Moreover, it's a mandatory requirement for all students, as outlined in MOP 7.040. Acquire your Student IDs and Parking Decals conveniently at the Campus Information Desk, situated on the first floor of the Robert L. McSpadden Student Union East. 

STUDENT PARKING

Parking areas are clearly demarcated by color coding:

  1. Green curb parking is specifically reserved for faculty and staff.
  2. Blue curb parking is exclusively for handicapped permits.
  3. Yellow curb parking zones are designated as No Parking areas. Any areas without these specified designations are open for student and guest parking.
  4. Motorcycle parking is allocated within diagonal white stripes at the end of parking lanes, identified by "Motorcycles Only" signs.
  5. Visitor parking is marked by "Visitor Parking Only" signs and is reserved for a maximum of 45 minutes.
Every motor vehicle, including motorcycles and motor scooters, present on any GCSC Campus and operated or parked by students, faculty, or staff, must possess a valid parking decal or exhibit a legitimate temporary parking permit.

COUNSELING CENTER

The GCSC Counseling Center offers concise, solution-oriented personal and academic counseling, consultation, referrals, and crisis intervention for students. The team's goal is to equip students with the tools to effectively handle stress, foster personal development, and excel in meeting their academic commitments.

 

GCSC students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours can benefit from free transportation facilitated by Bayway. Make sure you have a current student ID and explore the Bayway routes that cater to your commuting needs. Transportation is covered for all Bayway stops, not just to-and-from campus. 

DINING OPTIONS

GCSC offers a variety of dining choices that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring you have the sustenance you need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 

FITNESS CENTER

The GCSC Fitness Center offers a wide array of equipment and free weights, creating an excellent opportunity for you to work on your fitness goals. 

Learn more about GCSC's Campus Life on our Panama City Campus or any of our three other campuses!

The  North Bay Campus is located in Southport and offers public safety programs

The Gulf/Franklin Campus is located in Port St. Joe and offers select general education courses and nursing programs 
The Tyndall Air Force Base Education Center is located on Tyndall Air Force Base and offers programming for active duty, veterans, and military dependents 

 

Did you know that more than 97% of students recommend Gulf Coast State College?

27%
Diverse
Ration of Students with diverse backgrounds in ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation among other traits.
25
Average Student Age
Student's average age while taking classes at Gulf Coast State College.
15%
First Time in College
First time student has attended college at any age.
Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.