Orientation

Welcome new DEC students!

We feel privileged to hold one of the most rewarding positions on campus because it gives us an opportunity to welcome the newest students to our DEC family.

With all new beginnings comes change and adjustment. Attending Orientation is one of the best ways to ensure your successful transition. It will help to prepare you for the opportunities as well as the challenges that may come along. Meeting the staff, your fellow classmates, and learning about the resources available to you will open many doors to your success at DEC.

We hope you will benefit from the following information. We wish you all a very positive and successful experience. Welcome to Douglas Education Center!

Tony Baez Milan
Executive Director of Admissions
tbaez@dec.edu | 724-653-2183

Preparing for DEC

A successful first-semester experience at DEC requires careful planning. DEC’s staff will communicate with you prior to your first day about the important academic and campus life matters.

You MUST Set Up The Following:

Student Portal
DEC Email Account

WHY STUDENT PORTAL?
Student Portal gives students instant access to:

Grades
Class Schedules
Attendance
Account Balances
And More!

For “How-To” instructions on Student Portal set up, please visit our IT Department here.

Having trouble? Please contact DEC’s IT Support Desk here.

WHY DEC EMAIL ACCOUNT?
As soon as you accept admission to DEC, you can activate your official DEC Email Account. This email address will be used to communicate with DEC administration during your tenure at DEC. Your DEC Email Account provides important information, including:

Instant Access To:
• DEC News
• Emergency Alerts
• Inclement Weather Delays
• Student Life Announcements
• Scholarship Opportunities
• And More!

Again, you must activate your email account in order to receive these important emails. For “How-To” instructions on DEC Email Account set up, please visit our IT Department here.

Having trouble? Please contact DEC’s IT Support Desk here.

COMPUTER / INTERNET LOGIN
Individual login information will be emailed to your personal email address prior to Orientation.

For “How-To” instructions on Computer / Internet Login set up, please visit our IT Department here.

Having trouble? Please contact DEC’s IT Support Desk here.

WIFI ACCESS
WiFi is available for personal devices. You MUST contact the IT Support Desk here to have your device registered.

DEC MOBILE APP
Incoming students are encouraged to download DEC’s Mobile App for their mobile devices prior to Orientation Day. The DEC Mobile App is available for FREE in the Apple Store / iTunes, as well as Google Play for Android. Simply search for “Douglas Education Center.”

The DEC Mobile App Features Direct Links To:

Orientation Information
Campus / Facility Overviews
Street View Mapping
Campus Maps
Tap-to-Dial DEC Departments
Student Portal
DEC Email
Local Services (i.e. Gas, Food, ATM, etc.)

Why Orientation?

Orientation is designed to introduce all new students to life at DEC. It is meant to be an intensive yet rewarding day. By attending Orientation, you will gain a deeper understanding of the school, its facilities, and the different activities that will help you grow both professionally and personally.
During Orienatation you will:

• Take a Photo for your Student ID
• Receive Class Schedules
• Meet Departments
• Learn About Important Student Resources
• Make Friends
• Events and Activates
• Receive supplies (depending on program)

Education

The Education Department oversees your academic progress to ensure success in your program of study. The Department is found on the 4^thfloor of the 7^thAdministration Building.

The Education Department oversees the following:

Grades – issued by your instructor at regular intervals in your program
Schedules – can be found in Portal and are posted each semester
Attendance – critical to your academic success

– Review your instructor’s attendance policy on the syllabus

Tutoring – available to any student at no cost
Mentoring – each new student is paired with a mentor in their program of study. You will meet your mentor during your first week of class

Financial Aid

Everyone’s financial aid is unique and specific only to them. If you have any questions regarding your individual record, please contact the Financial Aid Department located in the 7th Street Administration Building, 2nd Floor or (724) 653-2194

What Does the FA Office Assist With?

Inform students of aid opportunities
Help to secure funding
Review the financial plan with the student
Determine anticipated disbursement dates
Federal Work Study Applications
Stop and see us with your questions!

Questions about scholarships?

Visit our scholarships page for more information

Business Office

The Business Office is responsible for receiving and distributing funds. It is your one-stop shop for account balances and making payments for tuition, books, and supplies. If you wish to make a payment online the link is www.dec.edu/pay.

Stipends are also available through the Business Office. You can check eligibility for these “living expense” checks by visiting the Account tab on the Student Portal. The checks will be made available in the Business Office, on the 3^rdFloor of the Administration Building, after 1:00 PM on Thursdays.

Portfolio and Career Services

Douglas Education Center’s Career Services Department strives to send each student into the professional world with the skills and confidence to succeed. We are here to help you throughout the duration of your time at DEC, starting in your first semester and extending until well past your graduation. As an alumni, you are always welcome to use Career Services as a resource.

DEC’s Career Services office provides Professional Development & Employment Assistance, including:

Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Thank You Notes, Portfolio Development/Critique
Interviewing Techniques (Mock Interviews)
Job Search Assistance & Referrals
Guest Speakers & Field Trips (Industry Professionals)
Student Work Experience (Volunteer & Freelance Opportunities)
Classroom Workshops
Industry-Specific Job Postings (DEC App/Emails/Social Media/Flyers)

The Career Services Department provides access to a state-of-the-art photography studio. A professional photographer is available by appointment and photographs are provided in both print and digital format.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Students have access to the DEC Student Library for books, DVDs, and magazines. The DEC Library is located on the first floor of the Van Keulen Complex. The hours of operation are as follows:

Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Students are also encouraged to request a library card through the Monessen Public Library. The Monessen Public Library card also gives students access to interlibrary loans through the Westmoreland Library Network. This gives our students access to resources from all the libraries in Westmoreland County.

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER (LRC)

Students have access to the Learning Resource Center (LRC) which is equipped with computers and printers for research, projects and assignments.

DEC recognizes the importance of students developing a professional portfolio. The Portfolio and Career Development Center was created to do just that. It is open, by appointment, to all students who are encouraged to utilize it frequently so their portfolio represents their best work. Your portfolio is what potential employers will want to see!

Information Technology

DEC provides reliable access, with responsive service and support, to computing and information technology resources. DEC continually looks to incorporate new technologies to improve processes associated with instruction, research, and administration. The Information Technology Department helps students to make effective use of information resources.

As a new student, there are many IT “To Do’s” you must complete in order to fully benefit from DEC’s IT services. These include:

Create a Lab Computer Login and Internet Use Login
Create a DEC Portal Account
Create a DEC Email Account
Download DEC Mobile App
Acquire a Key Fob
Understand DEC’s Computer / Network / Internet Usage Policy

All of these instructions and guidelines can be found here.

For IT help, please open a support ticket at www.dec.edu/support.

Student Life

Extracurricular activities provide social interaction and give our students the opportunity to gather outside of the classroom. Attending student activities also gives students the chance to mingle with classmates from different programs who they may not get to see on a daily basis. These activities are valuable for a students personal development.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Movie Nights
Summer Picnics
Holiday Themed Parties
Guest Speakers

The Student Lounge in the Van Keulen Complex also gives students a place to hang out with classmates, watch TV, and enjoy hot and snack food options. There is also a Student Museum that they can explore that is filled with different projects that were created by our graduates.

Connect with Us!

DEC is very active on social media! By searching @douglasedcenter on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok you can follow us. Also, we love seeing your work so make sure and tag us so we can find out all the amazing things you do on campus. We also encourage you to use our DEC specific hashtag #DECLife in all your social media posts. There is also a private Facebook group for only DEC students, DEC Life, that students can ask permission to join.

Student Services Committee

While the classroom experience is the primary focus for a student’s academic growth, experiences outside the classroom are an important part of DEC life as well. The Student Service Committee members are advocates for the students. This is a time when students are developing their ability to function independently in the world. Some students may experience roadblocks and the Student Service Committee is here to help.

There is also a Student Resource Guide available that lists all the local businesses such as banks, transportation, medical facilities, and restaurants around DEC and the Pittsburgh area.

Local Hotel Accomodations

Be sure to mention that you are a Douglas Education Center student to receive a discounted rate!

FAIRFIELD IN AND SUITES – BELLE VERNON
189 Finley Road
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
Book Online HERE

BEST WESTERN GARDEN INN
101 Gosai Drive
Bentleyville, PA 15314
(724) 239-4321

CANDLEWOOD SUITES
715 Rostraver Rd
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
(724) 929-4700
www.ihg.com

COMFORT INN
4300 State Route 51 South
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
(724) 929-3177
www.choicehotels.com

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
189 Finley Rd,
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
(724) 268-3996
www.marriott.com

HAMPTON INN
1525 Broad Avenue Extension
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
(724) 929-8100
www.hilton.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES
181 Finley Road
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
(724) 930-0100
www.ihg.com

Frequently Asked Questions

The transition to attend a higher education institution can be overwhelming. We’ve developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help answer some of the more common questions new students have.

Q: Is Orientation required?

A. Yes. Every new student is required to attend Orientation. Orientation gives you the opportunity to get to know your classmates, learn about available resources, meet heads of departments, and receive your class schedule.

Q: What time does Orientation start?
A: An email will be sent to your personal email a few days prior to Orientation day. The email will give you a prompt time for which to show up for the day’s event.

Q: When do I get my student ID?
A: New students will have their picture taken prior to Orientation registration. Your instructors will hand deliver your ID’s approximately one week after Orientation.

Q: How do I get my class schedule?
A: You will receive your class schedule once you finish with registration. If you do not receive a schedule or have any questions, please visit the Education Department on the 4^thFloor of the 7^thStreet Administration Building.

Q: How do I get a parking permit?
A: Parking Permits are available through the Monessen Police Department at a monthly cost of $25. To find out if a parking spot is available call (724)-684-4620. DO NOT park in permit parking without a permit as you will be subject to a ticket from the Police Department.

Q: I need to contact an IT Support Specialist with a problem that I’m having. How do I contact them?
A: Please visit www.dec.edu/support and fill out an IT Support Ticket.

Q: What is Student Portal?
A: The DEC Student Portal is a web service that allows you to check your grades, attendance, and get campus-related updates. It’s VERY important that you check your Student Portal account frequently for alerts, announcements, and updates.

If you can’t find the answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a staff member at DEC – a list of offices and contact information can be found here. Or, simply email DEC’s Admissions Department at info@dec.edu and we will connect you with the right resources on campus.

Move-In / Housing Questions
Boss Development, Inc.
(724) 653-2224

Billing and Payment
Bursar’s Office / Business Office
(724) 653-2201

Financial Aid
Financial Aid Department
(724) 653-2194

Student Services
(724) 653-2192

Computing at DEC / Wireless Access
Information Technology Department
(724) 361-8889

Career Services
Career Services Department
(724) 653-2217