Welcome
Cincinnati State is committed to your success. Once admitted to the College, we encourage you to complete these activities prior to the start of your first semester of classes.
Register for a Welcome Day – an event for new students to help you get a successful start in college
During the event, you will have opportunities to:
- Get assistance with MyCState and MyServices online resources
- Confirm your technology needs
- Pick up your Surge Card (student ID)
- Tour the campus
- Purchase textbooks
- Schedule an academic advising appointment if needed (Academic advising does not take place on Welcome Days)
Please note: Welcome Day is not a replacement for completing the online New Student Orientation, and academic advising is not offered during the Welcome Day event.
Activate Your MyCState Student Portal
First, learn your username and student ID number. They are listed at the top of your letter of admission (sent to your home address and email). Your username is also the first part of your CState email address (i.e. username@cincinnatistate.edu).
To activate your account, Follow these steps:
- Click on “Current Students” on the Cincinnati State website (cincinnatistate.edu).
- Click on “MyCState” to access the login page.
- If you did not not set up your password within 5 days of your application, please call the IT helpdesk at 513-569-1234 to reset your password.
- If you did set your password within 5 days of your application and forgot your password, then click “Need Help? Look up your username or reset your password” (red text)
- Follow the prompts to look up your username and set your password.
- If you need assistance with your password or have login issues, please call the IT Help Desk at 513-569-1234 #1 between 7am and 7pm M-F.
From MyCState, you have access to the online tools MyServices, Surgemail, Starfish, and Blackboard. View the New Student Orientation for videos on how to utilize these online tools.
Complete Your Online New Student Orientation
Log into your MyCState account and click on the “New Student Orientation” tab (below the black ribbon on left) to get started. When you finish orientation, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you.
Visit the New Student Orientation webpage for more details.
Apply and confirm your financials
Visit the Financial Aid webpage for information and submit the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. Use Cincinnati State School code 010345 to have your information forwarded to CState. The FAFSA is available each October for the following academic year.
- Complete the 2022-23 FAFSA if you plan to begin classes in Spring 2023, or Summer 2023 (May/June)
- Complete the 2023-24 FAFSA if you plan to begin classes in Fall 2023 (August), or Spring 2024 (January), or Summer 2024 (May)
If you have questions about your financial aid status, contact Financial Aid via phone or text to 513-569-1530, fam@cincinnatistate.edu, or visit ATLC 105 on the Clifton campus.
Visit the Self Services webpage for additional information on how to understand your award and billing information within your personal account.
Schedule Your Advising and Course Registration Appointment
All students seeking a degree or certificate are required to meet with an Academic Advisor prior to enrolling/registering for classes. We ask that you please complete your New Student Orientation prior to your advising appointment.
You may call or text your academic division at 513-301-1415 or schedule your appointment via Starfish. Visit the Academic Advising web page for more information, and watch for email and text communication about scheduling your advising appointment.
- If you plan to start classes in Spring 2023 (10 week session begins Feb 21st), schedule your advising and course registration in now.
- If you plan to start classes in Summer 2023 (May 15 or June 5), schedule your advising and course registration in April or May.
- If you plan to start classes in Fall 2023 (August 28), schedule your advising and course registration between May and July.
Register for Classes
After you meet with your academic advisor, you can register for classes online using your MyServices account. If you need assistance, view this tutorial, contact your Academic Advisor, or reach out to the Office of the Registrar at (513) 569-1522, registraroffice@cincinnatistate.edu, or visit ATLC 105.
Review your Registration Statement to verify your class schedule, tuition, financial aid, and payment information within your MyServices account. View MyServices and Registration tutorials online.
View the academic calendar to see the dates for semester start and end, dates for College holidays and breaks, and deadlines to drop or withdraw from classes.