Self-Advising via your DCC Student Portal

1.	Go to https://portal.dallas.edu/ as per the illustration below.
2.	Click on “Student Portal Homepage”

3.	The login screen will come up. Enter your username and password.
4.	Your personal portal page will come up when you have logged in successfully.*
* If you have login problems, please contact Annette Esclavon at aesclavon@dallas.edu or 800-688-1029 ext. 121. Please do not contact your advisor. Advisors do not have the access to resolve login issues.
5.	In the gray navigation panel on the left, click on “Academics”

6.	The navigation area under “Academics” will expand to show more choices. 
7.	Click on “Degree Audit”

8.	The “Degree Audit” screen will come up.
9.	Do NOT use the information represented on the screen. It is not yet consistently accurate.
10.	DO click on “Printable Version” to open/save your current degree audit. You will need Adobe Reader to open the PDF file. This is a free download at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html .

11.	 The degree audit will show you course categories you need to fulfill your degree and the specific courses you have taken in that category.
12.	At the right of each course you will see either
a.	A grade: You have taken the course and the grade shown is the one you earned.
b.	“Scheduled”: You are currently in the course.
c.	“Future”: You need the course or a course that fits that category.
13.	Now you need to look at the courses scheduled for the next term. For online students, the easiest place to find that information is at http://www.dallas.edu/Online/Schedule.cfm . This schedule allows you to sort by begin date, end date, and course name. It also allows you to see the schedule into the future.
14.	Compare the courses you need to take with the courses offered July 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2007.
15.	Select the courses that fit your need as well as the family/work schedule you expect to have during that term.
16.	When it comes time to register, you will not be able to select classes that have a prerequisite you have not taken. Prerequisites are listed in the DCC catalog but here are some general guidelines.
a.	How to Study the Bible and New Testament Survey are required before taking other New Testament Bible courses: e.g. Paul’s Letters.
b.	How to Study the Bible and Old Testament Survey are required before taking other Old Testament Bible courses: e.g. Hebrew Prophetic Literature.
c.	How to Study the Bible and Speech are required before taking Biblical Communications Seminar I.
d.	English Composition II is required before taking Literature Survey or any literature elective.
e.	Biblical Research Seminar II is required before taking Biblical Communications Seminar II. It is best if these are your last two classes.
17.	 Although they are not prerequisites, there are some recommendations for success.
a.	If you have started classes within the last year and have not taken DCC101, enroll in it for Fall, 2007.
b.	Some classes are foundational to your general knowledge to succeed in other classes. You should try to get these general studies classes in as soon as possible:
i.	English Composition I
ii.	English Composition II
iii.	Literature Survey
iv.	World Civilization I
v.	World Civilization II
c.	Do not schedule overlapping classes in December. The holidays make this feel insane.
18.	Write down the classes you believe you should take. If you have questions, contact Ted Smith at tsmith@dallas.edu or 800-688-1029 ext. 104.