Student Checklist

Welcome to Bay College! One of your first steps is getting connected through your myBay account - Your personal hub for all things college life. From registering for classes to applying for scholarships, myBay is where it all happens. 

To get started, you'll need to set your new password using the Password Manager.

Password Manager

Once your password is set and you can log in, take a few minutes to explore! You'll find helpful tools, important announcements, and everything you need to stay on track and succeed!

Email is the offical way Bay College communicates with you - and it's important! Your Bay College email is a secure place where you'll receive important updates from the College, your instructors, and campus services.

Be sure to check it often so you don't miss out on class updates, deadlines, financial aid info, and more.

Access Your Bay College Email

To help you choose the right classes and set you up for success, some courses at Bay College have prerequisites. One way to meet these requirements is to submit your placement scores (like the SAT, ACT, or Bay College's own assessments) taken within the last 3 years.

How to Submit Scores
You can send your scores to the Bay College Admissions Office:

          Attn: Office of Admissions
          2001 N Lincoln Rd
          Escanaba, MI 49829
          Email: admissions@baycollege.edu
          Fax: 906.217.1714

Scores Older than 3 Years?
No problem! Schedule an on-campus assessment through our Testing Services Center.

Learn About PlacementSchedule with Testing Services

 

At Bay College, your privacy matters. We take the security of your personal and academic information seriously - and we follow the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) to protect it.

What does that mean for you?

• We won't share your billing, financial aid, or academic records with anyone - not even your parents or family - unless you give written permission.
• If you would like to allow someone else to access your information (or cancel a previous permission), you can fill out a FERPA Release Form. You get to choose what can be shared and with whom.

FERPA gives you the right to:

• View your own education record.
• Request corrections to inaccurate information.
• Control who can access your personal academic details.

It's all about giving you control over your information.

FERPA Release Form

Paying for college doesn't need to be stressful - Bay College is here to help! Our Financial Aid Office can guide you through the process of applying for grants, loans, and scholarships that can make your education more affordable.

Start with the FAFSA
By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you'll be considered for federal aid and state programs that Bay College participates in.

Learn About Financial AidComplete the FAFSA

Apply for Scholarships
Each year, Bay College awards over $650,000 in scholarships! With just one simple application, you could be considered for multiple awards.

Apply for Scholarships

Are you 25 or Older?
Check out Michigan Reconnect - a state program that covers tuition for in-district students and offers reduced rates for out-of-district residents.

Explore Michigan Reconnect

Coming straight from high school? Or have you taken classes at another college or university? Sending your transcripts to Bay College is an important step in getting the credit you’ve earned, planning your academic path, and can be a requirement for some financial aid awards.

High School Transcripts
Your high school transcript is helpful when meeting with your advisor—especially if you’ve taken classes that might count towards prerequisites. Be sure to have your high school send a copy to the Bay College Admissions Office.

College Transcripts
If you’ve completed courses at another institution, request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Bay College Admissions Office. You can usually do this through your previous school’s website or by contacting their registrar.

Learn About Transfer Credits

Looking for a cozy, convenient place to live while you study? At the Escanaba campus Bay College offers fully furnished two- and four-person apartments just steps from class! Enjoy high-speed internet, all utilities included, and a supportive student community. With on-site laundry, a kitchen in every unit, and access to Café Bay and the campus food pantry, you’ll have everything you need to thrive. Apply early – spaces fill fast!

Student Housing

At Bay college, you don’t just get one advisor – you get a team! Every student is paired with both a faculty advisor and a co-advisor, each offering unique support to help you succeed.

Faculty Advisors
These are Instructors in your field of study who can help you:
     - Explore career paths and opportunities in your major.
     - Align your degree with your long-term goals.
     - Understand what it's really like to work in your chosen field

Co-Advisors
Think of your co-advisor as your go-to guide for navigating life at Bay. They can help you:
     - Choose and register for classes
     - Connect with campus resources.
     - Stay on track throughout the semester.

There's a lot of overlap, and that's a good thing! Whether you have questions about your schedule, your future, or just mmed someone to talk to, your advisors are here to support you every step of the way.

Don't wait - reach out and start building those connections early!

Find Your Advisors
          *Select  My Academic Advisor Report

Ready to build your schedule? Registering for classes is how you officially sign up for the courses you want to take each semester.

Registration periods vary by semester, so be sure to check myBay for the most up-to-date open registration dates and deadlines.

When and How to RegisterRegister for Classes

Taking an Online or Hybrid Class? Complete the Online Learning Orientation!
if you are registered for an online or hybrid course at Bay College, there’s one important step to complete before classes begin: the Online Learning Orientation (OLO).

This short, required course (about 1.5 hours) is designed to help you feel confident and prepared for learning online. It covers everything from navigating Blackboard to managing your time and staying connected.

Here's what you need to know:
     - You'll be automatically enrolled in the OLO course in Blackboard once you register for an online or hybrid class.
     - You must complete the orientation to gain access to your online/hybrid courses. After completion, it can take up to 24 hours for your courses to appear.
     - This is different from new student orientation – even if you’ve done that, you still need to complete the OLO

Blackboard

Need help? Reach out to: onlinehelp@baycollege.edu 

It's important to stay on top of your tuition and fees—and Bay College makes it easy to manage your payments.

You'll receive your account statements through your  Bay College email, so be sure to check it regularly. You can also view your most up-to-date account balance anytime in myBay.

Be sure to review Tuition due dates and payment plan options so you can plan ahead and avoid any roadblocks.

Visit Student Accounts

Need help or have questions? The Student Accounts Office is here to support you every step of the way!
     - Call: 906.217.4062
     - Email: cashier@baycollege.edu 

Get ready for class by picking up your textbooks! The Follet Bookstore on Bay College’s Escanaba campus is your go-to spot for all your course materials, supplies, and Bay College gear.

Prefer to shop online? You can also browse and order your books through the Bay College Bookstore website—quick, easy, and convenient!

Visit the Bookstore

Bay College is committed to supporting your success—both in and out of the classroom. Whether you need academic help, personal support, or just want to make the most of your college experience, we’ve got you covered!

Academic Support
Get help with tutoring, study strategies, and success coaching to stay on track and reach your goals.

Explore Student Resources

TRIO Student Support Services
If you’re a first-generation college student, meet income guidelines, or have a documented disability, TRIO offers personalized academic and career support.

Learn About TRIO

Accessibility & Accommodations
Need accommodations for a disability or medical condition? We’re here to ensure you have equal access to your education.

Request Accommodations

Health Center
Visit the Health Center, on the Escanaba Campus, for free, confidential services including basic medical care, health education, and referrals.

Visit the Health Center

Counseling Services
College can be stressful—and that’s okay. Bay offers free, confidential counseling to help you manage stress, anxiety, and other personal challenges.

Access Counseling Services

Bay College Food Pantry
Need a little help with groceries? The Food Pantry is available to all students—no questions asked.

Access the Food Pantry

Student Employment
Looking for a job while in school? Bay College offers on-campus and community-based student employment opportunities to help you gain experience and earn money.

Explore Student Employment

Bay Perks
Enjoy exclusive student discounts, free events, and other perks just for being a Bay College student!

Check out Bay Perks

College isn’t just about classes—it’s about community, connection, and having fun! At Bay College, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to meet new people, explore your interests, or make a difference on campus.

•  Love art, gaming, or the environment?
• Want to build leadership skills or collaborate on campus events?
• Looking for a space to connect with others who share your identity or passions?

With a wide variety of student clubs, organizations, and activities, you’ll find your place—or even start your own club!

Explore Clubs & Activities at Bay

No matter who you are or where you’re from, there’s a spot for you at Bay. Get involved, stay connected, and make the most of your college experience!