Access and familiarize yourself with Pirate Portal:

Once you have been registered for your course(s), you will need to access your Pirate Portal to see your schedule, make payments, access online portions of your course(s), access your email and other resources. Follow the steps below to access your student portal:
- First Time User - Visit www.victoriacollege.edu > click "Pirate Portal" > "Retrieve Username or Reset Password" > "Start" under New User > complete the requested information and complete your security questions. You will then receive your username (also known as your V Number/ VC Student ID) and your password. You can now log in to your Pirate Portal student account by returning to the log in screen.
- Returning User - Visit www.victoriacollege.edu > click "Pirate Portal" > log in using your username and password.
- Having Trouble Logging in? - Contact the VC Computer Help Desk directly at (361) 582-2509 or via email at HelpDesk@VictoriaCollege.edu.

Purchase your books, access codes, and materials for your course:

Get familiar with CANVAS:

Students who have online courses will access their class through CANVAS. You will find an icon for CANVAS in your Pirate Portal. In CANVAS you will see all course content related to your course. Students that have a face to face course with a virtual Friday may need to log on to CANVAS to complete assignments on these days. (The content posted for your course and assignments required for your course are at the full discretion of the instructor). Each course will have different content (videos, readings, lectures, etc.) that is specific to that course and that instructor.

Read your Syllabus:

Each course will have a syllabus that outlines the rules and expectations of the course. Fully read the syllabus prior to beginning any course to learn about expectations, rules, required books and materials, assignments, test requirements, instructor office hours and other important information and resources related to the course.

Find and Look Over Your Schedule:

View Schedule Details - Log into "Pirate Portal" > "Student Dashboard" > "Student Schedule" > Set "Term" to the current semester > "Schedule Details".
- Note: There is an option to print your schedule at the top right-hand corner.
Identify Your Instructional Method - In "Schedule Details", you will see a variety of information for each of your courses but you will want to identify the Instructional Method as this provides insight into how your course will operate. Match your instruction type with the corresponding description below to learn more about your course.
- Face-to-Face: Face-to-face courses allow you to attend class in small groups to receive hands-on instruction.
- Online: Online courses allow you to complete your coursework with more time flexibility.
- Hybrid: Hybrid courses are primarily online, but you will occasionally attend class in small groups to receive hands-on instruction.
Finding Your Course Registration Number (CRN) – Once in "Schedule Details", you will also want to note the 5 digit CRN for each of your courses as you will use this number to look up what textbooks and materials are required for your course(s).
Helpful Hints:
- Schedule Terminology - MW (Monday & Wednesday), TR (Tuesday & Thursday), F (Friday), TBA (Online Component)
- Buildings - Click on our campus map here to see what building your class is in

Schedule your exams in advance at the testing center as required by your instructor(s):

Victoria West High School

Current Dual Credit Students