How to Starfish

Instructions on how to use Starfish.

  1. Log into myDCC. On the right side of the screen there will be a blue bar. Click on the first link “Starfish home,” and you will be automatically directed to your Starfish profile.

  1. Once on Starfish, click on the “My Success Network” tab on the left side of the screen.
  2. Your academic coach’s name and contact information will be located here. Click on the link “Schedule Appointment.”
  3. You will be directed to your academic coach’s calendar. You can view the calendar by day, week or pick a specific day from the calendar to see what availability your academic coach has.
  4. Available time slots on the selected day will include a “Sign Up” link. Click this link for the time slot you wish to schedule the appointment.
  5. After clicking the “Sign Up” link, you need to complete a short appointment form by selecting a reason for the meeting.
  6. Click “Submit” to set the appointment. You will receive an email with the appointment details and the appointment will be listed on your Starfish profile homepage.
  7. To change an upcoming appointment, click the “Edit” icon to modify the appointment or the “Cancel” icon to cancel it.

  1. When instructors submit feedback through Starfish, you will be sent an email notification to your myDCC email address.
  2. The feedback and additional comments your instructors wish to provide can be viewed on your Starfish profile homepage on the right side of the screen.

  1. If you are having difficulty with your coursework or having serious health or economic difficulties that are impacting your success, you can notify your academic coach through Starfish.
  2. Click on the “Request Help” icon on the left side of your Starfish profile.
  3. Click on the “Type” box in order to choose which difficulty you’re facing.
  4. If you are having trouble with a specific course, make sure you choose that specific course.
  5. You can then add additional comments if you wish.
  6. Your academic coach will receive this alert and reach out to you in order to further discuss your difficulties and formulate a plan of action.

  1. If you would like to receive texts of the messages your academic coach sends you through Starfish, you can easily enter your cellphone number by clicking on your name on the top right of your Starfish profile.
  2. Once on your profile page, there is an option to add an “Alternate Email.”
  3. At the right end of the “Alternate Email” line there is a small rectangular cellphone icon.
  4. Click on the icon for specific directions for entering your cellphone number in the “Alternate Email” section. Entering your number is based on your cellphone provider.
  5. Once entered, check off the “Also send notifications to my alternate email address” option.
  6. Click submit at the bottom of the screen.

Contact Us

Academic, Career & Transfer Center

301 Orcutt Student Services Center
Mon. -Thurs., 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (845) 431-8600
Email: act@sunydutchess.edu

53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

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