Middlesex Community College is getting ready for the Fall 2024 semester. This August, the college will offer a variety of First Year Experience (FYE) sessions as part of Orientation Plus to set up new students for success from day one.

“Orientation Plus provides students with the resources they need to find success at MCC,” said Deborah Botker, MCC’s Department Chair of Social Sciences and Coordinator of the FYE. “Faculty and staff support students as they gain the necessary skills to complete their degrees. Students who enroll in Orientation Plus have higher grade point averages and are more likely to complete their degrees. Orientation Plus ensures that students start on their collegiate journey with the essential strategies to pursue their goals.”

FYE sessions provide new students with information to make their transition to the college easier. Students earn one credit toward their degree for participating, while being introduced to valuable skills and resources that will help them do well in classes. To register for an FYE session, students must first complete the mandatory online orientation.

“Faculty and staff support students as they gain the necessary skills to complete their degrees. Students who enroll in Orientation Plus have higher grade point averages and are more likely to complete their degrees. Orientation Plus ensures that students start on their collegiate journey with the essential strategies to pursue their goals.” - Deborah Botker, MCC’s Department Chair of Social Sciences and Coordinator of the FYE

Attending an FYE session allows students to meet advisors, faculty and staff who will assist them throughout their academic journey. They will also have the chance to meet with classmates, make connections, and feel more comfortable engaging in on-campus activities and events throughout their time at MCC.

“I love teaching the FYE course because it’s an opportunity to acclimate our newest students right as they come through the door,” said Jill Keller, MCC’s Chair of English. “The exploratory, friendly nature of this curriculum produces a nice cohort experience for the students and judging from their comments and written reflections, they tend to enjoy and benefit from it much more than they initially expected.”

This summer, MCC is offering FYE sessions designed to meet the needs of specific student populations. Sessions include support for students who have a documented disability or completed the accommodation process with the Office of Student Access and Support Services; TRIO supported or First Generation to college students; veteran and adult learners; and students who self-identify as Black/African America and Latinx, LGBTQ+, or Asian American.

“Our Orientation Plus is a way to help students understand all that Middlesex offers them early on in their academic journey,” said Noreen McGinness Olson, MCC’s Assistant Dean of Student Success. “Our FYE sessions in particular allow students to earn a college credit, build relationships with MCC students and employees, and better understand their path to their next steps.”

Orientation helps new students get used to the college, campuses, community and resources available to them at Middlesex. The orientation can be completed at the student’s own pace from a phone, tablet or computer. The experience teaches them about academic expectations, how to get involved, navigating the campuses, and feeling confident about finding student support services.

MCC’s Fall 2024 semester begins on Tuesday, September 3. Choose from 80+ degree, certificate and industry credential programs. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-2424 for more information.