FYE faqs


About FYE

What is the First-Year Experience (FYE)?	FYE is an experience that is the foundation of a student's collegiate career. Being actively involved in FYE activities is the best way to get the right start. To support the development of a solid foundation, FYE consists of a series of orientation activities, programs, and courses to help you ease into the demands and challenges of college life, forge connections with counseling, faculty, staff, and peers, and tp prepare you for academic success at MC and beyond.
How do I become a part of FYE?	First-Year students may become a part of FYE by: Enrolling in a First-Year seminar Participating in New Student Orientation Participating in Welcome Week Registering for a Learning Community Participating in a variety of campus or college-wide FYE workshops, events & programs Subscribing to the FYE Listserv Reading the FYE newsletter GET INVOLVED!
Is FYE mandatory?	No, student participation in FYE is not mandatory. However, students are strongly encouraged to participate in FYE activities such as New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, FYE Seminars, and other FYE opportunities. The idea of FYE is to provide students with so many options that all First-Year students will participate in some way.
What is a FYE Seminar?	FYE Seminars are credit course specifically designed to assist First-Year students with their transition to college life. These and other topics are covered: Effective Study Techniques Goal Setting Time Management Learning Styles and Strategies Campus Resources Educational Planning All first year students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a First-Year Experience Seminar: DS 107 (course description) First Year Seminar/First-Year Seminar (sample syllabus) or DS 104 (course description) Seminar for International Students (sample syllabus) These courses cover a variety of topics related to academic success
Why should a First-Year student Take a FYE seminar?	There are many reasons - here are a few: To learn skills that will enhance college success To become aware of campus resources To feel connected to the MC community To develop an educational plan
Do I Receive Credit for taking a FYE seminar?	Yes, all FYE Seminars are counted as college credit at MC. First Year Seminar/First-Year Seminar is a one-credit course and Seminar for International Students is a two-credit course. The credits can count toward your degree and may be transferable

Your First-Year

What is a typical First-Year experience at MC?	Each First-Year student has a unique First-Year Experience based on which activities you select. They are all designed to help you make a smooth transition to college. The main thing to keep in mind is that *you* shape your first year experience to make it a great one!
What will classes be like?	Unlike high school, you may not have homework every night for your college classes. Often, your final grade may only be based on a few exams or projects. Therefore, every grade counts! You are responsible for knowing when your assignments are due. You instructor may or may not remind you. Don't count getting credit for work turned in late or for extra credit. You can do college level work, but you must accept responsibility from day one.
What will professors expect of me?	The expectations that professors have for students may vary greatly. However, here are some general expectations: Arrive on time to class Prepare for each class ahead of time Actively participate in class Turn in all assignments Be respectful of the professor and your peers For more helpful tips on how to make the transition to college, check out this resource: http://www.smu.edu/alec/whyhighschool.html
Do I have to attend every class?	Yes, absolutely. Class attendance is a vital part of academic success. When you miss a class you miss material covered that day ply you give the impression that you do not consider the class important. Blowing off class to hang out with friends is a bad idea. Class attendance is the number one predictor of success for the vast majority of college students. However, life happens and unexpected situations may occur. Always check with your instructor or refer to your syllabus to find out what his or her policy is on excused and unexcused absences.
How do I meet people?	Get involved! MC has an array of opportunities for you to take advantage of. Clubs, student organizations, Student Governments, intramural sports, etc. are all great ways to meet people. Students who get involved are generally happier and do better in their classes.
What are common First-Year student transition issues?	Like any transition in life, attending college for the first time can be a challenging and frustrating time. Therefore, there are many issues that students may face. Time management Motivation and goal setting Development of study skills Social acceptance Adjustment from high school to college life Balancing studies with social life and work Decision making and planning The good news is that you are not alone. Montgomery College has a variety of resource to help. Start with the Counseling and Advising Department at your campus. Also look to your professors and other staff with whom you may have built relationships. Use your resources!