First Year Experience
The first year of college is an exciting and challenging time where you will experience
academic and personal growth. Our First Year Experience (FYE) program connects first
year students to Montgomery College by:
- Educating students on services and resources
- Empowering students to make their move toward their goals using informed decision making
- Engaging students in Montgomery College and the community
- Embracing students by meeting them where they are
- Exciting students through the experience we provide in their first year
- Enriching students' lives by providing, promoting and supporting learning opportunities that will help them grow personally, professionally, and academically
- Exploring opportunities so students can discover who they want to be and plans they can make to realize their dreams.
The FYE program includes New Student Orientation, workshops and events throughout the academic year, and the centerpiece of the FYE program: the First Year Seminar.
New Student Orientation
Have a successful start at Montgomery College. Through New Student Orientation (NSO), we'll answer your questions, connect you to campus resources, and help you make the most of your college experience. New degree-seeking students must complete NSO before registering for classes. Access New Student Orientation online.
FYE Activities and Resources
Prepare to meet the demands of college by bridging the gap between high school and college.
The FYE Summer Bridge Program includes a one-credit course (First Year Seminar: STSU 100) that allows students to experience the college environment prior to the fall term.
Through structured and integrated activities, students are prepared to meet the demands of college by bridging the gap between high school and college. Statistics consistently have shown that students who attend a summer bridge program achieve higher grade point averages, have higher retention rates, and experience higher graduation rates than students who do not attend such programs. After completing the program, students typically demonstrate more confidence and self-assuredness—and are better prepared to begin college.
Students should attend the course on the campus on which they intend to take classes.
They should also commit to enrolling at Montgomery College in the fall semester immediately
following the First Year Seminar. Enrollment is limited; scholarships may be available.
See all the courses available for the Summer Bridge Program (PDF, 
) .
What Will Students Do in the First Year Seminar?
- Explore goals and career direction
- Develop an education plan that meets their goals
- Learn how to access campus resources and services
- Discover new study and time management skills
- Understand costs and financial aid opportunities
- Improve team-building and problem-solving skills
- Become familiar with the campuses
- Understand graduation requirements
- Increase knowledge of MC policies/procedures
- Meet other students, faculty, and staff
- Investigate transfer information
Seminars focus on strategies to help you become a successful student and assist you in developing an education plan that will guide your selection of classes and transfer.
- STSU 100 First Year Seminar: Designed to assist the student in adjusting to college. Includes academic and student services available, study habit techniques, career and educational planning, and adjustment concerns. Especially intended for students during their initial semester of enrollment. One hour lecture/discussion each week; one semester hour. (Formerly DS 107)
- STSU 101 Seminar for International Students: Orientation course for international students. Includes study skills, academic regulations, the American educational system, individual educational and vocational goals, communication skills, and American customs. Especially intended for students during their initial semester of enrollment in conjunction with American language developmental course offerings. Two hours lecture/discussion each week; two semester hours. (Formerly DS 104)
For more information, email mcfye@montgomerycollege.edu.
FYE Student Ambassadors
FYE Student ambassadors play a key role in assisting first-year students with the transition to college.
Student ambassadors are a select group of student leaders dedicated to serving first-year
students by fostering support in academic performance and social development inside
and outside the classroom.
2022-2023 FYE Student Ambassador Leadership Program Application
Student Ambassador Qualifications and Benefits
- Participate in FYE classes, Summer Bridge, New Student Orientation, Welcome Week and other engaging events designed for First Year students
- Promote FYE and Student Life college/campus events and activities
- Serve as leaders, mentors and positive role models for new MC students
Qualifications to become an FYE Student ambassador
- Enrolled at MC at time of application and while participating in the program
- Completed at least 12 credit hours at MC
- Completed of STSU 100 or STSU 101 with a grade of ‘B’ or better
- Earned an overall GPA of 3.0 or better at MC
- Able to make a one academic year commitment (fall/spring)
- Available 6-7 hours each week
Benefits of being an FYE Student ambassador:
- Develop relationships with MC faculty, staff, and students
- Enhance leadership skills
- Expand work experience
- Improve presentation and facilitation skills
- Increase self-awareness
- Widen awareness of the college/campus
- Enhance Resume
Hometown: Nigeria
Major: International Studies
What I like about MC
I love how both faculty, staff, and students give you that sense of belonging. I love
the diversity and dedication of everyone.
What I found most beneficial from STSU 100 First Year Seminar:
This class helped me to get familiar with lots of college resources. Being my first
school in the US, I needed all the help I could get. It was my STSU100 professor that
encouraged me to enroll for honors classes because she was impressed by my academic
performance.
Advice for new students:
Go for it! One step at a time. Do it nervous, do it excited, but do it anyway. Whatever
your goals are while at the college, you can achieve them and even more. There are
so many opportunities. Be sure to make use of as many resources as you can and don't
forget to network!
Favorite MC experience:
My favorite MC experience would be the Spring 2020 MC Leads cohort. It was my first
extra-curricular activity outside classes. It's a leadership program I did in my first
semester at MC and that encouraged me to do more. Please join MC Leads (Formerly iLead)
if you can.
Campus resources that I find most valuable and make use of:
Library, SHaW Center, Counseling and Advising. These should be like our close friends
at MC.
Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan
What I like most about MC:
The instructors, no questions asked! They are attentive, responsive and invested in
their craft. Their passion towards what they are teaching motivates me to do my very
best.
What I find most beneficial from STSU 100 First Year Seminar/Summer Bridge: STSU 100 had been, for me, an eye opener. I did not know that MC had so many opportunities to offer and resources to utilize. I would recommend the course to every Montgomery College student.
Advice for new students:
Transitioning from high school to college might seem overwhelming but MC is here for
you. You have the Student Health and Wellness Center to help with finding resources
in difficult times and connecting you to the right person to counselors who can help
you navigate through college life. There are endless opportunities to thrive at MC,
YOU GOT THIS!
Favorite MC experience:
My favorite MC experience to this day had been participating in the Student Senate.
A particular memory would be advocating for the funding of The Catherine and Isiah
Leggett Math and Science Building on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. As Student
Senators at Large, we had sent letters to the delegation members of the Maryland General
Assembly to secure additional funding for this building and had been successful in
securing around $4.5 million. It had been a proud moment for all of us and a great
memory.
Campus resource I find most valuable or made the most use of: The campus resource
that I found the most valuable has to be Raptor Central. It is quite relieving to
have a solution for a diverse range of concerns at the same spot.
Hometown: Germantown, MD
Major: Elementary Education/Special Education
What I like most about MC:
What I like most about MC is definitely the resources that are provided to students
and the close-knit feel.
Advice for new students:
My advice for new students would be to find a faculty member or a student ambassador
to build a close relationship with. It was beneficial for me to have someone who knew
a lot about the college and who I was comfortable going to for help throughout my
journey at MC.
Favorite MC Experience:
My favorite MC experience was being a part of CREATE cohort. I was able to build relationships
with other education majors and the education department faculty. I was also able
to learn more about teaching than I would have learned just in my classes.
Campus resource I find most valuable or made the most use of: The resource I found
most valuable were the counselors. Counselors are able to help with so many things
that may come up during your time at MC. Whether that be help with registering for
classes, choosing a major, transferring to a 4-year university, or if something happens
and you fell off track with your grades, they can help with that too.
Hometown: Usulutan, El Salvador
Major: General Studies -STEM
What I like most about MC:
I love how diverse the college is. Also, how the professors always try to help every
student even though they have many students. The professors are important to students
learning, and they love to teach so that makes a warm and supportive environment.
What I found most beneficial from STSU100 First Year Seminar/Summer Bridge:
The most beneficial thing I learned from STSU 100 was how the college works and the
resources the college offers. When I enrolled to Montgomery College, I did not know
about how college in the United States worked. In addition, I learned about the Writing,
Reading and Language Center (WRL) which helped me a lot since English is not my first
language, I have many issues with my writing and the Writing Reading and Language
Center (WRLC) helped me to improve my writing.
Advice for new students:
I would advise to the new students to take STSU 100 before starting any class in MC,
especially if they are unfamiliar with the studies in the US. Furthermore, I strongly
recommend all new students meet with a counselor or an advisor.
Favorite MC experience:
My favorite MC experience has been being an FYE Student Ambassador. This program has
allowed me to meet amazing people, who I can always count on.
Campus resources that I find most valuable and made the most use of:
The campus resources that I find the most valuable and made the most use of is the
Writing, Reading and Language Center (WRLC) and Counseling and Advising. I am very
happy that the college has these resources.
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Major: Business
What I like most about MC:
I like how my professors provide a safe space to be myself and acknowledge my individuality.
Campus resource I find most valuable or made the most use of:
A campus resource that I find very valuable is Achieving The Promise Academy (ATPA).
This coaching program provides countless workshops to help you succeed in college.
Also, I had the pleasure of working with a supportive coach that help build my strengths
and help me excel academically.
Favorite MC experience:
Attending Michelle Obama’s live stream of her memoir “Becoming”. I was in Awe with
Mrs. Obama’s explanation on conquering fear, which resulted in her becoming the first
African American first lady. Mrs. Obama’s tips and advice left me feeling more inspired
than ever to go after my goals.
Advice for New Students:
It is ok to ask for help! Whether it is academically or personally. Asking for help
means you are strong enough to admit you don’t have all the answers. And that’s a
real sign of strength and leadership. Also, the global pandemic has taught me that
we all need help now and then.
Find FYE on Campus
Science and Applied Studies Building, Room 252
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
240-567-7734
Student Services Building, Room 233
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
240-567-1480
