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 the Academic Orientation, New Student Orientation, workshops and events throughout the academic year, and the centerpiece of the FYE program: the First Year Seminar.
Orientations
There are two types of orientation for new students at Montgomery College.
Required for all degree-seeking students. Through New Student Orientation (NSO), we will answer your questions about MC, connect you to campus resources, and help you capitalize on your college experience. New Student Orientation is available both in-person and online.
Required for all students. Learn all about academic planning by completing an online academic orientation session. The program can be accessed online anytime and usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
FYE Activities and Resources
Prepare to meet the demands of college by bridging the gap between high school and college.
Prepare to meet the demands of college by bridging the gap between high school and college.
The FYE Summer Bridge Program (PDF, 
) 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.
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.
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.
Role and Qualifications
Role and Qualifications
- 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
Biographies and Photos
Biographies and Photos
Chenoa Orr
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Major: General Studies (SSAH)
What you like most about MC? There are so many things I like about MC; the people are wonderful, the opportunities
are endless, and the professors are phenomenal.
What you found most beneficial from STSU 100: First-Year Seminar or Summer Bridge: I found the information about financial aid to be the most beneficial; acquiring financial aid is such an important task but learning about the process put me at ease. It made me feel like I was on the right track regarding getting myself situated.
Advice for new students: DON’T EVER SKIP! Not that I would ever know, but don’t do it. Also, get your study skills and time management down pat. There are tons of resources on the internet, plus people on campus who are always ready to help.
Your best/favorite MC experience: My favorite experience is being an ambassador. I enjoy helping out in classes and other events going on; I like being involved and having a chance to help new students and share my experiences in the hope that it will help them.
Campus resource you find most valuable or made the most use of: The resource I use the most is probably the library (that’s the first place to check if you’re ever looking for me). It allows a quiet place to study, tons of interesting books, and the most wonderful staff. I’m also fond of the Macs that they have on the ground floor.
Stephanie Pineda
Home: Silver Spring, MD
Major: Digital Animation
What you like most about MC? What I like most about MC is the Student Life community. They bring so much opportunity and diversity for students like me to form relationships, as well as develop leadership skills. I've become rather fond of the MC community at the Germantown campus. It helps a lot to know the people, network and collaborate.
What you found most beneficial from STSU 100: First-Year Seminar or Summer Bridge: STSU 100 has helped me a lot to transition from a high school to a college environment. Being an FYE Student ambassador has opened a lot of doors for me. I've also became more aware of the resources that are offered on campus. STSU 100 is highly recommended if you're a little nervous about your first year college experience!
Advice for new students: I would advise students to stay involved and keep the connections they have with people on campus. You'll never know when you're in need of something, and that someone you know can assist you with something! Always keep track of how you're delegating your time. A planner helps. Any sort of material that helps you organize yourself will keep you in check regarding academic and personal commitments! Know when to cut back from activities. Don't ever over extend yourself!
Your best/favorite MC experience: My favorite MC experience would be attending the conferences that Student Life offers for Student Leaders. I love traveling out of town and tuning in on wisdom that public speakers share! I always learn something important from them and reflect on how I handle myself in situations.
Campus resource you find most valuable or made the most use of: I personally find the library to be the most helpful resource I use on campus. Primarily because when I need a place to study for a quiz, work quietly, or am in need to borrow a laptop; I can always count on the library for that. I mostly work in spaces where there are few people so that I don't become distracted by others.
Benny Appiah
Hometown: Ghana, Africa
Major: Nursing
What you like most about MC? Resources and Convenience.
What you found most beneficial from STSU 100: First-Year Seminar or Summer Bridge: Study tips and Time management.
Advice for new students: Work on time management, learn to say no and maintain priorities, and get involved!
Your best/favorite MC experience: Working as a Student ambassador and being involved with Student Life
Campus resource you find most valuable or made the most use of: Learning Centers.
Keren Nsoyori
Hometown: Bamenda, Cameroon
Major: Biological Sciences
What you like most about MC? I like the patience of the faculty and staff.
What you found most beneficial from STSU 100: First-Year Seminar or Summer Bridge: I found the “what I wish I knew” sessions most helpful and learning about new resources.
Advice for new students: New students should know that there is always help. If they are not sure where to start they can start with counselors.
Your best/favorite MC experience: My favorite MC experience was the New Student Fair.
Campus resource you find most valuable or made the most use of: I made the most use of the Science Learning Center.
2019-2020 Application is available now. Complete and submit the online application by Friday, April 5th at 4:00 p.m.
Apply Now
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
