Middlesex Community College is preparing for the Fall 2025 semester. This August, Middlesex will offer First Year Experience (FYE) sessions as part of Orientation Plus. Sessions are designed to set up new students for success from day one of their time at the college.
“The First Year Experience class actually changed my life,” said Chom Chan, an MCC psychology student, of Lowell. “It shows you that you’re not meant to do this all by yourself. You’re meant to reach out, tap into the community, and ask questions. The Orientation Leaders (OL) in the class made me feel so seen and safe and showed me all the resources we have in school. This class is also where I made my first friends.”
Coming full circle, Chan decided to become an OL to make the transition to Middlesex easier for new students. Her goal is to provide guidance and support in navigating college life, while highlighting the importance of connecting with classmates and feeling more comfortable engaging in on-campus activities and events at MCC.
When starting at MCC in Fall 2024, an OL helped Truc Anh Le, an MCC biotech student, of Lowell, feel less nervous. Stepping into the role this summer, her hope is to offer that same inspiration to new students.
“I want to be that person bring the same energy, and make other people feel safe to share, to ask for help, and make them feel like they belong here,” Le said. “You get to know more about what you need to do so you don’t feel like you’re struggling. If you have something going on with you, you know where to get resources.”
Students earn one credit toward their degree for participating in an FYE session and are introduced to valuable skills and resources to help them do well in classes. In addition to general sections of the FYE, the college also offers sessions designed to celebrate the rich cultures of MCC’s student populations.
“I really enjoy teaching First Year Experience courses,” said Ashli Ree, MCC’s Professor and Program Coordinator, Fashion Merchandising. “FYE courses introduce students to things that can help them succeed as a college student – learning about different resources on-campus, including online; meeting other new students and faculty and staff; and learning skills like time management and note-taking.”
To register for an FYE session, students must first complete the mandatory online orientation. 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.
MCC’s orientation features advice from current and former students, as well as important messages from administrators. Students learn about academic expectations, how to get involved, navigating the campuses, and feeling confident about finding student support services.
“Orientation Plus is a great way to help you understand all MCC offers students early on in the academic journey,” said Noreen McGinness Olson, MCC’s Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. “Combined with our online orientation, FYE sessions allow you to earn a college credit, grow comfortable with our campuses and offerings, build relationships with classmates and employees, and better understand your path to your next steps.”
MCC’s Fall 2025 semester begins Tuesday, September 2.
Register for a summer 2025 FYE session or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.