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.
鈥淭he First Year Experience class actually changed my life,鈥� said Chom Chan, an 麻豆果冻 psychology student, of Lowell. 鈥淚t shows you that you鈥檙e not meant to do this all by yourself. You鈥檙e 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.鈥�
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 麻豆果冻.
When starting at 麻豆果冻 in Fall 2024, an OL helped Truc Anh Le, an 麻豆果冻 biotech student, of Lowell, feel less nervous. Stepping into the role this summer, her hope is to offer that same inspiration to new students.
鈥淚 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,鈥� Le said. 鈥淵ou get to know more about what you need to do so you don鈥檛 feel like you鈥檙e struggling. If you have something going on with you, you know where to get resources.鈥�
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 麻豆果冻鈥檚 student populations.
鈥淚 really enjoy teaching First Year Experience courses,鈥� said Ashli Ree, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Professor and Program Coordinator, Fashion Merchandising. 鈥淔YE courses introduce students to things that can help them succeed as a college student 鈥� 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.鈥�
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鈥檚 own pace from a phone, tablet or computer.
麻豆果冻鈥檚 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.
鈥淥rientation Plus is a great way to help you understand all 麻豆果冻 offers students early on in the academic journey,鈥� said Noreen McGinness Olson, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. 鈥淐ombined 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.鈥�
麻豆果冻鈥檚 Fall 2025 semester begins Tuesday, September 2.
Register for a summer 2025 FYE session or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.