Carroll Community College

The first year of college is exciting and challenging, and there may be a period of adjustment, both academically and socially. To help, the Office of Student Life has developed the First-Year Program, a series of activities that address new students’ needs from registration all the way to the completion of the First-Year at Carroll Community College  . If you would like more information about any of these programs, contact Michele Lenhart, Director of First-Year Programs, at 410-386-8408, or mlenhart@carrollcc.edu , or visit the Office of Student Life in Room A118.

The Carroll Community College First-Year Success Program

Making a smooth transition into college life is an important step toward achieving success. Carroll Community College's First-Year Success Program (FYSP) will help first-time college students get started on the right path through an enriched First-Year experience.

This program provides participating first-year students with the opportunity to become active, integrated members of Carroll Community College, and to develop skills needed for academic and personal success. The primary component of this program is the College Success course (COL100), a one-credit course that is recommended for all first-year students.

To watch a brief, informational video about the College Success course, please click on the "play" button below:

Achievement in this learning community will also involve the student in several co-curricular programs. Successful completion of the program qualifies students for a scholarship of $100-$200, and encourages persistence in higher education at Carroll Community College and beyond. The program is open to all full-time, first semester credit students.

Basic Requirements for Students

To receive a FYSP scholarship, the student must: 
1. Be a first semester student at Carroll Community College*, enrolled as a full-time student and successfully complete a minimum of 12 billable hours. 
2. Attend First Advising Session.
3. Complete FYSP interest form including primary phone number, e-mail address
4. Enroll in COL100 and successfully complete the course with a minimum of a C grade.
5. Attend New Student Orientation.
6. Identify financial aid options and prepare scholarship application and financial planning documents in portfolio.
7. Fulfill one obligation in each functional area: Future Planning, Academic Achievement, Campus Involvement, and Community Exploration.
8. Meet with an academic advisor before or during Priority Registration week.
9. Register for a minimum of 12 billable hours in next consecutive semester during Priority Registration.
10. Obtain minimum semester GPA with no F grades. GPA is calculated to include grades earned in transitional courses and must be based on a minimum of 12 billable hours.
11. Scholarships will be awarded based on the following semester GPA:  
2.0-2.99 = $100 credit toward next consecutive Spring or Fall semester tuition
3.0-3.49 = $150 credit
3.5-4.0 = $200 credit
12. Complete a beginning-of and end-of-semester self-assessment regarding first-year success.
13. Meet with COL100 instructor three times: during the first week of the semester, mid-semester, and during finals week for mentoring sessions.

*Exception made for any student who was enrolled at Carroll Community College during high school prior to high school graduation, and is now enrolled in his/her first semester as a full-time student at the college.  

Program Implementation Timeline and Teaching Schedule

The program is offered every Fall semester. Seven sections of COL100 (1 Credit) are offered, with 15- seat capacity in each section. Courses will run for the first ten weeks of the semester, meeting once per week:

Tuesdays: 9:30 to 10:50 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.; 12:30 to 1:50 p.m.; 2:00 to 3:20 p.m.
Wednesdays: 11:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.; 12:30 to 1:50; 2:00 to 3:20 p.m.

New Student Orientation

The New Student Orientation program is a very important part of the college experience. Orientation for Fall 2008 will take place on campus in August for all new students:

Tuesday, August 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for non-traditional age students (25 and older and con-currently enrolled)

Thursday, August 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for traditional age students (17-24)

All new students will receive a flyer in the mail announcing the details of the program. For additional information that will help you prepare to be a successful student, visit the online Virtual Orientation.

The major goal of the orientation program is to help new students feel at ease in the college community and to introduce them to available resources. With the cooperation of faculty, staff, and current student leaders, new students learn what the college expects, and what students can expect from the college. There are plenty of give-aways offered, and all Orientation activities are free to new, registered students.

The orientation program includes information on the college’s services and facilities, academic expectations and advising, and student life on campus. All new students are encouraged to attend orientation. Orientation sessions are also offered for for parents and families. Each type of orientation is tailored to address specific needs.

First-Year Student Blackboard Site

All first year students are enrolled in the FYS Blackboard site, where you will receive weekly updates about what is happening on campus, and there are forums to discuss questions or concerns you may have about the college. This site can be found on your "My Community" tab, and it is packed with information that will help ensure success at Carroll. 

Welcome Celebrations

The entire first four weeks of classes are full of activities to help students get into the swing of things. Students are greeted and guided to classrooms by a variety of college groups - and they're usually armed with free food and giveaways!

Student representatives from college clubs and organizations are on hand during the Club Fair. Students enjoy live music and a free meal, and meet new friends and faculty members at other social events during September and February. 

Academic Communities

Academic Communities offer innovative activities which connect students with peers and educators who have similar academic, personal, and career interests.

Family and Friends

As students go through the First-Year at Carroll, there are several opportunities to bring friends and family to the campus. Activities include the Outdoor Movie, Fall Fest, Crab Feast and the Film Series. Flyers with more information are available in the Office of Student Life.

Let’s Do Lunch!

Students are encouraged to grab a few friends and take a faculty member to lunch on campus—the Office of Student Life will pick up the tab! This is a great way to get to know classmates and instructors. Visit the Student Life Office for a free request form.