Carroll Community College

The first year of college is exciting and challenging, but can be a period of adjustment both academically and socially. To help, the Office of Student Life has developed the First-Year Program.

The First-Year Program addresses the needs of new students from registration through the completion of the first year at Carroll. It consists of variety of programs, resources and activities including:

• First-Year Success Program 
• First-Year Interest Groups 
• Academic Communities 
• First-Year Blackboard site
• New Student Orientation 
• Welcome celebrations  
• Let's Do Lunch! 
• Activities with family and friends

For more information, contact the Director of First-Year Programs, Kristie Crumley, at 410-386-8408, kcrumley@carrollcc.edu, or visit the Office of Student Life in A118.

First-Year Success Program

Making a smooth transition into college life is an important step toward achieving success. Carroll's First-Year Success Program (FYSP) assists first time college students with getting started on the right path to an enriched first year experience.

The program provides opportunities for first year students to become active integrated members of the college and develop skills needed for academic and personal success. It involves students in activities that complement academic learning.

The College Success (COL-100) course is a primary component of the program and is recommended for all first year students. Seven sections of the one credit course are offered every Fall Term. The course runs for the first ten weeks of the term and meets one day a week. Refer to the Fall Term credit course schedule for details.

Successful completion of the program qualifies students for a scholarship of $100 - $200, and encourages persistence in higher education at college and beyond. Review the basic requirements for qualifying for a FYSP scholarship.

This brief video describes the program in more detail. Click "play" to learn more about the program.

Basic Requirements for Students

To receive a FYSP scholarship, you must:

1. Be a first term student at Carroll*, enrolled as a full-time student and successfully complete a minimum of 12 billable hours. 
2. Attend your first advising session.
3. Complete FYSP interest form including primary phone number and email address.
4. Enroll in COL-100 and successfully complete the course with a grade C or better.
5. Attend New Student Orientation.
6. Identify financial aid options and prepare scholarship application and financial planning documents in your 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.
9. Register for a minimum of 12 billable hours for next consecutive term during priority registration.
10. Obtain a minimum term grade point average (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 are awarded based on the following term's GPA:  
    2.0 - 2.99 = $100 credit toward the next consecutive Spring or Fall Term's tuition
    3.0 - 3.49 = $150 credit
    3.5 - 4.0 = $200 credit
12. Complete a beginning-of and end-of-term self-assessment regarding first-year success.
13. Meet with COL-100 instructor three times: during the first week of the term, mid-term, and during finals week for mentoring sessions.

*Exceptions are made for students who were enrolled at the college during high school prior to high school graduation, and are now enrolled in their first term as a Carroll full-time student.  

First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs)

FIGs are popular course combinations that give you the smart advantage toward your career path! A FIG provides a connection to learning in three courses focused on a common career theme. 

Simply register for all three courses in a career theme of interest, and round out a full-time schedule by selecting General Education courses from the college catalog. 

FIGs provides opportunities for you to interact and study with the same group of students in the three classes, and have the benefit of three or more faculty members working together to guide successful learning.

Carroll offers seven FIGs each Fall Term:

• Deciding on Business
• Examining Health Careers
• Pathways to Success
• The Write Answer: Connecting Reading, Writing and MATH-099
• Problem Solved: An Integrated Approach to Reading, English and MATH-097
• Bridge to Achievement: Reading + English = Success
• Connections for Learning: Recognizing the Reading and Writing Connection

View First-Year Interest Group courses.

For additional information about any FIG contact an academic advisor in A102, or check out the credit schedule.

Academic Communities

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

First-Year Student (FYS) Blackboard Site

As a first year student, you are enrolled in the FYS Blackboard site, which provides weekly updates about upcoming campus events and forums to discuss questions or concerns about the college. This site is found on your "My Community" tab. It is packed with information to help ensure your success at Carroll. 

New Student Orientation

The New Student Orientation program is a very important part of the college experience. Orientation helps new students feel at ease with the college community and to introduces them to available resources. 

With the cooperation of faculty, staff and current student leaders, new students learn what the college expects and what they can expect from the college. It provides information on the college’s services and facilities, academic expectations and advising and student life on campus. 

New students are encouraged to attend, as well as parents and families. It's an informational and fun time for all. We offer plenty of give-always, and all orientation activities are free to new registered students.

Learn more about New Student Orientation, including dates and times of our next New Student Orientation.

A flyer, providing more details, is sent to new students. For additional information on preparing for success, visit the Virtual Orientation.

Welcome Celebrations

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

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

Let’s Do Lunch!

Grab a few friends and take a faculty member to lunch on campus, while the Office of Student Life picks-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.

Activities with Family and Friends

During your first year at Carroll, you will find there are several opportunities to bring family and friends to the campus. Activities include outdoor movies, Fall Fest, Crab Feast, the Fall Film Series and the Spring Entertainment Series. Flyers with more information are available in the Student Life Office.