tips & reminders incoming freshmen 23

As a new school term approaches and newly classified first-year students come to the CCC campus, students will soak in their new home away from home. The triple CCC has provided a few tips and reminders for the incoming freshmen as they embark on their new journey. 

According to American College Testing (ACT), one out of every four college students will leave college before finishing their sophomore year. With statistics like these, it's easy to see why the first year of community college is critical to success. This is a chance to build an academic foundation and a real-world one that will carry through college, career, and the rest of your life.

Nicole Moore, Assistant Director of Student Engagement, welcomes the newly tiger scholars and shares advice

“Firstly, Welcome to college!!! Now is a time to shake off what you did in high school and walk into a new chapter of self-efficiency,” said Moore. “Although you never know what to expect entering college for the first time, it is better to be over-prepared than ill-prepared.”

She also advises students to develop a plan for themselves at CCC.

“Start with the goals you want to accomplish by the end of your time here. Then work backwards to develop the action steps you will take to meet your determined goals such as maintaining academic satisfaction, meeting assignment deadlines, etc.,” said Moore. “Then identify the obstacles you may have to overcome such as attending social events, personal matters, procrastination, etc. to continue along the path of accomplishing your goals.”

Moore suggest that it will be helpful for students to identify their support in the Tiger Nation and find out the who and where to go to when they are in need of support. Support is vital to student success as they complete their first year of college.

As incoming freshmen these times to prepare for a new experience can be exciting, exhausting, overwhelming, and underwhelming. Moore and CCC staff have provided helpful reminders and eleven tips to ensure your freshmen year will be filled with greatness.

Tips:

  • Be aware and get involved!
    • Your time here is limited but the impact of your experiences is infinite. Come to events, join a club, utilize our tutoring and career services,
  • Book sessions with our counselor when you just need to talk, form relationships with your academic advisors, reach out to your instructors when you have questions, actively check your student email for campus communication, and learn how to manage your time.
  • Go to all the orientations you can for the school and your academic department.
  • Set your goals and have a vision of what you want to accomplish during your time as a student here at CCC.
    • Make a list of things you like to do
    • Make a list of things you are good at
    • Write down a list of things you expect to get from the CCC experience
    • Set solutions to your challenges.
  • Meet with your academic advisors and professors every semester.
    • Form Relationships with your academic advisors and reach out to your instructors when you have questions.
  • Actively check your student email for campus communication.
  • Go to Class
  • Read your syllabus and become an expert on course requirements and due dates.
  • Get involved in campus organizations and clubs.
  • Set a Smart, Active, and Balanced Schedule.
    • Learn how to manage your time.
  • Don’t procrastinate, prioritize.
  • Learn the campus as you spend your time here, the different classrooms/building locations, credit requirements, financial aid, special learning opportunities, and more.
  • Book Sessions with our counselors when you need to talk.
  • Take advantages of all opportunities and make connections
  • Make time for you.

"As a student, you can expect support and a family-friendly environment. As a freshman, you can also expect to experience feelings of being overwhelmed but that is what we are here for,” said Moore. “Visit the Offices of Student Engagement so we can inform you about the services we provide that aids your success, assist you in exploring the opportunities you have to get involved, and guide you on how to fully take advantage of being a part of Tiger Nation.”

Moore says, “in addition to ensuring the required enrollment and financial aid paperwork are submitted in a timely manner, you need to bring a positive, productive, and proactive mindset.”

She continued, “being a college student is very different from the high school student experience. You are in charge of your experience here. Bring all of you to the table and let yourself grow in excellence while at Coahoma. Please know that you are held to the standards outlined in our Student Code of Conduct.” 

Students, your college journey has only just begun. You’ve done all the prep work to get where you are today. Remember to always enjoy all your hard work while laying the groundwork for a successful college career. Take advantage of your network of new friends and professors, have fun while learning as much as you can, and get the most out of your college experience. We are so excited that you have chosen to become a part of #Tigernation.

Reminders:

  • Make sure you are registered and accepted into Coahoma Community College, please contact office of Admissions for more questions.
  • If you are awarded scholarships, please make sure your scholarships are in place for the upcoming school term.
  • Please make sure your 2023-2024 FASFA is filled out and completed.