New Student Transition Programs

New Student Transition Programs are designed to serve as a bridge in the transition to college and to EMCC.  Our programs exist because there are specific skills, knowledge, and abilities that everyone needs to learn in order to be a successful college student and to graduate.  Our programs are designed to help you learn how to connect, use your resources, ask for help, and navigate the sometimes confusing waters of college.


New Student Orientation (NSO):

All admitted students are placed into a required, short online New Student Orientation (NSO) course in Brightspace.  Upon completion of the NSO, you are registered for your first term of classes by an academic advisor.  NSO will cover the basics of being a student at EMCC such as how to pay for college, how financial aid works, how to access resources on campus, how to get a class schedule, how to buy required tools/materials for your program, and how and where to buy books!

Contact Lauren Quinn for more information

lquinn@emcc.edu | 207-974-4789


EMCC Connect:

These are half-day or one-day programs over the summer and in January, designed to welcome admitted students to campus.  We introduce people and resources to help students succeed, offer campus tours, and provide open time to “take care of business,” such as ordering textbooks, meeting with your academic advisor, and setting up accessibility services/accommodations.  Several options are offered, targeted for students in particular majors; if you cannot attend the date for your program, please attend the other date.

EMCC Connect is not a required event, but we highly recommend attendance to assist you in finalizing details before your classes begin.


First-Year Experience (FYE) courses:

The FYE course is a one-credit, 10-week course that is required for Career Studies students and strongly encouraged for Liberal Studies students, however, it is open to all!  We focus on topics such as learning to navigate EMCC, goal setting, career planning, self-motivation & management, relationship building, and belief in oneself.  

Contact Liz True for more information

etrue@emcc.edu | 207-974-4664


TRIO Summer Success Academy:  

The Summer Success Academy is a FREE, in-person daytime academy for TRIO-eligible students who are new to EMCC and have been placed in developmental math and/or writing classes for the fall. Check out our TRIO site to see if you are eligible and for information on how to apply!

Contact Mike Schwabenbauer for more information

mschwabenbauer@emcc.edu | 207-974-4642