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First-Year Experience

First Year Logo
Welcome to Atlantic Cape Community College and the beginning of your next exciting academic journey. We understand that, for some, starting your college experience can be challenging and overwhelming. At Atlantic Cape, we are here to help you make a smooth transition to college life by connecting you with the resources necessary to ensure your success.

Welcome from First-Year Experience Assistant Director Jerome Ingram

Jerome Ingram

Hello First-Year students!

As the Assistant Director of the First-Year Experience (FYE) Department I want to welcome you to Atlantic Cape Community College. The FYE team and I are here to support you every step of the away along your journey towards earning your associate degree.

Please feel free to reach out to the FYE team, or myself, at anytime at firstyear@atlanticcape.edu or jingram@atlanticcape.edu.

First-Year Experience Day

First Year Experience Day
Join us for the inaugural "First-Year Experience Day" on Monday, October 7, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in room 113 at the Cape May County campus. Learn about free campus resources available to all first-time, full-time students, get information on our Peer Mentor program, learn about eligibility requirements and benefits of the Educational Opportunity Fund program, and learn how to use the First-Year Experience online (Blackboard) student community. This event is open to full-time students only.

Start Your First Year With These Simple Steps!

Students at a table studying together.

SUPPORT SERVICES

 Our dedicated staff is here to support you along your academic journey by offering free mental health services, tutoring, degree planning, career advising and more. Visit student resources for more information.

Students gathered around the flag pole.

GET INVOLVED

Explore the many ways you can participate in student clubs and organizations, activities, athletics and leadership programs on campus. Getting involved is a great way to meet friends, develop leadership skills and make the most of your college experience. Visit Atlantic Cape's clubs for more information.

Student at a computer looking up information.

STAY INFORMED

Keep up to date with the latest news and information by regularly checking your Buccaneer email account. Visit Atlantic Cape Campus Groups for upcoming on-campus student events. Email us for more information.

Student getting information from an advisor.

REACH OUT

As you continue along your path towards graduation, remember that a dedicated support team is here to assist you. Please contact faculty, staff or a Student Support Services member with any questions or concerns you may have. Visit academic advising for more information.

Valuable First-Year Tips to Ensure Your Success

Student with advisor

Meet with Your Advisor

  • Connect with your advisor
  • Make sure you are on the right track
  • Ask questions about your career track, intern opportunities and more
  • Declare your academic major and register for classes
  • Review available free student resources
  • Talk to your professor and/or faculty advisor for career advice
  • Ask for an assessment of our academic performance

Atlantic Cape student in the quad studying

Manage Your Time

  • Set your schedule
  • Set aside time for your homework, studying, classes
  • Arrive on campus early in case of unexpected delays
  • "Backwards Planning"
  • Review/print your syllabi and use a calendar
  • Stay on track with all available tools
  • Find and stick with a proven daily/weekly routine
 

Set Goals for Yourself

SMART goals graphic

  • Specific: Increase the chances that you can accomplish your goals by making sure they’re well-defined. Determine the who, what, where, when, and why.

  • Measurable: Develop criteria for measuring progress toward your goals. Detail the key indicators that help you decide if and when you reach your goals by quantifying them.

  • Achievable: Create attainable and achievable goals by ensuring that you and your team have the skills and resources to reach the goal.

  • Relevant: Align your goals with the overall objectives of the college and the realities of the market.

  • Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline for reaching your goal to provide a sense of urgency and the opportunity to schedule the steps you plan to take to achieve the goal.

Upcoming Events

 

Questions? Need Help?

For more information, please email the First-Year Experience team at anytime at firstyear@atlanticcape.edu or Assistant Director Jerome Ingram at jingram@atlanticcape.edu.