students under white tent at outside campus event

First-Year Experience (FYE) Program

Your College Success Starts Here

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. Atlantic Cape has a dedicated First-Year Experience (FYE) Program to help you have a smooth transition to college life by connecting you with the resources necessary to ensure your success. The FYE team is here to support your every step of the way along your journey towards earning your associate degree.

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

Upcoming NSO Events

Students attending a new student orientation at Cape May campus.

RSVP using the links below. All Orientations are held from 9 a.m-1 p.m.

Having trouble logging in? If you are unable to access the sign-in page through CampusGroups, click this link to log directly into the Atlantic Cape Connect Student Portal first.

FYE Resources in Blackboard

Woman studying for class with a laptop Check out the First-Year Experience course in Blackboard Learn. This is not a traditional academic course with assignments and exams, but a central hub of information for all FYE students.

Here you can connect with a community of fellow classmates and your FYE team advisors, find free resources and important valuable information that can help you successfully navigate your first 30 credits at Atlantic Cape. To access the FYE course in Blackboard Learn, select "First-Year Experience 2025/2026" from your available courses.

Need help accessing Blackboard Learn? Visit our Online Learning page for login instructions, technical support, and helpful student resources to get started.

Steps for Your First Year

Free Peer Mentor Program

This free program will match you with a second-year student who can help you with navigating your way through your semesters, keeping up with your classes and assignments, finding you free tutoring assistance, helping you get involved on campus and more. Our mentors have been where you are, and are ready to help and support you every step of the way.

Valuable First Year Tips to Ensure Your Success

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

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

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.

Have Questions?

We're here to help.

Email Us