Tri-C is committed to helping students complete degrees, certificates and transfer programs. The College demonstrates this commitment through the mandatory First Year Experience, designed to provide the support, information, tools and connections necessary for success. The First Year Experience includes three key components:
- New Student Orientation connects students to a counselor who helps them select the right courses, learn important steps for success, and identify a major or program. New Student Orientation is offered through the Counseling Center at each campus.
- First Year Success Seminar is a course offered during a new student's first semester. Course goals include understanding key College processes and services; practicing academic success strategies, such as time management and study skills; deepening connections to program faculty and staff; and creating an academic plan that leads directly to degree or credential completion.
GEN-1070 (First Year Success Seminar) is a degree requirement for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. This will be reflected in the DegreeWorks system. Students should take GEN-1070 in their first semester. Additional exceptions may be recommended by a counselor on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined that an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science student who is not covered by an automatic waiver needs to be exempted from GEN-1070, a course waiver form should be completed.
GEN-1022 (Strategies for Success) and GEN-1040 (Career Exploration) may be substituted for GEN-1070. This substitution may be made at the discretion of a counselor, based on a student's needs.
For students in Associate of Arts or Associate of Science programs and select certificate programs, GEN-1070 is an institutional requirement with a few exceptions, such as students who have successful College Credit Plus experience or students who are currently taking ESL courses.