MCC’s Summer Interdisciplinary Studies Classes Set Students Up for Success

Ahead of the Fall 2026 semester, Middlesex Community College will offer Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) sessions designed to set up new students for success from day one of their time at the college. Part of Orientation Plus, First Year Experience (FYE) sessions introduce students to valuable skills and resources to help them do well in college while IDS Career Exploration sessions prepare students for their career.

“The FYE course is designed to help students feel confident and comfortable as they begin their journey at MCC,” said Pavithra Giridharan, MCC’s Professor of Psychology. “Taking the class during the summer – before the semester begins – helps familiarize students with many aspects of the college. For example, I include a campus scavenger hunt that encourages students to explore the campus and locate key buildings. This helps them feel more oriented and confident when the semester officially starts.”

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Students will learn practical skills, positive behaviors, and helpful habits that support their success at Middlesex, according to Giridharan. Sessions also provide an opportunity to connect students to services such as MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) for tutoring, academic advising, the Office of Student Engagement, and Student Access and Support Services (SASS).

During FYE sessions, students are also introduced to software and tools they will use at MCC. This includes Blackboard, Navigate and Degree Works to help them understand their options and plan ahead. Students also meet classmates who are new to MCC, as well as Orientation Leaders (OL) who are more familiar with MCC and can help them adjust to college life.

“The FYE class actually changed my life,” said Chom Chan, an MCC psychology student, of Lowell. “It shows you that you’re not meant to do this all by yourself. You’re meant to reach out, tap into the community, and ask questions. The OLs in the class made me feel so seen and safe and showed me all the resources we have in school. This class is also where I made my first friends.”

Students earn one credit toward their degree for participating in an FYE session. In IDS Career Exploration classes, students can earn credit while figuring out their specific degree path. Students will meet with industry experts, tour companies, and learn how their degree can help them land the role that they want in the future, according to Deborah Botker, MCC’s Department Chair of Social Sciences and Coordinator of the FYE.

“IDS courses fit well into the summer schedule,” Botker said. “It allows students to complete part of their degree program in a short amount of time while also helping students assess the careers that most interest them. If needed, they can change their major before the start of the semester. They will have access to different software tools that help students determine what would be a good career fit given their interests.”

MCC Business Professor and Fashion Merchandising Program Coordinator Ashli Ree will teach the Business Career Exploration class this summer. Exploring their work interests and life goals, Ree will lead students through researching different job possibilities and creating a career map. There is also an opportunity to attend an off-campus activity and connect with others at the college.

“In IDS courses, students often meet students and faculty in other programs,” Ree said. “This helps students see the MCC community that goes beyond their own programs. The content generally allows students to explore more about their role as a student and their goals.”

To register for an FYE IDS session, students must first complete the mandatory online orientation. Orientation helps new students get used to the college, campuses, community and resources available to them at Middlesex. The orientation can be completed at the student’s own pace from a phone, tablet or computer.

MCC’s orientation features advice from current and former students, as well as important messages from administrators. Students learn about academic expectations, how to get involved, navigating the campuses, and feeling confident about finding student support services.

MCC’s Fall 2026 semester begins Tuesday, September 8. Register for a summer 2026 IDS session or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.