MCC’s Advising Team Lists Keys to Success Ahead of Fall Semester

One of the top things Middlesex Community College’s Office of Advising wants students to know ahead of the Fall 2022 semester is to register early for classes. Doing so makes sure that students have time to access the resources available at the college to make the start of the semester as smooth as possible.

“The best thing a student can do to prepare for a new semester is continue adjusting their academic plan,” said Bryan Wint, MCC’s Assistant Dean of Pathway & Academic Advising. “Our diverse Advising team is here to help guide students through that process. A few small changes could lead to earlier degree completion. We can help you set achievable short- and long-term goals, stay organized, manage all of your coursework, and connect with available resources that will lead you to success.”

MCC’s team of Academic Counselors – Yohanka Tejada, Helen Vargas and Josselyn Porter – came together to list a number of other ways students can get off to a strong start.

Calling academic advising the “hub to success at MCC,” Tejada believes students should get to know their advisor as soon as possible. This is because advisors are one of the best resources to planning out the semester, as well as a student’s time at MCC.

For Vargas, finding strategies to stay mentally healthy before the semester starts helps students avoid feeling stressed or overwhelmed later on. Being mindful and focusing on wellness will also aid academic, professional and personal success overall.

Porter suggests students get access to their books and other course materials before day one. Whether through the bookstore, Libraries or online, getting materials early on provides a sense of what the semester will bring. She also recommends becoming familiar with the online tools MCC uses in classes and to keep students informed, including MyMCC, Navigate and Blackboard.

Another important tip Porter emphasizes is getting and staying organized. Buying a day planner or using the calendar on MCC’s email system are both helpful in terms of staying on top of what needs to be done throughout the semester.

“College is hard, but we have the tools to keep you on track,” Porter said. “The earlier you register for courses, the more successful you will be as a student. Stay connected to the college, your advisor and your professors!”