First Year Experience Courses at Chandler-Gilbert
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's (CGCC) First Year Experience (FYE) courses are specially designed classes that help students transition smoothly from high school to college. Through engaging activities, campus events, and student reflections, FYE courses build a foundation for success and community by connecting you with campus resources and assisting you in exploring your academic and career goals.
*All new CGCC students enroll in FYE 101 or FYE 103 during their first year.
A Sense of Agency
At CGCC, we believe in your ability to shape your future. FYE courses emphasize developing your sense of agency, understanding that your choices and actions influence your success. Students often share that this class helped them realize they have control over their college journey. When you believe in your efficacy, you approach challenges with optimism and creativity, opening doors to growth.
Overall, the modules don't just prepare you academically, they also give you tools for your personal life and your career. I hope you dive in with an open mind. You'll come out of this class more confident and ready for what's next.
Connection to Campus
Feeling connected is key to thriving in college. FYE courses highlight opportunities for you to connect with campus peers, events, clubs, and resources that help you become an active member of the CGCC community. For example, FYE students often complete a Service-Learning project in the Environmental Technology Center (ETC). Other opportunities like the FOI Career Connections events help students connect with student services like CGCC’s Career Services department.
I appreciated the encouraging and student-centered tone of the course. It created a welcoming environment for students like me who may be returning to school after time away or who are unfamiliar with the current college structure. The content was relevant, the assignments were useful, and the course helped rebuild my confidence in my ability to succeed.
Career Exploration
Thinking about your future career? FYE courses introduce you to various career and educational pathways, resources, and opportunities on campus. Early career exploration helps you make informed decisions and sets you up for success beyond college and into your career.
The career section will help you match your skills and education with your chosen field, and the financial module will help you figure out how to get an education without going into insane amounts of debt.
What Other Students Are Saying
Throughout this class, you will gain essential knowledge about personal growth, resource utilization, career development, and financial planning. Each module builds upon the previous one, creating a strong foundation for lifelong success.
I wanted to say how I have enjoyed this class. Honestly it is not super applicable to me, but I have been trying to look at it through the lens of a first year college student. It is so nice that every assignment is so intentional and forces the students to actually do things to take charge and prepare them for their future.
As a non-traditional returning student, I found this course to be incredibly helpful and encouraging. It offered a level of guidance and clarity that I had been missing since returning to college, and it played a crucial role in helping me better understand what is expected of a college student in today’s academic environment.
This course provides valuable tools for success in every area of life. Approach each module with dedication, complete all reflections thoughtfully, and take advantage of every opportunity to grow. If you stay engaged and open-minded, you will finish this class with greater clarity, confidence, and direction for your future.