First Year Experience

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Building a Strong Foundation for Success

The first year of college sets the stage for students' entire academic journey. It’s a time to develop the skills, habits, and connections that support long-term success, both in the classroom and beyond. Research shows that students who feel connected, supported, and engaged during their first year are more likely to persist, earn their degree, and achieve their goals. At QCC, we recognize that a strong start matters, which is why our First Year Experience provides guidance, resources, and community to help every student thrive from day one.

student holding a blue tote bag with Queensborough Community College logo

The First Year Experience (FYE) at QCC

The First Year Experience (FYE) at Queensborough is designed to give new students a strong start academically, socially, and personally. FYE is more than just a course or orientation; it’s an intentional, coordinated campus-wide effort, bringing together multiple offices to ensure every first-year student has the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to succeed.

How We Support First-Year Students:

  • Office of Student Engagement: Leads orientation and onboarding programs to help students connect to campus life before classes even begin and through the first week of the term.

  • Office of Student Success: Provides the First Year Seminar and peer mentoring, offering guidance, skill-building, and academic support.

  • Counseling Center: Provides ST-100 for all first-semester students, focusing on stress management, resilience, and student well-being.

  • Academic Affairs: Coordinates Supplemental Instruction programs to strengthen learning in key gateway courses.

  • Academic Departments: Embed first-year modules into gateway courses to introduce and reinforce essential skills and concepts within academic coursework.

  • Student Affairs: Organizes first-semester activities that foster community, engagement, and belonging.

  • Academic Advising Units: Ensure students are supported in selecting the right courses and staying on track toward their goals. All students meet with an advisor before registering for their first and second semester.

By working together, these offices create a comprehensive, connected experience that helps students succeed and feel a sense of belonging on campus.

The First Year Seminar

FYS 100 (First Year Success Seminar)

Topics Include:

  • College responsibilities, expectations, and rights

  • Academic integrity and ethical practices

  • AI exploration and digital literacy

  • Time management and study skills

  • Career exploration and academic planning

  • College finances and budgeting

Program Features:

  • Major-Specific Sections: Tailored to students’ fields of study

  • Linked Course: Paired with ST-100 Health & Wellness, offered by the Counseling Office

  • Peer Mentor Support: Each section is guided by a dedicated Peer Mentor

Peer Mentors

Training Received:

  • NASPA Certification

  • Perspectives Training through the Constructive Dialogue Institute

  • Biweekly Student Success Training

1st Semester Responsibilities:

  • Support assigned FYS classes the first eight weeks

  • Host weekly check-ins and conduct outreach from the Office of Student Success 

  • Lead workshops on organization and study skills, and promote advisement and registration

2nd Semester Responsibilities:

  • Welcome previous FYS cohort and continue weekly check-ins and outreach

  • Promote Co-Curricular Academy events

  • Support Academic Advisement & Registration

First Year Instructional Modules in Academic Courses

Faculty representing key first semester courses engaged in curricular redesign and incorporated alternative instructional strategies in courses to improve student outcomes.

Redesigned courses now include instructional modules addressing at least two of the following areas: career exploration, disciplinary reading and text comprehension, time management, effective study strategies, and transfer pathways. Instructional strategies adopt active learning models that better engage students with course material.

Together, these efforts are designed to improve persistence and retention rates for first-year students. 

Examples of redesigned courses and embedded instructional modules include:

Biology 301
Explicit instruction in study skills, along with collaborative group presentations in which students design and deliver teaching demonstrations.

Criminal Justice 101
A multi-component campus resource scavenger hunt designed to familiarize students with support services.

English 99/101 ALP
A two-week campus exploration unit introducing students to college support services, integrated instruction in note-taking and research, and both informal and formal writing assignments.

Math 119
Pre-test and post-test goal-setting reflections focused on goal attainment and action planning.

Speech 211
Instruction in research skills and an assignment centered on researching a specific career field using QCC Library resources, combined with development of presentation skills.

Supplemental Instruction

Peer Leaders Support Success

Peer Leaders were introduced in key courses to provide additional support and guidance. 

Peer Leaders: 

  • Attend all class sessions with students

  • Hold meetings outside of class for personalized support

  • Learning from peers helps students:

    • Feel more comfortable asking questions

    • Engage actively in discussions

    • Build skills needed to succeed academically

Courses with Peer Leaders:

  • BI 201 – General Biology I

  • BI 301 – Anatomy & Physiology

  • CH 151 – General Chemistry I

  • MA 114 – Algebra for Technology Students

  • MA 119 – College Algebra

  • MA 440 – Pre-Calculus

  • PH 201 – General Physics I

  • PSYC 101 – Introduction to Psychology

Impact on Students 

Data shows that students who attend more than 50% of sessions with Peer Leaders:

  • Achieve higher GPAs

  • Are more likely to succeed and progress to the next course

Students also report improvements in:

  • Overall grades

  • Participation in class

  • Ability to complete homework

Why QCC’s First Year Experience Works

The First Year Seminar (FYS 100), Instructional Modules, and Supplemental Instruction are three central components of the First Year Experience, but they are only part of the larger effort. The First Year Experience is a collaborative, campus-wide commitment, with offices and departments across the College working in partnership to help students build a strong foundation from their very first semester at QCC.

Behind every class, workshop, and support service are dedicated faculty and staff who are deeply committed to helping students. This work is powered by people who care about student success.

The First Year Experience works because it is both student-centered and results-driven:

  • Peer Mentors and staff receive ongoing training and support

  • Departments collaborate to provide coordinated, seamless services

  • Programs are intentionally designed to meet student needs and grow strategically

  • Regular assessment demonstrates higher GPAs, stronger engagement, and improved course progression

  • Continuous feedback ensures programs evolve alongside student needs

Through this coordinated, people-centered approach, first-year students are supported, connected, and positioned for long-term academic success.

FYS Instructors and Peer Mentors

Campus Cultural Centers

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Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

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QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

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QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.