First-Year Experience (FYE)

 

Collin College recognizes that the first year of college is a very important time for students. It's a time filled with excitement and new opportunities, but it can also bring about stress and uncertainty as students adjust to a new environment and increased academic demands.

 

As a result, Collin College has developed a First-Year Experience (FYE) program specifically designed to assist first-time-in-college (FTIC) students in making a smooth and successful transition into college life. 

 

A good starting point is to become familiar with some of the terms you may encounter along your college journey. To see a list of terms, click on the button below.

FYE Glossary of Terms

 

Key Dates and Deadlines

Another crucial step in making a successful transition to college is knowing when things are happening. Collin College offers a couple of different resources to stay on top of important dates through an academic and master calendar.

 

Academic Calendar

A concise one-page list of important academic deadlines, including census dates, withdraw deadlines, class start and end dates, final exam dates, and major holidays.

View the Academic Calendar

 

Master Calendar

A detailed month-by-month calendar showing dates and deadlines for class start and end dates, registration deadlines, payment deadlines, appeal deadlines, housing move-in dates, major holidays, commencement dates, and due dates for final grades.

View the Master Calendar

 

 

Orientation Information

Now that you’ve had a chance to see the relevant deadlines, you’ll need to apply so that you can register for classes. For a step-by-step guide on applying and registering, click the button below.

Review the Steps to Apply and Register

 

It is very important that all FTIC students complete orientation prior to attending classes. This is because it helps new students acclimate to their new environment, both academically and socially. It provides essential information about campus resources, academic expectations, and support services, helping students feel more confident and prepared for the challenges ahead. Orientation also offers opportunities to meet peers, faculty, and staff, fostering a sense of community and belonging that is crucial for a successful college experience. To see the Collin College orientation schedule, click the next button.

View the Orientation Schedule and Sign-Up

 

Prior to attending orientation, it is very important that you complete the following pre-orientation activities. That way you can begin registering for classes at the conclusion of orientation, ensuring that you get your most preferred schedule.

 

Pre-Orientation Activities

  1. Provide Transcripts

    Provide any transcripts that you may have by requesting that your high school send an official transcript to transcripts@collin.edu or the following address:

     

    Collin College

    Admissions & Records

    P.O. Box 8001

    McKinney, Texas 75069-8001

     

    Please note:  Whether a transcript was received at Collin College electronically or by regular mail, it may take up to 7 - 10 business days to process, as each transcript must be manually reviewed.  Transcript processing during peak season may be longer.

  2. Provide Proof of Vaccinations

    Provide proof of meningitis vaccination by submitting vaccine records through our Med+Proctor portal (proof of vaccination must be submitted through the portal and will not be accepted in our admissions offices.) This can take several days to process, so please submit this as early as you can.  Click on the following button to begin submitting vaccination records.

    Submit Vaccination Records
  3. Complete Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Placement Testing

    Complete TSI testing to see if you are ready for entry-level college coursework in the areas of English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and mathematics. This step must be completed before registering for courses. If you think you may be exempt from the TSI test, please click the first button below to review a list of acceptable exemptions and waivers you can submit in lieu of taking the test. Click the second button to sign up to take the TSI placement test.

    View TSI Exemptions and Waivers
    Sign Up to Take the TSI Placement Test
  4. Complete Campus Safety Training

    Complete Campus Safety Training through your CougarWeb account. This will be located on the student tab in the Safety and Wellness Channel. (You must first be admitted to Collin College before you can gain access to this training.) 

    Complete Campus Safety Training

Provide any transcripts that you may have by requesting that your high school send an official transcript to transcripts@collin.edu or the following address:

 

Collin College

Admissions & Records

P.O. Box 8001

McKinney, Texas 75069-8001

 

Please note:  Whether a transcript was received at Collin College electronically or by regular mail, it may take up to 7 - 10 business days to process, as each transcript must be manually reviewed.  Transcript processing during peak season may be longer.

Provide proof of meningitis vaccination by submitting vaccine records through our Med+Proctor portal (proof of vaccination must be submitted through the portal and will not be accepted in our admissions offices.) This can take several days to process, so please submit this as early as you can.  Click on the following button to begin submitting vaccination records.

Submit Vaccination Records

Complete TSI testing to see if you are ready for entry-level college coursework in the areas of English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and mathematics. This step must be completed before registering for courses. If you think you may be exempt from the TSI test, please click the first button below to review a list of acceptable exemptions and waivers you can submit in lieu of taking the test. Click the second button to sign up to take the TSI placement test.

View TSI Exemptions and Waivers

Sign Up to Take the TSI Placement Test

Complete Campus Safety Training through your CougarWeb account. This will be located on the student tab in the Safety and Wellness Channel. (You must first be admitted to Collin College before you can gain access to this training.) 

Complete Campus Safety Training

Important Resources

Campus resources are vital for FTIC students as they help ease the transition into higher education. Resources such as academic advising, tutoring centers, and libraries provide essential academic support, helping students adjust to the rigors of college coursework. Counseling services, career centers, and student organizations foster personal development, mental health, and a sense of community, all of which are critical for student success. Access to these resources helps FTIC students navigate challenges more effectively, improving their chances of academic achievement and long-term success in college.

 

Resources


OneLogin

Collin College uses a single sign-on system called OneLogin. You will need to install this to your device before gaining access to Collin applications like Workday Student, Canvas, and Office 365. For instructions on how to install this, click the OneLogin button below.

View the OneLogin Instructions

 

Collin College Email

Collin College uses Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Outlook for email. This means that to access your Collin-issued email, you’ll need to log into Office 365. After you install and activate the OneLogin app, you’ll want to log into Office 365 through your CougarWeb account. For instructions, please click the Collin Email Instructions button below. For troubleshooting, please contact Student Technical Support at (972)377-1777.

Collin College email instructions

Academic Advisors

One of the most important resources students have at their disposal is academic advisors. They are crucial for student success because they help students choose the right courses, understand degree requirements, and develop academic plans aligned with their career goals. Advisors also offer support in overcoming academic challenges and making informed decisions about their education. By providing personalized advice and connecting students with campus resources, academic advisors play a key role in ensuring students stay on track for graduation. To connect with an academic advisor, click the button below.

Connect With Academic advising

 

Degree Plan and Catalog Information

Understanding your degree plan is key for your success. Fortunately, Collin College has all degree plans easily accessible through the Collin College Catalog, which you can access by clicking the button below.

 

If you are wanting to transfer to a university to complete a 4-year degree not offered at Collin, you’ll want to click the link in the left-hand side catalog menu that says, “Academic Transfer Programs.” Once there, you’ll click on the program that best applies to you for a recommended course sequence. 

 

If you are not wanting to transfer to a university after Collin, then in the catalog you’ll want to click the link in the left-hand side catalog menu that says, “Academic Workforce Programs.” Once there, you’ll click on the program that best applies to you for a recommended course sequence. 

 

The catalog also has important information like course descriptions, registration procedures, financial policies and procedures, financial aid resources, academic policies and procedures, and much more. 

View the Collin College Catalog

 

Tutoring: Anthony Peterson Center for Academic Assistance

Tutoring is important in college because it provides personalized academic support, helping students to master difficult subjects, improve their study skills, and achieve their academic goals. For free tutoring assistance, click on the following button.

Learn More About the Anthony Peterson Center for Academic Assistance

 

Libraries

Libraries are important for student success because they offer access to essential academic resources, quiet study spaces, and expert research assistance. Collin’s libraries offer Makerspaces (collaborative learning environments where students gather to make works, share materials, and learn new skills), study rooms (most campuses), and extensive collections of materials to support student success. For more information on Collin College libraries, click the following button.

Learn More About the Collin College Libraries

Financial Aid

Financial aid is crucial for FTIC students because it makes higher education accessible by reducing financial barriers, enabling students to focus on their studies rather than financial stress. For information about financial aid at Collin College, please click the next button.

See Financial Aid Options

 

Scholarships

Scholarships provide numerous benefits for FTIC students, primarily by reducing the financial burden of tuition, fees, and other expenses, which allows students to focus more on their studies. With less financial stress, students are more likely to succeed academically, as they can dedicate more time to coursework instead of juggling part-time jobs. Beyond financial relief, scholarships can open doors to networking, mentorship, and internships, which enhance the overall college experience and future career opportunities. For more information about Collin College scholarships, click the next button.

Learn More About Scholarships

Counseling Services

Counseling services at Collin College provide students with vital mental health support, helping them navigate personal challenges, stress, and emotional issues that may arise during their academic journey. These services offer a safe and confidential space for students to discuss their concerns, whether related to academics, relationships, or other aspects of life. 

 

At Collin College, all issues are taken seriously, and no problem is "too small" to discuss. Counseling Services is designed to meet the needs of Collin College students with compassion, honesty and confidentiality. Once you begin classes at Collin College, you are eligible for counseling services. To meet with a counselor, please click the next button and follow the instructions on the website.

Sign Up to Meet With a Counselor

 

Health Services

Collin College offers 24/7 medical telehealth services through TimelyCare. This service allows physicians and counselors to treat and discuss a wide range of conditions at no cost to students. For more information about the service, view the information sheet via the button below, or simply go to timelycare.com/collincollege and follow the prompts. (Mobile users will be directed to download the TimelyCare app.)

View the TimelyCare Information Sheet

 

Fitness Programs

Collin College has intramural sports and fitness centers at the Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and Wylie campuses. These centers offer students a range of benefits, including improved physical health through access to exercise equipment, stress relief through physical activity, and opportunities for social interaction and community building. They also support overall well-being by encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and providing a productive outlet for managing academic and personal stress. For more information about Collin’s intramural sports and fitness centers, please click the button below.

Learn More About Intramurals and Fitness Centers

Student Organizations

Student Organizations are a great way for students at Collin College to develop social, educational, and leadership skills.  Involvement in recognized student organizations allows students the opportunity to network, represent the college, and become engaged in service activities both on-campus and in the community. For more information on how to join or create a student organization, click the next button.

Learn More About Student Organizations

 

Campus Events

Like student organizations, attending campus events enhances social connections, fosters a sense of community, and provides opportunities for personal growth, networking, and engagement in campus life. To learn more about campus events, you’ll want to visit Cougar Connect, the main virtual hub for everything going on around the district. There you can search for specific events, or click on the calendar icon to see what events are coming up (virtual events are also posted to Cougar Connect, so check for those as well.)

Log In to Cougar Connect

 

Student Housing

Student housing in fully furnished units is available at the Plano Campus. However, to be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time for the current semester and meet specific GPA requirements. This means that before applying for housing, students must complete the steps listed above and register for classes. To view housing requirements and the application process, click the next button.

Learn More About Student Housing

 

Academic Planning Coach Program (APCP)

The Academic Planning Coach Program (APCP) at Collin College provides guidance and support to our traditionally underserved FTIC students by connecting them to crucial campus resources to help them achieve their academic and career goals. For more information about this program, click the next button.

Learn About the Academic Planning Coach Program (APCP)

 

Learning Frameworks Course

The Learning Frameworks Course is a college credit course that examines learning based on research and the theory of learning psychology. FTIC students are encouraged to take this course to enrich their understanding of how to learn, enhance study skills, and explore strengths and weaknesses as learners. Students can develop effective personal learning strategies to increase success in other college courses. The Learning Frameworks course is offered as a three-credit version (EDUC 1300) or a one-credit version (EDUC 1100). For more information about this course, or for questions about how to enroll, please visit academic advising.

 

Community Engagement

Community engagement describes the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources. At Collin College, students can engage in service learning, which is the service-based experiential application of course knowledge in real-world situations in which the service benefits the community. To learn more about this opportunity, click the next button.

Learn About Service Learning and Community Engagement