Frequently Asked Questions

Program requirements are designed to help you build the skills needed for academic success. Requirements may include:

• Attending and completing program agreement and orientation
• A meeting with your First-Year Student Success Coordinator
• Developing a personalized success plan
• Engaging in and completing an academic support activity.

Your coordinator will review all requirements with you during your first meeting.

Academic Advisor

• Assists with course registration and degree planning.
• Helps you understand degree requirements and stay on track toward graduation.

First-Year Student Success Coordinator

• Serves as your Academic Success Coach during your first year.
• Helps you develop study strategies, time management, goal setting, and academic success skills.
• Connects you with campus resources and supports your transition to college.

Together, your advisor and coordinator work as a team to help you succeed.

All first-time-in-college (FTIC) students enrolled full-time at TAMU-CC are required to complete USSE 1201 (University Seminar) as part of their degree requirements.

Transfer students who enroll full-time after completing fewer than 24 college credit hours earned after high school graduation are also required to take USSE 1201. Students transferring with 24 or more semester credit hours after high school graduation are exempt from the requirement.

USSE 1201 sections are organized by meta-major, which groups students with similar academic and career interests.

Taking Seminar with students who have similar goals allows you to:

• Build connections with classmates in related majors.
• Explore careers within your field.
• Participate in discussions and activities tailored to your academic interests.
• Connect with faculty, peer mentors, and campus resources specific to your college.

The First-Year Symposium is the culminating experience of USSE 1201.

Working in teams, students research a topic related to their major or a real-world issue, create a professional academic tri-fold poster, and present their work during the university-wide symposium. This experience helps students develop research, communication, teamwork, and presentation skills while showcasing what they have learned throughout the semester.

Assignments vary by instructor but may include:

• Career exploration activities
• Academic success reflections
• Information literacy and research activities
• Campus engagement experiences
• Group projects
• The First-Year Symposium
• Professional development activities

Transfer students who enroll at TAMU-CC with less than 24 semester credit hours earned after high school graduation are required to complete USSE 1201.

Transfer students with 24 or more semester credit hours are exempt from the University Seminar requirement.