MCC 101 prepares first-year students for college

McHenry County College is committed to assisting new students with their transition into college.

The College Experience course, MCC 101, a required interactive seminar course, prepares first-year, full-time students for the experiences and challenges they face as a college student.

This eight-week long course allows each student to bring forth skills he or she already has and successfully apply them as they move through college and beyond. For example, students examine their values, gain an appreciation for diversity, and develop life skills in a collegiate setting. They also familiarize themselves with the many campus resources and services designed to help students succeed.

According to Debi Keyzer, College Experience department chair and instructor, first-year experience courses are an international initiative and most colleges and universities offer some form of the course. What makes MCC's course unique is how it evolves with the needs of the current student.

"MCC has a cutting-edge seminar format, which supports student success," Keyzer said. "We understand that the one-size-fits-all concept doesn't work for all students, so we offer many different formats of MCC 101," Keyzer said, adding that students can choose the format and frequency of class that best suits their learning preferences and their schedule.

The MCC 101 course is offered in an honors format, blended (half online and half in class), eight-week face-to-face, four-week face-to-face (meets twice per week), four-week online, a "twofer" with English, athlete's section, and sections that run one full week prior to the start of classes in the fall.

"MCC adds more options and information each year based upon changing needs of students, the college, and the world around us." Keyzer said.

Sam Moscinski, of Lakewood, completed the course last fall.

"This class, to me personally, has connected with me the most," Moscinski said. "MCC 101 just has so much to offer students, including seminars, career planning - everything one would essentially need to get a foot through the door. MCC 101 has really pushed my expectation to what an introduction college course could be like, and surprisingly, was challenging at times. I really do believe that this class is an opportunity that everyone should experience because it really helped me focus on what needs to be done in order to get my degree."

Vanessa Jackson of Cary completed the course last fall. She agreed that the course broadened her perspective of college.

"MCC helped ignite my interest of getting involved around campus," Jackson said. "It informed me about different clubs and organizations and stressed the importance of staying organized. One project I'll never forget is the one where we had to make a schedule from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MCC 101 emphasized how we're older now and we have more responsibilities; we need to plan for school, work, meals, and seeing friends.

Another activity that stuck with me was a class period where we learned about diversity. Growing up, I always thought diversity was geared only toward race. With Debi's help, she showed us how it includes family income, mental health, age, gender, and religion. This is something I keep in mind not only in school, but in the workplace as well."

The transition to college is not always easy. The College Experience course at McHenry County College allows students to reach outside their comfort zone and to succeed in the college world and beyond.