First Year Experience

Welcome to the First Year Experience (FYE) Program

We've got you, from Day 1. Join our program at Compton College which is built to help you start strong and succeed from the start.

What is FYE?

Starting college can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. Compton College’s First Year Experience (FYE) Program is here to help make your transition into college smoother, more supportive, and less stressful. Whether you’re coming straight from high school, returning to school as an adult, or starting college for the first time, FYE is designed to help you start strong and feel confident from day one. Your first year is an important time to learn how college works, build good habits, and find your place on campus. FYE gives you the guidance and support you need as you adjust to classes, campus life, and your new responsibilities. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Through the FYE program, you’ll learn how to be a successful college student in a way that works for you. You’ll get support with creating an educational plan, developing strong study and time-management skills, and navigating important college systems like Canvas, MyCompton, student email, and library resources. You’ll also learn how to access key campus services such as Counseling, Financial Aid, Tutoring, and the Library. You’ll be supported by a dedicated FYE counselor and FYE staff, and you’ll have opportunities to connect with other students, faculty, and staff so you can build community and feel like you belong. Our goal is to give you the tools, resources, and confidence you need not just for your first year, but for the rest of your time at Compton College.

  • Program Benefits

    Priority Registration: Be one of the first groups of students from the college to enroll in your classes for the Fall and Spring semester for your first 2 years!

    FYE Orientation: Providing an overview of the FYE program and next steps to successfully onboard to both the program and college going into your first semester.

    The Coyote Collective Summer Residential Program: This is a two-week summer transition experience that helps students get familiar with life at Compton College while exploring what it means to become a future transfer student at a four-year university.

    FYE Counselor: You’ll partner with an FYE counselor to help you to build a personalized education plan, choose your classes, and connect you with support along the way!

    Campus Engagement & Programming: You’ll have access to interactive academic workshops, campus support services, and community-building events designed to help you succeed and feel connected.

    Peer Mentors (Coming Fall 2026): First-year students will be paired with a current Compton College student who previously participated in FYE. Peer mentors provide guidance, answer questions, share their experiences, and help students feel supported, connected, and confident throughout their first year.

    CSU Transfer Success Pathway (TSP): Eligible first-time, first-year college students can receive guaranteed admission to an eligible CSU major (some exclusions apply), along with personalized support from a CSU representative, your FYE counselor, and the CSU Transfer Planner to stay on track for transfer.

  • Program Eligibility Requirements
    Complete a Summer 2026 application to Compton College via CCCApply

    Attend Mandatory FYE Orientation (for full activation as part of FYE)

    Attend and complete The Coyote Collective Summer Residential Program
    ***If you cannot attend the summer program, you will attend New Student Welcome Day on August 19, 2026 as an alternative. 

    Complete New Student Orientation online via MyCompton portal (to activate your priority registration).

    Complete the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 FAFSA or CA Dream Act application and verification process. 
          ***The 2025-2026 financial aid application is to support and cover Summer 2026 fees
          ***The 2026-2027 financial aid application is to support and cover Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

    Enroll and complete Math, English, and Human Development courses by the end of your first year.  
           ***Note: Students pursuing a Certificate may be exempt from taking Math, and should consult to an FYE counselor for further evaluation.

    Meet with an FYE Counselor 
       *** Twice a semester (Fall and Spring) during Year 1,
       ***Once a semester (Fall and Spring) during Year 2. 

    Create a Student Educational Plan with a Counselor

    Enroll and complete at least 6 units per semester

    Be a first-time student in college with no credits from other colleges/universities (high school dual enrollment is accepted) OR a first-year student at Compton College.

    Attend 3 workshops per semester (Fall and Spring).

    Recommended Eligibility Criteria (NOT Required)

    Meet California Residency or AB540 requirements.
    (Don't meet this requirement? You can still have access to all FYE support services, but financial support may vary.)

    Register for a minimum of 12 - 15 units every semester. (Part-time enrollment (6–11.5 units) is welcome, and students connected with the Special Resource Center may participate part-time with approved accommodations.)

  • FYE Canvas Hub
    As an FYE student, you will have access to our new FYE Canvas Hub that includes:

    • Information and announcements regarding FYE related content, important contact information, and all events + workshops happening during the year!
    • Campus resources and programs you can explore at your own time.
    • Information about our Guided Pathways offered which includes degrees and certificate information.
    • Instructions and Resources to help register for classes and when applying for Financial Aid!
    • Information on the Transfer Success Pathway to a CSU (eligible for first-time, first-year college students)
    • Direct Resources to on campus resources + wellness
    You will receive a direct invitation to join the FYE Canvas Hub to your Compton Student Email right before the Fall 2026 semester begins!

 

Image of decor layer 3 Image of decor layer 2 Image of decor layer 1

We're Here to Help! Create Your Success Story at Compton College.

START HERE
Image of Compton College graduate student waving to crowd