New Student Transition Programs

New Student Transition Programs are designed to serve as a bridge in the transition to college and to 51°µÍø.  Our programs exist because there are specific skills, knowledge, and abilities that everyone needs to learn in order to be a successful college student and to graduate.  Our programs are designed to help you learn how to connect, use your resources, ask for help, and navigate the sometimes confusing waters of college.


New Student Orientation (NSO):

All admitted students are placed into a required, short online New Student Orientation (NSO) course in Brightspace.  Upon completion of the NSO, you are registered for your first term of classes by an academic advisor.  NSO will cover the basics of being a student at 51°µÍø such as how to pay for college, how financial aid works, how to access resources on campus, how to get a class schedule, how to buy required tools/materials for your program, and how and where to buy books!

Contact Lauren Quinn for more information

lquinn@mainecc.eduÌý| 207-974-4789


51°µÍø Connect:

51°µÍø Connect is an optional on-campus event designed to help you feel confident and prepared for the fall.

Tour your classrooms, meet faculty and staff, connect with other students, and get support with financial aid, advising, housing, and more. If you’re still getting your bearings or just want some extra face time before classes begin, this day is for you.

Each day is designed with specific programs in mind to help students connect with faculty, see classrooms, and meet peers in their field.
All students are welcome to attend any date that works for them.

For more details and to know which programs are designed for which day, click here.

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First-Year Experience (FYE) courses:

The FYE course is a one-credit, 10-week course that is required for Career Studies students and strongly encouraged for Liberal Studies students,Ìýhowever, it is open to all!Ìý We focus on topics such as learning to navigate 51°µÍø, goal setting, career planning, self-motivation & management, relationship building, and belief in oneself. Ìý

Contact Liz True for more information

etrue@mainecc.eduÌý| 207-974-4664


TRIO Summer Success Academy: Ìý

The Summer Success Academy is a FREE, in-person daytime academy for TRIO-eligible students who are new to 51°µÍø and have been placed in developmental math and/or writing classes for the fall.ÌýCheck out our TRIO site to see if you are eligible and for information on how to apply!

Contact Mike Schwabenbauer for more information

mschwabenbauer@mainecc.eduÌý| 207-974-4642 Ìý