First Year Experience

FYE Logo

The First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed to assist students through their first year in college.  Dedicated counselors and peer mentors will assist and guide FYE students through the college process, providing encouragement and support during the important first year of college. 

 Cranium Cafe Chat

FYE Interest Form

Please complete the FYE Interest form and we will email you information on how to participate in this great program.

Note: FYE will only accept Fall semester applications.

What are the benefits of joining FYE?

  • Enrollment Priority - Having enrollment priority is essential especially when SWC receives over 5,000 new students per academic year who are competing for classes. Be one of the first to enroll in your classes with this benefit!
  • Designated Counselor - Your assigned counselor will assist you with your academic, personal and career planning. You will be provided with a Student Education Plan which outlines all of your courses you need to take to complete your associate degree or transfer to the university.
  • Career and Educational Planning - We will assist you in planning for your future career goals and make sure you are on the right path. If you are undecided on your major your FYE counselor will guide you through your career planning decision.
  • Designated Peer Mentor - All new students need guidance in transitioning into college for the first time, and having a peer mentor plays an important role in their success. Our mentors will help ease the fear of being a freshman student by providing them with resources by getting them involved with activities and events as well as being their college best friend.
  • Workshops and Activities- Get involved in college! By attending success workshops and events, it will not only help you become a better student, but also learn new skills.
  • Personal Development Lifelong Success Class- Applies physiological, social, and psychological principles to college, work and life success. Uses assessment of personality, interests, skills, and values to identify major and career options. Uses learning styles, psychological principles of learning, life management, and creative and critical thinking techniques to promote health and lifelong learning.

 Student Retention: Students who participate in FYE are most likely to graduate or transfer sooner.

Eligibility

New student with no prior college experience or recent high school graduate

FYE Video Presentation

Southwestern College, First Year Experience - FYE

Contact us:

Virtual Office through Cranium Cafe (Virtual Office)

Email: swcfye@swccd.edu

Phone: 619-421-6700 ext. 5625

Social Media
Instagram

 Yesenia Vargas, FYE Counselor/Faculty Coordinator

Yesenia Vargas, FYE Counselor/Faculty Coordinator
yvargas@swccd.edu


Gary Brown, FYE Coordinator

Gary Brown, FYE Coordinator
gbrown@swccd.edu


Peer Mentors

Gustavo Marquez, Mentor Peer

Gustavo Marquez
Major Social Science, SDSU Student

Mari Germono, Mentor Peer

Mari Germono, Nursing Major Nursing