First Year Experience

Welcome to the First Year Experience (FYE) Program

We've got you, from Day 1. Join the FYE Program at Compton College, built to help you start strong, find your place, and succeed from the very beginning.

What is FYE?

Starting college is a big step, and it's completely normal to feel excited and a little nervous at the same time. The First Year Experience (FYE) Program is here to make that transition easier, so you feel supported, prepared, and confident from day one.

It doesn't matter where you're starting from. Maybe you just graduated high school. Maybe you're returning to school after years away, balancing work or family, or you're the first in your family to go to college. Maybe English isn't your first language, or you're still figuring out what you want to study. Wherever you are in your journey, FYE was built with you in mind.

Your first year is the perfect time to learn how college works, build habits that set you up for success, and find your people on campus. And here's the most important part: you don't have to do it alone. FYE walks with you every step of the way.

Through the FYE Program, you'll get help with:
    • Creating a personalized Student Educational Plan (SEP) that maps out your path.
    • Building study skills, managing your time, and setting goals you can actually reach.
    • Getting comfortable with college tools like Canvas, MyCompton, your student email, and the library.
    • Connecting to key campus support like Counseling, Financial Aid, Tutoring, and more. 

You'll have a dedicated FYE Counselor and FYE staff in your corner, plus chances to meet other students, get involved, and build a community where you truly belong.

Our goal is simple: to give you the tools, resources, and confidence to thrive, not just in your first year, but throughout your entire journey at Compton College.

You belong here. Let's get started together.
  • Program Benefits
    Priority Registration: Be one of the first students at Compton College to enroll in your classes each Fall and Spring semester, for your first two years in the program! 
      • NOTE: You need to complete New Student Orientation and have an Student Educational Plan (SEP) on file in order to access Priority Registration.

    FYE Orientation: You'll attend a mandatory FYE Orientation that walks you through everything you need to know about the program, what to expect, and how to get started on the right foot.

    The FYE Summer Program: A two-week summer transition experience where you'll get familiar with life at Compton College while exploring what it means to become a success student based on your own goals. This is where your college journey begins.

    FYE Counselor: You'll be partnered with a dedicated FYE Counselor who will help you build a personalized SEP, choose your classes each semester, and connect you with the right support along the way.

    Campus Engagement & Programming: Get access to interactive academic workshops, campus support services, and community-building events, all designed to help you succeed, stay engaged, and feel connected at Compton College.

    Mentorship: First-year students will be paired with a current FYE team member throughout the year. They will be there to share their experiences, answer your questions, and help you feel supported throughout your first year. Someone will reach out to you monthly just to check-in and make sure you're doing good!

    CSU Transfer Success Pathway (TSP): Eligible first-time, first-year students can receive guaranteed admission to an eligible CSU campus and major (some exclusions apply), along with personalized support from a CSU representative, your FYE Counselor, and the CSU Transfer Planner to keep you on track for transfer.
  • Program Eligibility Requirements
    To join the FYE Program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

      • Attend a FYE Orientation: Required for full activation as an FYE student and access to all program benefit and services.
      • Complete New Student Orientation Online: Finish the New Student Orientation through your MyCompton portal to activate your priority registration.
      • Complete you Financial Aid Application: Submit the 2026-2027 FAFSA or California Dream Act application.
      • Enroll in Math, English, & Human Development (HDEV): Complete all three courses by the end of your first year.
      • Meet with your FYE Counselor at least once per semester (Fall and Spring)
      • Create a Student Educational Plan (SEP): Work with your FYE Counselor to build a personalized academic roadmap toward your degree and transfer goals.
      • Enroll in at least 6 units per semester: Completing 6 units per semester keeps you on track and qualifies you for the Oliver W. Connor College Promise Program.
          • Enrolling in 12 units or more can help finish your degree faster and qualify you for programs like EOPS/CARE/NEXTUP
      • Be a First-Time College Student: No prior college credits from other colleges or universities. High school dual enrollment credits are accepted. 

    Recommended - But NOT Required
      • California Residency or AB540 Status: All students are welcome regardless of residency status.
          • Don't meet this requirement? You'll still have full access to FYE support services, but financial support may vary while you establish residency.

  • FYE Canvas Hub
    As an FYE student, you'll have exclusive access to the FYE Canvas Hub — your one-stop digital home for everything you need to stay informed, connected, and on track throughout the year.

    Inside the FYE Canvas Hub, you'll find:

      • Program Announcements & Updates: Stay up to date on FYE news, important deadlines, events, and workshops happening throughout the year, plus key contact information for FYE staff.
      • Campus Resources & Programs: Explore the wide range of support services and programs available at Compton College, all in one place and available at your own pace. 
      • Guided Pathways: Browse degree options to help you identify the right academic path toward your goals.
      • Registration & Financial Aid Support: Step-by-step instructions and resources to help you register for classes and navigate the financial aid process with confidence.
      • CSU Transfer Success Pathway (TSP): Learn about guaranteed CSU admission opportunities available to eligible first-time, first-year college students.
      • Wellness & On-Campus Resources: Direct links to on-campus wellness services and support resources whenever you need them.

    You'll receive a direct invitation to join the FYE Canvas Hub to your Compton Student Email right before the Fall 2026 semester begins, so keep an eye on your inbox!
  • Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) – Guaranteed CSU Admission

    Start Your Transfer Journey with Confidence!

    The California State University (CSU) Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) is a dual admission program that allows eligible California Community College students to receive guaranteed admission to a participating CSU campus and major while completing their coursework at Compton College. Students who participate in TSP also receive guidance from CSU representatives and a clear academic roadmap to help them transfer successfully within three years.

    Benefits of TSP
    • Guaranteed admission to a participating CSU campus and eligible major
    • Personalized transfer guidance and academic planning
    • Clear transfer roadmap through the CSU Transfer Planner
    • Confidence in knowing where you'll transfer before completing community college

    Application Cycle: August 1 - October 31

     
    Who is Eligible? You may qualify if you:
    • Are a new California Community College student (first-time, first-year college student)
    • Have not earned college credit after graduating high school (summer courses immediately following graduation and dual enrollment courses taken during high school do not affect eligibility)
    • Meet all CSU and TSP admission requirements within three years of entering the agreement 
     
    Important Things to Know
    • Not all CSU campuses and majors participate in TSP. Each CSU determines which majors are eligible, and some highly competitive majors (such as Nursing or programs requiring auditions or portfolios) may not be available.
    • Students may have only one TSP agreement with one CSU campus and one major at a time.
    • Participating in TSP does not automatically enroll you at a CSU. Students must still submit a transfer application through Cal State Apply when it is time to transfer, but if all TSP requirements are met, admission to the selected campus and major is guaranteed. 
     
    Interested in Applying?
    The First Year Experience (FYE) team is here to help! If you're interested in the Transfer Success Pathway, schedule an appointment with an FYE Counselor or meet with the FYE Team. We'll help you:
    • Determine if you're eligible
    • Explore participating CSU campuses and majors
    • Review whether your intended major qualifies
    • Develop an educational plan that keeps you on track for transfer
    • Since not every major is eligible, meeting with our team is the best way to determine whether TSP is the right fit for your educational goals.
     
    Ready to Learn More?
    Meet with an FYE Counselor or stop by the First Year Experience Office in Student Services Building (SSB) 140 to explore whether the Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) can help you achieve your transfer goals. We'll help you determine your eligibility, explore participating majors, and create a plan toward earning your bachelor's degree at a California State University.

 

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