New Student Orientation:

First Day Necessities

Buying Books, Campus Directions, Reading Your Schedule, Classroom "Do's" and "Don'ts"

First Day of Class

What should I bring on the first day of class?
You should bring your class schedule, a pen, and a notebook. Bring the assigned textbook for the course if available. Be prepared to take notes and review the textbook assignments.What happens on the first day of class?
You will meet your instructor and get an introduction to the course and its requirements. You should also receive a syllabus (an outline of the learning outcomes, course objectives, and assignments). Lectures and other activities begin on the first day, so you must be prepared.

Who can help me prepare for the lst day of class?
You should attend the new student orientation sponsored by the Office of Academic Support Services. All new and re-admit students who have applied to Middlesex will be invited to the student orientation program scheduled during August and January. If for some reason, you are unable to attend any of the new student orientations scheduled, please pick up your orientation folder at the Student Office or Meriden Center Administrative Office.

Reading Your Schedule

After you have completed your registration and have paid for your courses or made financial arrangements, you will receive a STUDENT SCHEDULE/BILL form from MxCC's Business Office. The top of this form lists the course number, title, class meeting times, and class location of the classes for which you are registered. Under the heading of "DAYS", you will find designations indicating when the classes are being held:

M - Monday
T - Tuesday
W - Wednesday
R - Thursday
F - Friday

A designation of TBA under classroom and / or time means that this information will be posted on the first day of classes.
Charges and credits for your registered courses will then be listed. Next you will find the policies governing refunds and installment payments.
Total current term charges, credits, or any balances due will also be detailed on this form.

How do I know when and where to go for my class?
The initials TBA on your schedule mean that at the time of printing, your class had not yet been assigned a room or time. As those decisions are made, you can see updated information here.

In what building are the various classrooms located?

Room numbers and floor plans are here.

Buying Books

Where do I buy my books?
Textbooks and supplies can be purchased at the college bookstore on the Middletown campus.

How do I know which books I need?
The payment receipt you receive from the business office will have all the information about your courses. Every course you registered for is listed by its CRN #. Books are arranged numerically in the bookstore by the CRN #. Required books are listed as well as books that are recommended (optional). Bookstore staff are available to help.

What should I do with the books I already bought if I change classes?

For book return policy, click here.

Classroom Do's & Don'ts

What to do	What not to do
Attend every class.	Attend irregularly and ask your instructor, "Did I miss anything?"
Participate in class discussion.	Have side conversations with other students while the instructor is trying to speak to the class.
Come to class prepared with reading assignments complete.	Wait to complete reading until the night before the test.
Arrive on time and take tests as scheduled.	Arrive late or miss a test day and ask to take a makeup test.
Stay alert in class and take good notes.	Sleep during class and ask the instructor if you could borrow his/her notes.
Ask questions about tests and assignments to make sure you understand what is expected.	Realize on the day of the test that you forgot there was one.
Make sure your child will be properly cared for during class and make alternative arrangements ahead of time in case your child is sick or on school vacation.	Bring your child to class if you can't locate a sitter and your child is sick or on school vacation.
Make alternative transportation arrangements ahead of time in case you have car problems.	Skip class and then call your instructor to ask him/her to give you the lecture over the phone.
Show consideration for your instructor by addressing him or her as desired and always let them know in advance if you will be absent.	Arrive with your Ipod going and not pay attention or show interest in the class or course in general.
Utilize instructors' office hours as well as other opportunities that the instructor provides for additional help.	Overestimate your performance in a class or wait until the end of the semester to seek help when you realize you are in jeopardy of failing.