New Student Orientation
Welcome to South Mountain Community College
orientation@southmountaincc.edu
602-243-8337
We are very excited to work with you to begin your journey into higher education.
Students who will be attending college for the first time, and intend to earn an Associate’s degree or to transfer to a College/university to complete a Bachelor’s degree, are encouraged to attend a New Student Orientation session by Field of Interest (FOI).
- Fields of Interest (FOI) organize degrees and certificates that share similar areas of study, allowing you to identify your skills and interests to find a career path that’s best for you.
- Please note that not all degree and certificate programs are available at every college.
- To review the SMCC degree and certificate pathways within each Field of Interest at SMCC, please visit: https://www.southmountaincc.edu/degrees-certificates
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO) Registration
Register for New Student Orientation
For Fall 2023 enrollment, we are offering a combination of in-person and virtual new student orientation, advising and registration sessions by Field of Interest (FOI) in our New Student Orientation classroom, located in the Student Enrollment Services (SES) building on our campus: 7050 S. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85042.
Before attending orientation, please complete the following:
- Establish a financial plan for your tuition and fees: https://www.southmountaincc.edu/paying-college
- Complete an admissions application for South Mountain Community College for the semester you intend to enroll: admissions.maricopa.edu
- If you are planning to determine your eligibility for Federal Student Aid, it is important that you select the appropriate degree or certificate. You can receive financial aid only for those courses which are required for your degree or certificate.
Learn More About Financial Aid Course Applicability - Submit your ID for authentication: How to Submit Your ID for Authentication | Maricopa Community Colleges
- Under 18 at the time of enrollment? Complete your paperwork online: Under 18 Financial Responsibility and Consent | Maricopa Community Colleges
- If you are planning to determine your eligibility for Federal Student Aid, it is important that you select the appropriate degree or certificate. You can receive financial aid only for those courses which are required for your degree or certificate.
- Determine Course placement: Maricopa Community Colleges offers multiple ways to identify the proper English composition, math, and reading courses for your success.
- High School GPA
- ACT
- SAT
- GED
- Maricopa EdReady
New Student Orientation Exit Survey
Need help preparing for your first semester?
Schedule an appointment with Ben Troglia
Student Services Specialist, Sr.
benjamin.troglia@southmountaincc.edu
602-243-8337
MCCCD EdReady
To get started with this step, visit the Assessment and Placement page to find out how to submit placement measures or take our free online placement assessments, Maricopa EdReady.
We Can Help!
Testing Services, Technology Center (TC) Building 2nd Floor, TC243
602-243-8188
testing@southmountaincc.edu
New Student Orientation
Important Dates and Resources for First Time College Students
All new degree-seeking students are required to take a First Year Experience (FYE) course.
Discover which one is right for you!
Official Maricopa Student Email
- All communication from South Mountain Community College will be sent to your official student email address (YOURMEID@maricopa.edu). You can access your Official student email at google.maricopa.edu.
- Email us at orientation@southmountaincc.edu.
Unsure about your degree pathway? Create an account with Maricopa Pipeline AZ
Important Dates
- The Summer 2023 semester begins Tuesday, May 30, 2023
- The Fall 2023 semester begins Saturday, August 19, 2023
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on new student orientation. If your question isn't addressed below or on our site, please feel free to reach out to email orientation@southmountaincc.edu.
FAQ
Yes! During NSO you will meet your Field of Interest (FOI) Academic Advisor. When you register for NSO, your advisor will review your account and goals and provide you with course recommendations in your Advising Notes in your student center. We teach you how to review the online course catalog and we will help you enroll in classes.
South Mountain Community College and the Maricopa County Community College District have organized all degree and certificate pathways into nine Fields of Interest (FOI) to help you clarify your career path and connect with your learning community.
Watch Maricopa Community Colleges' Fields of Interest overview
To see the list of offerings at SMCC, please review: https://www.southmountaincc.edu/degrees-certificates.
- The Associate of Applied Science degree is designed for students who intend to enter the workforce immediately following graduation from their program. Please note: Not all degrees and certificates are offered at every college.
- A Certificate prepares you for entry-level work in your chosen field and requires fewer classes than the Associate degree or university transfer options. There are several types of certificates available, including career, trade, and academic certificates. Credits earned in a certificate program can often be used toward an Associate degree. For more information, speak with an advisor.
- If you are interested in university transfer, we have options: Such as Associate in Arts, emphasis degrees, Associate in Science, emphasis degrees, and Associate in Business, General or Special requirements. We have special transfer agreements with all three public Arizona universities and many out-of-state, private, and online college and university partners, so you can seamlessly transfer when you're ready. Transfer Partners | Maricopa Community Colleges
New Student Orientation is an essential part of your college experience and provides a foundation for success. As you begin your college career, you probably have questions. Don’t worry. That’s what your orientation is all about. During orientation, you’ll learn about campus resources and departments, learn more about your Field of Interest and degree pathways, review important online tools, meet your Field of Interest academic advisor, build your class schedule and more. Orientation is organized by Field of Interest (FOI). Sessions are two hours (one hour for information, advisement, and tutorials and one hour for schedule building).