FIRST YEAR CONNECTIONS

First Year Connections (FYC) understands that for first-year students it can be difficult navigating the campus during their transition from high school to the university. Our goal is to help first-year students make connections in/out of the classroom through peer engagement, guidance and support.

FYC programs and services promote belonging and connections in classes like math and English working closely with faculty teaching some of these courses. We hope all students have a successful first-year experience by connecting with peers, connecting with their advisor and making new friends.

First Year Connections Trainings and Workshops! In preparation for our Summer Early Start Program, in June 2023, FYC held a Five-Day Experiential Learning Institute (FELI) for faculty teaching our summer Early Start math and English courses. 25 faculty participated. The institute was facilitated by Diego Navarro, a nationally renowned Professor Emeritus at Cabrillo College and founder of the Academy for College Excellence (ACE). The institute was well received by the faculty participants! On December 1st, to keep the moment, FYC hosted Diego Navarro in a Community of Practice with FELI participants. 

For the Spring 2024 semester, our Peer Leaders will work collaboratively with English Department faculty! In preparation for this, our Peer Leaders and English faculty will connect in early January to build community and prepare to support students!

NEXT: Professional development workshops for faculty teaching first year courses and colleagues!

Summer 2024 - Supportive Pathways for Incoming First Year Students!

Students who participate in our summer Early Start Courses will have the opportunity to earn 3 units of college credit by enrolling in either Early Start Composition (ESC) or Early Start Math (ESM) prior to starting in the fall. These courses are designed to prepare students and connect them with the campus! Participation is based on multiple measures and must be completed at Cal State LA.  Provisionally admitted students should check their Cal State LA email for important information regarding their participation in summer Early Start courses.

Early Start 2024 Important Dates

Registration Begins

 Last Day to Register First Day of Class Last Day of Class
May 2024 June 12, 2024 June 17, 2024 English: July 26 | Math: August 9

  1. Log in to your MyCalStateLA portal. Click on the GET icon. Select ‘Self-Service’, then go to ‘Student Center’.
  2. Click on the ‘Early Start Course’ link at the top left under 'Academic' on your GET page. This is where you will confirm your Early Start course participation and be notified if a fee-waiver is available to you.
  3. After selecting Cal State LA, you will be directed to a confirmation page. Click ‘Confirm Early Start Selection and you should be redirected to make your final confirmation where a link to ‘Enroll in Early Start’ will appear.
  4. Review the information regarding your course requirements options from the letter you received.
  5. Select the 'Enroll in Early Start' button located at the bottom of the page. A Financial Aid Waiver pop-up message may appear informing you of the financial aid waiver eligibility (subject to change, based on EFC).
  6. You should now be on the 'Add Classes' page. Click on the Search button
  7. In the subject box, enter the appropriate course to add, ESC for English or ESM for math. In the box right below, enter the course number (see your letter: 1090, 1082, or 1005A).  Then click ‘Search’. 
  8. A list of courses should appear with a green circle indicating that the course is open, and seats are available. Make the selection that best fits your schedule. 'Select’ the course and then click ‘Next’ to continue. 
  9. For math, repeat steps to add lab (ESM 90 or 82 )
  10. Review your selection and "Proceed to Step 2 of 3". Select 'Finish Enrolling'.
  11. If you come across any errors, please screenshot, and email to: [email protected]

Students requesting accommodations, please visit OSD Registration or contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (323) 343-3140.

ESM 1090 and ESM 90: Early Start Quantitative Reasoning with Statistics (8 weeks)  

ESM 1090 and ESM 90 are for incoming freshmen who are non-stem majors. It is an introduction course in statistics and data analysis and interpretation using quantitative reasoning and mathematical concepts, including descriptive and inferential statistics and analysis methods for understanding basic research data, with real life applications in the contexts of education and human services. Students in ESM 1090 must also enroll in ESM 90, a co-requisite course designed to provide students with additional support. Classes will be held in-person.

Course Credit: Passing ESM 1090 will confer 3 units of college credit and fulfill the GE Block B4 requirement. ESM 1090 is graded ABC-/NC. ESM 90 does not carry college credit or count towards the degree and is graded CR/NC.
 

ESM 1082 and ESM 82 Early Start Precalculus: Functions (8 weeks)  

ESM 1082 and ESM 82 are for incoming freshmen who are in majors that require Precalculus or Calculus. This includes most STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) majors. The content of ESM 1082 is that of a standard Pre-Calculus Functions class (basic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions; polynomials and rational functions; sequences including arithmetic and geometric series).  Students in ESM 1082 must also enroll in ESM 82, a co-requisite course designed to provide students with additional support.  Classes will be held in-person.

Course Credit: Passing ESM 1082 will confer 3 units of college credit and fulfill the GE Block B4 requirement. ESM 82 does not carry college credit or count towards the degree. 

 

ESC 1005A Early Start Composition

ESC 1005A is a 6-week summer course designed to prepare first-time students for success in their college writing classes. Working with a supportive professor, you'll have the opportunity to explore new strategies for critical reading, research, and writing to build a strong foundation for the work you'll do in your future college courses. You'll develop your writing strengths by connecting and working with peers just like you. 

Course credit: You will earn 3 units of college credit by passing this course and advance to the next level of English in the Fall semester (ENGL 1005B). Graded: ABC-, NC

 

  • The cost is $191 per unit plus a mandatory one-time fee of $1 for Health Facilities and $1 for the Student Union.

    • California residents who apply for financial aid and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 6,000 or less (at the time of enrollment) will be eligible for a waiver of the per-unit fee, the Health Facilities fee and the Student Union fee.

  • Refund Procedure and 2023 Proration Schedule, visit the One-Stop Financial Services Office website.

  • To pay online, please log on to your MyCalStateLA student portal and select Transact from the Quick Launch menu. You can also access the link directly here.

 

Students enrolled for the 8-week ESM course or the 6-week ESC course will receive an email from Parking & Transporation services with information on how to obtain a parking permit (purchase is optional).

Please note: It is the responsiblity of all drivers to know and under stand the University parking rules and regulations. Parking regulations are enforced 24-hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. Please obey all posted signs and/or curb markings. Please click here for more information about parking regulations. Click here for campus map.

Email: FirstYearConnect@calstatela | Phone: 323.343.6860 | Office: Library North Room 1034

 

 

Connect with the Writing Center, Tutorial Center, or PLUS Leader:

Center for Academic Success