FYE Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the First Year Experience (FYE)?

A1: The First Year Experience Program is a new and exciting opportunity to prepare students for academic succss as new college students.  Students are part of an FYE learning community for their first year at El Camino College.

Q2: What are Linked Learning Communities (LLC)?

A2: Linked Learning Communities are two classes with the same group of students in both classes.  The LLC classes are based on a common theme.  Instructors and students coordinate curriculum, activities, and services to help ensure student success.

Q3: What are learning communities?

A3. The term learning communities refers to classes in which the subject matter and ways of investigating questions in two or more fields are integrated.  The classes may be designed around a unifying theme, based on courses that reinforce the students' special need.  In principle, students learn from students and faculty, and faculty learn from students and each other and build a sence of community.

Q4. What do you mean by community?

A4. In a learning community, students are with the same group of students for more than one class period.  This facilitates long lasting friendships as students support each other through the curriculum.  Faculty also have the opportunity to spend more time with students, as they become learners with the students.  This type of community is based on mutual respect and goals for academic success.

Q5. Do the courses transfer?

A5. Yes.  If the courses are transferable courses (see ECC catalog).  Your transcript will reflect courses in the Learning Communities Program as two separate courses.

Q6. What are the requirements to enroll in a learning community?

A6. You must enroll in the designated linked courses and meet the prerequisite for each course (see college catalog for prerequisite information).

Q7. Is it more difficult than a regular course?

A7. No.  You will be required to do no more than you would in two separate classes.  In fact, by connecting the courses, it may actually be easier to understand the material and both instructors tend to coordinate their homework assignments.

Q8. Do I have to register for both courses?

A8. Yes.  Registering for one of the courses means you are automatically registering for the other.

Q9. What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?

A9. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of peer-led, weekly review meetings outside of class called SI sessions.  Students have an opportunity to compare notes, discuss important concepts, take mock tests, and develop strategies for studying and learning.  The SI method has been proven to help increase student understanding of course material and raise grades at El Camino College.  See SI schedule for available course sections.