9 Tips for Fall Semester Success

Saturday, August 18th marked the official first day of school at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Gone is the summer of discovering who "Kiki" really loves (she really caused damage, didn't she?). Here comes the fun part: taking on your Fall 2018 semester "like a boss." 

We've compiled feedback from former students to share some tips for Fall Semester Success: 

1. Plan Ahead to Score a Sweet Parking Spot: The new semester promises plenty of packed parking lots, so we recommend you arrive early to secure the prime spot next to your classes. Also, we've heard there will be some road construction impacting Pecos during the months of August and September, so it's good to plan for delays.

2. Fuel Your Brain: At the Pecos Campus, the Coyote Cafe features a variety of food options as well as hosting a local restaurant on-site each week. The café is located at in Bradshaw Hall (between the Library and Coyote Center). You'll find their menu, upcoming features and hours of operation here. Grounds for Thought, under the Ironwood Bridge, offers coffee drinks, smoothies and quick bites to eat on the north end of campus.

At the Williams Campus, the Roadrunner Cafe offers breakfast, grilled, and deli options for breakfast and lunch each day. You'll find their menu and hours of operation here. 

Our college recently launched the Coyote Cupboard at both the Pecos and Williams campuses. The Coyote Cupboard is a food pantry with non-perishable and household items available to any CGCC student. Learn more here. 

3. Use Your Cell Phone: Need to find a class or access campus maps at the drop of a dime? You can access your student resources right from your mobile device. Use your MEID to login to Myinfo.maricopa.edu and access your:  

• Class Schedule 
• Campus Maps & Room Information
• Financial Aid Award Status 
• Holds on Your Account 
• Messages 
• Textbook Information 

4. Get CoyoteConnect-ed: No need for FOMO! Stay up-to-date about campus events, student life activities, volunteering opportunities, and much more. Login to CoyoteConnect here. 

5. Stay Safe with the RAVEGuardian App - Our Public Safety and Campus Police recommend that all students download the Rave Guardian app on GooglePlay or AppStore.  The app allows you to create a network of trusted safety guardians, set safety timers to alert police and family, submit anonymous tips, and have one-touch access to contact campus police. The convenience of storing safety processes in one app can save you precious seconds in an emergency. Learn more about the Rave Guardian app here.  

6. Get Involved - Getting involved in campus clubs helps students build leadership skills, strong friendships, networking connections, life experiences, and a powerful resume. Building a network of peers who can walk this college path alongside you is a key element of setting yourself up for success. Find out more about campus clubs here and stop by our Club Fair next week (Aug 29 - 30).  

7. Leverage Tutoring Resources - Get acquainted with the level of support that's available for on-campus tutoring services. You'll find that our learning centers offer both drop-in and appointment-based support. Find both locations and times for the Pecos and Williams campuses here. 

8. Be Bold and Ask - One of the biggest obstacles for a new community college student is the daunting task of asking for help or clarification. Our Faculty and Staff are here to support your success. Be bold and ask for help when needed. Be bold and ask for clarification when you are confused. You will find that the majority of your peers are challenged by the same question you are bold enough to ask. 

9. Slow Down - Many of our students are holding jobs in addition to studying. While you're running from one location to the next, we recommend you schedule some time to slow down and visit the Student Center Pavilion to unwind.