STARS FAQs

4 students near cabrillo library

Q. What is a First Year Experience (FYE) program?

A. A First Year Experience Program is a new and exciting program to prepare students for academic success as new college students. Students can be part of a First Year Experience learning community their first year at Cabrillo College.

Q. Do I have to register for specific courses?

A. Yes. The STARS First Year Experience program has spaces reserved in all of the courses for the learning community, including math and English. All students will enroll in the 4-week Summer Bridge program and need to assess in the following levels: Math 152, 154, or 254; English 100 or 255; and Reading 205 or above. All students will take a 1-2 unit Counseling and Guidance course and have several options for career related courses in spring semester.

Q. Is there a theme? Do I have to pursue a particular career?

A. Students should be interested in careers or studying the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) or be interested in becoming educators or teachers in these fields. Throughout the year the learning community will have guest speakers, panels, field trips, assignments, and special topic courses related to STEM fields in order to expose students to career opportunities in these areas.

Q. What are the requirements to enroll in the STARS First Year Experience Learning Community?

A. The program is open to all full-time students. It is a yearlong program starting with a 4-week Summer Bridge and continuing with courses in fall and spring semester. Priority to enroll in the STARS program is given to students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math or education and teaching careers in these fields. You must complete the following steps in order to enroll in the STARS First Year Experience program:

  1. Compete a Cabrillo College application (you must apply to the Summer 2011 term).
  2. Take the Math and English college assessment exams: Students will need to place in the following levels to be eligible:
    • Math 152, 154 or 254 (limited spots in math 254)
    • English 100 or 255
    • Reading 205 or above
  3. Complete the STARS First Year Experience Program Application.

Q. Are learning community courses more difficult than other courses?

A. No. You will be required to do no more than you would in individual separate classes. In fact, by connecting the courses, students, faculty and services – we find that student work in groups, building a learning community, and receiving additional support and resources which actually make it easier to understand the material and help them succeed.

Q. Do the courses count for a degree or transfer?

A. Most of the courses count towards your degree, and some will transfer. If you place at English or math at the 200 level or below, you will need to take that course before taking one that will count for a degree. This is the same for all students, but those in the STARS First Year Experience Learning Community will get extra assistance to help you get to courses that count for a degree or to transfer as quickly as possible.

Q. What is a Learning Community and why should I become part of one?

A. A Learning Community is a fun, exciting, and supportive learning environment where students take a combination of linked classes that focus on a special theme. Students build lasting friendships, work closely in teams (as a tight-knit "cohort"), interact with supportive faculty, and often have a specially assigned counselor who supports each student's individual educational plans. There are different types of Learning Communities at Cabrillo (for a list of all Cabrillo learning communities visit: Learning Communities Center ) from full-time to part-time programs, all of which are designed to maximize your strengths and concentrate on the skills you need to achieve your goals in school and in life. Belong, learn, and succeed by enrolling in a Learning Community at Cabrillo College!


Top of Page

Program News & Events