NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
WOW: Warrior Orientation + Welcome is a campus event designed to prepare new students for a successful transition to life at East Central Community College. New students are introduced to campus services and resources, and time is allotted for questions regarding financial aid and campus housing. Additionally, new students are guided through their first academic advisement and course registration experience. All new degree-seeking students are required to attend an orientation session. Please note that each session is capped in its allotted number of participants and each session is focused on a pathway/groups of major plans of study (such as Healthcare, Nursing + Wellness or Business + Education).
Orientation is a personalized event where we roll out the black + gold carpet to welcome the newest members of the Warrior family!
Attending orientation is how students confirm they are enrolling at ECCC.
Orientation Registration is NOW LIVE for students entering in the summer or fall of 2023 and is available in myEC via the Future Students tab, then the Orientation tab. Incoming students must have applied and been given their myEC login information in order to register and submit the $25 fee for orientation.
ORIENTATION DATES BY PATHWAY
ECCC Advising uses guided pathways (groups of related majors) and the ACIP Ask-Connect-Inspire-Plan advising model to advise you based on your goals, responses, and plans.
This approach helps us help you make the most out of college through the following ACIP practices:
- Ask about your interests, strengths, aspirations, and life circumstances with the aim of helping you explore programs of study and career paths aligned with your goals.
- Connect you with faculty, peers, alumni, and employers in fields of interest to you and to college and community resources that can help support your needs.
- Inspire students by ensuring that they are able to take at least one well-taught, college-level course on a topic that interests them in their first term.
- Plan: Help every student develop—by the end of the first term—at least a preliminary individualized education plan that is aligned to jobs and/or transfer in a field of interest.
The more info you can share with your advisor, the more meaningful an advising appointment will be.
Don't stress if you can't come to the first date shown or if it fills up before you sign up - we will make a recommended schedule for you, hold your spot in those classes, and allow you to review them to ensure the requests you make when registering for orientation are honored to the best of our ability.
When registering for your orientation date in myEC, dates with remaining seats from the options available based on your pathway / plan of study will show. If a date is no longer showing in myEC, that session is full and you should register for the next available session. Again, early orientation dates do not provide any advantage in class selection.
Building, Manufacturing, + Skilled Trades | Majors like welding, electrical, automation, carpentry, HVAC, automotive, land surveying, diesel, and precision manufacturing and machining.
Thursday, March 30
Tuesday, May 9
Wednesday, June 21
Business + Entrepreneurship | Majors like agri-business, business management, accounting, finance, merchandising, eCommerce, etc.
Friday, March 31
Wednesday, May 10
Wednesday, June 7
Creative + Liberal Arts | Majors like music, art, theater, English, communications, journalism, public relations, broadcasting, etc.
Thursday, April 13
Wednesday, June 7
Wednesday, June 21
Education, Human Services, Law and Legal Studies, + Public Safety | Majors like elementary education, secondary education, early childhood education, criminal justice, psychology, social work, training, law enforcement, pre-law, etc.
Thursday, March 30
Wednesday, May 10
Wednesday, June 7
Health Sciences, Nursing, + Wellness | Majors like nursing, surgical technology, athletic training, sports medicine, nutrition, and fitness.
Thursday, April 6
Friday, April 14
Wednesday, June 21
Information Technology | Majors like computer science, networking, programming, video game design, coding, software engineering, etc.
Thursday, March 30
Friday, April 14
Wednesday, June 7
Pre-Professional Studies | Majors like Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, Pre-Dental, Pre-Law, Pre-Physical Therapy, etc.
Friday, April 14
Wednesday, May 10
Wednesday, June 7
Science + Math | Majors like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, polymer science, marine biology, dendrology, etc.
Friday, April 14
Wednesday, May 10
Wednesday, June 21
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION FAQs:
General Questions
Q: What is orientation?
A: Orientation is a required program for students (optional for parents) that helps them get ready for the start of school. At orientation, we will cover the topics that will help you prepare for and successfully navigate your first year as a Warrior. You will also register for classes at the orientation session.
More importantly, orientation is when you first get to experience what it’s like to be an ECCC student. You will meet other incoming and returning students, meet faculty and staff from across campus, take a campus tour, and register for your first semester of classes.
Q: Do my parents have to come to orientation?
A: We strongly encourage parents, guardians, significant others, and/or other family members to attend orientation. So much information is new and sometimes confusing; it can be helpful to have family members to discuss what you learn.
Q: Do I have to stay for the entire session?
A: Yes, if you leave you will miss something important! It is mandatory that students attend their session in its entirety. It’s in your best interest to attend all presentations.
Orientation Registration Questions
Q: What do I need to do before registering for orientation?
A: You MUST complete and submit your application for admission, test scores, and all transcripts AND receive you myEC student account login information before you can register for orientation.
Q: How do I register for orientation?
A: Follow this link to the myEC portal to login with your Microsoft account and select the Future Student tab. Then find the Orientation window and select the Sign Up for Orientation link from the left-hand side. Once you fill out the form and submit your payment, you will be registered. Please note that orientation registration for in-person sessions cannot be completed over the phone.
Q: How do I know that my registration is complete and that my spot is reserved?
A: After you sign up and pay for a session, an email confirming your reservation and payment of orientation fees will be mailed to your ECCC account unless you specify that you want it sent to another email address. In that case, it will be sent to both accounts.
Q: If I register for orientation and decide to cancel my admission to ECCC, can I get a refund?
A: All orientation fees are nonrefundable. Deciding not to attend ECCC or having your admission rescinded due to failure to submit admission documents (such as final high school transcripts after high school graduation) does not qualify you to receive a refund of orientation fees. If you decide not to attend ECCC, you are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions and Records.
Q: I am having trouble registering for orientation. What do I do?
A: Check your ID and password, and make sure they are correct. If you think they are the problem, contact our IT Helpdesk at ithelpdesk@eccc.edu.
Session Questions
Q: Can I make changes to my scheduled session?
A: If your plans change after you have registered for an orientation session, please email us as soon as possible using go2ec@eccc.edu.
Q: Can I add a parent/guest to my session?
A: Once you sign up for a date and mark if you are bringing a guest or not, if you later need to change, please email us as soon as possible using go2ec@eccc.edu.
Q: What happens if I miss my session?
A: Students who do not attend their reserved orientation session will be contacted and have until July 1 to attend another date and/or come to campus for an individual appointment to pick up materials and review course recommendations with an advisor. Guided tours may not be available during individual appointments.
Payment Questions
Q: What does the orientation fee cover?
A: The orientation fee covers all expenses for the program, including meals and all printed materials, access to the online orientation modules, and a t-shirt for the incoming student.
Q: Do I need to bring my checkbook to pay for tuition and fees?
A: No. The Business Office office sends out bills for all new students who have attended an orientation session and registered for classes. Your semester fees for tuition, meal plans, housing, and parking decal will be included on the bill.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept for orientation?
A: Visa or MasterCard, debit or credit cards, and bank drafts can all be processed online at the time of registration. We are unable to accept CashApp cards at this time.
Course Registration Questions
Signing up for an early orientation does not change your class availability or course selections. This approach is new and different from anything done prior to 2023.
Don't stress if you can't come to the first date shown or if it fills up before you sign up - we will make a recommended schedule for you, hold your spot in those classes, and allow you to review them to ensure the requests you make when registering for orientation are honored to the best of our ability.
When registering for your orientation date in myEC, dates with remaining seats from the options available based on your pathway / plan of study will show. If a date is no longer showing in myEC, that session is full and you should register for the next available session. Again, early orientation dates do not provide any advantage in class selection.
Q: Can I just see an advisor on my own and not go to orientation?
A: No. While you can visit with an advisor prior to your session, you cannot register for classes at that time. You must review your recommend schedule during your scheduled orientation session.
Other Offices
Q: Can I meet individually with faculty and staff in certain offices if I need to?
A: Of course! You will be hearing from many offices from across campus during your orientation session, but you may make individual appointments with any offices you see fit before or after your session. If you need help contacting offices, please call us at 601-635-6204 and we will be happy to assist.
Q: Can I get my ID made at orientation?
A: Yes! Check in a little earlier than your scheduled start time (between 8 and 8:25 a.m.) to have your photo made for your ID. Once your photo is taken, we will have your ID printed and ready for pickup by the end of your orientation day.
Q: Where should I report for orientation?
A: Orientation check in will take place at the Eddie M. Smith Student Union Atrium.
We recommend the following GPS address to direct you to suggested parking in front of Bracken Wood gym:
471 10th St Decatur, MS 39327
WHAT TO EXPECT AT ORIENTATION
As an incoming student, you’re an incredibly important member of the Warrior Family; our commitment to help you transition smoothly into the East Central community is stronger than ever.
New Student Orientation is designed to give you information, resources, and connections to support you during your first semester at ECCC.
We’re glad you’ve chosen ECCC, where we are committed to your success. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at go2ec@eccc.edu.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Before you arrive at New Student Orientation, complete the steps to prepare, including registering for orientation and submitting your payment through myEC. If successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address you used. As New Student Orientation nears, keep checking your email for details about check-in location and parking on the day of New Student Orientation.
When you arrive at New Student Orientation, you’ll meet college staff, who will provide your agenda, give a big welcome, and roll out the black and gold carpet! If you bring a guest, after an address from campus leadership, you’ll then be separated from your guest to experience the day with other new Warriors. Your guest will attend the Warrior Parent & Family Orientation concurrently. You will be reunited with your guest for lunch.
During orientation, expect to hear from lots of offices around campus. In the past, speakers have represented the Dean of Students, Academic Advising, Student Success, Student Financial Aid, and more. This is not an exhaustive list and may vary by date.
You’ll also get a chance to meet current Warrior Corps Student Ambassadors, ask your questions, take a tour of campus, and learn more about ways to get involved on campus.
Finally, expect to meet with an academic adviser to review a recommend schedule for your first semester. We'll take your feedback and provide you with the information needed to make schedule revisions based on your unique plans and interests.
New Student Orientation may vary in length based on semester. Students are required to attend ALL of New Student Orientation in order to fulfill orientation requirements.
A tentative draft of a typical orientation agenda may include:
After orientation, your New Student Orientation is complete, you’ll be ready to get your WarriorCard, access your school accounts, and start classes as a ECCC Warrior!
GUEST EXPERIENCE
Before you arrive, your student should complete the steps to prepare for orientation, including registering and submitting the $25 orientation fee via myEC. When they register, make sure they add you as a guest attending with them. This will ensure that we have materials ready for you when you arrive. Students will receive a confirmation email, as well as details regarding check in location and parking, via email as New Student Orientation nears. Please encourage your student to check their email often.
When you arrive, your student will meet college staff and check in themselves and you. At this time, you’ll receive materials for the day. Depending on the orientation activities, you may be separated from your student for the duration of the orientation. Your student will attend the New Student Orientation concurrently before reuniting with your for lunch.
During orientation, expect to hear from many campus representatives. In the past, speakers have represented the Dean of Students, Academic Advising, Student Success, Student Financial Aid, and more. This is not an exhaustive list and may vary by date.
You’ll also get a chance to meet current student leaders working as Orientation Leaders and to ask questions about what it’s really like to be a ECCC student.
The Parent & Family Orientation is designed to introduce you to all that East Central has to support both your student and you.
After orientation, you’ll be ready to shop the ECCC Bookstore for black and gold swag, connect with campus offices with any follow up needs, and to support your student as they begin their journey as a Warrior!
STUDENT RIGHT TO PRIVACY (FERPA)
ECCC fully understands and appreciates the critical role parents and family play in the lives of their students. Parents offer not only emotional but financial support to students throughout their college enrollment and obviously have a vested interest in their students’ success. However, it is very important that parents understand that all information related to the enrollment of students 18 years of age and older is protected by the Family Educational and Privacy Act as amended in 1974 (more commonly known as FERPA).
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of academic records. This law applies to all students, regardless of age, once enrolled in a post-secondary (college) institution.
Students can choose grant and revoke access to parents or any other authorized person at any time to have access to some or all of their student information inside our online student record system, myEC.
In order for anyone to have access to a student's record (other than the student them self) the student must complete a "Student Information Release" form. The information release form cannot be accepted from anyone other than the student. The decision to sign the "Student Information Release" form is solely voluntary and can be updated or revoked at any time by completing the necessary form(s).
A “Student Release of Information” is valid until revoked in writing by the student. The “Student Information Release” form can be completed electronically at the Office of Admissions and Records Office on the 2nd floor of Smith Student Union.