Cougar Kickstart Orientation

Welcome Future Cougars!

orientation@southmountaincc.edu

Get your class schedule!

We are thrilled to work with you to begin your journey into higher education!

The Cougar Kickstart Orientation is where you will create a personalized class schedule. It is an interactive, in-person experience that will familiarize you with various campus resources, essential student tools, and introduce you to our dedicated Student Affairs team. They’ll be your go-to for support and connections throughout your time at SMCC!

Register for The Cougar Kickstart Orientation

Before Your Cougar Kickstart Orientation

The Cougar Kickstart Orientation takes place in our Student Enrollment Services (SES) building on our main campus: 7050 S. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85042

If you have the opportunity, please prepare the following items before your scheduled orientation:

  1. Know your Maricopa ID (MEID) number and password. If you are unsure of these please use the following links
  2. Course Placement: Upload or bring at least one of the following for English, Math, and Reading placement:
    • High school GPA
    • ACT scores
    • SAT scores
    • GED scores
    • Maricopa EdReady scores

MCCCD EdReady

To get started with this step, visit the Assessment and Placement page to find out how to submit placement measures or take our free online placement assessments, Maricopa EdReady.

We Can Help!
Testing Services, Technology Center (TC) Building 2nd Floor, TC243
602-243-8188
testing@southmountaincc.edu

Make an Appointment

Important Dates and Resources for First Time College Students

Official Maricopa Student Email

Important Dates

 

 

  • The Spring 2024 semester begins Saturday, January 13th, 2024
  • The Summer 2024 semester begins Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

 

 

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on new student orientation. If your question isn't addressed below or on our site, please feel free to reach out to email orientation@southmountaincc.edu.

Yes! During the Cougar Kickstart Orientation you will meet your Field of Interest (FOI) Academic Advisor. When you register for the Cougar Kickstart Orientation, your advisor will review your account and goals and provide you with course recommendations in your Advising Notes in your student center. We teach you how to review the online course catalog and we will help you enroll in classes. 

South Mountain Community College and the Maricopa County Community College District have organized all degree and certificate pathways into nine Fields of Interest (FOI) to help you clarify your career path and connect with your learning community.

Watch Maricopa Community Colleges' Fields of Interest overview

 

To see the list of offerings at SMCC, please review: https://www.southmountaincc.edu/degrees-certificates. 

  • The Associate of Applied Science degree is designed for students who intend to enter the workforce immediately following graduation from their program. Please note: Not all degrees and certificates are offered at every college.
  • A Certificate prepares you for entry-level work in your chosen field and requires fewer classes than the Associate degree or university transfer options. There are several types of certificates available, including career, trade, and academic certificates. Credits earned in a certificate program can often be used toward an Associate degree. For more information, speak with an advisor.
  • If you are interested in university transfer, we have options: Such as Associate in Arts, emphasis degrees, Associate in Science, emphasis degrees, and Associate in Business, General or Special requirements. We have special transfer agreements with all three public Arizona universities and many out-of-state, private, and online college and university partners, so you can seamlessly transfer when you're ready. Transfer Partners | Maricopa Community Colleges

The Cougar Kickstart Orientation is an essential part of your college experience and provides a foundation for success. As you begin your college career, you probably have questions. Don’t worry. That’s what your orientation is all about. During orientation, you’ll learn about campus resources and departments, learn more about your Field of Interest and degree pathways, review important online tools, meet your Field of Interest academic advisor, build your class schedule and more. Orientation is organized by Field of Interest (FOI). Sessions are two hours (one hour for information, advisement, and tutorials and one hour for schedule building).

The Cougar Kickstart Orientation is an essential part of your college experience and provides a foundation for success. As you begin your college career, you probably have questions. Don’t worry. That’s what your orientation is all about. During orientation, you’ll learn about campus resources and departments, review important online tools, meet your academic advisor, build your class schedule and more.