Office of First-Generation Student Success
Contact Information
Marple Campus
Academic, 2333-2334 (Around corner from Art Gallery)
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional daytime and evening hours available by appointment.
Phone:
Email: firstgen@dccc.edu
Follow us on Instagram: @DCCCFIRSTGEN
National First-Gen Celebration Day at DCCC
Vision Statement
Our vision is for all first-generation students to find a welcoming environment and establish positive relationships that help students find success. We hope to provide services and programs that empower students to utilize services to help students reduce barriers to success and achieve their goals.
Welcome to the Office of First-Generation Student Success (FGSS). The office is funded through the Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant.
Am I a First-Generation Student?
A first-generation student is any student whose parents/guardians have not completed a four-year college (Bachelor's) degree. The goal of our office is to provide services to support students in navigating campus resources and developing skills to increase academic success and graduation. As a first-generation student you are eligible to meet with a coach who can help you create a success plan tailored to your needs. Your coach will help you learn to utilize your strengths, develop your skills and balance your schoolwork with your other responsibilities in a way that can maximize your academic success.
Did you know you're in good company? Check out our DCCC First-Generation Faculty and Staff database to see fellow first-generation (former) students! Connect with our office at firstgen@dccc.edu to be connected with a first-gen mentor, peer and/or professional. In celebration of National First-Generation College Celebration check out our first-gen spotlights at www.dccc.edu/firstgenspotlights.
National First-Generation College Celebration
The office of First-Generation Student Success (FGSS) at Delaware County Community College (DCCC) enthusiastically celebrates National First-Generation College Celebration Day (FGCC), by hosting First in My Family Week from November 4 to November 8. This is our fourth year in joining many other colleges and universities across the nation to celebrate FGCC. For more information about DCCC's celebration go to www.dccc.edu/firstgencelebration and www.dccc.edu/firstgenspotlights.
College Resources
The College has a variety of departments and resources that are here to help you. If you have any questions, contact us at 610-359-5325
The Act 101 Program is a program for PA residents who are educationally under-prepared and who need financial assistance in order to become ready for college-level and is designed to provide educational support services that strengthen students’ academic skills and increase their confidence in their own ability to achieve. Students participating in Act 101 have the unique opportunity to improve skills in English, reading and mathematics before starting the regular college experience. The Act 101 Summer Bridge Program is FREE for eligible students. To see if you are eligible, contact the Act 101 program.
Admissions is the first point of contact for prospective students wishing to apply to Delaware County Community College and for current students wishing to enroll in Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology programs. For more information, contact the Admissions Office. To apply to Delaware County Community College, you can complete an application at www.dccc.edu/apply.
The Campus Life Office coordinates most student activities including Athletic and recreational activities from intercollegiate teams and intramural sports, Student Clubs and organizations, a campus art gallery, student theatre, Student Government Association, Events and cultural programs and special programs for off-campus students. For more information, contact the Campus Life Office.
Career and Counseling provides a variety of services including Academic Advising and Registration, Personal Counseling, Career Counseling, Transfer Advising, Disability Services, Workshops and Events, Safe Space Training and the Suicide Prevention Committee. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Career & Counseling Center.
One of the keys to success in college is having a plan to pay for it. Applying for financial aid should be part of your plan because of the various options available to you. FAFSA is Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is how you apply for financial aid including Grants and loans. The Financial Aid office can help you complete the application and understand what types of financial aid are available. For more information, visit the Financial Aid Office.
KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success) is a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare program designed to help recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) succeed in community college by providing resources for success. KEYS provides a Student Facilitator at Delaware County Community College to help students achieve career goals by: Providing career counseling, tutoring and academic support, including help with financial aid Facilitating supportive services available through the County Assistance Office or the College Connecting students to other community service agencies.
Located on the fourth floor of Founders Hall, the Learning Commons serves as a center for students, faculty and staff in a dynamic space that supports the College’s commitment to student success. Academic support services found in the Learning Commons include Library Services, Writing and Tutoring Services. The Learning Commons also offers a wide variety of technology including portable and assistive technologies. Students can also use quiet and collaborative study spaces (with whiteboards and computer display screens) and purchase items at a coffee bar.
New Students are required to complete placement testing for English composition, reading and mathematics. Students can waive the placement test with the appropriate SAT or ACT scores or other measures. Test results indicate your current skills in these academic areas and will help you and your counselor plan your academic schedule, including any remedial courses that may be necessary. You are encouraged to prepare for the placement test. For more information on placement testing, visit their website at dccc.edu/placement-testing.
The Student Accounts Office handles these tuition and fees, and policies. In addition, the office can answer questions related to billing and payments, books store credits, third party billing, and refunds. The Student Accounts team is available at all Enrollment Central campus locations.
The Student Records Office (sometimes called Registrar's Office) is responsible for the development and enhancement of systems involved in the processing and maintenance of the student’s academic record. Additionally, this office services student requests for academic transcripts and verification of either enrollment or graduation to external agencies consistent with currently mandated privacy practices.
The purpose of the Student Resource Center is to enhance student wellness, engagement, success, retention and completion by supporting our students comprehensively from the initial day of enrollment through degree completion and beyond. The Learning Commons also offers a wide variety of technology including portable and assistive technologies.
Student Employment Services & Co-op Center staff continues to provide job search assistance for our students and alumni using a variety of tools. We are available by appointment for individual job search coaching and resume review by phone or personalized zoom meetings.
Helpful Glossary of College Terms
Learning at the College level is different from high school. Visit the Glossary of College Terms page to learn the range of ways certain offices, departments and other areas are referred to at the College academic level.
Meet the Office of First-Generation Student Success Staff
 Emily Fahy Program Manager |
LaShaun Collins
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 Nancy Campo John Enrollment Navigator |
 Joe Melfe Enrollment Navigator |
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 Katie Horn Retention Specialist |
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 Leslie Friedman Retention Specialist |
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Susan Curtis
