It’s the start of a new school year. Sometimes students can feel a bit nervous, especially if they don’t know anyone else yet. But if you are new at the Monroe Campus, you don’t have to go at it alone. NCC’s mascot Sam Spartan is here to give you a VIP tour of the campus and provide you with links to NCC pages that will make your first year a success! (In fact, if you are new to the Main Campus, you’ve got a friend in Sam Spartan, too. Check out Student News to get a tour of that campus with Sam.)

Lace up your sneakers and let’s go!

Where it All Begins
First, you’ve got to get here. Parking is available all around the building. If you can’t find any spots in the front, try the large lot behind the building. The start of the new semester can be a bit hectic, with lots of new people trying to find parking in an unfamiliar place. Please don’t park in handicap spots (unless you have a valid handicap parking permit) or grassy areas. The guards are lenient for the first two weeks. After that, you may get a ticket.

You can also beat the pinch at the pump and help the environment by taking the bus. MCTA/Pocony Pony bus schedules are available between the double doors of the main entrance. The bus picks up and drops off right at these doors, too. What could be more convenient?

Getting Started
Have questions on just about anything? Drop by the Enrollment Office and Student Services. They are located right off the lobby of the Main Entrace, across the hall from each other. Here you’ll find Admissions, Financial Aid, Records, and the Bursar’s Office. You can also get your student id at Student Services as well as learn about the Spartan Card. If my friends here can’t help you, they’ll direct you to someone who can.

By the Book
You can’t head off to class empty-handed. Stock up on textbooks and supplies at the Bookstore. It’s located next to Room 86. Show your NCC pride with cool clothes and accessories. No time to shop? You can purchase text books online. Or check out Northampton NOW’s NicNac Trader. Students buy and sell used books, as well as other items, here.

Feeling Hungry for a Great Education?
Studies have shown that eating a good breakfast can help students perform better during the day. You can grab breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack at the Café. It’s located just inside the main entrance.

My favorite meal at the Café? Sometimes I have a hard time choosing between the chicken fingers or the delicious wraps!

If you are brown bagging it, take advantage of the microwave oven and toaster located at the Café.

Now That’s Good Advice
It’s a good idea to know who your advisor is and how to contact him or her in case you have any questions about your academic life here at NCC. An advisor can help you with anything from selecting courses to transferring. You can stop by the Academic Advising Office located in Student Services to speak with an advisor.

A Need to Know Basis
Be notified instantly if there is a school closing, delay, or emergency on campus by signing up for NCC’s emergency notification system. Go to http://www.northampton.edu/alerts/ to learn more and to register today.





Go Spartans!
Basketball, football, even hacky sack are just a few of the intramural sports you can compete in here at Monroe. Consider yourself more of a couch potato? Grab a controller and join in on the fun at the annual Video Game Tournament.

Learning Center to the Rescue
I like to study with friends, but if I need a little extra help I know where to go. The Learning Center is available to all students who want to learn better study habits. In addition to getting help in science, math, English, accounting, writing, and Spanish, you can also learn how to navigate Blackboard, Connect Web, or Spartan Net and brush up on your computer skills. And it’s all for FREE! You can find the Learning Center in Room 90.



Need to Vent?
I know a lot of students who are juggling school, work, and family responsibilities. Sometimes life can become pretty stressful. If you feel like you need someone to talk to, take advantage of the free counseling services on campus. Counseling is available through Student Services.

You’ve Got to Have Friends
I always say that life here at NCC wouldn’t be so much fun if it weren’t for all the great friends I’ve made. You can find students with the same interests as yours by joining one of the many student clubs on campus. Who knows? You just might make some friendships that will last a lifetime!

You’ll Never Be Bored
Because there’s always something fun going on! (The playground is only for children who attend the Hannig Family Children’s Center, but I just couldn’t resist one ride down the slide!) Between campus-wide parties, movie screenings, and more, you’ll find lots of cool, free or practically free things to do right here on campus.

Butt Break
If you’ve got to light up, remember that smoking is only allowed in the gazebo, which is a designated smoking area.

Cut the Cord
Wireless access is available in the Wedge, Community Room, Café, and Library.

Knowledge is Power
Stop by the library to find books, cds, videos, and more. You can get free help with research here, too, as well as online. Need to use a computer? They are available for student use in the library and in Room 151.

The Working World
Whether you are looking for a job now or want some support after you graduate, Career Services will assist you the entire way, helping you create a fabulous resume and preparing you to ace interviews. Head over to Student Services to get started.

The Northampton Family
While you are working hard to reach your goals, make sure to stop and take the time to ask for help if you need it. A lot of people here care about you and want you to succeed. That includes the president. When you see him on campus, go ahead and give him a high five!