College 102 builds a foundation for student success

By Jean Borst

At Clover Park Technical College (CPTC), success doesn’t begin the moment a student steps into a simulation lab, welds their first joint or powers up a mechatronics system. It starts with a solid foundation. 

That’s why all new students take College 102 (College Success for All) during their first or second quarter. Offered alongside their program coursework, the class eases the transition into college life and gives students the tools, confidence and clarity they need to thrive from day one.

Built for new beginnings

“Students come to CPTC from all walks of life – high school students just getting started, recent grads, working adults pursuing a new career path, and parents balancing school with family life,” said College Success Instructor Haleigh Phillips. “College 102 is designed to meet every one of them exactly where they are.”

The course introduces students to the essentials: how the college works, what instructors expect, and how to balance school with the rest of life. Core modules include:

• Academic Success (reading strategies, note-taking skills and time management)
• Financial Success
• Career Success
• Social Success (professional communication, belonging and EDI)
• Campus Tools and Resources
• Personal Well-Being

Students also dive into financial literacy and examine their own relationship with money – an often-overlooked but critical part of staying enrolled and confident.

“Many of our students schedule their classes around work,” said Jovan McCoy, CPTC Manager of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging, who also teaches College Success 102. “But they don’t always consider homework time, campus resources or the real costs of attending college. That’s where 102 really matters. It helps them slow down, think through their situation and make a plan instead of getting overwhelmed.”

Choosing the right path

CPTC’s hands-on programs are highly specialized, and choosing the right one early on is essential. College 102 includes career exploration modules that help students evaluate their interests, strengths and values – and whether their chosen field truly fits.

“If a student realizes two or three quarters in that they’re in the wrong program, they often can’t apply those credits elsewhere,” McCoy said. “This class helps them think honestly about who they are and what the work requires. It prevents a lot of frustration and, in some cases, dropping out.”

Social belonging and support systems

Throughout the quarter, students learn about and meet representatives from key student-support areas: Workforce Development, Advising and Counseling, Enrollment Services, Student Life, Accessibility Resources, Work-Study and more.

“Instead of discovering these services only when they’re in crisis, students get to know the people and processes early,” Phillips said.

College Success 102 also emphasizes community and belonging – essential for students who may feel intimidated or unsure about returning to school. The curriculum focuses on building support networks, navigating cultural differences, and connecting with CPTC’s diverse campus community, with intentional ties to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion learning outcomes.

“It’s really about self-advocacy,” McCoy said. “Many students don’t know who to talk to or how the system works. This class gives them that roadmap.”

An evolving course with growing reach

College 102 has been part of CPTC’s curriculum for around 15 years. Originally a two-credit class required only for students with certain placement-test scores, it has expanded to a three-credit course required for every new student – a reflection of changing student needs and CPTC’s commitment to retention and completion.

The number of sections offered depends on new-student enrollment. This fall, 24 sections are taught by 15 instructors. Winter quarter 2026 will offer 19 sections and spring quarter will offer 21, with a smaller lineup available in summer.

Course access has expanded as well. Students can now take College 102 at CPTC’s three locations – the Lakewood campus, the South Hill Puyallup campus and the Eastside Training Center. Evening and Saturday classes are also available, making classes more accessible for everyone.

Beyond orientation

Unlike most classes at CPTC, College 102 falls under the Student Success division rather than Instruction. The reason? Orientation alone isn’t enough for most students. College Success 102 is considered an extension of new student orientation, which only lasts a few hours.

“The course stretches those critical conversations over an entire quarter, giving students time to practice, reflect and apply skills with guidance,” Phillips said.

Being housed under Student Success also keeps the class closely connected with the departments that support students throughout their academic journey.

The Male Engagement Center’s expanded outreach

The Male Engagement Center (MEC), overseen by McCoy, strengthens CPTC’s early-outreach efforts. One of its signature programs is Summer Launch, a four-day summer experience that introduces expectations around workload, school-job balance, the financial realities of attending college, and connecting with support systems.

“Students don’t always think through these questions before enrolling,” McCoy said. “Summer Launch gives them a head start. And when they reach College 102, they’re more prepared and less overwhelmed.”

More than a requirement

For busy students, a required college-transition course can feel like an added burden. Each quarter, Phillips meets students who resist taking it – only to discover later that it was exactly what they needed.

“I assumed this class would cover basic information I already knew and wouldn’t be worthwhile beyond meeting graduation requirements,” said Aryana White, a Dental Assistant student pursuing her Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) degree. “But after taking it, I realized how incredibly helpful it was and how much it has supported my success in other courses.”

“Students tell me they feel more prepared – not just for their program, but for life,” Phillips said. “The tools they learn go far beyond the classroom.”