It May Be Cold Outside . . .

. . . but there's enough hot stuff happening at NCC to make you forget about all that snow and those single-digit temps.   

Here's a glimpse of what's coming at you: 

• Stick Fly--Lydia R. Diamond's comedy-drama, part of NCC's Black History Month celebration, will be performed Wednesday through Friday (Jan. 29-Feb. 2) in the campus theatre.  A play about race and privilege, Stick Fly will leave you with much to think and talk about.  It will also provide some laughs, as well as a chance to watch some of NCC's most talented student actors. P.S. Admission is free (provided you have a valid NCC student ID (a must!)). 

• Welcome to Nassau Bash--Feeling at loose ends during club hour?  Drop by the MPR (short for Multipurpose Room) in the College Center this Thursday, Jan. 30 at 11:30 a.m. for music, free food, giveaways, and a chance to make some new friends.  Expect a big crowd--and a good time--so make sure you get there on time.

• Activities Fair--If you want to jump into campus life, the Activities Fair is the place to take the plunge.  At club hour (11:30 a.m.) on Tuesday, Feb. 4, most of NCC's 70+ clubs will be gathering in the MPR to show the campus what they're all about. Food, music, giveaways, good talk--you'll find them all as you make your way around the MPR.  Going to the Activities Fair doesn't obligate you to join a club, but I'm betting that after shopping around, you'll leave wanting to be a part of something.  

•  Poetry Hour--Is there a poet in you?  Let that voice be heard at the upcoming Poetry Hour, scheduled for late February in the College Center.  Haraya and the Programming Board, the student groups sponsoring the event, will be holding auditions during club hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.) in the College Center, Rm. 323, beginning January 28. Get your best poems ready and get to an audition.  You can get more info about the auditions (and the event itself) by emailing nccharaya1965@gmail.com.  

You can't do much about the weather (probably lots more frigid days ahead), but you can certainly take the chill off things by checking out what Nassau has to offer.  So get out of the cold, come inside, and be a part of things in the weeks ahead. 

If You're Starting Nassau this Spring . . .

. . . you may be (secretly) wondering how in the world you're going to get a handle on such a big school. 

Not to worry: Plenty of students before you have made their way here--and done fine.  You'll see.  Everything will work out.

But meanwhile, here are six quick "starting college" tips guaranteed to shorten your NCC learning curve (and ease your transition to college):

• Register your car.  If you're driving to Nassau, you'll need to register your car, motorcycle, SUV, etc. with the Public Safety office (see www.ncc.edu/vehicleregistration).  There's a fee (not a big one), but it's nothing compared to the cost of getting a ticket, which you could get if you don't register.  Also, be smart about parking: leave enough time to find a space and get to class on time AND pay attention to signs in parking lots.  While most parking spaces are available for student use, some spaces are restricted.  You don't want to park illegally and get a County ticket (which costs big $$$$).

• Get your NCC ID.  You'll need an ID to take out books from the campus library, use certain campus services, and get into many campus events.  If you don't have an ID yet, visit www.ncc.edu/campusservices/parkingandsafety and click NCC ID Cards.  Getting an ID won't take long, so take care of this asap.

• Know your Banner ID# (N00....) and your PIN.  You'll need both your Banner ID number (aka your MyNCC ID or "N" number) and your PIN number to register for classes, make schedule changes, and see your academic records.  If you're having problems with either number, remember that the Banner helpdesk (516.572.9980) is just a phone call away.

• Stay connected to NCC.  To keep up on College news (info about registration, scholarships, campus events and activities, etc.), check the NCC homepage and your College email account regularly.  Also, check out NCC through Facebook (www.Facebook.com/NassauCommunityCollege), Twitter (www.Twitter.com/fye_nassaucc), and (of course!) "What's Up, NCC?" (www.whatsupncc.blogspot.com).  Lots of valuable stuff online. Stay in the loop!

• Know where to get answers.  Good sources of info and advice at NCC: a) Information Center (Tower, Plaza Level; 516.572.7501); b) Office of Student Activities (College Center, Rm. 150; 516.572.7148); c) Public Safety (building behind Phys Ed Complex; 516.572.7100); d) Dean of Students (College Center, Rm. 313; 516.572.7135); and e) Dept. of Student Personnel Services (Nassau Hall, Rm. 11; 516.572.7506). If you have questions, these offices will answer them.  If you're lost, they'll help you get found.  

• Keep your Daily Planner handy. Use this publication to keep track of your semester (as well as the rest of your life!). The planner contains a College calendar, a campus map, important telephone numbers, and lots of other useful information.  If you don't have a planner, stop by the Student Activities office (College Center, Rm. 150) or the Information Center (Tower, Plaza Level) and pick up your FREE copy.  And P.S.: If you need directions in a hurry, try Nassau's virtual tour: http://www.ncc.edu/virtualtour. 

So there you go: A quickie guide to the ins and outs of NCC.  More to come--check back.

New to Nassau?

Getting ready to start classes at NCC?  Before you do, make it your business to attend New Student Orientation--Thursday, Jan. 16, 10:45 a.m., Building G, first floor.  

Why?  Because there's a lot to learn about Nassau (and college in general)--and Orientation will help fill in the gaps.  

You'll get a heads-up on classes (what to expect when the semester starts), tour the campus (a big place but after a walk-through, definitely a manageable one), get a feel for life outside the classroom (plenty going on at NCC), and maybe most important of all, meet some professors and classmates.  

You'll also get some tips, from student Orientation leaders, on how to do well in your classes AND have a good time in college.

All in 3 1/2 hours.

We know that you're busy--maybe have a job to get to--and we know that that January is, well, January. But hey: you don't start college every day.  Your education's important.  You owe it to yourself to give school your best shot.  

And by the way, just in case you're a little nervous about starting college: Orientation will take away some of that anxiety (you may even go home smiling).  

So make time for Orientation this Thursday.   

We'll be looking for you.