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Hundreds of students welcomed at orientation
The Advocate
Nearly 800 nervous, excited and in-between new students flooded the MHCC gym Thursday and settled in for the eighth annual student orientation.
"Don't go through life disoriented. Go to orientation," print center office assistant Theresa Snyder said.
Students were welcomed at a breakfast while Associated Student Government officials and Student Activity Board members danced with Barney, the college mascot. They worked up the audience and gave out t-shirts, chanting, "When I say 'Mount,' you say 'Hood!'"
MHCC interim President Michael Hay, ASG President Jackie Altamirano and Vice President Erika Molina officially welcomed the students. Hay said he was also a community college student, and reassured the audience, "It's all about you. We want to make that the hallmark for what we do."
A slideshow of past students and teachers was shown, highlighting their favorite memories and activities at MHCC, giving the new students hopes for the memories they can create through attending MHCC.
Following the video, 50 groups, consisting of 12-14 people, embarked on a campus tour with their designated S.O.A.R. (Student Outreach And Recruitment) leaders and volunteers.
First-year student Ashly W. marked the tour her favorite part of orientation,
"You get to know a lot of stuff. (You know) where things are, and everything that can help."
Students returned to the Main Mall for lunch and an Academic Fair. Organizations such as Admissions, Hospitality and Tourism, U Core (Catalytic Outreach and Research Experiences), Planned Parenthood, and Phi Theta Kappa waited to educate people about their programs. The Learning Success Center (located in above the library in AC3300) displayed "5 Ways To Be Successful" on their table, encouraging students to invest in their free tutoring, student seminars, computer skills lab, learning skills specialists and online learning resources.
Public Safety Director Gale Blessing stressed the importance of safety for the students and the staff. "Officers are in control 24/7. We have emergency and office numbers students can call, also safe escorts that walk students to their cars if it's dark. They also do car unlocks and jumpstarts."
The student success panel, led by fellow organization directors, assisted students in various topics, including how to get and maintain financial aid.
Raw Action Crew showcased their break-dancing skills for MHCC. Meadow McWhorter, student event coordinator and adviser for ASG, said that Raw Action was "entertaining. (They) had great energy."
ASG officers ended the orientation by passing out door prizes like an Xbox 360 Kinect, iPods, MHCC merchandise and Visa cash cards. The bookstore handed out gift bags to the first hundred students in the store.
Altamirano said she was excited about the turnout. "I think it went great," she said. "I just hope they took something from it. If they need anything, we're here to help."
An ice cream social, given in the College Center, was held after orientation.
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