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New Student Orientation draws a crowd
The Advocate
More than 600 new students attended the New Student Orientation Tuesday, in addition to 200 who attended spring and summer orientations, according to Robert Cox, manager of student life and the College Center.
“The huge turnout means more money and growth for the college and programs,” said Andrew Steynor, ASG senator and political science major.
The event was created as a way to acclimate new students to the environment provided at the MHCC campus. “The main thing is to have students on campus, getting acquainted with one another and the various services MHCC offers. It provides a less intimidating experience for them,” said Sydney Eustrom, manager of Outreach.
Students were greeted by orientation staff and then convened in the gym for a personal welcome from MHCC President John Sygielski. He took time to recognize those students who work and attend school, first generation college students, and students who have been to MHCC but are now returning to finish their degrees. A returning medical field student, Jule Flowers, said Sygielski makes students comfortable because he is “so jazzed up about everything and always energetic.” Sygielski turned over the stage to a comedic performance outlining some of the basics provided in the student handbook.
Fisheries technology student Erica Buckner was awarded a 12-credit tuition waiver. The tuition waiver, donated by the bookstore, was one of the gifts raffled off at the end of the orientation.
“I am so lucky,” said Buckner seconds after receiving the waiver.
Buckner’s mother is disabled and she fully relied on financial aid to pay for her college education.
Those attending the orientation were not only new students but also family members who were there for support. Cox said, “There were 104 family and friends who attended.”
Ron Hein, husband of Amanda Hein, General Studies major, attended with his wife and said the orientation process was very helpful.
Amanda Hein, the mother of eight children, discovered a variety of options for technical programs that she did not know existed which made her even more excited to be attending MHCC.
There were also a few potential students attending the orientation in an effort to determine if MHCC is for them. Chelsea Martinez came to check out the college but is undecided on whether she will enroll. “It’s cool so far,” she said after hearing the welcome from the president.
There were also tables providing information about the various clubs and services offered at the MHCC campus with representatives willing to answer questions.
Kurtis Adamson, psychology major, said, “It’s a good environment with a friendly staff,” when asked what he thought of the orientation process. He enjoyed the pastries and coffee and decided he would like to play basketball for MHCC after talking with representatives at the Athletic Department information table.
In an effort to familiarize students with MHCC, students were taken on a scenic tour of the campus. The tour guides pointed out the trail that loops around the Visual Arts Department, good for walks during breaks between classes, encouraged students to try out the concrete couch displayed by the Art Department, and informed students of the rear parking available to them. Students who were unable to attend the orientation have the ability to schedule a personal tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon or Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
For more information contact [email protected].
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