On opening day at Woodland Community College, students were drawn to a bright blue tent set up between the 100 and 300 buildings of the Woodland Campus. It was the first-ever information tent and “Welcome Week” at the Woodland Campus.
Dr. Stacey Cook, the new Woodland Community College Dean of Student Services, organized Welcome Week, along with her secretary, Shirley Evans. They enthusiastically welcomed students with tips for success and important student services information.
“Welcome Week” also featured a free barbeque and an assortment of brochures and flyers for students, including information about financial aid, registration, the tutoring center, student service programs, such as the EOP&S and Disabled Student Program & Services. Welcome Week promoted the C.A.R.E and CalWorks programs, as well as the Career & Counseling Center. Cook and Evans helped direct lost students, answered questions and encouraged use of the new iCampus portal and email.
Cook said that “Welcome Week” is her favorite part of the semester, and once she discovered WCC did not have a welcome week, she began making plans for one. “We care about (students) and we want their success!,” Cook said.
The hosts of Welcome Week provided information regarding the status of open and closed courses and emphasized that college is affordable for everyone. They distributed “I CAN afford college!” bracelets and pamphlets, stressing the importance of getting tutoring early and registering online rather than waiting in long registration lines.
Two district trustees, Alan Flory and Xavier Tofoya, cooked for over 150 students at the free barbeque at noon on Thursday, August 24.
Cook is hoping for more student participation in events on campus and involvement in volunteering at information booths. She also believes interaction between administration and students during events such as Welcome Week help strengthen the campus community.
Future “Welcome Week” plans include a “Registration-Blitz” with incentives for student participation and early registration. The college will provide technological how-to’s for students uncomfortable enrolling online.
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