View from the Valley 02 NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Our orientation for new students consisted of many moving parts and several sessions, but all revolved around one theme: "What do students need to know before they step foot on campus? " With this idea in mind, our WVC Orientation Committee came up with a few different sessions to best assist our students. Students had the chance to hear about the resources and programs offered here on campus: free tutoring, TRIO, FRESH, academic accommodations, disability services, and more. Students were also encouraged to get connected by attending local and campus events, games, or by joining a tribe. Our Student Success Committee gave a long list of tips to help students succeed during their time at WVC, such as: how to read course schedules, meeting with Financial Aid advisors, setting up payment plans, the importance of communicating any issues inhibiting attendance or performance, following WVC social media accounts, signing up for the IECC Alert System, navigating Canvas, and checking their email. In addition, students received a campus tour, found their classes, met instructors, and received advice from returning students. In the afternoon, students received free lunch, bottled water, and Dairy Dee ice cream. However, The highlight of the day was the number of community partners that showed up to demonstrate how they can serve our students. The community booths provided information about services and resources available in the area to assist with finances, "Our whole job is to help you succeed while you are here on campus. Then, it is your job to take all this knowledge, and succeed wherever you choose to go- whether that's straight into the workforce or on to a university." Tabby Niduaza Director of the Academic Success Center
internship and job opportunities, mental/physical health, and more. Members from local churches, businesses, and organizations even handed out free school supplies, snacks, and pantry items. Before dismissal, students had the chance to win local restaurant and grocery store gift cards; two students even went home with $250 gift certificates to the Campus Bookstore! All, however, received a free WVC t-shirt to wear at any home Warrior games. By the end of the day we spoke to over 200 new students; even more exciting, 21 states and 13 countries were represented! We understand not all of our students will retain every bit of information from Orientation, nor can we expect them to apply it; it was A LOT of information. However, our theme "What do students need to know before they step foot on campus?" was present throughout the day, and will continue to be around them as they make their way through their time here at WVC. Our new students will know whom they can turn to. They will know the faculty and staff that showed up and continue to show up every day, with smiling faces and encouraging words. If students learned one thing from New Student Orientation, we hope it was that if they ever need help, or just want to chat, we are here.
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