Starting college is about more than finding classrooms, buying books, and learning a new schedule. It is also about finding a community.
The relationships students form during the first days and weeks of a semester can shape their entire college experience. Meeting classmates, connecting with employees and participating in campus activities can help students feel more comfortable asking questions, seeking assistance and using college resources.
Those connections can grow into friendships, study partnerships and support systems that students rely on throughout the year. They also help students learn whom to approach when they have questions, need assistance or simply want to become more involved.
A strong college experience is built both inside and outside the classroom. When students feel welcomed and have opportunities to connect with classmates, faculty and staff, the College becomes a more familiar and comfortable place.
For Western Iowa Tech Community College, student engagement means creating opportunities for every student, from those eager to participate right away to those who may need more time, to find their place within the campus community.
Throughout the year, Western Iowa Tech offers clubs, activities, athletics and campus events that bring students together. Welcome Week builds on that effort by providing approachable, low-pressure ways for new and returning students to meet people, learn about campus life and begin the semester feeling welcomed.
"The first couple of weeks of each semester bring a special energy to campus," said Mike Craig, WIT Student Activities Specialist. "Students may be nervous, but they are excited, too. We want every student to feel welcomed and give them plenty of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and start building connections. And, of course, there will be lots of food, treats and fun along the way."
Western Iowa Tech's fall credit classes begin Monday, Aug. 24. Before classes begin, housing move-ins start Aug. 21, followed by a Housing Block Party on Aug. 23. Some student-athletes began arriving Aug. 1, giving them an early opportunity to settle in, meet their teammates and become acquainted with campus.
The College's core Welcome Week runs Aug. 24 through Sept. 1, with additional activities continuing through Sept. 3. Events are planned during the day and in the evening, providing opportunities for students who live in campus housing as well as those who commute.
Welcome Week will feature welcome giveaways, food and treats, games, club signups, athletic events, staff-versus-student competitions and evening entertainment. The goal is to offer something for everyone and provide many different ways for students to participate.
These activities also give Western Iowa Tech employees opportunities to meet students in a relaxed setting. A friendly introduction, a shared activity or a simple conversation can help students identify people they feel comfortable approaching later when they need information, encouragement or support.
Welcome Week is only the beginning. Student activities will continue throughout the academic year, giving students additional opportunities to develop friendships, explore their interests and strengthen their connection to the College.
Additional Welcome Week activities may be added as the semester approaches. Follow @WITCCStudentLife on Facebook and Instagram for the full schedule, event details and updates, or visit www.witcc.edu/calendar to explore events happening throughout the year. Students who need accommodations to participate may contact Michelle Fiechtner at michelle.fiechtner@witcc.edu or 712-317-3440.
"We are excited to welcome everyone to campus and begin another great year," Craig said. "Whether students attend one event or many, we hope they find a place to connect, get involved and feel that Western Iowa Tech is their community."