St. Clair College welcomes new students

By Sean Previl

Students attending St. Clair College this fall will be heading into school well prepared thanks to pre-class orientation.

Orientation week at the college has been taking place since Aug. 26 at all campuses, giving students the chance to start adjusting to college life.

Mature student Michelle Hennin, a first year in the Personal Support Worker program, said the best part of the week has been the senior students making themselves available to help those new to the school.

“The willingness and the helpfulness from students, it’s great,” said Hennin. “When I came for registration there was students to help expedite the line. The organization they have is a lot better than what it used to be.”

Hennin said as a student returning to school, the organization put into the week has greatly improved since she first came to St. Clair more than 10 years ago.

Lorna McCormack, chair of the School of Media, Art & Design, said in visiting the various classes she was happy to see both students and coordinators talking and getting to know one another.

“(The meetings) looked very good. It looked really well attended. There were some very good questions being asked and (that’s) really what [orientation] is all about,” said McCormack.

Kate Isley, president of the Student Representative Council said a lot of effort went into planning orientation and it involved many services and departments from the college.

“Everyone has their hand in the pot, so to speak, we work together so that it’s a success,” said Isley.

Isley said aside from the SRC, the Student Athletic Association, the marketing department and student services were just a few of the departments who helped plan the orientation events.

Another first year student said she’s hoping to use orientation as a way of getting to know the services the school provides.

“I’m hoping to explore what St. Clair College is all about and this program that I’ve chosen,” said Helen Medel, who will be taking Public Relations at the MediaPlex. “(I want) to see what’s available and what’s not available, how I will accommodate myself with my special needs and go from there.”

College administration said they hope the week will give students a sense of community.

“I think if we can create a bonding experience, the fact that when you come here you’re enthusiastic about studying [and] we provide you with a quality education,” said Dr. John Strasser, President of the college. “It’ll carry a long way through the year.”

Classes will start at the college Sept. 3.