GCC holds orientation

By JEAN NORDINE

[email protected]

Ironwood - Orientations for freshmen and transfer students at Gogebic Community College were held Wednesday and Thursday.

The sessions provide students with opportunities to explore their goals and students are required to participate in specified orientation activities.

More than 200 students participated in orientation over the two days, where they learned about the college and its resources and gained an understanding of GCC's policies, regulations and procedures.

Upon registration, they received a binder that included information to help them be successful in their college careers. They then had their ID photos taken, before being welcomed by GCC Interim President Erik Guenard and Jeanne Graham, Dean of Students.

Dayle Jackson, director of Student Outreach/Engagement, told the group, "We hope you are excited about being a student at GCC. This can be an exciting time and a challenging time. Our faculty and staff are here, ready to help you be successful. Get to know your advisor, visit the ACES center for help with tutoring, group work and for any questions you might have."

Kristine Michel, TriO Coordinator, Mark Switzer, career counselor, and Jessica Leinon-Novascone, director of TriO and Disability Services, said TriO is a support program that provides students with professional tutoring, lunch and learns, campus visits and supplement grants and aid.

Numerous college staff provided information, such as Tara Tregembo, transfer coordinator; Sue Forbes, financial aid director; Brian Panich, transitional bookstore assistant, and Kari Klemme, bookstore manager. Kristina Kendall, administrative assistant, Dean of Business, gave the group payment plan information.

After the orientation was over the students had the opportunity to meet with faculty in their specific programs of study.

Jackson encouraged the students to get involved. She said, "Our campus is surrounded by the beauty of our area and we hope you will plan to spend some time enjoying the outdoors. We have designed a variety of activities, including seminars, workshops and day trips you can attend. We have also developed a workbook to serve as a guide to the resources Gogebic Community College and the overall community have to offer."

Classes begin Monday.