WCC students interact with staff and volunteers at tables in the Student Center during the Welcome Day event. Torrence Williams | Washtenaw Voice
By John Kopelman
Contributor
This semester’s Welcome Day event showcased many different ways for students to engage in campus life, as well as off-campus activities.
Last Wednesday, there were around 40-50 tables set up in the Student Center for the event, representing a wide variety of activities, interests and needs—from outside vendors, student and faculty-led clubs, and departments within the school that work directly with students in support positions.
Welcome Day is brought together by the Office of Student Development and Activities, and it occurs twice a year—once during the winter semester and once in the fall.
“When this first started we had eight tables. In the fall, we have over 100,” said Rachel Barsch, Student Activities supervisor. “…we’ve worked hard to grow it… what’s really nice is that the community wants to come and give free things and opportunities for students,” Barsch said.
The event during the fall semester is much larger, and is usually hosted outside if the weather is nice.
The clubs and student organizations provide students with unique ways to engage with their interests, fields of study and non-academic identities. There are groups for students interested in animation, environmental issues, anime and cosplay, pre-med, radiography and astronomy. There are also clubs that focus on different identities students have, including faith-based affinity groups, Out-Space—a group for LGBTQ+ students and allies, a Black Student Union, the International Student Association and more.
Andrew Lyandar is an officer of the Students for Sustainability club and studies natural sciences, with plans to transfer to a university to study electrical engineering.
“I am interested in high-performance, low-energy metasystems, and that basically just brings up the word sustainability,” he said. “That, and renewable energy. I am basically pro-carbon neutral.”
The club often works closely with WCC’s Facilities Management office, he said.
“They have been very responsive, but there are still areas where we can improve,” he said “[WCC] plans on going carbon neutral by 2060. It would be great to speed that up.”
Vanessa Rickerman was staffing the STEM Scholars table. She’s also a second-year natural sciences student hoping to transfer to U of M or EMU to study mechanical engineering.
STEM Scholars is led by Susan Dentel, Rickerman said, with the help of other teachers, staff, and mentors. The program also offers mentoring and networking opportunities.
“I think the biggest benefit, especially being in a community college, is the community that it gives you. You meet a whole set of new people, who become almost like a second family because they’re around you so much,” Rickerman said. “They’re all going through the same classes and struggles that you are, and you get to go through them together.”
Among the external vendors represented were local chain restaurants, grocery stores and theaters, offering free food and coupons. Local chapters of political organizations and churches offered information about their services and opportunities to get involved. There were also booths set up just for fun, including temporary tattoos, a “wax-hand” dipping station and even a live owl and python at the Leslie Science and Nature Center table.
In case you missed out on the fun, a list and information about student clubs and organizations can be found on the Campus Connect website.