Greenfield Community College

Ready, Set, Go: Orientation set for January 26

Original publication date: 2008-01-28 06:00:00

The faculty and staff at Greenfield Community College know how important it is for students to have the support of their parents, family members and friends when embarking on a new educational path. Starting college at any age is a big transition in life and anything that can make that easier will help students succeed. That’s the idea behind GCC’s orientation program for parents, family members and friends, which will be held on Saturday, January 26 starting at 8:30 a.m. in the East Building.

“We want to help them to understand the culture of the college and know how to help the student be more successful,” said Colleen Kucinski, director of the Career Center.

This is the second time the college has held the program. The first orientation was offered before the start of fall semester and about 50 people attended. Kucinski said that’s a pretty good turnout considering it was the first event of its kind.

The program is designed specifically for the people who support GCC students. There will be a panel discussion with parents and friends of current students, and alums who can talk about ways they can help new students. There will also be a resource fair, where everyone can see what is available to students in case they ever need help — resources like financial aid and tutoring. “It’s a way for people to get information ahead of time instead of waiting until there are problems to be addressed,” said Anna Berry, coordinator for Disability Services.

She also said that for parents of traditionally-aged college students coming right out of high school, this program will help them understand their changing role in their student’s life—going from actively being responsible for them to accepting more of a supporting role.

Judy Raper, associate dean of Student Affairs, said for students who are not of the traditional student age, or who are the first in their family to go to college, this program can also help their families know what to expect. “They need to understand, while it is an exciting time for new students, they are also balancing stresses of their life like a full-time job, or taking care of kids or elderly parents,” Raper said. “It’s not the same as a residential college where students are constantly in the company of other students going through the same thing as they are.” She said if a student needs to vent and relieve stress, it’s good for everyone involved to understand what is going on in their college life. It also helps to be able to visualize them at the college and visiting the college is a great way to get that point of reference.

For more information, contact Colleen Kucinski at 413-775-1208.