With more students returning to face-to-face instruction during winter quarter — including some stepping foot on campus for the first time ever — Yakima Valley College’s employees and students knew it was important to give them a warm welcome.
Vanessa Tucker, chair of YVC’s Caring Campus committee, said two dozen employees partnered with Student Governments and signed up for shifts welcoming students to the Yakima and Grandview campuses during the first two days of the quarter. Stationed at the entrances of several buildings, volunteers handed out welcome bags filled with YVC swag, answered questions and helped students navigate campus.
“The response was positive. Students seemed pleased to have someone greet them and be ready to answer questions. The start of the quarter can be stressful, so we wanted to help them get off to a positive start.”
— Vanessa Tucker, caring campus committee chair
Grandview Student Life Assistant Stacy Wahl said connecting face-to-face with students after the long period of virtual learning motivated Student Government to participate in the welcome event.
“We felt it was an important opportunity to welcome students back and let them know Student Government is here to support, inform and help them make their school experience a better one,” she shared.
Over the first two days, approximately 300 welcome bags were handed out to students, despite inclement weather.
“Students were excited and thankful for the swag bags and any information provided,” Wahl said. “It is important to recognize the students as people and not just numbers. To let them know they are appreciated, are wished success and wanted at our school.”
The Caring Campus committee also prepared to welcome students at the beginning of spring quarter.
“We want to ensure we take time for each student to meet their needs and identify any barriers to their success,” Tucker said. “We want students to know that we care about their success and that is why we do what we do.”
