The annual event, held this year on Tuesday, Sept. 19, invites students brand new to the college, transfers from other colleges and universities, and students restarting their education after time away to partake in a day of learning and fun. Participants can explore the Gresham Campus; meet with staff, faculty and current students; and investigate the college’s clubs, academic programs and support services. Along the way, they’ll get a free lunch and enter into a drawing for an entire term of free tuition.

“It’s one of my favorite days of the year,” said Pam Kuretich, student events and special projects coordinator. “It’s amazing to see the campus come to life with so many students. And the event really helps to connect students with faculty and staff and reduce some of those first-day jitters students may have.”

Kuretich helped plan the first New Student Welcome Day in 2004. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and attendance, and it now serves as a Fall Term kickoff celebration.

New Student Welcome Day 2017 begins in the Yoshida Event Center, where students and their accompanying friends and family check in from 8 – 9 a.m. Afterwards, students choose from one of three tracks (Black, Red or Gray) to follow. Each track emphasizes specific activities. The Black Track includes a visit to the Get Connected Fair, where students can meet with faculty, staff and other students to learn more about MHCC’s clubs and academic and support programs, followed by a campus tour. The Red Track includes a trip to the Get Connected Fair, followed by a Q&A session with a campus-wide panel of experts able to answer questions on the MHCC experience. Students on the Gray Track participate in the campus tour and the Q&A session.

While students follow their selected tracks, their friends and family can attend a panel session in the Town and Gown Room on how best to support new and returning students in their academic endeavors. Around noon, everyone comes together in the Main Mall for lunch and the door prize drawing. One of the most coveted prizes: free tuition for an entire term (12 credits) at MHCC.

Following New Student Welcome Day, the MHCC Bookstore will hold its annual open house celebration from 1 – 2:30 p.m. The Bookstore will offer dozens of door prizes, from backpacks to earbuds and more. Towards the end of the event, they’ll draw a grand prize winner. Enjoy refreshments and participate in fun activities, including a silly photo contest with props.