by Pete Schulte
Editor-in-Chief
pschult6@jccc.edu
JCAV video content filmed and edited by: Seth Elliott, Anthony Graham, and Brandon Giraldo
Students filled classrooms, caught up with old friends and spent time hunting down elusive parking spots as the fall 2015 semester officially got underway.
Festivities began with free coffee, snacks and the opportunity to meet President Joe Sopcich and other staff members at the “Cup of Joe with Joe” event located at the COM Plaza. This event, and an additional welcome desk set up inside the Carlsen Center, will remain in place until Aug. 18 to introduce students to the campus and help answer questions.
Chrissy Swafford and Sam Christiensen, students, are attending the college for the first semester shared that their first day experiences have been positive.
“It’s pretty good … I got lost this morning, couldn’t find my car. So a police officer helped me!,” Swafford laughed.
“Staff have been very helpful. Classes [are] fairly easy to find, simple layout. Nice campus,” Christiensen said.
Another student, Michael Jolly, offered a reminder to students searching for parking.
“I kind of just overlook people and you know, [you] can’t really do a little demolition derby in the parking lot, so you try to find those spots way before everyone else,” Jolly said.
Fall enrollment numbers were also released by the college yesterday. Enrollment dipped 4.4%, with 14,848 students currently enrolled. While overall numbers are down, online enrollment did rise by approximately 4.6%.
Cav Kickoff, another piece of the college’s welcome week, takes place on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and gives students the opportunity to get to know the college they recently enrolled in. With free food, music and information booths spanning a variety of clubs and organizations, the event allows students to explore the possibilities that the college has to offer.
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and keep an eye on our website for additional Cav Kickoff coverage on Wednesday.
Returning students offer advice to entering Cavaliers:
Simon Tekeste: “Take advantage of the JCCC experience. It’s very affordable, but you can have the college classes. You might not feel like there’s that much campus life, but you can save a lot of money and it’s a great way to start out.”
Emily Smith: “Just be yourself and be a little more determined on doing your schoolwork. Be yourself and you’ll meet a lot of cool people that way. Stay chill and don’t be too scared!”
Nigel Baselle: “Have fun more and enjoy meeting people. Meet more people and be social.”
Additional contribution by Shawn Simpson, Staff Reporter