The Student Success Center kicked off the fall semester by welcoming students, faculty, and staff to its Open House on August 27 and 28. The event provided an opportunity for students to explore the center’s resources, meet the staff who support them, and discover the many ways the Student Success Center can help them succeed.
The Open House brought together the areas that make up the Student Success Center, including the Accessibility Resources Office, Math Lab, Writing Center, and Tutoring. Students were encouraged to visit each area, participate in activities, ask questions, and learn more about the services available to them throughout the semester.
A punch-card activity encouraged students to explore all of the center’s areas, with students who completed the activity entered into a raffle. More importantly, the event created opportunities for students to make connections with staff and become familiar with resources they may not have known were available.
One of the activities hosted by the Writing Center invited students to consider the question: “I am actually a better writer than an AI chatbot because…” The responses demonstrated something the Writing Center hopes students recognize about their own writing: their individual voice and perspective matter.
Students responded that they are better writers because “I am human,” while others noted that they are “a person and not a homogenization of all of humanity.” Students also highlighted their ability to find actual sources, express genuine emotion, and know what they want to say. Other responses emphasized the importance of originality and personal knowledge. One student wrote, “The things I write about are my original ideas and thoughts.” The responses offered a powerful reminder that writing is about more than simply putting words on a page. It is an opportunity for students to communicate their experiences, perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and emotions. The Writing Center activity was just one example of how the Open House encouraged students to engage with the resources available to them in meaningful and interactive ways.
“Events like this give students the opportunity to see that the Student Success Center is more than just a place to go when you are struggling,” said Samantha Smith, Senior Accessibility Specialist and Chair of the Student Success Center. “We want students to know that these resources are here from the beginning of their college experience and that asking for support is a strength.”
The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation made the Open House a successful way to begin the fall semester. Students had the chance to learn where they can find academic and accessibility support, meet members of the Student Success Center team, and see firsthand that there is a community on campus invested in their success.
Open House Raffle Winners
Congratulations to the following students who completed the Open House punch-card activity and were selected as raffle winners!
Jose Perez: Choice of Water Bottle or T-shirt
Daniela Garcia: Choice of Water Bottle or T-shirt
Liyana Baker: Choice of Water Bottle or T-shirt
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Open House and helped make the event a success! As the semester continues, students are encouraged to visit the Student Success Center and take advantage of the resources available through the Writing Center, Math Lab, Tutoring, and Accessibility Resources Office.
The message from the Open House was clear: students do not have to navigate college alone and their own voices, ideas, and abilities are an important part of their success.
Submitted by: Student Success Center
Tags: Student Success Center
