This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
With a desire to refresh the new student orientation process and begin rolling out Fields of Interest (FOI), Scottsdale Community College held its inaugural Artie’s Fall Welcome event August 14-15, 2019. More than 650 new students participated in activities that introduced them to college academics, campus life and support services.
Beginning with the Fall 2019 semester, all degree programs within the Maricopa County Community College District are organized within standardized FOIs. The new Fighting Artichokes connected with the dedicated community of SCC faculty, counselors, advisors, librarians, financial aid personnel, and other student support services – all associated within their respective FOI. The FOIs help students clarify the career path they are pursuing while providing the information, assistance, and encouragement needed to find success.
Tawni Rachel, student services supervisor in SCC’s Student Success & Retention Department, helped orchestrate the new event.
“We wanted attendees to walk away with a sense of belonging here at SCC, and that someone knows their name and can address their needs as they may arise,” says Rachel. “Students were excited about meeting their faculty and getting more information about what it’s like to be a college student.”
Sitting in a mock classroom setting, the new learners experienced a collegiate-level lecture and hands-on demonstration. They met with Math faculty to ensure they were enrolled in the correct Math course for their area of study. Research has shown that the initial math class taken may not be the correct one, requiring the student to take an additional class.
Breakout sessions covered university transfer partnerships, scholarships, financial literacy, and how to use one’s money wisely.
Information and resources on basic needs like housing, transportation and food services were readily shared. Key academic areas such as the Honors Program, Library, and Learning and Tutoring Centers were represented.
Students also took part in exploration sessions within their FOI. They had the opportunity to change their major and/or move into the correct FOI, and receive all related information about their FOI at that time.
On the lighter side, students could take their picture with SCC mascot Artie the Artichoke along with receiving Artichoke swag and promotional materials related to their FOI.