Over the course of four days the Associated Student Union sponsored four events to welcome new and returning students for the 2017 fall semester.

The first ever “Welcome Week,” held from Aug. 14 to 17, gave students a chance to prepare for the upcoming semester by offering attendees free notebooks, pens, pencils and other school supplies in the plaza outside of Fireside Hall.

There were also various tables with representatives from on campus resources answering student’s questions and informing them on what’s available.

“We want to welcome students, and we want to support students by letting them know about all of the available resources on campus,” CCC Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks said.

Nickelson-Shanks said this year’s turnout was bigger than last year.

He said they were able to gauge the number of attendees based off the, “Dream and Goals,” boards that were open for students to write on. Each day the boards were filled with student’s goals for the semester.

A common theme was to pass classes, he said.

Each day of, “Welcome Week,” had a slightly altered focus. The opening day, Aug. 14, had more of a celebratory atmosphere as ASU representatives handed out free school supplies, donuts and hot chocolate.

Nickelson-Shanks said the second day, Aug. 15, was one of the best days of the campaign. “Comet Day,” was focused on representatives from campus resources and clubs setting up tables to inform students about what kind of help their program offers.

Representatives from the Financial Aid Office, Disabled Students’ Programs and Services, Career Services, and peer tutoring were at the event tabling. There was also a board showcasing all the clubs on campus students can join.

One of the most visited tables on Tuesday was peer tutoring. English tutor Denise Mathis said informing students of tutoring services face-to-face is important. “A lot of newer students don’t come to tutoring,” said Mathis, “Peer tutors might seem intimidating but seeking help does make a difference.”

Another on-campus resource that benefitted from the tabling on Aug. 15 was Career Services.

CCC’s Career Services Coordinator Natasha DeAlmeida said, “Welcome Week,” is a useful way to let new and returning students know about Career Services.

DeAlmeida said there hasn’t been a Career Center on campus for several years, so having a presence at campus events is important in bringing this resource back.

Dominique Rodriguez, computer science major, said, “Welcome Week,” showed that CCC is an active campus.

“There’s (a lot) of things going on. I’m interested in the clubs, mostly the Gaming Guild,” Rodriguez said.

La Raza Student Union President Ricardo Sanchez said tabling has helped him get the word out about the program and potential future events.

Sanchez said he told students about events planned for Indigenous Peoples Day and Dia De Los Muertos as well as promoting student involvement in campus life.

Thursday was the final day of, “Welcome Week.” Along with the giveaways of school supplies and food items from the food pantry, the ASU also hosted a crossword puzzle challenge for a Kindle Fire tablet.

Students had to complete a campus related crossword puzzle to be entered in a raffle.

“Welcome Week,” had a focus on educational resources and supplies, Nickelson-Shanks said.

He said he is working with ASU senators to ensure that this will continue to be the theme for upcoming ASU events.

“Last year was more fun because it was my first year here,” Nickelson-Shanks said. “This year there will be more of a focus on academics as well as fun.”