School is back in session at Three Rivers College.
“There are very few things in the academic year more exciting than the first day back with all the students. They’re coming in, they’re excited,” President Dr. Wes Payne told the board of trustees on Wednesday.
Classes began Monday but the campus was abuzz long before students arrived. The semester started over a week ago with Freshman Drop-In Day on Aug. 9.
“We open it up for any first-year students to come in, get a schedule tour, pick up their books early, ask any questions, get logged in, anything they needed,” explained admissions and recruitment coordinator Heather King. “They were appreciative that we let them come in early to get rid of those first-day jitters.”
Sixty students attended, she added.
Enrollment Services and Student Development Director Brandi Brooks told the board future events are in the works for the spring semester and beyond.
“This is our second year doing this. We’d love to continue this, make it a little bit bigger, to help alleviate some of that first-day anxiety,” she said.
Convocation was held at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on Aug. 12. Staff gathered at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center for college updates, training, an achievement report and employee highlights. This year, music professor Cindy White was recognized for 40 years at TRC.
According to Dr. Melissa Davis, division chair of general education, the advance week also gives teachers time to prepare.
“They have plenty of time to work in their classrooms or work online, depending on how they’re teaching,” Davis explained.
Online courses remain a significant part of TRC’s enrollment. Davis was pleased to note in-person attendance was growing.
“In person, you get more one-on-one attention. Even though our online courses are amazing and we reach out to students, it’s just not the same as seeing your instructor and asking those questions, and being able to work with your peers,” she said.
All this preparation culminates in an exciting, busy first week of classes. Staff stay alert for ways to help students during this time. On Monday and Tuesday, this meant providing directions for students bearing what Payne jokingly called the “I totally don’t know where I’m going right now” face. He noted this look had mostly disappeared by Wednesday.
For students needing last-minute registration help, Davis said her office was happy to help.
“If somebody has a last-minute request, we will put you in a course,” she said.
Class registration for this semester closes on Friday, and students will instead be placed in spring classes.