Yasmin Shirali/Pioneer
Future student Michelle Robinson brings her son Wyatt along while enrolling in the nursing program at OCCC. The last day to enroll for the spring semester is January 18th.

As a new semester begins at OCCC, Student Life wants to help students find their way around campus.

On Opening Day Jan. 15, staff volunteers will conduct personalized tours to anyone who attends, said Katie Treadwell, First Year and Student Life programs coordinator.

All the student services offices will be open, Treadwell said. Students will be able to take care of financial aid details, buy textbooks, and speak with an adviser. The bursar office also will be open, she said.

“We encourage returning students to come as well because they need financial aid and books, too.”

At 11:30 a.m. on Opening Day, a New Student Orientation takes place in CU3, where students can find helpful information about the campus and the resources available to students, and receive tips to lead them to success throughout their college career, said Treadwell.

During the Opening Day event, students can visit the welcome booth in the college foyer and enter to win a Nintendo Wii game system or a high-definition television. Students also can take part in a scavenger hunt. The first 200 participants will receive OCCC T-shirts from Student Life.

The college will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Treadwell said, but Welcome Week continues Tuesday, Jan. 18.

She said a welcome breakfast for students begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, in the College Union and will lasts until the food runs out.

At noon on Tuesday, Jan. 18, is the return of Taco Tuesday in the union foyer. Taco Tuesday is an event held the first Tuesday of the month, every month, to encourage students to keep up-to-date with campus events.

Wednesday, Jan. 19, and Thursday, Jan. 20, both offer students another opportunity to attend a New Student Orientation. Wednesday’s session begins at 2 p.m. in CU3. Thursday’s session begins at 9:30 a.m., also in CU3. Students should RSVP by calling or stopping by the Academic Advising office or Student Life in the Main Building.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20, students can swing by the college foyer to make a wax hand.

Friday, Jan. 21, is OCCC Spirit Day. Students are encouraged to wear OCCC T-shirts to show their pride.

Student Life is hosting an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, at the Student Life office to give students another opportunity to learn about their events and programs.