Photo Assignment 1

Students enjoy their first day on the wheel at the Benton Center ceramics class Thursday afternoon.

Strong, rugged hands enjoy the soft clay and gentle spinning of the wheel in ceramics class Thursday afternoon in Benton Center.

Student Ray Odom enjoys a little quiet time outside of N. Santiam Hall Wednesday afternoon.

Welcome Day A Hit

Welcome Day commenced on Sept. 19 with a  "kick-off speech" in Takena Hall.

Mark Urista, Communication Faculty, introduced the day's speakers and performers, including Choir groups Blue Light Special and The Sirens, whose a cappella performances enchanted the audience.

LBCC President Greg Hamann made a short yet inspirational speech, welcoming new and returning students and wishing them a great and successful year.

Ruth Krueger, Poetry Club member, sited an original poem titled "Rivers," and extended a warm welcome for interested students to get involved. The Poetry Club meets at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Hot Shot Cafe.

Our Student Body President Amanda McCowan's energetic and lively speech got the audience excited about the new school year and about the chance to try their hand at sinking President Hamann in the dunk-tank later that day. (A lucky few were successful.) McCowan talked about different clubs on campus and said that if anyone wants to start a club to come see the SLC (Student Leadership Council.) "Our ultimate goal is to make your college experience one you'll never forget."

SLC Assistant Advisor James Smith spoke about the "importance of getting the most out of our college experience," encouraging students to not just go through the motions, but to "go the extra mile" and get involved. "In the true spirit of what it means to be a roadrunner, write your own story."

Speeches wrapped up, and the "kick-off" ended with a raffle. Our Dean Sally Moore chose the winning raffle tickets from a box, and Journalism Advisor Rob Priewe handed out several prizes, including: a gift certificate for 3 tuition credits, several $50 bookstore gift cards, a portable DVD player, a wireless headset, gift cards to Chile's and Arco (the mention of free gas got the crowd cheering), and 5 pairs of tickets to the Barreljumpers on-campus performance on Oct. 5.

There was a fashion show in the Commons, followed by a few trivia questions, including when LBCC was founded, (1967), and small, stuffed roadrunners flew through the air to those who chimed in first with the correct answers. Raffle tickets were drawn to award two of the most exciting prizes of the day, 60-second shopping sprees at the bookstore.

Winners, Samuel Heuirre and Patty Nobles, had their right arms saran-wrapped together and backpacks strapped to their backs. When the timer started, they waddled around as fast as they could, cramming what they wanted into the other one's bag as spectators and students rooted them on from outside. They were able to gather a nice amount of supplies including notebooks, pens, paper, clothes, and of course new backpacks to start the year off right. Heuirre's loot totaled $291 and Nobles' was $202.

Javier Cervantes represented the Diversity Achievement Center and shared a few of the club's upcoming events, which include a Day of the Dead celebration, taking place Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, to commemorate people who have passed on. Anyone who would like to participate in honoring and remembering a loved one is welcome to come. Bring a photo of them, their favorite food, or just stop by the DAC to find out more. They will also be introducing the new layout of the center.

Eric Bryant, Moodle Administrator, had an information booth set up. The Destination Graduation classes will all be using Moodle, so for new students who aren't familiar or encounter problems using Moodle, it'll be helpful to remember that you can visit the student help desk for assistance, or you can text or call (541) 704-7001.

Support can be found on campus in many forms. The LBCC Veterans' Club, "The Voice for Veterans on Campus," was formed in 2009 to help veterans and their families. Faculty Advisor Lewis Franklin welcomes not only veterans but all students who want to participate in supporting veterans. See the Moodle calendar and keep your eye on The Commuter for upcoming meeting times.

The Career and Counseling Center was also in the courtyard sharing the resources they offer to students. Career, personal, and crisis counselors are available to students as well as employment specialists. "When a student is in crisis and they don't know where to turn, they can call us." said Charles Madriaga, College Counselor.

There was a lot to see, learn, and enjoy on Welcome Day. Returning student Michael McDonald thought there was a lot of good information on new programs, clubs, and the help that LBCC provides. "I had a lot of fun too, just walking around."

The Horticulture Club sold vegetables and fresh flowers as well as offering tours of the rooftop garden. The Theater group had a few puppets on display (Puppetry will be offered for the first time this Fall), and shared information on the other classes they will be offering this year, a few of which students may be surprised to learn, can go towards satisfying general education requirements.

Last but certainly not least, The Commuter was proud to be there speaking with students and letting them know that even those who are non-journalism majors are welcome to participate. Our new Editor-In-Chief Sean Bassinger felt that we had a really good turnout at Welcome Day this year. "A lot of students want to get actively involved with their community. It's very refreshing."

Bassinger encourages anyone who's interested in contributing to our school paper to stop by the office or send an email to Commuter@LinnBenton.edu. We're looking forward to the new school year and hoping there will be more student submissions, whether it be fiction, poetry, or even letters to the editor.

Welcome Day 2012

LBCC will take orientation to a whole new level on Welcome Day, taking place at the Albany campus on Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

“Welcome Day was designed to make new students feel welcome, get to know their way around campus, and to find out all the wonderful resources that are available to them.”  says Susan McNaught, Associate Dean of Academic Development, Communication Arts and Mathematics.

There will be department tours, information tables, student club information, and the chance to meet your student leadership council. “We want students to get engaged and feel connected with this community.” says McNaught. “Linn-Benton has an amazing amount of resources and services we provide.”

Attending the event, which takes place the week before Fall term begins, not only gives students the opportunity to find out about those and to be better prepared for the new school year, but to participate in a variety of fun activities.

There will be free food, goody bags, a fashion show, mini-golf, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt, and choir performances. James Redden, LBCC’s Choir Director, will be bringing a couple vocal groups who performed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Welcome Day is a free, fun event for new and returning students. You can enter drawings for free tuition certificates and a 60-second bookstore shopping spree. You might even see our mascot, the roadrunner, making his rounds. So come on down Sept. 19,  and show your school spirit!

Destination Graduation

This year, new students who are degree-seeking will be required to take a one-credit course called Destination Graduation. The class was designed to help students develop an academic plan to reach their goals, and to give them the tools to reach those goals.

“We want to make sure students have the best possible start,” says Susan McNaught, Associate Dean of Academic Development, Communication Arts and Mathematics.

“While part of the course is academic (study skills), a big part is advising and getting connected with an advisor.” says McNaught. Even if you’re not able to take the course from the advisor in your field, you’ll be provided with the resources to get connected with them.

One focus of your instructor will be to ensure you get into the right courses at the right times, and to assist you to not only connect with your advisor, but to help you maintain that relationship.

“It is our hope to impact better student responses about advising as well as help students complete their educational goals in a more efficient and purposeful way,” according to Kathy Chafin, Campus High School Programs. “Although Destination Graduation will focus on resources at the college and the student’s responsibility in their own success, we want to take advantage of DG as a place to introduce the student to the new advising process at LBCC, including a first formal contact with their assigned academic advisor.”

Students will be expected to contact their advisor to develop their academic plan during their first term, and then visit them each term to update their plan, investigate career options, and build that “ever-so-important relationship” between faculty and student, according to Chafin.

Destination Graduation emphasizes a sense of community and a sense of support, providing students with the tools they need to succeed. While it is a mandatory class for new students, Linn-Benton faculty “hopes students will view this not as something they have to do, but as something they get to do,” because it truly is for their benefit.

This course is a great opportunity for everyone, offered to all students, new and returning. It will be offered every term, beginning Fall 2012.