QCC Offers a Virtual Warm Welcome to New and Returning Students This Fall

The leaves are beginning to change color and there’s a coolness in the air. This can only mean one thing – Fall semester is upon us. Classes begin on September 9 and while it may have a different look and feel than last Fall semester, students can be assured of the same high quality education that has made QCC the smarter higher education choice for so many.  The college transitioned to remote instruction in early March and is continuing remote instruction for the Fall semester, giving students the assurance that there will be no unforeseen changes in the delivery of their courses. Courses are being offered in three different ways to meet the needs of all students from online and remote synchronous classes that will require specific "live" meeting times through technology tools, to remote asynchronous classes that do not not require specific meeting times (assignments and assessments are completed according to the course syllabus). There's a learning style to meet every students' unique needs.

Students new to the college were asked to take part in a new Online Orientation Program. Students were sent a welcome letter with a link to the program and were required to watch it prior to the start of the Fall semester. Students were assigned to an Orientation group and are being contacted by an Orientation Mentor for a remote group meeting during the week of Monday, August 31 – Friday, September 4. This is a great way to learn about college resources and support services, as well as connect with other students. New students who have not heard from an Orientation leader are asked to contact Interim Assistant Director of Student Life and Leadership Josh Cole, jcole [at] qcc.mass.edu,  or Administrative Assistant Cheryl Pike, cpike [at] qcc.mass.edu.

On September 9, make sure to watch your email as President Dr. Luis G. Pedraja gives a welcome address on the first day of classes, sharing his enthusiasm for the new semester and giving words of encouragement.

“We are excited to virtually welcome both new and returning students. Our professors are well-prepared and more than ready to kick off the semester,” he said. “We seamlessly transitioned to remote instruction, fortified our support services and adapted to the changing world landscape.”

While COVID-19 has brought about some unique challenges, QCC met those challenges head on, giving students robust resources that are all accessible remotely.

Vice President for Enrollment Management, Student Engagement & Community Connections, Dr. Lillian Ortiz, will also send a virtual welcome to students on the first day of classes, giving students a few tips on how to be academically successful.

“Our students trust us to provide them with a quality education and we won’t let them down,” Dr. Ortiz said.

Students should make sure to check their Qmail often for important announcements and log onto The Q for easy links to academic and support services. An important tool for all students is QCC’s Mobile app. This is a free app, available for most smartphones. Students can access course information, grades, and easily find online resources. In addition, students can make bookstore purchases, read the latest Wyvern news, utilize QCC Library services and much more.

Students are also encouraged to regularly check the COVID-19 Information Center  often for the latest coronavirus/COVID-19 updates and important college information.

“This year is unlike any other but the potential for a successful Fall semester is within reach for all our students,” Dr. Pedraja said.