Bobcat orientation is going to be bigger and more involved this year than ever before.

Working with the Associated Students of Central Oregon Community College, Student Life will offer a clubs fair, free lunch, and workshops on college success.

The orientation is not just for new students but is also open to transfer students and those returning after an absence, according to Shawna Elsberry, COCC director of retention.

“We haven’t had an event this big on the Bend campus besides commencement,” Elsberry said.

Combined attendance is expected to be 650 to 700 students among all four campuses.

“We started a pilot program on the other campuses,” Elsberry said, “but this is the first term we are going full scale on the Bend campus.”

The orientation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 27 and will be followed by after-events activities such as a clubs fair where students can learn about the different clubs already on campus.

“It’s really an opportunity for students to learn about academic support and student success  services such as career exploration, tutoring, and student involvement in a fun way that gets everybody excited for the beginning of term,” Elsberry said.

– The Broadside