YVC welcomes students back to campus
Yakima Valley College kicked off fall quarter by welcoming more students back to its campuses, including the return of hundreds of in-person classes and full services.
The return of more in-person instruction, academic support, student services and activities on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses was an important step for the college and the entire community said President Linda Kaminski, and YVC’s enrollment in degree- and certificate-granting programs increased 12.7% over last fall.
“While our students and faculty adapted well to the shift to largely online instruction over the past two years, we know that the on-campus experience adds a tremendous amount to our students’ success,” said Kaminski.
To help spark the resumption of more regular campus life, the Associated Students of YVC hosted the Welcome Back Yaks – Fall Kick-Off Event. Held during the second day of the quarter, this event provided students, some of whom had never set foot on campus, the ability to network with other students, learn about important resources available to them on campus and celebrate the start of a new year.
“YVC has always been extremely successful in being a place where students feel they belong and can find the academic and other support services they need. We’re pleased by the reinvigoration of our campus community this fall.” — Linda Kaminski
Dean of College & Career Readiness Marc Coomer noted that students benefit from the return to more in-person classes and services.
“YVC is known for quality instruction, small classes, connecting students to career opportunities, and being a place where students can build a better life,” Coomer said. “Returning more activities to campus gives us even more opportunity to help students be successful.”
ASYVC President Victoria Cardenas is excited to kick off the school year and help mentor students to find success.
“I am most excited to help motivate students attending YVC, including Running Start students, to succeed in their education and to also create a safe environment [and] build a stronger bond between our community,” said Cardenas.
Math Instructor Ben Mayo appreciates the return of more in-person classes and the energy it brings to his instruction.
“I’m so excited to be back live with students,” said Mayo. “It’s so much easier to communicate face to face and be able to tell if they really understand what is going on. I am energized by students’ enthusiasm and my interaction with them.”
“Students on campus bring energy and excitement, adding to the richness of a scholarly community. It is wonderful seeing the growth of students and the passion of staff and faculty making a difference in lives.” – Pedro Navarrete
Although instruction in many of YVC’s workforce education courses has been in-person for multiple quarters, this fall’s return to campus has enabled programs to provide additional offerings, something Dental Hygiene Instructor Debbie Mahre feels is important in fostering student success.
“While Dental Hygiene has continued to have students in person for clinical courses, we are pleased to now have access to face-to-face didactic courses,” said Mahre. “I feel in person education helps to strengthen interpersonal relationships, helps foster the development of students in leadership roles, and supports socialization into the fundamentals of campus life. So much information is shared by students when meeting face to face, and information is lost when the ability to speak as a cohort is dismantled.”
On the Grandview Campus, Assistant Dean Pedro Navarrete has seen first-hand how meaningful it is for students to be on campus and the impact of how being in the same space with peers allows students to further their education.
“Students have shared with me the excitement of being in class with other people and how it helps with creative discussions,” said Navarrete. “For some, this [fall quarter] is their first time in a [college] classroom.” Navarrete feels being in the same space for classes is especially beneficial for courses that involve a significant amount of discussion, which can be more difficult to foster in an online environment.
Moreover, the return of more in person classes has changed the entire atmosphere of the Grandview Campus, he said.
Online courses and support services continue to be offered for students who need them.
