The fair was an opportunity for faculty and staff at GateWay to interact with the student to promote retention and graduation. Students were able to learn about the resources available on campus to help them make it to graduation.
“The fair is a good way for the students feel more connected to campus and faculty and staff feel more connected to campus in a meaningful way,” Sarah Leitz Hanley, Coordinator of Student Services, said.
Students were able to talk with faculty in different areas of the college to learn about programs. Also learn about university transfers, clubs, service learning, financial aid and resources on campus.
“I got really good information about the honors program, some of the clubs on campus, and got to talk to an ASU representative for when I transfer,” Chelsea Whitham, GateWay accounting student, said. “Everything in one stop was really easy.”
Student were able to find out how be more successful in getting into programs, like nursing.
“I had a student come out who told me she never would have come if it hadn’t of been extra credit for class but without coming to the fair she wouldn’t have known that she could get into nursing faster,” said Shannon Ruth, Math Faculty.
Programs were able to offer tips to students about getting into a program.
Other colleges within the Maricopa County Community College District are also hosting fairs like these for their students.
”District-wide each campus has a plethora of resources and students just don't know about them,” Genesis Toole, Maricopa County Community College District employee, said. “So this is an opportunity for students to connect with the individuals who really care about them on their campus.”