FSCC school year begins Wednesday

The 91st academic year at Fort Scott Community College begins next week, and a variety of activities are scheduled for students as they head back to class.

During the FSCC Welcome Week, which begins Monday and continues through Thursday, all students at FSCC will be able to enjoy several activities -- including a cookout and a variety of games -- that are planned to welcome students to the college and make them feel comfortable.

"It's designed to welcome students, and to encourage them to get to know their fellow classmates outside the classroom," FSCC Director of Public Relations Kathleen Hinrichs said. "The more people you know, the more active you'll be."

On Monday and Tuesday, FSCC faculty and staff will personally greet students, and will be available to help students who are having trouble finding new classes. Staff and faculty will also share treats with students as they enter buildings on Monday and Tuesday.

A cookout sponsored by the FSCC Student Support Services department will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the patio and lake area behind the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the college's campus. During this event, students will be able to canoe on the campus lake, as well as enjoy frozen treats, outdoor games, and music.

Students will be able to participate in a variety of games from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Lunt Lobby of the fine arts center. Game night will include a casino featuring Texas Hold 'Em poker, blackjack, and dice, as well as the popular Guitar Hero video game and board games such as Twister, Monopoly, Cranium, Dominoes and many others. Students can also take part in a ping pong tournament and a free hot dog roast.

Other than Welcome Week, a freshman orientation class is offered at FSCC to help first-year students get adjusted to college life. This class, which will take place Thursday and Friday, is important as it "helps students start the year out on the right foot," Hinrichs said.

Students who will be living in one of the college's dormitories will be moving into their new residences on Friday, and a number of activities have also been scheduled on Saturday for those students -- most of whom are student athletes -- to participate in and become more acquainted with their fellow classmates and teammates, Hinrichs said.

Classes begin on Monday for all FSCC students.