To kick off the fall semester, Cuesta College hosted its first annual student welcome event, Connect at Cuesta, which introduced new students to campus life and resources for free on Aug. 10 on the San Luis Obispo Campus.

New students were led on campus tours and spent time in both the High Tech Computer Lab and library. They heard from current students, faculty and staff about how to navigate their first year at Cuesta College, and networked with returning students, participated in career assessment activities and attended a resource and club fair.

During the last hour, attendees were treated to a barbecue and several door prizes were awarded throughout the day.

Research shows that student success and retention rates are increased when students feel a connection with their campus, instructors, staff and other students,” said Sabrina Robertson, event organizer and Career Technical Education supervisor. “It is our goal to offer an opportunity to begin that process by facilitating an afternoon for students to meet each other, meet faculty and staff, find out more about campus resources, and begin to establish a connection for a successful fall semester.”

Cuesta College’s fall semester begins on Monday. Students can register for classes with an instructor’s approval through Aug. 27.

More information can be found at www.cuesta.edu.