YHC Welcomes Accepted Students at Ready to ROAR
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — On Saturday, April 22, YHC welcomed thirty-one accepted students and 44 family members to campus for Ready to ROAR. Through this initial step in the College’s Readiness, Orientation, and Academic Registration (ROAR) Program, incoming students enjoy an all-day event designed to introduce new Mountain Lions and their families to life on campus.
Students and families were welcomed by President Drew Van Horn, and Provost Jason Pierce, and introduced to the First Year Transition Team (FYTT). Upperclass students known as FYTT Leaders are dedicated to helping new students find their place in the Enchanted Valley. They led orientation groups through fun activities which helped everyone get to know each other, as well as shared the ins and outs of being a member of the YHC community.
The YHC Game of Life is a fun way for students to engage with Student Development staff while getting acquainted with their future classmates. After a casual lunch, students regrouped with their FYTT Leaders and Orientation groups to talk about how to be successful during their first year at YHC. Incoming students also heard from Director of Academic Advising, Dr. Jen Hallett, and Faculty Director of First Year Experience, Dr. Ben Van Dyke, who gave an overview of academics and course schedules. Future Mountain Lions received their Student IDs and had one last meeting to connect with their FYTT Leaders before taking an optional tour.
Families had their own schedule, which included meeting the Provost, as well as informative sessions with the Business Office and Financial Aid staff. YHC faculty and staff advised families on how to best prepare their students and themselves for the transition into their student’s first year at college.
“The First Year Experience (FYE) is designed to build community,” said Jenny Stowers, Coordinator of the First Year Experience. “From the moment incoming students arrive on campus, they make lasting connections with their peers, professors, and FYTT Leaders, who mentor freshman throughout their entire first semester and beyond.”
Young Harris College uses an extended orientation model which consists of Ready to ROAR, a more intensive four-day ROAR orientation before classes start each fall, welcome week activities, and the Introduction to College Success course, Mountain Lion 1000. An essential component of the FYE, Ready to ROAR is required for all new students. Additional sessions will be held on June 16, June 17, and July 15. To register, or to see a calendar of events, visit https://www.yhc.edu/roar.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science and Technology; and Professional Studies. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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