PHOTO & STORY BY MARCO URIAS
Associated students at Cypress College hosted the spring semester social event on Wed., March 2. The event was successful with many clubs and student participation but consequences of COVID-19 remain.
The policy
AS posted a flier on ‘instagram’ that wristbands which signify health clearance would be required at the event.
The wristbands with the CC logo could be obtained at a kiosk in the student services building after the ‘myGateway’ green check mark vaccination verification process.
AS vice president Lawrence Solis said they used the wristband policy to their advantage. Students had to get club stamps on their wristbands to get free ice cream.
The wristband policy for students taking classes in person or using on-campus services started in the fall semester of 2021, after the NOCCCD board of trustees voted to make vaccines mandatory for students.
The event
The 2022 spring semester social started at 11:30 am as the 2004 Grammy ‘Black Eyed Peas’ song ‘Let’s Get It Started’ played. Students shared information about their clubs and organizations.
Some of the clubs that set up tables at the event were the Black Student Union, Disability Support Services, Queer-Straight Alliance, Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles, Active Minds, Veterans Resource Center, Associated Students, the Office of Financial Aid, Muslim Students Association, Wellness Club, and From Incarceration to Empowerment.
FITE has helped students that have been incarcerated meet their educational and career goals. FITE club has weekly meetings on Fridays and students looking to join could email lifecypresscollege@gmail.com.
Candyce Young, co-president of FITE, shared her experience. “It’s like a family. We’re a strong community that help building each other up. We all root for each other. FITE club has given me a sense of belonging,” she said.
‘Active Minds’ was created to promote mental health and bring awareness to the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health. Gwendy Gonzalez joined in 2021 and she said it has helped her. “We want people to know help is out there,” she said.
“Live for the sake of others! That’s one of our mottos,” said club member Mikuni Tamura about CARP. Tamura said the organization helps students answer these questions: how do we create a better world, how come history seems to repeat itself, can we create true relationships, what is the purpose of life and, is there a god?
A line formed for the free hot dog or burger meal with a side of chips and water. Big jenga blocks were stacked like miniature skyscrapers and red solo cups were assembled pyramid style on collapsible tables for play.
Leashed to a small petting zoo stable were a black and tan goat. Inside were chicken, rabbits, and a pig. There was a tortoise circling the circumference of the stable.
Although clubs present at the event drove engagement, not all organizations attended.
“Being involved on campus is an overall good experience and it will enhance their college experience,” said Solis about why it’s important for students to get involved.
Solis said more students attended the event than expected.
Despite large turn out at the event enrollment is down
CC president JoAnna Schilling was among the attendees. “Our enrollment is down,” she said. ” We lost thirteen percent.”
Falling trends in college enrollment could be traced to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring semester of 2020.
“They don’t want to take classes or have challenges or concerns and don’t want to return until it’s safe,” said Schilling.
Schilling said outreach efforts would include ‘Charger Experience’ calling students, plus marketing and social media campaigns to increase enrollment.