Program Preps Students for Grinnell
A pre-orientation program is helping put new Grinnellians at ease — a week before classes begin — through tours, workshops, and social events.
“It has helped lower my stress,” says Dasaan McCrimmon, a first-year student from Philadelphia, Pa.
The five-day program introduces students to the campus and college resources. Each student is paired with a student mentor.
David Chang, a first-year from San Diego, Calif., lauds the program. “Being in PCPOP with other students from across the nation, and a lot of them being students of color and minority students, I think that’s great,” he says. “It’s great to know people and know where things are.”
Jocelyn Acosta is a mentor and third-year sociology and gender, women’s, and sexuality studies major from El Monte, Calif. “It’s an awesome program,” she says. “It’s important for students to have one-on-one attention.”
PCPOP participants have fun while exploring campus. Some of their activities include:
- Scavenger hunt and campus tour
- Dinner with President Raynard S. Kington
- Leadership Panel with Student Government Association (SGA)
- Ice Cream Social
- Visits to the writing, reading, and math labs
- Discussion about wellness and financial management
Joan Mohan, director of the Reading Lab, makes students feel comfortable seeking help. She shows them resources about time management and discusses good reading and study habits.
“How did you ever learn anything in your life?” she asks. “It takes time. It takes practice, repetition, perseverance, a little bit of patience, a little bit of bravery, and, me nagging along.”
The program is organized by the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership (OIEL).
Jocelyn Acosta ’16 sociology and gender, women’s, and sexuality studies major from El Monte, Calif. Dasaan McCrimmon, a first-year student from Philadelphia, Pa. David Chang, a first-year student San Diego, Calif.