BC3 welcomes incoming students
BUTLER TWP — Ethan Patton attended some classes at Butler County Community College while he was still in high school, so he is familiar with its main campus.
On Friday, the Butler native attended the college’s Welcome Day, where numerous campus organizations gave incoming students information about their new school.
Patton said he was happy to see the campus from a new perspective — one of a new BC3 student — where he plans to knock out some of his general education requirements for a potential transfer in the coming years.
“I’m excited for it,” said Patton, who will major in psychology. “It seems more free-flowing than a big university, and it seems like the professors are closer to the students to help more.”
The college semester hasn’t even started yet, but BC3’s president, Nick Neupauer, said he already feels a different energy on campus.
Especially after the past two academic years had been marked by at least some influence of COVID-19, Neupauer said the arrival of a new school year brings with it new possibilities.
“It’s not about the rearview mirror, it’s about looking through the front window and going forward,” Neupauer said. “I have been able to carry on some terrific conversations and everyone is hopeful for the future.”
Dozens of new students walked around the campus Friday, among college faculty, staff and professors. They were there to present the school’s amenities, services and student clubs and organizations they may encounter during their time at the community college.
Some students, like Patton, were already familiar with the college, but wanted to find out more about the campus organizations.
Tobias Uber, of Butler, registered to attend this semester at BC3 to figure out what he wants to do afterwards. The main campus is only a few miles from his home, and he could major in general studies, at least for the time being, so he took the community college route.
Landen Strawn had a similar idea, and registered just days before Welcome Day for classes as a psychology major.
“I’ll probably get an associate’s (degree) and figure out where to transfer from there,” said Strawn, of Butler.
Neupauer said he often speaks with students who chose community college because it is a more convenient option.
“I talked to two students who said they were ready for going away to college somewhere else but then said, ‘Why?’” Neupauer said. “Folks in Butler County have this right in their backyard.”
Students on Friday also sat through an orientation presentation, and they could meet with faculty advisers.
Neupauer said Welcome Day is one of his favorite days of the community college school year.
“That’s the best part of the job; it’s a constant flow of fresh faces,” Neupauer said. “You get to see all the excitement, the butterflies, the conversations with different majors every year.”
