York Welcomes Students as Campus Reopens

Better known as Week of Welcome for new and continuing students, the event took on new meaning this fall as the college reopened after mostly remote classes for 18 months due to the COVID shutdown.  

The 2021 reopening was a welcome event for students after the state's COVID mandate kept most off-campus for a year and a half. It was also rewarding experience for freshmen and transfer students to the college. 

The students, both new and continuing, were feted as they deserved to be, with welcome signs and decorations, games and prizes – with President Berenecea Johnson Eanes even joining in on the fun on the main plaza, to the delight of everyone. 

Equally important, leaders and staff members from “the big five:” Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, Financial Aid and Advising Offices, as well as Student Health Services Center were all engaged in the process. 

Academic Affairs, Information Technology (IT) as well as Buildings and Grounds were also instrumental to the success of the opening weeks. Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Dr. Karen Williams and her team ensured that the transition for incoming students was as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. 

“The plans for this opening was to accelerate the process of students getting settled,” said Dr. Williams. "The college’s IT division located a help desk at the entrance of the Academic Core Building to create new students’ York College email addresses, CUNYfirst accounts and other technological requirements. It was a one-stop-shop academic style to make the onboarding experience smoother.” 

Mission accomplished and according to Vice President Williams, York College thanks all members of the community, who participated in making the transition from high school to college less angst-ridden for its freshman class; and from community college to senior college a more effortless process for the transfers. 

“We are dedicated to ensuring the success of all students at whatever stage they enter York College,” says VP Williams. “We will continue to support all our students at all levels of their higher education journey at York. We look forward to their graduation ceremonies as the culmination of their success with us.” 

The official opening of the academic year 2021-2022 concluded with Convocation, photo ops with the president, some swag and an ice cream social on the plaza to reward students for their patients and participation. 

Once again, York welcomes the Class of 2025 and all students. We are here to help you succeed and graduate.