First Year Initiatives

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The Office of First Year Initiatives supports the College’s efforts to provide a successful start for new students at JSRCC through a variety of programs.

First Year Initiatives encompasses summer orientation (SOAR), Greeters program, Success Fest, and the Student Ambassador program. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance in any way with your transition to JSRCC!

Contact Information:
Meg Buchanan Foster Counselor for First Year Initiatives
(804) 523-5917
soar@reynolds.edu

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Student Ambassadors [Back to top]

Student Ambassadors serve the J. Sargeant Reynolds’ community in a number of ways. Our 8 Ambassadors assist the Marketing and Outreach and Recruitment Offices by representing the College to a variety of constituencies including high school students, local and state officials, and members of the College Board. Ambassadors attend all SOAR (Student Orientation and Registration) sessions where they work with small groups of students familiarizing them with the campus, assisting them with class registration, and generally acting as hosts to students.

Ambassadors provide campus tours to groups visiting JSRCC and aid current students by assisting with Success Fests held each fall and spring and with the Information and Welcome tables at the beginning of each semester. In addition, Ambassadors keep 3 office hours a week during the semester in such offices such as Student Life and serve as student representatives on college-wide committees.

Each Ambassador serves for three semesters: Summer, Fall and Spring. For their time and work, each Student Ambassador receives a scholarship

To become an Ambassador, interested students should contact the Office of First Year Initiatives at soar@reynolds.edu. The application process for the following academic year begins early in the spring semester and consists of a written application and an interview. Selected students then spend the remainder of the spring semester completing a series of training sessions to prepare them for their many Student Ambassador responsibilities.

>> Download the application now!

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Success Fest [Back to top]

Success Fest connects students to the resources at JSRCC that can help them meet their academic goals. Success Fest occurs in the Fall and Spring semesters and provides you, as a student, the opportunity to learn more about the following programs at JSRCC:
• Academic Divisions
• Academic Support Centers
• Office of Accommodations
• Access Centers (including Financial Aid and Scholarships)
• Libraries
• Career, Employment and Transfer Centers
• Academic Computing Centers

Be sure to check out Success Fest!

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Frequently Asked Questions [Back to top]

1. How do I know if I should attend SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration)?
We recommend that all new J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College who have graduated from high school and have not taken courses at other colleges attend a SOAR session. During the sessions you will learn important information to help you register for your classes and find out about services designed to help you succeed at JSRCC. Advanced registration is required.

2. How can I sign up for a SOAR session?
>>Sign up here
or you can contact one of the Access Centers.
Downtown Campus: (804) 523-5455
Parham Road Campus: (804) 523-5368
Western Campus: (804) 523-5400

3. Can I bring a guest with me to SOAR?
Yes, you may bring one guest with you to SOAR. Please note that there is a minimal fee for your guest’s meal.

4. I signed up for a SOAR session but need to change the date of my session. How do I do that?
Please contact one of the Access Centers to change your SOAR session date.
Downtown Campus: (804) 523-5455
Parham Road Campus: (804) 523-5368
Western Campus: (804) 523-5400

5. Where can I find out more information about the Student Ambassador program?
You can learn more about the Student Ambassador program by checking out the Ambassador website . In addition, you can contact the Office of First Year Initiatives at 523-5917 or soar@reynolds.edu to learn more!

6. Will there be someone to help me find my classes during the first week of school?
Yes, a Greeter will be available to help answer any questions you have during the first week of classes. You will find Greeters in the following locations: Burnette Hall Commons (Parham Road Campus), Georgiadis Hall Lobby (Parham Road Campus), First Floor Lobby (Downtown Campus), and First Floor Lobby (Western Campus).