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Welcome to PCA&D Orientation, Class of 2020

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

Welcome to PCA&D, Class of 2020.

Orientation was held Sept 1 and 2 for the 92 new PCA&D students who were introduced to campus leadership, faculty and staff, offered tips for success in and outside the classroom and studio, welcomed to Lancaster City and enjoyed fun activities.

To begin the two-day program, PCA&D President Mary Colleen Heil welcomed these new art students to the College and assured them that people around Lancaster love PCA&D’s students. Academic Dean Marc Torick encouraged the student to be genuine, saying he’d rather they experience a grand failure than a safe success.

Getting student ID photo taken.

A student gets their ID photo taken during Orientation.

The Orientation program covered a diverse agenda including a panel discussion of upperclass students talking about their own PCA&D experience. In addition, the students attended presentations on  Financial Literacy, by Amanda Scheler, AVP Campus Relations Manager, PNC Bank; Creating a Welcoming Environment, by Nick Miron, Director of Social Justice and Advocacy, Lancaster YWCA; Diversity Awareness Program, by Justin L Brown, West Chester University of Pennsylvania; drugs and alcohol, presented by Bevan Allen, COO, Compass Mark, and Lancaster City, by Shelby Nauman, Lancaster City Alliance and Annie Weeks, Lancaster Office of Promotion.

Shelby Nauman, Lancaster City Alliance and Annie Weeks, Lancaster Office of Promotion, welcome the students to Lancaster city.

Shelby Nauman, Lancaster City Alliance and Annie Weeks, Lancaster Office of Promotion, welcome the students to Lancaster city.

In addition, Scream Theater from Rutgers Universitypresented thought-provoking concepts about sexual violence and assault to PCA&D students. This acclaimed 25-yr old theatre troupe uses improv theatre to tackle challenging topics to start a conversation and give students the tools they need for the prevention of sexual assault and tools to be an effective bystander. Federal law requires colleges to adopt training and other activities to reduce and respond to sexual violence, assault and harassment on campuses.

Foundation Chair  Jeremy Waak discusses the first, or Foundation, year of their art college education

Foundation Chair Jeremy Waak discusses the first, or Foundation, year of their art college education.

Other highlights of the event were presentations on Safety in Lancaster was the topic of discussion with Sgt Bill Hickey, Lancaster City Police, David Aichele, Director of Clean and Safe Services, Lancaster City Alliance, Dan Freiler, PCA&D Director of Physical Plant, and Dean Jessica Edonick. The students also got to experience a tour of downtown Lancaster, Mock Classroom presentation by the PCA&D faculty, and an introduction to the PCA&D Gallery by Marnie Benny, Gallery Director.

The event was sponsored by House of Pizza, Canteen Vending Services, Distinctive Affairs Catering, Simply from Scratch, LaPiazza, and Stoner Inc. Breakfasts and lunches were provided by Canteen Vending Services, Distinctive Affairs Catering, Simply from Scratch and LaPiazza.

Student Ambassadors lead foundation students on a walking tour of Lancaster city.

Student Ambassadors lead foundation students on a walking tour of Lancaster city.

Students played Information Fair BINGO, visiting booths of community organizations and businesses to learn about beneficial local services. At the information Fair were Lancaster City Alliance, Library System of Lancaster County, League of Women Voters, Compass Mark, Lancaster Recreation Commission, Red Rose Transit, Excentia, Mental Health America of Lancaster County, Lancaster Central Market, SouthEast Lancaster Health Services, YWCA, Lancaster Office of Promotion, The Common Wheel, Lancaster Federal Credit Union, Mullen’s Books, B&T Sportswear andCanteen Vending Services.