GREENFIELD — The Academic Advising Center at Greenfield Community College was abuzz Saturday morning with chatter about a new semester of classes.
Saturday’s enrollment day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. attracted both new and returning students to campus. Elaine Lapomardo, dean of Enrollment Services at GCC, called it “a great one-stop shop opportunity” for students to apply to the college, take placement tests, register for classes, seek advice from and develop relationships with their academic advisors, buy textbooks at the book store and get financial aid information.
“If they have work, child demands, anything, it’s great that they can come in and take care of everything,” Lapomardo said. “You can see on their face that they leave with a sense of satisfaction.”
One student, 30-year-old Debra Shedd of Bernardston, visited the college Saturday to reapply and register for classes, having taken her last class at GCC in 2011.
“It’s been long overdue,” Shedd said. “I need to get a degree.”
Shedd, who is planning to get an associate’s degree in liberal arts at GCC and transfer to the University of Massachusetts Amherst for a bachelor’s degree in education, dreams of being an elementary school teacher. After signing up for two classes, Shedd said she’s nervous, but excited to continue her education.
Jessica Stacy, 28, of Greenfield, signed up for five classes on enrollment day, returning to college after several years. After earning a human services degree at GCC, Stacy hopes to become a social worker, counselor or therapist.
For those who are interested in taking classes at GCC, but were unable to attend enrollment day, there is still time to register for classes, Lapomardo said. As opposed to its usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. office hours, the college is offering extended hours during the second week of January from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“For some people, if they’re getting out of work at five, that’s just what they need,” Lapomardo said.
Students can continue to enroll in classes through Feb. 1. Classes begin Jan. 26.