Incoming Freshmen Welcomed as Atlantic Cape’s Cape May Campus Holds New Student Orientation Day

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Atlantic Cape Community College welcomed incoming freshmen students to its Cape May County campus on September 13 for New Student Orientation Day, which featured presentations by college faculty, staff and alumni, a campus tour, and the opportunity to speak with various college departments, student clubs and more.

Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba kicked off the day by welcoming the students and their parents gathered in the lecture hall to the college community.

“As the president of Atlantic Cape, I would like to thank you for choosing us for your educational journey. It is going to be a wonderful journey and we have lots of support and people here to help you along the way,” Gaba said. “Today you will get lots of information that will help you transition to Atlantic Cape and set you up for success. That is what we are all about, working with our students to ensure their success right up until the very end.”

Those in attendance also heard from Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Josette Katz; Student Government Association President Sultana Zakia and Author, mental health advocate, youth mentor, podcast host and Atlantic Cape alumnus Nate Evans, Jr. ‘15 of Mays Landing. Orientation workshop sessions were held for students and parents alike, as well.

For the students new to Atlantic Cape, it was a chance to get to know the Cape May campus, what it has to offer, and meet the faculty and staff who will be assisting them along their educational path for the next two years. Beginning college in their home county was an important consideration for many of the students.

Giovanni Mercado, a freshman Communications major from Cape May, said “financially it is one of the better decisions to make instead of going to a four-year college right away. I want to take my time and build up to that.” Sitting at the table adjacent to Mercado, Matthew Eck, a freshman Engineering major and NJ Stars recipient from Cape May, said attending Atlantic Cape “allows me the flexibility to work while also going to college for a year or two before transferring elsewhere.” Also seated at the table, Robert Andrews, a freshman General Psychology major and NJ Stars recipient, wants to earn his associate’s degree in two years before transferring to Stockton University.

Atlantic Cape and its Cape May County campus is also a tremendous resource for students to find which direction they may want to pursue academically and professionally while earning valuable college credits at an affordable price.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do and I wanted to figure it out so I moved in with my sister here and figured I would start something new, somewhere new,” Riley Mitchell, a freshman General Studies major from Wildwood who recently relocated from Bucks County, Pa.

MacKenzie Butto, a freshman Education major from Dennis Township, echoed those sentiments.

“It (Atlantic Cape) was close to home and I can figure out what I want to do. I am thinking of transferring to Rowan University or Stockton University for either Music Education or English.”

Hannah Gabriel, a freshman Studio Arts major from Ocean City, concurred.

“I kind of didn’t know where I wanted to go so I decided to start here (Atlantic Cape) for a couple of years.”

Following the workshop sessions, students and their parents were invited to the lobby to visit information tables to speak with college representatives from departments, such as academic advising, library/tutoring services, food pantry, career services, center for accessibility, center for transition success and the Student Government Association. A representative was also on hand from Rutgers University.

The Cape May County campus opened in 2005 and offers convenient access to courses, both in-person and online, that count toward Atlantic Cape's 40+ degree programs, including aviation & drones, culinary arts and nursing.  Professional development and personal enrichment classes are also offered throughout the year.

The Cape May campus’ 13-week fall semester begins on Monday, September 25 and runs through Saturday, December 23. There is still time to register for fall semester classes. Visit www.atlanticcape.edu/register to register now.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.