Welcome Center opens in lower SEC

By Antonio Martinez Arroyo LOGOS STAFF WRITER

College can be a daunting experience for many new students. That’s why many universities have implemented designated spaces to help ease the transition and provide support for incoming students.

At the University of the Incarnate Word, the new Welcome Center plays a crucial role in assisting new students in their journey towards academic success, according to officials.

The Welcome Center, which had its grand opening Feb. 28, was designed to create the best first impression of UIW to potential or current students and their families when they visit campus, said Dillon H. Duke, who oversees the Welcome Center and its student staff for the Office of Admissions. Because the center is an extension of the Office of Admissions, which remains in the basement of the Administration Building, Duke pointed out the center is also where families can go if they have questions about the application process or anything else regarding UIW and admissions.

“While the grand opening was on

Feb. 28, there are still some items that have yet to arrive, including a fantastic touch table for families to view our digital resources with. Beyond those last details, we are always looking for feedback from the community regarding what we can do to improve the space.”

The center’s biggest cost was converting the bottom floor of the bookstore for the new facility, Duke said, followed by providing its resources.

But the new center – located in what’s considered to be the heart of the campus for students -- should help prospective students envision themselves becoming a part of the UIW community, he said.

“The Welcome Center is where all campus tours will either start or end, so future students will get to see what life as a student is like as they walk through the SEC,” Duke said. “All our campus tours are given by either a student