First Day of Fall Term 2025

Energy, connection, and new opportunities mark the start of the new academic year

Many students waited outside of Hanna Hall for their classes to start on Monday afternoon.

On September 22, the Clark community came alive as staff and faculty eagerly welcomed thousands of students to campus for the start of the fall term. The excitement was easy to see as learners of all kinds—Running Start students, students returning to Clark, and those returning to school after years away—stepped onto campus ready to begin a new chapter.  

Throughout the first week, Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) hosted welcome tables across campus to help students find their footing. Volunteers offered directions, shared maps and campus announcements, and handed out snacks to anyone walking by. The tables became gathering spots where new students could ask questions and get directions, including tips on the best parking lots for their classes. Those needing extra fuel stopped by different locations during the week for a free snack: burritos, pastries, tater tots, coffee, and protein bars were all available to students who gave the special phrase for that day. 

Students with their free tater tots from the McClaskey Culinary Institute on Tuesday. 

Clark leadership also joined the excitement. President Karin Edwards visited Gaiser Hall on the first day, greeting students as they arrived and striking up conversations about how their morning was going. Her presence set a tone of connection and support that carried throughout the week. Preliminary data for the first day of the term showed almost 9,000 students signed up for classes this fall—that’s about 200 students more than last fall. 

Students brought their own energy and anticipation to campus.  

“Today, my daughter starts her first day in the Running Start Program, while I begin my bachelor’s degree in Human Services,” said Clark student ambassador, Jude Georgeades-Tambara, as she assisted new students at the One-Stop desk. 

While some were looking forward to specific courses or programs, others were excited about the overall experience. One student, returning to school after an eight-year hiatus, said she was especially looking forward to meeting her teachers, connecting with peers, and being back in a school environment. Another student, now in her year at Clark, summed up her hopes as: “Furthering my education, evolving as a person, and building a community.” 

As students mapped out their schedules and learned the lay of the land as they waited for their classes to begin, favorite hangout spots quickly emerged. The steps by the Anderson Fountain, open spaces in Gaiser, and tucked away corners across campus became hubs for conversation.  

No matter where they gathered, a shared sense of purpose was clear: students were here to learn, grow, and support one another. With classes offered at the main campus, Columbia Tech Center, the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms, and WSU Vancouver, Penguins are making their mark across Southwest Washington. 

The first week of school always sets the tone for the term ahead, and this year was no exception. Clark’s fall term began with a spirit of excitement, discovery, and strong community. 

Stay Connected This Fall

See what campus activities are on the schedule this fall by keeping an eye on Clark’s events calendar or follow us on Clark’s social media channels.

View more photos from Welcome Week 2025 on Clark's flickr account.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley