Welcome Week: The Start of a Successful Semester

Southwest kicked off the Fall 2025 semester on Aug. 25 with a college-wide, fun-filled Welcome Week featuring music, games, giveaways, pop-up events, and resource fairs designed to energize students and connect them with campus life.

The week included two student convocations that celebrated new beginnings, reinforced institutional pride, and encouraged students to take full advantage of Southwest’s support systems and student life.

Students were welcomed with warmth and encouragement from faculty and administrators. The convocation emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, time management, and early communication.

“This is where you learn to advocate for yourself,” said Dr. Carol Ash, vice president of academic affairs and workforce development. “We can’t solve a problem that we don’t know about.” Students were reminded that college offers more freedom than high school—but with that freedom comes responsibility.

Support services were spotlighted throughout the event. The Academic Support Center was promoted as a vital resource offering tutoring in person, online, and across all campuses—even evenings and weekends. “If you're getting behind in class, make sure you reach out,” students were urged.

Student engagement was another key theme. Honor societies like Phi Theta Kappa were praised for their community-building and scholarship opportunities. “One of the greatest benefits of Phi Theta Kappa is the community you create with your fellow students,” Ash said. “We give out scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa students every single year.”

Students were encouraged to identify peers in their academic divisions using color-coded lanyards—a simple but effective way to foster study groups and shared support. “We created those so that you can create community with other students who are studying the same areas as you,” Ash said.

The Saluqi Den, a student lounge space, was also highlighted as a place to gather, study, and relax. “A couple of students said, ‘I didn’t know this existed,’” Ash noted. “I’m depending on you to tell the other students so that they’re not hanging out in the heat or in the cold.”

Dr. Jose E. da Silva, chief enrollment officer, closed with a message of partnership and purpose. “Being successful in college is not solely up to you. It is our responsibility to make sure that you all are successful as well,” he said. “Your level of engagement will catapult your level of success at Southwest.”

With two convocations now part of the fall tradition, Southwest continues to build momentum around student-centered programming and inclusive campus culture.

As da Silva reminded students, “It takes an entire college to make sure that you all are successful. We want to make sure that you not only get admitted and enrolled—but that you graduate.”