Kicking The School Year Off Right With Smart Start

Calling all Hocking Hawks! If you are looking for a fun and rewarding way to start the school year, then you should join Smart Start.

What is Smart Start &
When is it?

Smart Start is a week-long program designed to engage first-year students and peer leaders with the campus and surrounding communities. For new students, Smart Start will begin on Sunday, August 12 and will run through Friday, August 17. For retuning students mentoring as peer leaders, training will begin on Thursday, August 9 and will run until Friday, August 17. 

When Can You Register?

Registration is now open for all new and returning students interested in the program. Only 400 new students and 40 peer leaders will be admitted, so sign up now! Registration applications must be received by the school no later than August 12 to be considered for the program.

Is There a Registration Fee for Smart Start?

Yes, the course fee for new students is $275. However as new students, you will receive class credit after completing the program which will be counted toward earning your degree. Peer leaders may also have the opportunity to receive class credit with a course fee of just $100. An optional $105 may be used toward meals for the week, but this is not required.

What Will You Do?

Smart Start students and peer leaders will connect through team building activities designed to introduce new students and acclimate them to all the amazing things that Hocking College has to offer. The goal of the program is to help students get a jump start on their college career. Students are sure to make new friends and memories before the school year even begins.

Where Will You Go?

Smart Start is jammed-packed with a schedule of fun, empowering, and memorable experiences. Students will travel to places such as the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Smoke Rise Ranch, Old Man’s Caves, Lake Snowden, and Murray’s Landing Canoe Livery. After a day filled with fun events, students can end it with an evening hike and campfire surrounded by the serene Hocking Hills. Each event is designed to help students become familiar with the many surrounding and local attractions.

What Are the Benefits Of Smart Start?

By taking part in Smart Start as a new student, you will:

• Bond with small groups and peer leaders during team building activities
• Meet new people
• Build lasting relationships
• Move in one week early
• Participate in activities to become familiar with the Hocking College campus
• Venture into and explore the Hocking College community
• Take part in daily adventures and excursions
• Learn where campus resources are located and how to use them
• Learn the campus and community before classes start
• Free t-shirt
• Earn class credit

By taking part in Smart Start as a peer leader, you will:

• Lead small group meetings and team building activities
• Meet new people
• Build lasting relationships
• Move in one week early
• Lead activities that help new students become familiar with the Hocking College campus
• Lead ventures and explorations of the Hocking College community
• Lead and participate in daily adventure and excursions
• Direct new students to where campus resources are located and how to use them
• Learn important communication and leadership skills
• Free t-shirt
• Earn class credit

All students can and will benefit from Smart Start. Not only will you immerse yourself in the beauty of the Hocking Hills, but you will also get to share new memories with the many life-long friends you are sure to make throughout the week.

For more information about the Smart Start program, please contact Kim Coy by phone at (740) 753-6539 or by email at coyk@hocking.edu.

Be smart and start your year off right with Smart Start. Go Hawks!