Peace of Mind Accompanies Displaced Workers' Enrollment

Published 05.06.2009

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Enjoying a Spanish-themed Cinco de Mayo breakfast Carolyn R. Strickland welcomes TAA students Kathryn A. Lehman (with microphone) introduces counselors and other helpful college employees Kimberly L. Bolig, director of Academic Support Services Pat M. Scheib, academic skills specialist, shares tips for student success More than 30 new Penn College students, some of whom have been out of the classroom for decades, received a comprehensive (and reassuring) introduction to campus resources Tuesday from a variety of employees invested in their success. The students are enrolled under Trade Adjustment Assistance, which aids workers who lose their jobs to foreign imports. During their daylong orientation in Penn's Inn arranged by counselors Kathryn A. Lehman and Mary Lee L. Kelly the students heard from Carolyn R. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic affairs; the counseling staff and representatives of other student-centered business offices; Academic Support Services; and three current TAA studentswho shared experiences of enrolling in college after a job-related setback. The day also included breakfast, an optional campus tour and computer instruction, and an overview of The College Store (complete with Penn College giveaways). Counseling Services expects to see an increase in the number of TAA referrals from CareerLink this fall due to the economy's effects on the area workforce. Photos by Morton B. Neely, assistant director of counseling