As the new school year begins at Las Positas College, Welcome Back Week introduced new students to LPC’s resources.
From August 24-27, tables were set up outside the 1600 building, each one representing a different resource or program offered at LPC. Students walked around, participated in activities and learned about programs LPC offers in support of students — including the Mini Market, financial aid, the honors program and student government.
“When students come in, a lot of the time it’s gonna be the first time they’ve ever stepped on campus,” STEM program coordinator Jean O’Neil-Opipari said. “So we make sure they get to the right place, that they know where their classes are … Smooth out all those bumps.”
O’Neil-Opipari tabled for LPC Cares, part of the Caring Campus initiative aimed at instilling a sense of belonging in LPC students.
“Our whole mission is to help students feel that anyone wearing a name tag,” O’Neil-Opipari said. “They can feel free to approach them.”
The Financial Aid Office also tabled, with a spin-the-wheel game where students could win prizes. Refugio Franco, LPC’s Financial Aid Outreach specialist, is urging students to take advantage of the financial aid offered by the state.
“We’re here to help you guys all year long,” Franco said. “It’s really easy to apply. It’s one application online.”
PARIS POWELL, right, a student majoring in health care, and her grandmother Rose stop at the financial aid booth during the LPC Welcome Back Week Fair on Aug. 26, 2026. Outreach specialist Refugio Franco Jr. gave them information for the upcoming fall semester. (Photo by Sophia Sucato // The Express)
The honors program — which has grown in popularity in recent years — tabled at Welcome Back Week and invited students to push themselves harder.
“If you want to challenge yourself academically and you want to meet like-minded students, research what interests you, you should be a part of the program,” said Shyam Balasubramanian, president of the honors program club.
In addition, a group of Indivisible Tri-Valley volunteers attended Welcome Back Week to encourage students to vote in upcoming elections. Volunteers Manav Patel and Gerry Gire distributed handouts with basic voting information.
“It’s really important,” Gire said. “The data shows that if you start voting in college, you will have a lifetime of voting habits.”
This encouragement is part of an ongoing effort and will continue until November, when local, state and congressional midterm elections will occur.
“It teaches students to value (their) voice,” Patel said. “If there’s an issue that you care about, make your voice heard.”
***
TOP PHOTO: Pragna Kasal, a freshman Las Positas College student and data science major, talks to members of the LPC student government team about their opportunities on campus. (Photo by Sophia Sucato // The Express)
Nuha Maflahi is the Campus Life Editor for The Express. Follow her on X @NuhaMaflahiLPC.
