The Bay College campus in Escanaba. (Daily Press file photo)

ESCANABA — The fall semester at Bay College is just around the corner and administration is ready to get students in the building. Orientation day varies depending on which campus students attend.

Iron Mountain hosts its orientation on Aug. 16 while Escanaba’s will be on Aug. 23. The first official day of classes begins on Aug. 26.

Director of Admissions Jessica Beaver wanted to remind the public that there is still time to enroll at Bay.

To help prospective and newly accepted students, Bay is hosting “Ready. Set. Enroll!” On Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beaver said she and the admissions department understand how overwhelming the process can be, so they are holding this event to provide personalized support to help students.

“It’s a day where you can get all your questions answered,” Beaver said.

Students will get an opportunity to speak with an advisor, financial aid as well as explore housing options.

“Essentially, you know,(it’s) Bay Information Day but also an opportunity for people to really get prepared for classes starting on Monday the 26th,” Beaver said.

Students on the fence about college are invited to attend where the administration can provide more details.

“We can help them get registered that day if they have any questions about their tuition or bills – at that time we should be able to answer most of their questions,” she said.

Bay said in a press release that, “this event is open to all who are interested in attending Bay College this fall. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working adult looking to advance your career, or someone interested in a new field, Bay College is here to support you every step of the way.”

Beaver also talked about the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship Program that pays for students to attend local community colleges, tuition-free for in-county, and reduced tuition for out-of-county residents. The scholarship can be used to complete an associate degree or a certificate program. The program typically is for students 25 and older, but it has been adjusted for the upcoming fall semester.

“The Michigan Reconnect Program for this fall, and this fall only has extended the program to 21 and older for those Michigan residents that haven’t yet earned a college degree,” Beaver said.

Prospective students turning 21 before Dec. 31 of this year will be eligible for the program.

Note, that this program’s extension to 21 and older is only for the upcoming fall semester. After the next semester, the program will revert back to 25 and older.

“If you’re turning 21 this year and you’re between the ages of 21 and 24 and you’re a resident of the State of Michigan, now really is the time to enroll,” Beaver said.

Additionally, Michigan high school graduates will have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, transfer credits, or career certificate tuition-free at Bay College through the Michigan Community College Guarantee. Beginning this semester, Michigan students who graduated in 2023 and beyond may qualify for the program.

Every student’s tuition is different, so the best way to figure out what is owed is to fill out a FAFSA. The FAFSA form can be found at studentaid.gov.

For more information regarding tuition, orientation and more, visit www.baycollege.edu.