Santa Monica College welcomes students with Fall 2025 Start Up event

Santa Monica College (SMC) Adelante Club President Abby, holds up a sign at the SMC Start Up on Tuesday September 16 in Santa Monica, Calif. The sign, written in spanish, translates to "united together, we keep moving forward". The Adelante Club promotes the celebration of latinx students at SMC and their academic successes. (Katy Santa Cruz | The Corsair)

The Adelante Club self promotes at the SMC Start Up with a colorful display on Tuesday September 16 in Santa Monica, Calif. The Adelante Club promotes the celebration of latinx students at SMC and their academic successes. (Katy Santa Cruz | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Students: Tiffany, Nithi, Sherrill, Ellie and Mayumi promote the International Student Forum at the SMC Start Up by inviting visitors to place a pin on their country of origin on a world map on Tuesday Septemeber 16 in Santa Monica, Calif. The club arranges various events throughout the semester, their next event, an international potluck at Clover Park, Santa Monica will be on Friday Sept 19 from 3p-5p. (Katy Santa Cruz | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College first year students Fabio and Andrew hold up the free Subway and SMC Bodega Bags they recieved at the SMC Start Up on Tuesday Septemebr 16 in Santa Monica, Calif. Students filled out a survey and waited in line to receive their free food and bags sponsored by the SMC Foundation. (Katy Santa Cruz | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) cheerleaders and students lead a group line dance to "Payaso de Rodeo" played by visiting Power 106 radio station DJ at the SMC Start Up on Tuesday September 16, 2025 in Santa Monica, Calif. The SMC Start Up event, typicially at the beginning of a new semester, promotes clubs, events and activities and provides free lunch to students. (Katy Santa Cruz | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) commenced its Fall 2025 “Start Up” event on Tuesday Sept.16 located at the main campus quad, Subway sandwiches, interactive games, music and more were offered to the SMC community.

Dr. Kiersten Elliott, one of the event’s organizers, described the event as “a way to hopefully get students connected to different clubs, academic organizations, and other resources with food and fun.” She also, handed out sandwiches, chips, cookies and Bodega bags to students, along with other volunteers.

While the turnout for free food was big in itself, the event mainly provided opportunities through student resources for both new and returning students to connect socially and academically with different support and services. Advisors from multiple academic departments were in attendance to answer any questions and highlight the different majors and pathways offered at SMC. 

Shining a spotlight on the diverse student body at SMC, various clubs and student run organizations set up booths to boost their visibility on campus, recruit new members and inform students on their missions and club activities. Nithi Sangkaew, an international student from Thailand and member of the International Student Forum, said joining the club helped him, “...Make friends and connect with other international students feeling lost away from home.” 

Student and founder of both the Indigenous Scholars Club and the New Rainbow Coalition, Sequoyah Thiessen, said, “We need more eyes on us to get access to a center to be able to practice our native culture and traditions in peace.” Thiessen referred to an event where the police were called on students rehearsing danza Azteca in the quad, saying “We should be able to do our cultural practices just like anybody else, and finding a permanent center on campus would give us a safe space to do that.”

Along with the clubs and student resources, the fair included music and entertainment with a DJ from Power 106 followed by a high-spirited performance by the SMC cheer club. Interactive games including cornhole were set up for both students and staff to get active and socialize with one another. 

“I’m hoping that students had fun and made connections", said trustee Dr. Nancy Greenstein who was also in attendance. “I hope they see something they haven’t thought of trying and want to give it a shot.”