YAKIMA VA L L E Y COLLEGE
YAK 101:
YOUR GUIDE TO STUDENT LIFE
INVOLVEMENT: IT’S UP TO YOU! One of the most valuable assets you possess is your time. Whether going to class, studying, working or attending events, activities play a key role in your success and enjoyment of college. Becoming involved in activities outside of the classroom leads to many opportunities and benefits.
GET CONNECTED! This guide will help you find the activities and resources to meet your needs at Yakima Valley College. Here’s how to start matching activities and resources to your interests. 1. Select two or three interest areas. They can be activities you have previously enjoyed or experienced success in, something related to career or academic interests, or just something that sounds interesting and fun.
in terested de you in ? What ma fe li udent ting in st participa fun and g, having y Socializin t there b name ou y m g in gett I feel like people — w e n g n meeti ant. lly import that’s rea ‘26 P U ZA N O LU IS CAM
2. Set goals. Decide what you want to gain from your college activities. Browse through the clubs and programs listed here and select activities that provide opportunities to achieve those goals. 3. Take risks. Join a student club, try a new sport, or apply for a student leadership position. You’ll only know if an activity is right for you if you try it. 4. Have fun. Remember your time is valuable; spend it doing things you like and that benefit your life and college career.
LEARN MORE YVCC.EDU/STUDENTS
LEAD: MAKE YOUR MARK! Student government offices on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses offer students the opportunity to get involved and help ensure that all YVC students have a voice. Help make decisions by participating with Associated Students of Yakima Valley College (ASYVC) through the Yakima or Grandview Student Councils, ASYVC Student Senate and the Student Ambassador Program.
YAKIMA & GRANDVIEW STUDENT COUNCILS
Student Councils represent the collective student voice and provide leadership on both campuses. The groups work with college administration, faculty and state-wide leadership to advocate for student resources and initiatives and help foster success.
ASYVC STUDENT SENATE
The ASYVC Student Senate is comprised of the combined student councils and representatives of all recognized clubs on campus. The Senate allocates funding for clubs and programs and provides recommendations to college leadership on issues affecting the student body. Senate meetings occur Mondays from 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. in the MLK room (Yakima Campus, HUB) or on Zoom.
STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students who are dedicated to serving and representing Yakima Valley College. Student Ambassadors provide campus tours, serve as YVC representatives and perform duties at various campus and community events. If a student qualifies for work study aid, a limited number of ambassador positions are available as work study jobs. However, volunteer positions are unlimited.
DIVERSITY SERIES
This unique program offers students the opportunity to lead and work alongside staff and faculty to bring awareness and special programming to campus and the community. By bringing diverse perspectives to everyday topics with a commitment to push the boundaries of the term “diversity” beyond race, gender, social class and sexuality we help make the world a more equitable place for all.
STUDENT CLUBS & PROGRAMS AGRIBUSINESS & WINE CLUB Helps students develop leadership skills and prepare for a career in the agriculture industry.
ATHLETICS Competitive sports programs help students develop leadership, teamwork and discipline and prepares them for career opportunities in teaching and coaching. It also provides a foundation for lifelong recreational interests.
BILLIARDS CLUB
Provide access to a safe and inclusive environment where students can enjoy a game of pool, build friendships, develop strategic thinking, and engage in healthy competition through organized play and community events.
BUSINESS LEADERS SOCIETY Supports the development of future business leaders by fostering engagement and collaboration between YVC and the local community.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT CLUB Encourages study of the Earth’s natural environments, human impact on sustainability and biodiversity, and celebration of Earth’s beauty and abundance.
CLIMBING CLUB Build confidence, both mentally and physically, all while getting an opportunity to exercise, destress and have fun!
COMPUTER SCIENCE & IT CLUB
PLAYMASTERS DRAMA Produces quality theatre for audiences of all ages and instills in students a lifelong respect and enthusiasm for live theatre. Participants are involved in all aspects of the production process.
STEM CLUB Providing educational opportunities for STEM students through speakers, presentations and community activities.
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY CLUB Supporting veterinary technology students through education and supports practical knowledge as they prepare for a career in the animal health industry.
THE WELLNESS SOCIETY
Provides community education and empowers students through promotion of healthy lifestyles for academic success.
WIND & VOCAL MUSIC Provides quality instruction on a wide range of musical topics. YVC’s program is committed to a student-centered education which emphasizes musical accessibility for all students, promotes self-esteem through musical performance and provides both on-campus and off-campus performance opportunities.
Scan to learn more.
Gain hands-on experience developing IT and software skills.
ENGINEERING CLUB Educates, mentors and organizes community involvement and activities to broaden engineering students.
MECHA Promotes academic success, fosters pride in cultural identity, and advocates for equity and access in higher education.
PHI THETA KAPPA YVC’s Honor Society recognizes and encourages academic excellence, promotes leadership development and encourages service both to YVC and the local community.
PRIDE CLUB Dedicated to creating an atmosphere of safety, support and education for students who are LGBTQIAP+.
Pathway Key
Find a club or group related to your academic pathway. Arts & Humanities Business STEM Healthcare Social Science & Education Exploratory
ore me a m s made “YVC ha o h w t person confiden on a e k a aid to t fr a l ’t n is nger fee e. I no lo g n e of ll a ch are out tunities r o p p o pared like well pre m a I s a reach llege.” o this co thanks t JU LIZZA
G OM E Z
‘26
RESOURCES
There are many free resources available to YVC students. Reference the information below and visit our website for additional details and locations.
Diversity Welcome Center
The Diversity Welcome Center nurtures a supportive campus environment that is free from prejudice and provides a space that is welcoming to all students. Students are welcome to use this space to host club meetings.
ASYVC Food Pantries
The pantries provide students who need help with groceries, non-food items, and baby supplies. There are also quick snacks for students who are hungry between classes in the snack shacks. Located on both campuses.
Rodeo Drive
ASYVC’s Rodeo Drive, offered in memory of Business Technology Instructor Alen Janisch, provides business casual and professional clothing to YVC students. Students can shop for free each quarter and build their professional wardrobe for when they graduate. On the Yakima Campus Rodeo Drive is located in the Hopf Union Building alcove room 124. On the Grandview Campus the Student Life office located in the Student Activity Center.
Bus Passes
Student Life offers bus passes to qualifying students. Stop by the Student Life office in the HUB Room 145 to complete an application.
Snack Shack
The Snack Shack is open Monday-Friday if you are in need of a quick snack. We offer a variety of snacks including cups of noodles, macaroni, granola bars, beef sticks, crackers and juices.
Nursing Mothers Room
If you are a nursing mother and need a private space to pump, Student Life can accommodate your request. Visit us in HUB Room 145 for more information and assistance.
Fitness Center YVC’s rennovated Fitness Center, located on the Yakima Campus, features more than 50 pieces of new, high-quality equipment. Students can pursue their health and wellness goals in YVC’s modern facility. Access is available for $50 per quarter, or at no additional cost for students enrolled in a physical education course.
Student Discounts
YVC students can receive discounted rates at a variety of local and national business — just for being a student!
Learn more about these services at yvcc.edu/services
Student Life hosts many events throughout the year for all students!
Yak Nights
Welcome Yaks Visit our website with the code above to see the upcoming events! We host many events throughout the year!
Club Day
Spring Fling
BENEFITS OF BEING INVOLVED •
Meet People and Develop New Friendships
•
Make a Difference & Contribute to Your Community
•
Practice Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
•
Make Your Voice Heard
•
Plan & Participate in Campus Events & Activities
DIGITAL ID CARD
ID Cards help students gain entry to college events, athletic games, get discounts from local business and access helpful support resources such as the library or computer labs.
VISIT Interested in checking out one of YVC’s campuses? Visit virtually at yvcc.edu/tour or contact tours@yvcc.edu for an in-person visit.
Learn how to generate your YVC digital ID card
STUDENT LIFE OFFICE Yakima Campus
Hopf Union Building (#9), Room 145 students@yvcc.edu
Grandview Campus
Student Activity Center (Bldg. #52), Room 108 students@yvcc.edu
CONNECT Yakima Valley College YakStudentLife YakimaCollege YakimaValleyCC yvcyaks
yvcc.edu/students Yakima Valley College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to Angie Foster, Executive Director of Human Resources, Yakima Valley College, 1015 South 16th Avenue, Yakima, Washington, 98902; email afoster@yvcc.edu; telephone 509.574.4687.