On August 27, McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, welcomed students back with its Learning Commons Welcome Fest. The event created excitement by combining games, snacks, and valuable information about the Learning Commons. At the center of the fun was a Prize Wheel, which helped students learn about the wide range of academic resources available on campus. By spinning the Prize Wheel, participants answered questions that directly connected them to the tools designed to support their success.
A Prize Wheel with a Purpose
The Prize Wheel was more than a game; it was a learning opportunity. Each spin presented students with a question about the Learning Commons, encouraging them to discover the many ways the space can support their education. Because the wheel required knowledge about campus resources, students were actively engaged. This approach made learning about the Learning Commons both memorable and enjoyable.
Introducing Students to the Learning Commons
McLennan’s Learning Commons, located in the Learning Technology Center, is designed as a shared space where students, faculty, and staff can collaborate. Through the Prize Wheel, the Welcome Fest introduced students to areas such as tutoring, research assistance, technology support, and study spaces. Rather than passively receiving information, students learned by engaging with the wheel. As a result, the Prize Wheel became a bridge between fun and academics.
Enhancing Student Connection Through Play
The Prize Wheel offered an easy way for students to connect with one another while also learning about campus resources. Because students were playing, they felt more relaxed, which helped reduce the stress often associated with the first weeks of school. Additionally, the interactive format encouraged group discussions about the answers to the questions, building community connections at the same time. The Prize Wheel turned a simple activity into a catalyst for student interaction and resource awareness.
A Tradition of Community at McLennan
Founded in 1965, McLennan Community College has always emphasized connection and support. By being the first junior college in Texas to include “community” in its name, the institution demonstrated its commitment to local learners. Events such as the Welcome Fest continue that tradition. Through the Prize Wheel, students not only learned about the Learning Commons but also felt included in the greater McLennan community. The activity tied fun directly to the college’s mission of promoting student achievement.
Why Prize Wheels Work for Campus Events
A Prize Wheel is an engaging tool because it combines anticipation, interaction, and education in a simple format. Students are naturally drawn to the excitement of spinning the wheel, and the addition of questions about campus resources ensures learning happens simultaneously. For McLennan Community College, the Prize Wheel transformed routine information sharing into a memorable event. Because of this, more students became aware of the Learning Commons and the variety of services it provides.
Building Momentum for Student Success
The Learning Commons Welcome Fest showed how combining entertainment with education helps build momentum at the start of the academic year. When students leave with a clear understanding of available resources, they are more likely to succeed. The Prize Wheel offered a unique way to ensure students remembered what they learned. With each spin, the connection between student success and campus resources became stronger, setting a positive tone for the semester.
The Lasting Impact of the Prize Wheel
Although the Welcome Fest lasted only a day, the impact of the Prize Wheel will extend throughout the semester. Students who participated left with more knowledge about tutoring, technology support, and collaborative learning spaces. Because the experience was fun, they are more likely to return to the Learning Commons for help when needed. The Prize Wheel served as both an icebreaker and a guide, proving that simple activities can leave lasting impressions.