Despite the title, the Welcome Tea had more than just a variety of teas for students to choose from to start their first mornings back on campus. The event, co-hosted by the Women’s Programs and WorkFirst, also gave out hot cocoa, coffee, and baked goods such as danishes for the first two mornings of the quarter.

According to Alycia Williams, the program manager of both departments, the Welcome Tea has been a tradition at Highline College for the last ten years. “The Women’s Programs Welcome Tea is one of our signature events and it was designed to make the students feel comfortable [and] welcomed,” said Williams. “It was designed to build community and for students to get to know who we are as Women’s Programs. We are a resource center, so the main goal is to get students comfortable, they can grab a snack, grab coffee, warm up — it’s the fall, why not?”

When asked if it was a students-only event, Williams clarified that, “…it’s open to all students on campus, and we actually have a lot of faculty and staff that come through as well.”

The Women’s Programs has long been a vital part of campus life since its founding in 1982, with the department offering an array of resources to the women — and everyone else — who need them. The Women’s Program takes on monumental challenges through programming that helps recipients escape domestic violence and cover their rent, as well as offering thoughtful materials such as extra underwear, toiletries, condoms, and diapers when in stock.

Also check out their new meditation room at their office in Building 6, designed “for students who need to relax, to meditate or pray, it can also be used for breastfeeding” and grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa while you’re at it.