New Semester Communications
Spring 2026
Welcome to the start of 2026!
Whether you are continuing your academic journey with us or joining our campus for the first time, we are delighted to have you as part of our college community.
Spring is a season of growth and new beginnings, and it reflects the opportunities ahead of you. This semester offers a chance to build new skills, explore new interests, and take meaningful steps toward your academic, career, and personal goals. Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way, both inside and outside the classroom.
I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you—advising, tutoring, student services, and campus activities—and to stay engaged with your peers and instructors. Your persistence, curiosity, and commitment are the foundation of your success.
Below you will find a link to our Website that lists important information and references—please refer to this throughout the semester.
Thank you for choosing our college. We are proud to be part of your journey and look forward to a productive, successful, and inspiring spring semester.
Wishing you a strong start and a rewarding semester ahead.
Warmly,
Cheryl Lesser
Dr. Cheryl Lesser
President
Great Bay Community College
320 Corporate Dr.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
The President’s Office, Room SE105
Phone: 603.427.7601 | Email: [email protected]
Dear Students,
Welcome to the 2026 Spring Semester and we are very excited to see students on campus!
For those of you returning to continue your educational journey, it is great to have you back. For new students, congratulations and thank you for choosing Great Bay Community College.
Please take advantage of all the services available to help you achieve your goals. The Great Bay community is here for you every step throughout your educational journey. Check out the resources available to students in the Student Resources tab at greatbay.edu. In addition to supporting students in the classroom, GBCC offers support for students who may need assistance or support outside of the classroom. Please contact Julie Dockery, Community Resource and Student Wellbeing Coordinator at [email protected].
Additionally, there are many opportunities to get involved from Student Government to Athletics (competitive and non-competitive) to an array of other Great Bay student-led Clubs & Organizations. Check out the listing of Clubs & Organizations.
Make sure you have your books at the start of the semester. If you have a credit balance from your Financial Aid Award, you can go straight to the online bookstore link (Bookstore ) and use that balance to make a purchase. Your purchase can be online or in person at the campus bookstore located at NHTI in Concord. If you accept a student loan, you must first accept your award and complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note. Students must complete the financial aid process to use financial aid funds to purchase books. Please share any questions about this process with staff at the college’s Welcome Center on the first floor or call 603-427-7610.
Late Start classes begin on Tuesday, February 17th and there is still time to add a class and complete your program sooner. For our up-to-the-minute course schedule visit the GBCC dynamic course schedule.
We encourage all of you to make the most of your time at Great Bay as your college experience will be what you make of it—studies here and across the country show that an engaged student is a successful student. Please stop by the CAPS student support center anytime and we look forward to being a part of your successful semester.
Lastly, please refer to the important dates shared with you previously or find them at this link Microsoft Word – 2025-2026 Academic Calendar.
Sincerely,
Lisa McCurley
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Dear Students,
Want to get involved and make the most of your time at Great Bay? There are many opportunities to be a part of the GBCC community from Student Government to Athletics to the array of other Great Bay student led Clubs & Organizations. Check out the listing of Clubs & Organizations or the photo below to find the club for you.
Follow Student Life on Face Book & Instagram and also follow athletics on Face Book & Instagram to keep up to date on campus activities. Also, you will receive a text every Monday morning that lists the GREAT things occurring at Great Bay as well as the Gather Café menu for that week.
Check Out the activities below!
Upcoming Events & Activities
- School Supply Giveaway, Tuesday, January 20 & Wednesday, January 21 in the Lobby
- January 21, Financial Aid “How To’s, Do’s & Don’ts” 12:00 in Room 125
- January 22, Financial Aid “How To’s, Do’s & Don’ts” 5:00 in Room 125
- January 29, Ping Pong Tournament & Game Night w/Free Pizza, 5:00-7:00 in the SSC. Register at https://forms.gle/Ydy2PTmKzJmyZZxg6
- January 29 Home Basketball Game vs. Central ME CC, 6:00 (W) & 8:00 (M)
- February 2 Home Basketball Game vs. NHTI, 6:00 (W) & 8:00 (M)
- February 4 Home Basketball Game vs. Southern ME CC, 5:30 (W) & 7:30 (M)
- February 9 Stuff-a-Bear for a Valentine, 11:00-1:00 in the Lobby
- February 11, Student Activity Input Sessions, 12:00-1:00, 5:00-6:00. Free Pizza! Register at https://forms.gle/gyUBtgaaqpk1YGTq8
- February 12 Home Basketball Game vs. UMaine Augusta, 6:00 (W) & 8:00 (M)
- February 19 Ice Skating at Strawbery Banke, 7:00-9:00. Register at https://forms.gle/wV9XLf2WoQKbTC1h7
- February 24, “Don’t Get Me Started” Presentation by PRIDE Alliance, 12:00-1:00 in Room 95/96 in the SSC
We encourage all of you to make the most of your time at Great Bay as your college experience will be what you make of it. Research shows that an engaged student is a successful student. Stop by the Student Success Center (SSC) anytime—we look forward to being a part of your semester.
Brittanie Mulkigian Director of Student Life [email protected] | Brian Scott |
Art Club
The primary purpose of the Art Club is to provide the greater GBCC community with a forum to participate in and appreciate the visual and performing arts, as well as give a space to create art without the pressure of an academic class or graded atmosphere. For more information, contact Tom Devaney at [email protected].
Badminton Club
The Badminton Club strives to provide an environment that is both fun and challenging, while also helping our members to grow and develop as players. The club wants to bring together individuals who share a common interest and a passion for participating in and promoting recreational badminton. All skill levels are welcome to join the Badminton Club and explore more about badminton and one another. The Badminton Club may also be a platform for members to become physically fit and mentally well in pursuing a positive quality of life through badminton as a sport. The long-term goal of the club is to promote badminton to be a well-known sport in our community. Contact Club Advisor Erik Hinnov [email protected] for more information.
Board Game Club
Gimme a B! B! Give me an oard! oard! What does that spell? Board Game Club! Do you dream about playing board games but don’t know anyone who plays? Join the Board Game Club, where we try different games every week – newcomers welcome! Contact Sam Claussen at [email protected] for more information.
Great Bay Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association serves as the governing organization for the GBCC student body. SGA manages an annual budget that funds student activities, student clubs and organizations and the Student Success Center. SGA meets weekly. If you are interested in SGA contact Brittanie Mulkigian – [email protected].
Great Bay Student Nurses Association (GBSNA)
GBSNA is an organization that serves to represent and mentor students who want to work toward their initial licensure as registered nurses. Contact Club Advisor Carrie Marchand at [email protected] for more information.
Great Bay Student Veterans Organization (GBSVO)
GBSVO is a non-partisan organization that brings students together through shared respect, experiences, and a desire to help our nation’s heroes; many of whom are our students. Contact Club Facilitator Steve Dockery at [email protected] for more information.
International Club
Are you interested in learning more about different cultures from around the world? Our International Club plans enriching experiences for students to share their cultures with others. Contact Club Advisor Siri Dumont at [email protected] for more information.
Kappa Beta Delta (KBD) Honor Society
KBD is made up of a group of students who are academically accomplished and enjoy serving their community. Contact Lynda Bonneau at [email protected] for more information.
Music Club
The Music Club looks to provide opportunities for GBCC students to learn, explore and appreciate music with fellow students. No experience is necessary and the club has a variety of loaner instruments. For more information, contact Aiden at [email protected]
Outdoor Adventure Klub (OAK)
If you enjoy the outdoors, then take advantage of the hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, and trail maintenance experiences OAK coordinates for our students. Contact Club Advisors Mike Harrison at [email protected] or Bob O’Brien at [email protected] for more information.
P.A.C. (Pride Alliance Club)
P.A.C. (Pride Alliance Club) is a group for LGBTQIA+ community members and supportive allies. Pride Alliance fosters queer friendship and representation at GBCC. Looking for community at your community college? Contact our advisor Sam Claussen at [email protected] for more information.
STEM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
The STEM Club provides exciting opportunities for you to learn more about the STEM field and careers. Contact Club Advisors Mike Gordon at [email protected] or John Mannarini at [email protected] for more information.
Veterinary Technician Club (Vet. Tech.)
In addition to promoting the competent care and treatment of animals, the Vet. Tech club enhances the clinical education and career development for Veterinary Technician program students.
Contact Club Advisor Bonnie Miller [email protected] for more information.
Welcome to the Spring 2026 semester.
For those of you who don’t know me, I would like to introduce myself to you and let you know that I support students experiencing challenges or pressures in any non-academic areas so please see me if you find yourself struggling with anything that makes focusing on your schoolwork difficult. Below is a summary of the areas I can help with:
- Food Pantry – The College has a very well-stocked pantry available to all students, should you find yourself in need. Please feel free to use this as often as you need to. No appointment necessary, it is located in the Herons Nest and available when the campus is open.
- Community Resources – If you need help securing benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, Market Place, etc.) and resources (WIC, Fuel Assistance, Legal Aid, etc.) that might be available to you, I can help guide you through the application process for these benefits.
- Mental Wellbeing – If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, I can provide you with support and resources that could help. Remember, the NH Rapid Access Line, 833-710-6477 or 988 is always available to call should you be in crisis and needing immediate help.
I am located in the Heron’s Nest which is down in the Student Success Center next to the Fitness Room. The Heron’s Nest is designed to be a safe and welcoming place for all students to visit. My email is [email protected] and my office phone 603 427 7704.
I am here to help you succeed and I wish you a strong start to the new semester.
Julie
Dear GBCC Students,
Whether you’re crushing it or just trying to survive the first week, CAPS (Center for Academic Planning & Support) is here to save the semester! We’ve got your back with free academic and career support—think of us as your go-to sidekick for all things academic success.
💥 What’s in Your Academic Utility Belt?
Here’s what CAPS can help you with—100% free and available to ALL students:
🧠 Success Coaching
Time management? Study skills? Life feeling like chaos? We’ll help you build a plan that works for you. 👉 Schedule an Appointment in Navigate
📚 Tutoring
- Drop-in Math & Writing Centers open on the first day of classes and are staffed by GBCC faculty, Professor Erik Hinnov and Professor Zach Fansler, respectively.
- Peer tutors are available starting the second week of the term. 👉 Check out the Tutor Schedule
- 24/7 online tutoring in Canvas with BrainFuse—submit papers, ask questions, or chat with a tutor anytime! (Up to 10 free hours per semester!) 📺 How to Use Brainfuse
🌎 Support for English Language Learners
Starting college in a second (or third!) language? Siri Dumont ([email protected]) can provide academic and social support.
♿ Accessibility Services
We’re committed to meaningful access. Contact Amanda Voce ([email protected]) or visit our website to learn more about accommodations.
🖐️ Need help fast? Use the Hand Raise in Navigate!
Download the Navigate app or access Navigate through the CCSNH Okta Portal to schedule appointments, connect with study buddies, or raise your hand for help.
🌐 More Resources:
🦸 Questions? Help is just one call or email away:
📞 603-427-7715
📧 [email protected]
Let’s make this semester your best one yet—CAPS is here when you need a boost!
________________________________
Jenna M Anand, M.S. (she/her)
Director, CAPS: Academic Planning and Support & Advising and Transfer
Phone: 603.427.7771 | Email: [email protected]
The following link provides current students, prospective students, faculty, adjuncts, staff, and community members with important consumer information about Great Bay Community College: http://www.greatbay.edu/about/consumer-information. We provide the information in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Jeanne Clery Act.
The information includes, but is not limited to:
- Academic requirements and policies
- Accessibility Services
- Admissions
- Alcohol and Other Drug Policies
- Anonymous Reporting
- GBCC ALERTS emergency notification system
- Bookstore/Textbook Policies
- Business Office – Tuition and Payment Policies
- Campus Safety and the Annual Security Report
- Concerns and Complaints
- Privacy of student records – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Financial Aid information
- Incident Reporting
- Lender Code of Conduct
- Military & Veteran Students
- Nelnet Executive Statement
- Statement of Nondiscrimination
- Student Handbook
If you have any questions about the notification, please email [email protected] or [email protected].
