Fresno State’s Big Bulldog Welcome on the first day of the 2022 fall semester showcased the various resources around campus that Fresno State students can take advantage of.
The event, presented by Student Involvement, offered new and returning students free food, shirts and Fresno State merchandise. Most notably, students were encouraged to approach the many tables with information about the resources and programs available throughout the university.
The fair highlighted many of the school’s benefits that come free to student’s like tutoring, personal care and employment tips.
For students who need help with studying and want some help with their classes, the Learning Center offers tutoring, supplemental instruction and academic success coaching.
Mai Kou Vang, the Supplemental Instruction Coordinator at the Learning Center, said that they “provide students with skills so they can become independent learners, and our tutors are facilitators of that”
Students can expect to learn with other fellow students and collaborate with tutors to strengthen their studying and problem solving skills. Students can also receive help solely for writing at the Writing Center.
Students that are trying to impress a potential employer, or who don’t know how to start their resume can go to the Career Development Center.
It offers help with resumes, cover letters, building a network within their field of interest, and general career advice.
The center also offers peer mentors that can aid students with job searches, do mock interviews, connect them with career liaisons and help them navigate the HireFresnoState website ”” the official website where students can find jobs on campus.
“We want to help students make informed career decisions, we have tools for them to learn about themselves and learn about their initial career direction,” said Mary Willis, director of the Career Development Center. “We want students to be effective in their internship search, and help them understand how looking for a job works, and also help them develop their social capital and build their network.”
Free food and hygiene products are available to all students through the Amendola Family Student Cupboard.
Located across the street from the police station, students can get free groceries and hygiene products, with their student ID card or number.
“Originally, when this was all thought up, it was to address food insecurity,” stated Michael Ballin, project coordinator for the student cupboard. “It’s open to all students, you don’t necessarily have to be food insecure.”
The student cupboard also has recipes on its online webpage.
For those who’d be interested in traveling abroad for a semester or longer, the Study Abroad Office gives students the opportunity to travel to various countries across the world and study at universities that have connections with Fresno State.
When students need a space to relax and feel safe, the Cross-Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) offers affinity rooms where students can take time for themselves.
The CCGC also hosts events where students can connect and learn about other students with diverse cultures, identities, religions, gender and race.
“Our mission statement is to vouch for student success through diversity,” said Kathy Moua, a student coordinator at the CCGC.
The university also provides students with counseling and medical services at the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC).
The SHCC also has a pharmacy where students can receive prescriptions and purchase over-the-counter medications.
Many of its services are free, and its over-the-counter medications are sold at lower prices. Students are advised to call them at 559-278-2734 or make an appointment if they’d like to know more about specific services offered at the SHCC.
A majority of these resources are completely free to students, and they are highly encouraged to take advantage of the resources the university has to offer. A full list of services and resources available at the university can be found on its website.