Students wild about Safari Day

By Katrina Garcia
The Collegian

It can seem like a jungle out there for some Fresno State students looking for important campus information, from scholarship deadlines to graduation applications.

That’s why the Division of Student Affairs created a day for students to go on their very own safari through the dozens of organizations pertinent to student life.

Fresno State’s inaugural “SAFARI Day” took place Wednesday at the University Student Union balcony. University Courtyard, the Financial Aid department and USU Productions were just three of the 24 programs and organizations that provided helpful information at their booths.

“I thought it was very useful,” Heather Nuanes said, a senior biology major. “There’s information I need for graduation.”

Cassandra Whitis, a junior majoring in sign language interpretation, said she also thought the event was helpful for any student wanting to learn more about the various campus programs. Upon asked when the event should be held again, Whitis said, “We think they should have it next week.”

Both students agreed the information available was useful for not just freshmen, but upperclassmen as well — “from start to finish,” Whitis said, “SAFARI Day” included everything a student needs to know about Fresno State life.

“It’s a good way to get the word out,” said Carolyn Coon, Executive Director of Student Life, who sat at the Student Affairs booth wearing a straw safari hat. Coon said “SAFARI Day” provided a good opportunity for all of the different aspects of Student Affairs to come together, allowing students a chance to go to one place and find out everything they need to know.

Over 500 students attended “SAFARI Day” in the first hour, and approximately 1,245 students came to the information fair.

While students picked up pamphlets about campus living and career services, they also were able to learn more about how to get involved in student clubs and become a more active member in the campus community.

“We want to get students involved,” Andrew Watson said, a junior recreations major and member of USU Productions. “We’re looking for people all the time.”

Students who attended “SAFARI Day” and visited 10 booths could enter their “passport,” or raffle ticket, into a drawing, where prizes ranged from a free manicure at Glow Day Spa, a $25 gift certificate for Kennel Bookstore, a free iPod and free Fresno State fees for the spring 2007 semester. Free hot dogs and sno cones were also on hand for students who had passports at the event.

“Services in our department are for all students,” Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Paul Oliaro said. “I think they’ll enjoy it. It’ll be a fun experience.”

Oliaro said “SAFARI Day” was developed in part by meeting with students last semester. Oliaro invited a group of seniors to a meeting and talked to them about their experiences at Fresno State. He said while they knew about the various services provided, they were not aware the programs were all branches of Student Affairs.

“It was great,” graduate student Anil Kumar said. “I got to know new information.”

Kumar said he thought international students would especially learn a lot at Wednesday’s event, because “everything is new to them.”

While Oliaro said the inaugural Safari Day likely will become an annual event, Kumar believes the informational fair should be held on a more regular basis.

“I recommend it every six months,” he said.

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