College Report: February 2022

#CaliforniansForAll College Corps

Fresno City College has been selected as the only Central Valley community college to participate in the new and historic initiative #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. Working in partnership with Fresno State, 50 FCC students and 70 Fresno State students will be given community service opportunities in critical issue areas such as climate action, K-12 education, and COVID-19 recovery over two academic years. Students who complete 450 hours of service with College Corps will receive a $7,000 stipend, plus a $3,000 Education Award. Implementation will begin in Fall 2022. AB 540 Dreamers are also eligible to participate.

Ram Pantry

The Ram Pantry continues to be a popular service for hundreds of FCC students, and this semester there has been an increase in students. As a result, the hours of operation have been increased to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. The Student Activities Office continues the colleges mission and vision to fight food insecurities among students.

FCC Counselor Illustrates Children's Book

FCC counselor, Chalome Gonzalez and her sister, Maia Gonzalez, who is a librarian at Madera Community College have collaborated on a children’s book entitled, The Elote Man goes to College. The book is about a street vendor that sells elote and the day his daughter decides to help him on his route. The book was released during a special event held at Arte Americas on January 20 and can be purchased online. Co-illustrating the book was Roald Tenorio, who is a recent graduate of the FCC nursing program.

Dual Enrollment Remains Strong

The Dual Enrollment Program continues to be strong at Fresno City College, despite the COVID pandemic. The college is currently serving 43 high schools with enrollment of 3,434 students in 26 online classes and 224 face-to-face courses. During the fall 2021 semester, Central Unified began working with Fresno City College to offer an associate degree in Liberal Arts entirely at Central High West allowing the students the opportunity to complete their degree and transfer to a university immediately after high school.

Extreme Registration

For the second semester, an in-person Extreme Registration event was held on January 4 and 5 in the library with staff and faculty assisting students with applications, new student orientations, assessment placement, counseling, registration, financial aid, and business services. Nearly 700 students were seen in person and virtually. A special thanks to interim Director of College Relations and Outreach, Nicholas Lucio, and interim Dean of Counseling, George Alvarado, for coordinating this event safely.

Black History Month

The theme for Black History Month at Fresno City College this year is "Calling on the Excellence of Our Own." With that theme in mind, FCC will tap into the talents and expertise of our own staff, faculty and alumni to make this Black History Month memorable and meaningful. Events include a presentation by author and publisher Dr. Christine McPhail and a panel discussion featuring Southwestern College president, Dr. Mark Sanchez, and Interim FCC President, Dr. Marlon Hall. This year will also focus on the impact of the pandemic on Black lives, health and fitness, mental health, food and nutrition, and equity in education. Student panels are also planned to elevate the experiences and stories of our Black students.

Fundraiser Slated

The Asian American Faculty & Staff Association is hosting an inaugural online silent auction on Monday, February 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Asian Pacific Islander Celebration of Success annual event which will be held in May. This special celebration recognizes transferring and graduating Asian Pacific Islander students at the college.

Art Space Gallery

Eden, a solo exhibit by Fresno-based artist Audia Yvonne Dixon will feature her large scale, atmospheric oil paintings that reflect on Black girlhood. Engaging the history of painting and the cultural concept of nostalgia, Dixon pushes portraiture to depict the inner worlds and emotional states of her subjects. Anticipated opening for this exhibit will be mid-February with a reception to be held during the March 3 Art Hop event. The artist will also give a talk and answer questions with Fresno City College painting students in February.

Ram Ready

Ram Ready is our new student welcome event that was held January 3-5. The multifaceted event included online tutorials designed to help new students become familiar with the college with an extra emphasis on distance learning and technology. Students engaged with FCC faculty, staff, and other students through live events and workshops held daily. These live events and workshops included sessions on financial aid, library and tutorial services, Canvas, textbooks, and more. This event is recommended for all first-time students to FCC.

Welcome Week

The Student Activities Office offered in-person information booths at the main fountain during the first week of school, helping over 1,000 students with computer access, finding their classes and locating offices, connecting their phones and devices to campus WiFi, activating email accounts and orienting them to the Canvas software. Open zoom sessions were also available.

Athletics Update

Congratulations to the women’s soccer team who ended their season with 10 players named to the CCCAA 1st and 2nd Teams. Hannah Martin, was named Most Valuable Player; Lauren Salazar, Freshman of the Year; and Oliver Germond was named Coach of the Year!

State Championship Volleyball player, Lexi Pagani, was chosen as the CCCAA Female Athlete of the Month for December for her role in the drive to win the Volleyball State Championship! In FCC's 4-set championship final win over West Valley, Pagani powered 19 kills and served five aces. Many of her kills were set up by her twin sister and FCC setter Julia Pagani.

The Women’s Basketball team is currently 17-1 and ranked #2 in the state! On the Men’s side, the team is off to a good start with new head basketball coach Robert Haynes, they are currently 8-5. Each team is hopeful for post-season play. Go Rams!