College Report: August 2022

Convocation

The FCC Convocation will be held Thursday, August 4 in the OAB Auditorium. This year’s meeting will be held in-person only after two years of virtual and hybrid formats. FCC president, Dr. Robert Pimentel, and his executive leadership will provide updates on accreditation, budget, enrollment and student services. Tim Wise, an anti-racism activist and author is the keynote speaker. The morning will start with breakfast at 7:45 a.m. and the program at 8:15 a.m.

Flex Day

Our unifying purpose behind this semester’s Flex Day is Disrupting Systems of Privilege and Power. FCC’s faculty, classified professionals, and administrators will share their knowledge with their colleagues on topics ranging from using AB 705 as a model for equity-minded data review to an innovation initiative to integrate student voice in a meaningful way across our campus to using imagery to confront and normalize difficult racial experiences. As always, we aim to motivate, acknowledge, and provide resources to our faculty and classified professionals so they can continue working to meet the needs of our students while reconstructing our college as a place where racial justice and equity drive everything we do.

President's Barbecue

FCC president, Dr. Robert Pimentel, hosted a welcome back barbecue for over 300 faculty, staff and student aides on July 18. The luncheon event was held in the cafeteria with burgers, hot dogs and all the fixings for staff to enjoy.

Fall Semester Welcome Week

The Student Activities Office will be offering in-person Information Booths at the Main Fountain Area from Monday, August 8 through Thursday, August 11. There will be computer access to assist students with finding their classes and locating offices, connecting their phones and devices to campus WiFi, activating email accounts, and orienting them to the Canvas software. Extended hours to assist students will be available at the Information Booth on Monday, August 8 and Tuesday, August 9 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, each of the five pathways will host booths around campus to assist students and provide academic information. FCC president, Dr. Robert Pimentel, will host a Welcome Back barbeque on Tuesday, August 9 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the main fountain.

Umoja Summer Bridge

More than 50 incoming and returning students participated in the Summer Bridge, hosted by the Umoja Community and the Harambee program, as they prepare for the beginning of the fall semester. The event took place on June 29 and June 30. Umoja promotes student success and improved lifetime outcomes for all students through a curriculum that is responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas. IDILE and SYMBAA, are also part of the Umoja community with the new Harambee program that is a peer mentor program focusing on our African American student population with the goal of increased enrollments, retention rates, academic goal attainment, matriculation, and transfer, especially among
African American males.

UCSF Partnership

Fresno City College’s nursing program partnered with UCSF to provide a day of learning about health care professions. On June 27, approximately 50 high school students from the UCSF Doctors Academy visited the college for a full-day of presentations, simulation, and hands-on skills facilitated by the nursing faculty and students. Students toured the allied health program labs and participated in several stations to learn about healthcare professions. Student comments summarize the positive experience: “Today's experience was incredible, literally the best! I really enjoyed the hands-on activities that actually helped us understand things nurses do so much better. Hands-on activities are where it's at, nothing can get better than learning how to put an IV in at this young age. I also really enjoyed the room of terror which was a challenge. Made all of us gather as a group and find the missing pieces.”

Summer Manufacturing Camp

Two High School Manufacturing Summer Camp sessions were held for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in industrial manufacturing careers. Each session was two weeks hosted by the FCC Applied Technology Division. The camps were held on June 13 – 23 and July 11 – 21. The students received training in Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD), Computer Aided Manufacturing, Electrical Systems Technology, and Welding. Students explored how industry is utilizing industrial robotics, 2D and 3D design and printing, electrical circuitry, welding, and CNC laser cutting.

Welcome Black Week

The African American Student Success Experience team will be hosting the inaugural Welcome Black Week from Monday August 15 through Saturday, August 20 culminating with a campus/community event. This week is designed to celebrate, welcome and engage African American students by building a sense of belonging and purpose on campus. During the week the students will have the opportunity to have lunch with campus leadership, engage in a “Porch Talk” and explore transfer and trade opportunities offered on campus. Additionally, students will participate in self-care on Saturday with a Yin & Yoga event, cookout, community and cultural resource fair.

Welcome New Dean of Counseling

Dr. Kurt Piland is FCC’s new Dean of Counseling. Dr. Piland has been with the district since January of 2006. His first assignment was here at FCC as part of the RTG team. He later moved into teaching GS classes and Perkins counseling. He worked with the business and applied technology divisions eventually working at CTC. At CTC, he worked with non-credit programs and coordinated projects with the Fresno WIB including the PG&E power pathway program. He has also worked at the Madera Community College Center as a counselor and at Reedley as Director of College Relations & Outreach. Dr. Piland has a keen understanding of the role counselors play in the success of our students as well as the skillset needed to be an effective leader. Dr. Piland attended California State University Fresno where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies – Child & Family Sciences and a master’s degree in Counseling and Student Services. He received his Doctorate – Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University. His dissertation looked at how student veterans utilize the community college to transition back into civilian life.

Upward Bound

This summer, FCC TRIO Upward Bound returned to the college in-person for its 6-week component. The first week, 44 Fresno Unified School District first-generation students got to do activities and experience residential life at Fresno State. Students took courses at FCC in African-American Studies and Counseling 53 and various activities such as community service, personal growth and career exploration. Each week ended with a campus visit to a UC, CSU or private college. Upward Bound graduating seniors participated and earned $500 to intern at various offices on the campus. The final week culminated with Southern California College Tours, which included San Diego State, CSU San Marcos, CSU Long Beach, Belmont Park and Sea World. Students were able to visit and tour 10 colleges throughout the state.

Virtual Extreme Registration

For the third summer, the College Relations and Counseling departments have assisted hundreds of incoming students each Wednesday afternoon during the Virtual Extreme Registration. On average, over 300 students were assisted each Wednesday in the registration process. The one-stop virtual event included special services available by phone or computer for students to complete their enrollment. Services offered included express counseling to enroll in Fall 2022 classes, planning their fall schedule, live zoom sessions to help students register for classes, financial aid assistance and information on free tuition!

In-Person Extreme Registration

For the second year since the pandemic, an in-person Extreme Registration event was held on July 29 and 30 in the library with staff and faculty assisting students with applications, new student orientation, assessment placement, counseling, registration, financial aid, and business services. In addition, there was a COVID vaccine site, point and click station for COVID vaccination upload, B95 live remote and a student resource fair.

Ram Ready

Ram Ready is our new student welcome event that will be taking place hybrid style on August 2 – 4 in the OAB Auditorium. The multifaceted event includes online My Portal and Canvas tutorials designed to help new students become familiar with their college accounts. An extra emphasis on distance learning and technology will be included. Students will also have an opportunity to engage with their FCC Guided Pathway faculty and staff both in-person and on Zoom on August 2. These workshops will include Q&A sessions on financial aid, library and tutorial services, DSPS, textbooks and more. This event is recommended for all first-time students who will attend in-person and online courses with FCC.

Football Wall of Fame

On Sunday, August 21, the 2022 Football Wall of Fame Banquet will be held at Pardini's. This year’s inductees are the following: Dr. Jerry Dunklin (Cornerstone), James Martin (2000 -2001), Chad Avakian (1990-91), Frank Jordan (1998 & 2000), Layton Johnson (1999-2000) and Rodney Woods (2001-02). Each inductee was selected by a committee of current and former coaches, players and WOF members on the basis of playing ability, positive character, and service to the football program. Each name will be etched on the marble wall on the home side of Ratcliffe Stadium. This latest group of inductees brings FCC’s distinguished Wall of Fame roster to 212. Tickets are $70 each with dinner starting at 6:00 p.m.

Volleyball Fundraiser

Join us for the Serving Up Success fundraising dinner to benefit the women’s indoor and beach volleyball teams on Wednesday, August 17 from 5:30– 8:30 p.m. at Gazebo Gardens. Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner and dessert from a variety of food trucks.