The first day of classes brought the usual wave of students to California State University, Fresno today, Aug. 24, to begin a 2009-10 academic year of unprecedented financial challenge and commitment to a better future.
Of the 21,180 students enrolled for the fall semester, about 5,000 are new to campus. As every year, they must deal with first-week issues such as how to time traffic and parking to not be late for class; where to find classrooms; waiting in line for books, supplies and food; and meeting so many new people.
Welcome Week activities are scheduled to acquaint students with the dozens of student organizations on and near campus and with other resources, including the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning. Entertainment and food are part of the Welcome Week celebration, too.
Returning students found some parking and traffic changes around the construction site of University High School’s new home on campus. The charter public school has been housed in portable classrooms since its founding at Fresno State in 2000, but in late 2010 will be in its permanent building just west of the Smittcamp Alumni House.
Work completed during summer smoothed a dangerously deep dip in Barstow Avenue at Cedar Avenue. Removing east-west stop signs on Barstow at Price Avenue helps traffic flow through campus. New for campus visitors is an automated guest-parking system that is code-activated at any of the 16 parking-permit machines.
Spring 2010 begins the university’s year of centennial celebrations, culminating with the 100th Commencement in 2011.
In welcoming staff and faculty back to campus, Fresno State President John D. Welty said dwindling state support for higher education won’t define the university. He said, “It’s important, as we begin this year, that we commit to work together to help each other out to make sure the university community stays strong and stays focused on the future.
“We will continue to look at how we not only serve students but also serve this region,” Welty added.
Some classes were cut and many lecturers won’t be available to teach this fall. However, there are alternatives from Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education, including Open University, registration for which begins Monday, Aug. 31.
Students and university employees will have to work around furlough days when classes will be in session, but some support services won’t be available. Care was taken to schedule furlough days to have minimal impact on the university’s academic mission.
“This is a year in which there will be lots of challenges as we face a very difficult fiscal situation,” said Welty, “but it’s also a year in which we have a number of very important things to do.”
Related links:
President’s remarks
Campus building
Continuing education
