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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.”
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