More than 7,400 new Fresno State students and their parents or guests are registered to attend Dog Days 2018, a series of orientation sessions to prepare them for the fall semester.

Dog Days equips new freshmen and transfer students with tools to help them successfully navigate the transition into the University, from learning how to register for classes to accessing career services. Studies show that students who attend a university orientation are more likely to stay in school, perform better academically, graduate sooner and are more satisfied with their college experience.

“Orientation is essential to student success at Fresno State,” said Dr. Frank Lamas, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “Each student has the opportunity to meet and learn from faculty, staff and peers in their college — some of whom may become their new mentors and colleagues. Students are made aware of many of the basic needs and academic support services that are offered to facilitate their success. It’s really a holistic experience about what happens inside and outside of the classroom.”

Orientation sessions begin Tuesday, June 12, and run through Aug. 1, with specific dates for students in programs such as College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and athletics. Dates are dependent on the students’ majors. Three types of sessions will be offered: one-day, two-day and two-day overnight. The fall semester begins Aug. 17 with classes beginning Aug. 22.

Dog Days is open to the 13,751 new students (10,487 freshmen and 3,264 transfers) admitted to the University for fall 2018, plus their parents and guests. The sessions are mandatory for freshmen and transfer students.

Academic advisers from each of Fresno State’s eight colleges and schools will be available at the summer sessions to discuss general education and major academic requirements. Staff, faculty and student leaders will answer questions and give insight into campus life. A campus resource fair, campus safety discussion and campus tours are offered.

Breakout workshops in Spanish, exclusively for parents and guests attending with their students, also will be available. In addition to various presentations about college life, parents and guests will have the opportunity to ask questions about academics and co-curricular activities for students.

Each Dog Days session begins with check-in at 7 a.m. in front of the Joyal Administration building. One-day sessions run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The two-day session will include all the information presented in the one-day orientation plus seminars about campus life and social justice. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the first day and 8 a.m. to noon the second day.

The two-day overnight program includes an optional evening session. The program runs during the same time as the two-day sessions, with students spending the night in the University Courtyard housing.

The Dog Days office in the Joyal Administration building (Room 224) is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on any non-orientation date throughout the summer.

For more information, visit www.fresnostate.edu/dogdays or call 559.278.4885.

Note: The University no longer is accepting applications for first-time freshmen and transfer students for the fall. However, applications are being accepted for spring 2019. For application information, contact Undergraduate Student Recruitment at 559.278.2048 or visit www.gotofresnostate.com.

Related Links:

Freshman Orientation Dates and Schedule

Transfer Orientation Dates and Schedule

Preparing for Your Orientation