On August 19, 2023, Fresno State’s College of Science and Mathematics, hosted a successful Family Partnership Conference, attended by more than 300 students and their parents.

The event was co-hosted by Fresno State faculty, Dr. Mario Bencomo, Mathematics and Dr. Francine Arroyo, of Biology.

Fresno State President Saul Jimenez-Sandoval addressed the students and their parents and encouraged them to always stay engaged with their studies and attend tutoring at all times.

Dr. Kent Willis, Fresno State’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management shared similar sentiments as Jimenez-Sandoval and emphasized the need to stay engaged with at the university.

Psychology professor Dr. Rosa Toro, spoke about the importance of having family support as one navigates college.

Lilia De La Cerda, Center for Access to Science For All (CASA) hosted a panel with two students and a parent. The students, Biochemistry major Aaron Asparin (AJ) and biology major Andy Cabrera, shared their Fresno State experience with the new students and provided them tips of succeeding such as always staying on top of their school work. Building in time to relax and utilizing the resources on campus such as CASA and the Academic Resource Center (ARC)

Andy Cabrera’s mother spoke about supporter her son through his studies and always creating an environment for him to thrive.

ARC director Jaime Arvizu answered questions from the students and encouraged them to always reach to ARC whenever they needed help with their studies or have questions about accessing campus resources.

Dr. Christopher Meyer, the dean of the College of Science and Mathematics assured the first-year students the college had their back and would support through their educational journey.

Meyer introduced Dr. Jason Bush, the college’s newly-appointed associated dean, who shared with the students the vast opportunities available for them through the majors offered by the college.

Original coverage.  

Excitement is building as Fresno State’s College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) gears up to host the annual Family Partnership Event on Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Transitioning from high school to college can be exciting and daunting for many students. The Family Partnership event seeks to alleviate anxieties and foster a sense of belonging.

The virtual event is designed to provide students and their families with an innovative and inclusive way to welcome incoming first-year students, provide them with information, answer questions, and welcome them to the Fresno State community.

Under the stewardship of former CSM Interim Associate Dean Dr. Constance Jones, it aims to make the transition for new students from high school to college more accessible and lessen any concerns they might have about starting this exciting journey.

Family Partnership aims to bring students, families, and the university together and provide first-year students with an engaging and informative experience designed to help them feel connected and supported from the start of their academic careers.

With the flexibility of an online format, students and their families can participate from the comfort of their homes, ensuring wider accessibility for all.

The event will kick off at 1:00 p.m. and run until 3:00 p.m. It’ll feature distinguished guest speakers and a dynamic student panel. The speakers and panelists, current Fresno State students, faculty, and staff, will share their personal stories and valuable insights into the college experience, offering the incoming class a genuine understanding of what it’s like to be part of the Fresno State community.

One of the key highlights of the virtual event will be a comprehensive overview of the various resources available to support students throughout their academic journey.

From academic assistance and counseling services to financial aid opportunities, attendees will receive crucial information to help them successfully navigate college life’s challenges.

The event will also be an opportunity to provide in-depth information on scholarships, grants, and other financial resources available to students by equipping incoming students and their families with essential financial knowledge.

Beyond academics, the Family Partnership Event will also showcase various recreational activities and extracurricular opportunities on and around campus, a move aimed at encouraging students to embrace the whole college experience and foster a sense of belonging and engagement within the Fresno State community.

Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, and CSM Dean Dr. Christopher Meyer will address the incoming freshmen and their families. Others expected to grace the occasion include CASA Director Lilia De La Cerda, who will host the student panel.