New Students Prepare for Fall Semester at Smart Start Saturday
Fullerton College welcomed more than 700 new students and their families to campus on August 13 for the 8th annual Smart Start Saturday. The campus-wide event, which is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Student Services, is designed to help new students prepare for the fall semester, and provide information on programs and services available at FC.
Smart Start Saturday featured campus tours for new students and their families, student I.D. distribution, and a resource fair on the quad featuring academic divisions, student government and clubs, and student support programs.
“The first week of classes can be a little overwhelming for a new student,” said Vice President of Student Services Dr. Gilbert Contreras. “That’s why Smart Start Saturday is the perfect event to give students and their families a chance to explore the wide variety of support services available to them. Further, it provides students with the opportunity to buy their textbooks and pick up their student I.D.’s before the classes start and the campus gets very busy.”
More than 200 volunteers helped staff the event and provided a venue for new students to inquire about support programs, learn how to get involved in student government and clubs, and meet with Fullerton College faculty and staff to learn about academic courses and programs of study.
Many new students and families also participated in tours of the campus and Library and visited the offices of Admissions and Records and Financial Aid, which remained open throughout the event to assist students with registering and paying for classes.
“I was pleased to see so many new students and their families at Smart Start Saturday,” said Fullerton College President Dr. Greg Schulz.
Schulz along with a team of administrators, faculty and staff could be seen throughout the event answering questions, and connecting students with key resources on campus, such as the Counseling Center, the Transfer Center, and academic division offices.
With a little more than 1,200 people in attendance on August 13, this year’s Smart Start Saturday attendance was the second highest on record for the college. Students and guests were treated to a free lunch in the Campus Dining Hall and free parking was available. Photos from the event are available on the Fullerton College Facebook page.
