Fresno City College welcomes thousands of students for fall semester
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Monday marked the beginning of the fall semester for Fresno City College. Not only is it a fresh start for nearly 25,000 students, but also for the school's new president. Doctor Carole Goldsmith took over the school's top position August 1st after serving as president at West Hills College.
"I don't want to go in and tell people what we're going to do. I want to listen to people and find out what is really working for them. And whatever is working we're going to do more of. So for the 60 days, I am on a listening tour."
Dr. Goldsmith is a native of Fresno and wants to bring stability to the first community college in California. She calls Fresno City College a gateway for opportunity for students who want to pursue a higher education. That's why she's proud of the school's new dream center, where academic counseling is provided to undocumented students.
"We have a lot of wrap around services, and we can provide to them in the terms of additional counseling and referrals. We just kind of help them through the college process."
Inside the classroom, students will notice changes when working with computers. More than a thousand desktops were upgraded to connect to a new server on campus.
"All of the computing of the desktop will be in the data center, all the data will be in the data center, nothing stays at their station or even a laptop," said Harry Zahlis, Interim Director of Technology.
Outside the classroom students have a new sitting area by the language arts building to study. Several tables and benches were added over the summer.
At the same time, more than 60 parking spots were added to the southeast corner of the campus for students. But some said to get the best spot you need to get to class really early.
"I basically get here at 6:30 and my first class is at 7, so parking is not that bad. But then if you try to get here at 9 or 8-- you'd be driving around," said Carlos Ramirez, Fresno City College student.
