Fresno City College embracing new programs at its campus

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The fall semester is taking off at Fresno City College as many students flood the campus to take advantage of new classes and programs. Administrators said this year there's a bigger emphasis on career-technical education-- including welding, manufacturing, and even culinary classes.

"We're seeing high demand in that area so we added classes last semester in the evenings, which we never had before. We added classes during the summer, which we never have before, and we're adding classes to that program for the fall semester," said Kathy Bonilla, Fresno City College.

If you're looking for a fun way to get some exercise in starting in October there's a new PE class that has students catching Pokemon.

"It's so popular that people are really excited and I'm pretty sure that class is full right now," said Bonilla.

For those students still trying to navigate their course load this fall, Fresno City College is introducing Counseling on the Green. Every Tuesday in front of the Business Education Building academic counselors are on hand from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will be helping students stay on track towards their career goals.

Another factor keeping students in class-- an expanded Ram Pantry. What began in a small closet is now a major outdoor campus event providing free fresh produce and other food items every week to hundreds of students.

"We have more fresh food options and we've noticed that's what our students gravitate to. So anytime we've had fruits, vegetables, fresh produce. Last semester we gave away 300 dozen eggs and you haven't seen people so excited," said Sean Henderson, Ram Pantry.

Student body president Kou Xiong said this fall the campus is accommodating a growing student population.

"We have a total of 7,000 new incoming students, so that's a really large number. So we actually had a good turnout the first week of school."

The college district is also getting ready for Measure C money. Next Tuesday the board of trustees is expected to finalize members of an oversight committee to plan for the $485-million to help with improvements here and other state center colleges.