College in Fresno, California, starts new academic term under a new leader as the newly appointed president assumes office.
Fresno City College Welcomes Students Back for a New Academic Year
Fresno City College (FCC) is gearing up for another exciting year, with over 23,000 students enrolled for the fall semester. This figure, while not specific to FCC alone, is a testament to the college's growing popularity within the State Center Community College District (SCCCD).
As the new academic year begins, newly appointed President Dr. Denise Whisenhunt leads FCC. A Fresno native, Whisenhunt has served as president of Grossmont College since 2021. She is committed to seeing students succeed in their academic and personal endeavours, echoing the college's mission.
The college is also actively involved in several initiatives designed to support students. One such initiative is the Central Valley Dual Enrollment program, which aims to foster a college-going culture among high school students across the Central Valley. FCC is a key player in this program, which has been lauded by California Community College Chancellor Sonya Christian.
Another major initiative is the Central Valley Transfer Project, a collaboration among SCCCD member colleges focusing on improving transfer rates to universities like UC Merced and CSU campuses. The project uses a software platform called Program Pathways Mapper (PPM) to help students navigate transfer pathways efficiently.
Fresno City College's Transfer Center is another valuable resource for students. This centre offers counseling, workshops, and application assistance, including Transfer Admission Guarantees to several UC campuses for Fall 2026. The centre particularly focuses on supporting disproportionally impacted populations.
On the first day of the fall semester, new and returning students were met with a variety of services designed to make their transition smoother. Booths were set up throughout the campus to help students, while a free shuttle service was available for students to travel around the campus.
The Ram Pantry, a service offering free food for students in need, was also operational. For students in need of food, the Ram Pantry provides a crucial service, ensuring they can focus on their studies without worrying about their next meal.
For Austin Salinas and Ulices Alvarez, Monday was their first day on Fresno City College's campus. Both students, who have been friends since elementary school, had a positive first experience. Ulices, however, did encounter an issue finding his first class on the first day. Thankfully, the college's helpful staff were able to guide him to the right location.
As the semester progresses, Fresno City College will continue to offer a range of in-person and online courses. This includes business and language classes, among many others, indicating an ongoing robust academic program. With its commitment to student success, Fresno City College is poised for another successful year.
Sources:
- Fresno State announces incoming undergraduate class of about 6,643 new students for Fall 2025. (n.d.). Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.fresnostate.edu/news/2025/fresno-state-announces-incoming-undergraduate-class-of-about-6643-new-students-for-fall-2025.html
- Fresno City College welcomes new president Dr. Denise Whisenhunt. (2025, July 1). Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.fresnobeacon.com/2025/07/01/fresno-city-college-welcomes-new-president-dr-denise-whisenhunt/
- Fresno City College offers fall 2025 courses. (n.d.). Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/academics/class-schedule
- Booths set up throughout Fresno City College to help students. (2025, August 31). Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/education/article253618256.html
- Fresno City College Transfer Center. (n.d.). Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/student-services/transfer-center
- Fresno City College's commitment to student success extends beyond academics, with initiatives like the Central Valley Dual Enrollment program and Central Valley Transfer Project aimed at education-and-self-development, fostering a college-going culture and facilitating seamless transfers to universities.
- For students who may face financial hardships, Fresno City College offers essential support services, such as the Ram Pantry, ensuring students can focus on their studies and personal growth without the added stress of food insecurity.
