New Student Orientation Guide

Daily Titan

New S tudent O rientation FALL 2015 G uide

Library offers cure for writer’s block CLAYTON WONG Daily Titan Freshmen looking to sharpen their writing skills and improve structure and grammar should look no further than Cal State Fullerton’s Writing Center, located at the north side of the first floor of the Pollak Library.

The Writing Center, whose motto is, “Writers are made, not born,” employs an average of 30 student tutors each academic year. Students who seek help with assignments can schedule half-hour sessions with a peer

who will aid them with any part of the writing process.

“Basically anything that falls under the realm of writing, we

“

to learning how to integrate deeper literary analysis into their essays.

Having received help at the

Write as often as you can, even if it’s something as small as a tweet. Anytime you write, you’re improving as a writer. Don’t be afraid to express what you want to say. Everybody develops as a writer the more that they write. And you have to start somewhere, so don’t be afraid to start.

“

The Writing Center provides help to students on all papers, regarldess of topic

JULIA WASNOK Writing Center Tutor do,” Julia Wasnok, Writing Center tutor and a second-year graduate student, said.

Wasnok, who has worked as a tutor for three years, said students go to the Writing Center for help with anything from brainstorming potential topics

Writing Center before she worked as a tutor, Wasnok found the opportunity to work with peers invaluable. She said she felt more comfortable in discussing her writing with another student, as opposed to meeting with a professor.

Rachel Murphree, the Writing Center supervisor, said that many students schedule sessions to fix technical details of their writing such as grammar.

However, the most common issue she has observed is that students have difficulty with expressing their ideas.

“A lot of times the students have a lot of ideas swimming around in their head, but they just don’t really know how to get it on paper,” Murphree said, “Just trust yourself. Get down a draft and once you have a draft, you can always make it better.”

Students can schedule tutorials online by creating an account at http://fullerton.mywconline.com/ and picking an available tutor and time slot.

Tutorials can be scheduled weeks in advance or last minute

if spots are available, Murphree said.

Wasnok recommended that students book appointments two weeks ahead of time to ensure a spot, especially during midterms and finals, when the center is especially busy.

Last fall, the Writing Center had 5,777 tutorials throughout the semester, Murphree said.

Wasnok’s advice to students and aspiring writers is to just keep writing.

“Write as often as you can, even if it’s something as small as a tweet. Anytime you write, you’re improving as a writer.

Don’t be afraid to express what you want to say. Everybody develops as a writer the more that they write. And you have to start somewhere, so don’t be afraid to start.”

WHY DINE ON CAMPUS? Benefits the University As a nonprofit organization, the money you spend with Campus Dining Services stays on campus to benefit CSU Fullerton services, programs, and facilities.

Special Discounts There are many benefits offered on-campus, ranging from no tax for students to a 10% off members card.

Keep updated through our social media sites for monthly coupons.

Employs Students Cal State Fullerton students make up a majority of our approximately 300+ employee workforce.

Variety and Convenience Everyone will find what they like on campus as we provide a variety of tastes in relaxing, convenient locations across campus.

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Get Tuff at Student Rec Center SRC offers resources to help students stay fit and healthy RYAN PORTER Daily Titan The freshman 15. A troublesome thought that lingers in the minds of young, new students is more than just a rumor of college life. It is real.

There are those who are able to curb their snack cravings, but others are unable to resist the temptation of the Gastronome’s soft serve on a hot day.

However, there is hope within Cal State Fullerton’s Student Recreation Center.

The SRC is packed with a variety of services and offers different classes depending on students’ interests.

The first floor of the SRC features

a rock wall, a weight room, open studios for classes, a multipurpose floor with three basketball courts, attachments for volleyball and badminton and an outdoor swimming pool.

The upper floor provides cardio and cycling rooms, racquetball courts, two more open studios and an indoor track overlooking the basketball courts.

SRC memberships are included in every student’s tuition. The SRC is open every day of the week during its operating hours.

There are drop-in fitness classes available at different times throughout the day. They are free to CSUF students and the fall semester will include yoga, spin and Zumba classes.

Fee-based instructional courses are also hosted during the fall.

A class schedule will be posted on the ASI Student Rec Center website. Those interested in a particular

course must register and pay class fees at the service desk 48 hours in advance.

Additionally, students can sign up for intramural sports at the SRC. For $10 a semester, students can play multiple sports such as flag football, basketball, soccer and co-ed softball.

Students also have the chance to climb the 30-foot-by-27-foot rock wall located by the entrance of the SRC. To climb the rock wall, students can pass a top rope safety belay test through the KHS 114A Climb I course, or by making an appointment for a test out costing $10.

Programs in the SRC stretch beyond the doors of the building itself.

The SRC also hosts yearly events such as the Costume Dash 5k Fun Run and the annual Rec’d All Night on Aug. 28 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

September also offers “Fun Fridays” with complimentary food,

RENZY REYES / DAILY TITAN

Student climbs rock wall at Rec Center

games and music. After a tough workout, students can go and enjoy some free barbeque.

The SRC is open to anyone, whether they are experienced athletes or new to the gym scene.

Gaining 15 pounds during the freshman year of college is a daunting thought, but with the SRC’s resources, everyone can stay in shape.

For more information, call 657-2787529 or visit their website at http:// www.asi.fullerton.edu.

Take advantage of SHCC services VIVIAN PHAM Daily Titan This fall, thousands of new students will attend Cal State Fullerton where they might overlook the Student Health and Counseling Center, which provides many resources that will help them maneuver through college.

The services offered at the Student Health and Counseling Center include general health care, physical exams, lab testings, immunizations, psychological counseling and more.

Since the services are paid for through the Health Services Fee included in tuition, most of them are either free or at a reduced cost.

“People are concerned about how much health care costs are and outside [the Student Health and Counseling Center] generally some of these costs would be more. We’re really lucky that isn’t the case here. We’re very much for students—given that students pay the health fee, we’re able to provide most of it low cost,” said Darany Hoang, student health and counseling center health educator.

All currently enrolled students are eligible to receive services.

However, in order to receive family planning and reproductive services, students must apply for

a membership with Family PACT (Planning, Access, Care and Treatment) first.

“

We always encourage students to utilize [the counseling center], especially if they’re new.

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Titans can utilize many free or cheap resources available at the SHCC.

DARANY HOANG SHCC Counselor The forms only take a few minutes to fill out and are available in the Student Health and Counseling Center’s lobby. Those with low incomes, no insurance or insurance that doesn’t cover family planning, are eligible for Family PACT. As for privacy, Family PACT

works with students to keep their matters confidential by not disclosing materials to their family’s insurance provider, Hoang said.

The Student Health and Counseling Center also houses a pharmacy where students can get ahold of common over-the-counter medications, prescriptions or birth control.

If a student’s prescription isn’t available at the pharmacy, a provider can refer them to a pharmacy closest to the student’s home.

As for the counseling center, a student can have up to 10 sessions per year and if more sessions are needed, then a therapist would refer to an outside resource for the student, Hoang said.

“We always encourage students

to utilize [the counseling center], especially if they’re new. We see students for various reasons and help them transition through college, through breakups, relationships or even stress they’re experiencing so that’s a great resource where professionals can help really guide people through that,” said Hoang.

Sometimes moving to a new school can be overwhelming with the onslaught of academic and social responsibilities, but it’s important not to neglect our well-being. After all, taking care of our physical and mental health helps pave a road to success.

For more information on the Student Health and Counseling Center services and fees, visit http://www.fullerton.edu/shcc.

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LONG BEACH: 4608 E. 2nd St. • 562-433-1991 COSTA MESA (The LAB): 2930 Bristol St. • 714-825-0619 FULLERTON: 215 N. Harbor Blvd. • 714-870-6855

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Library benefits new students Resources for education and college life found in the Pollack Library SPENCER CUSTODIO Daily Titan Pollak Library is a hub of resources that are extremely beneficial to freshman students.

From acquiring a Titan Card, to scheduling a tutor or participating in a study group, the library will get freshmen pointed in the right direction.

Student can obtain their identification card, or Titan Card, on the first floor of the library.

Funds can be added to the Titan Card, which can be used in the food court, the Gastronome and the bookstore, to pay for printing and copy services and many more activities which are listed on the Division of Information Technology’s website.

Staff at the Titan Card desk recommend getting the card before the semester starts, in order to avoid long lines. Library hours of operation from Aug. 8 to 21 are Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on weekends.

The library also houses the

University Learning Center on the second floor. The center offers tutoring for virtually all subjects.

Although tutoring will not resume until the second week of the semester, students will be able to schedule tutoring appointments beginning Aug. 24 through the University Learning Center’s website or by phone.

Beside tutoring, the first floor of the library is also home to the Writing Center. Professors have noted that, over the past five years, they have seen writing skills decline in their students.

Assistant Psychology Professor Azadeh Aalai, Ph.D, at Queensborough Community College, found that it is not just critical thinking skills that are not being demonstrated in college writing, but many other basic skills.

“Basic competencies like proper syntax, spelling and even proper structure like paragraph indentation and how to cite sources are being done very poorly,” Aalai wrote in her “Why Can’t College Students Write Anymore?” essay published on Psychology Today’s website, titled The Writing Center can help students with papers on any subject. The center helps students with organization and thesis

RENZY REYES / DAILY TITAN

New students at Cal State Fullerton can find an abundance of resources in the Pollack Library such as the Titan Card desk, the University Learning Center and the Writing Center.

statements, as well as some minor revisions of their papers, said Jaime Govier, a Writing Center tutor and aspiring English professor who will be teaching English 101 in the fall.

Tutors do not mark anything on the paper, Govier said. They

help more with the process of writing clearly and concisely. “(Writing) is not just something people are good at, it’s something that they have to practice and learn. There’s no such thing as a born writer,” Govier said.

Outside of library tutoring,

McCarthy Hall is home of the math tutoring center. The center is in room MH553 and will be open for all students—regardless of major—when the Fall semester begins. Times will be made available once the semester begins.

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SUMMER SESSION

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get studying. get going. graduate.

Complete your degree as soon as possible. Summer is the perfect time for current CSUF students to complete required courses.

With the choice of five different sessions, you can easily fit classes into your summer schedule and make progress towards graduation.

Don’t miss the opportunity to complete your required classes: • Condensed class schedules – 5, 6, 8 or 10 weeks • Stay on track for graduation • Many GE and online classes offered

2016

INTER SESSION Compressed winter session of classes between the fall and spring semesters Complete up to 4 units in as little as 3 weeks

summer.fullerton.edu

Registration begins October 20th intersession.fullerton.edu

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Undeclared vs. declared How choosing a major early can help or hinder students’ progress ZACK JOHNSTON Daily Titan When graduating high school, students are asked what they want to do with their lives.

It’s a lot to consider, even for students with a clear path in mind.

Upon accepting admission to college, choosing a major is a very important decision, but it is

not something to be overly worried about.

At Cal State Fullerton, students are required to declare their major of studies before completing 60 units, which is usually achieved by their junior year.

For some, choosing a major is an easy decision. For others, that two-year grace period is a valuable resource for their academic career.

Choosing a major early on or later in one’s college career both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Freshmen with declared majors are able to complete major and

general education classes at the same time. This allows students to stay on track to graduate in a timely manner, and it helps keep the average workload fairly light by taking upper and lower division classes.

However, it is important that students are certain about the major they have chosen because the longer they pursue it the harder it becomes to change paths.

Students that don’t choose a major early on are considered undeclared. Registering as undeclared allows students ample time to consider what they want to do and explore all the options

that CSUF has to offer while working through general education requirements.

Luckily for undeclared students, CSUF’s Academic Advisement Center offers a Major Exploration Program.

“Through active involvement, students will explore themselves, discover and define their interests, while recognizing individual abilities that will lead to a successful education experience and timely degree,” according to the Major Exploration Program’s mission statement.

The program offers services that allow students to see a

description of a certain major, the requirements for earning a degree in that major and the job opportunities that degree offers.

Declared and undeclared students both share in the advantage of being able to change majors through a simple process. By submitting a completed Undergraduate Change of Academic Objective form to Admissions and Records, students can begin their journey into a major or embark on a new one.

Above all, it is important to remember to enjoy every moment of the college experience and to never stop learning.

Sights to see on campus CSUF offers multitude of interesting places for students to explore LIZETH LUEVANO Daily Titan Cal State Fullerton offers a variety of interesting sights for students to explore on their down time.

However, it’s easy for students to lose sight of this and continue to visit the same spot in the library day after day.

Venturing away from the common central quad can lead students to many other great areas of interest.

Taking a stroll around the visual arts building is like walking around an art museum. One of the first things students will notice is an eclectic metal waterfall. Its design is unique and the sound of the streaming water is peaceful.

Take a left and students will

find various sculptures, including a Kung Fu Panda and a giant, pastel-colored ice cream cone. Off to the side are a few nicely-shaded tables, each centered around a tree. It’s the ideal spot to seek shelter from the sun and the commotion of the central quad.

Another great spot often missed by students is the second floor of the education building. Just outside, there’s an open space with a few scattered tables and chairs for students to relax.

This is a great alternative to other meeting spots because it’s outdoors and close to the central campus, making it is easy for students to stop by in between classes. One side overlooks the humanities building and is nicely shaded by plenty of trees, making for a lush, scenic place to spend time.

One of CSUF’s greatest spots on campus remains the Fullerton Arboretum. It’s the perfect place to relax, walk, study and observe nature. Stepping onto the arboretum grounds feels like taking a step into

MAGALI HEREDIA / DAILY TITAN

Another point of interest is the Wall Gazing Gallery, located behind the art buildings. Beautiful and serene, it provides a shady spot where students can take a moment to relax and seek inspiration in the midst of their hectic schedules.

the wilderness. It’s ideal for taking a small day hike or practicing yoga.

There are plenty of benches along the path to sit and enjoy the view of all of the flora and fauna. There’s even a desert area with cacti and other succulents.

The arboretum is an excellent reprieve from the hustle and

bustle of daily student life. Only a short walk away from anywhere on campus, the arboretum is a must-see for all Titans.

It’s easy to get lost in the commotion of our busy schedules and daily life. All too often, students overlook the many wonderful things CSUF has to

offer when we’re busy juggling school, work and family. Spending some time relishing in the many interesting spots on campus is a great way to unwind as well as discover something new.

CSUF offers students so much to see and do; all they have to do is get out there and explore.

Get out there and make new friends Working toward a healthy social life can help with stress relief and success after graduation AARON VALDEZ Daily Titan Whether it’s moving away to a new city, starting a new job or attending a new school, finding and making friends is a tricky task for anyone. For students, it can be easy to forget about having a healthy social life in the midst of endless, gruelling studying.

In attending a new school, many students feel too shy to talk to their peers, which is normal. However, these types of students need to keep in mind that being social is actually beneficial, since life requires great communication skills.

Meeting people in a new environment may not seem simple, but it will definitely begin to unfold without you even noticing.

Between all the orientations and events that incoming freshmen have to attend, it is inevitable that students will meet people who share their interests. As the new school year begins, joining clubs can give students great opportunities to meet others. Chances are that these students will be around until graduation day, so you might as well try to get along with them as best as possible.

For some students, especially introverted ones, the tricky part about making friends is knowing how to carry lasting and engaging conversations with new people.

Be sure to give a friendly and inviting impression so that others won’t feel intimidated. It is also important to be a good listener so that others feel that they’re being heard.

Being easy to talk to encourages other people to be inclusive with other social activities they have planned, so make a strong effort and join their activities.

Friends can sometimes be a distraction. But if students know how to balance their time between social life and other responsibilities, friends can potentially be helpful career-wise. Along with relieving stress and sharpening social skills, friendships can also lead to networking opportunities. More often than not, friends will have similar career goals that can help bring about job opportunities.

There is no doubt that everyone prefers avoiding any sort of human contact once in while. Holding education as a top priority, students tend to keep to themselves too often instead of establishing a social life which is arguably much more beneficial in the long run.

Just be sure to be a genuine, loyal and open-minded person and friends will start to appear in no time.

MAGALI HEREDIA / DAILY TITAN

In a world where power outlets are practically impossible to locate, the TSU Alumni Lounge offers students one of the most valuable commodities. Also, couches for napping.

Hidden treasures around CSUF Studying can be done in many environments throughout campus VERONICA FELIPE Daily Titan When you’re unfamiliar with the campus, just finding the time to study between classes can be a challenge. Luckily, CSUF has plenty of locations made for students to study, convene with friends and even nap.

Hidden behind Visual Arts building D is the Wall Gazing Gallery, a slanted set of bleachers facing building D’s blank wall and a pond of water. Water lightly drips off the metal shingles covering the bleachers, creating a relaxing and unique ambiance on campus. Many students are unaware of this location, making it a great spot to sit back, relax and study to the soothing sounds of falling water.

The most popular study spot is the Pollak Library. The first floor features dozens of computers, accessible power outlets, whiteboards, multimedia study rooms and adequate seating. The entire floor buzzes with productivity and can offer students the atmosphere needed to get into the work groove.

Travel up two floors and students can find peace and quiet. With a 150 person seating capacity and the entire north wall designated as a quiet study area, the third floor of the library is a student’s go-to spot for quiet, independent studying. Here, students can dive deep into

their work, distraction-free.

For those who prefer a more casual environment where they could study, eat or chat with friends, the Titan Student Union would be the best option.

The TSU offers great study spots including the food court, a silent lounge, the courtyard and the computer mainframe lounge. Due to the popularity of these locations, the TSU’s Garden Café is often overlooked by students.

Located on the first floor of the TSU, the Garden Café offers a quiet atmosphere along with tasty Italian fare.

Power outlets are not available in the café, but can be found on the first floor of the TSU, in an area known as the Alumni Lounge. An abundance of couches and a cozy fireplace make this arguably one of the most comfortable spots on campus. The couches are so soft, many students are often seen taking naps here. While the lounge is not a designated quiet space, the volume never rises above a low murmur, making it a great place to spend hours studying comfortably.

CSUF is filled with a multitude of study locations that are sure to appeal to a broad range of students. Whether looking to study hard, relax with friends or grab a bite, there’s a place on campus for everyone. Those who prefer the outdoors can grab a bench or bring a blanket and snag a spot in the lush, grassy areas of the quad. CSUF makes the best of sunny Southern California weather, so everyone should make sure to check out these spots on campus.

There is only one day in the academic year that can rival the excitement of the beginning of a new semester – your graduation day.

As classes begin this semester, I ask that each of you determine that date, write it down, post it somewhere prominently, and let us know how we can support you in reaching it successfully.

I also encourage you to tap into the endless opportunities to create, explore, and “reach higher” in the classroom and throughout our diverse Cal State Fullerton community.

Thank you for joining Cal State Fullerton on this incredible journey. I look forward to seeing you around campus!

- President Mildred Garcia

Guide to

Arts

Communications

Education

Grad Students

Irvine Campus

Student Success Team Location VA 199, Building F Hours Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-3256 collegeofthearts@ fullerton.edu

Student Success Team Location CP 650-26 Hours Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-4926 collcommadvising@ fullerton.edu

Student Success Team Location EC 379 Hours Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-7130 askcct@fullerton.edu

Student Success Center Location PLS 365 Hours Same and library hours Contact (657) 278-2618 gradstudiesrecept@ fullerton.edu

Student Success Team Location 3 Banting, IRVC 115 Hours M-Th., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-1650 irvineadvisor@ fullerton.edu

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mihaylo College of Business and Economics

Engineering and Computer Science

Health and Human Development

Humanities and Social Sciences

Student Success Team Location MH 166 Hours Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact Student Success Teams at Cal State Fullerton (657) 278-2638 are exclusively dedicated to providing a wide range of services that are designed to increase persistence nsmadvising@ fullerton.edu and graduation rates, narrow the achievement

Student Success Team Location SGHM 1201 Hours Mon. & Thu., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tue., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-2211 mcbe@fullerton.edu

Student Success Center Location CS 206 Hours Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-8340 ecsadvising@ fullerton.edu

Student Success Centers Locations EC 105 & KHS 193 Hours M-Thu., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Fri.9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-2294 sscec105@fullerton.edu ssc@fullerton.edu

Student Success Team Location MH 424 Hours Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact (657) 278-2594 hssevenadvising@ fullerton.edu

STUDENT SUCCESS

gap and ensure students meet their goal of timely graduation.

For more information, or if you are an Undeclared Student, contact the Academic Advisement Center at (657) 278-3606, or visit fullerton.edu/aac

Office of Academic Programs