Orientation Staff

Ken Ternate, Senior Coordinator

Strategic | Activator | Command | Adaptability | Self-Assurance

Going into my 19th summer leading Dog Days one thing I have learned is that the Fresno State campus is very welcoming and has numerous ways to support students. Students just have to seek them out. Remember that everyone is making the same transition at Dog Days so don't sit alone, engage with your Orientation Leader, and get to know your advisors. The transition to Fresno State can be challenging but we're here to help you. Dog Days is what you make of it.  

Erika Castanon, Coordinator

Responsibility | Empathy | Maximizer | Individualization | Input

I grew up in Fresno but prior to accepting my admissions to Fresno State, I had never stepped foot on campus. I was a first-generation college student and I had no idea how transformational the college experience could be. After completing my undergraduate degree and graduate degree programs, I consider Fresno State my home. There are so many faculty and staff members who are willing to help you along the way. My number one tip for incoming students is to get to know your professors at office hours, and utilize the student support services available to you. 

Paulina Marin Contreras, Student Coordinator

Theatre Arts & Spanish

Competition | Communication | Significance | Achiever | Activator

As a new student, take your time. Learn about the campus, the resources and all the positive things you can learn and how you can grow. College can be stressful but there are a lot of resources to help guide students as well as many free events to enjoy your time here. Take a risk, get involved, participate and take yourself out of your comfort zone, that will be the way you’ll enjoy it more and grow. Each year goes by so fast, you want to make sure to take advantage of your time here and if you ever need help or even just a friend and you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hello. 

Jay Wiedenhoeft, Student Coordinator

Grad Student - Higher Education, Administration, & Leadership

Relator | Developer | Communication | Empathy | Connectedness

Finding my community on campus took me a while. When I entered Fresno State as a freshman I was the typical commuter student who went to class and left. I didn't engage much in the campus community as I was intimidated to join clubs and be part of campus life. Eventually, I was tired of feeling disconnected so I began to put myself out there and start joining things on campus. I began working on campus in the learning center, joining clubs such as USP and Soc club, and working with other programs like COSS linked and leadership. Through my engagement on campus, I've made friends that I know will last a lifetime and found people who are now my biggest supporters. My advice to any incoming student is to put yourself out there early, if you think something sounds interesting, go to it, do it, join it, you never know what it can lead to and your time at Fresno State will be much more memorable.

Alexandria Aguirre

Criminology - Victimology Option

Empathy | Individualization | Relator | Intellection | Developer

One piece of advice I would give to incoming students is to attend class. It may seem obvious, but many people fall into the habit of not attending class. It is not just being able to hear the lecture in person; it is a chance to connect and network with faculty. Faculty can give you advice, whether it is academic or professional. Often, they have worked in a similar field of interest as you and can give unique advice. Professors can also eventually be a reference when you enter the job market, but if they do not remember you because you barely went to class, they might not be able to write much or anything about you at all.

Lema Arya

Forensic Behavioral Science

Includer | Individualization | Developer | Positivity | Analytical

Don’t let your nerves stop you from experiencing new things.

Emily Avila

Psychology

Learner | Responsibility | Harmony | Arranger | Developer

First of all, congratulations on making it to Fresno State! You should feel proud for taking this next step and furthering your education. While the college experience may seem overwhelming, I encourage you to take it one day at a time. USE. YOUR. RESOURCES. Fresno State has so many support systems. There is always someone who can help you. You are not alone in your college experience!

Danya Batres Aguilar

Speech Pathology

Deliberative | Harmony | Consistency | Empathy | Intellection

Take advantage of all the wonderful resources Fresno State has to offer they definitely help transitioning into university easier. Also go to every campus event you can because you get to meet a lot of great people and make connections.

Rachel Benedicto

Speech Pathology

Empathy | Relator | Discipline | Futuristic | Harmony

Use your classes to figure out what you want to study.

Frank Bernal

Computer Science

Analytical | Relator | Discipline | Focus | Consistency

Explore the resources Fresno State has to offer for yourself, you'll always hear about what we have to offer, but you won't see the full benefits unless you go out and use them.

Samuel Chheng

Psychology

Developer | Focus | Command | Responsibility | Empathy

A piece of advice I would give to an incoming student is making sure that they are able to balance their school, work, and social life because it is important to have good time management skills.

Catie Corchado

Mathematics - Integrated Credential Option

Empathy | WOO | Harmony | Developer | Belief

Allow yourself to be authentic by pursuing your interests through clubs and courses, surrounding yourself with good company who can hold you accountable, and trusting your instincts! 

Grace Cortez

Psychology

Empathy | Harmony | Relator | Futuristic | Focus

One piece of advice I was tell an incoming student, is make sure you are taking care of yourself. College is a whole different ball park. Take a mental health day if you need it!

Marissa Favela

Computer Science

Learner | Deliberative | Discipline | Analytical | Relator

Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they don't go according to plan. Everything you lose is a step you take. Go out there and expose yourself to new experiences, you've got no reason to be afraid!

Elena Garcia

Art - Animation Intermedia Option

Relator | Input | Strategic | Learner | Arranger

One piece of advice I would give to an incoming student is explore the campus and utilize as many resources around campus that you can. There are so many resources and places available for students that are usually missed out on.

Genesis Guillen

Psychology

WOO | Communication | Achiever | Positivity | Consistency

Don’t be afraid to explore campus on your own and try to at least get to know one person for every class that you are in.

Jerry Hernandez

Psychology

Empathy | Strategic | Analytical | Individualization | Relator

Utilitize as much of your campus resource as you can because only then will you have less anxiety and stress. 

Alan Herrera

Forensic Behavioral Science and Psychology

Ideation | Restorative | Futuristic | Adaptability | Input

Don’t be afraid of meeting students, staff, and faculty! It’s a bit scary meeting new people, but always take the opportunity to talk to a faculty member. They are there to help you.

Jordan Jaime

Liberal Studies

Intellection | Relator | Includer | Input | Futuristic

A piece of advice that I would give to an Incoming student is to take advantage of all that Fresno State has to offer. Whether that be a club, greek life, a resource, Job or internship all can help you in meeting people but also give you more opportunities to open doors and connections. 

Gurleen Kaur

Nursing

Context | Developer | Restorative | Discipline | Responsibility

One piece of advice I would give to an incoming student is to enjoy your journey as time passes quickly, so enjoy every moment with your friends. Do not give up; if you ever need help, don't hesitate to reach out and ask for yourself. 

Gurneet Kaur

Biology

Achiever | Futuristic | Discipline | Focus | Responsibility

Step outside of your comfort zone and get involved with different clubs and organizations on campus. Begin making connections and utilizing Fresno State resources available to you early in your undergraduate journey. Try to maintain a healthy balance between your academics and personal life. Your undergraduate years will go by fast, so make sure to live in the moment and make the most out of it!

Julietta Lopez

Grad Student - Social Work

Achiever | Relator | Restorative | Input | Activator

Just be yourself, have fun and fight the imposter syndrome! You are meant to be here and we are lucky to have you. College can be such a fun experience if you let it. So hit the books hard but also take time to yourself and make new friends, new memories and enjoy the ride :)

Baltazar Lopez Olivera

Math

Includer | Significance | Achiever | Competition | Deliberative

Enjoy your time here and take advantage of all the resources. Who know you might meet your next best friend ;)

Heaven Martinez

Pre-Health

Achiever | Focus | Consistency | Discipline | Restorative

One piece of advice that I would offer an incoming students would be try to make new friends, get involved on campus, and to utilize your resources. 

Carlos Moran

Sociology

WOO | Input | Empathy | Developer | Communication

Meet your peers and professors.

Penelope Moreno

Liberal Studies

Relator | Developer | Restorative | Responsibility | Individualization 

Utilize all of your resources on campus and don’t be afraid to ask for help :)

Natalie Nguyen

Biochemistry

Developer | Belief | Achiever | Consistency | Futuristic

My advice to incoming freshmen would be to get know new people and expand your social circle. These relationships you make will enrich your college experience. 

Laelyn Parel

Kinesiology Exercise Science

Achiever | Restorative | Arranger | Strategic | Positivity

You are the architect of your own life, build connections, and remember to trust and believe in yourself.

Joshie Salvador

Recreation Administration

Consistency | Relator | Learner | Input | Arranger

Just because you failed it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. We’re all human, we all make mistakes. Turn those stumbling-blocks into stepping-stones.

Christian Thao

Mechanical Engineering

Restorative | Deliberative | Belief | Context | Analytical

Don't isolate yourself! A strong support system will motivate you when things get hard and stressful.

Nora Tiburcio

Animal Science - Livestock Management

Belief | Restorative | Includer | Positivity | Input

Don’t be afraid to make new friends because are in the end we are all trying to succeed and each our goal. Also may see that person everyday, so be shy to say hi. 

I’m always late to class on the first day so plan ahead. Get to school an hour early before your class starts so you can find good parking and look where each classes are to grab a good seat in class. 

Wendy Torres Orosco

Business

Discipline | Individualization | Relator | Harmony | Focus

Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself.

Gabriela Velasquez

Animal Science - Pre Veterinary

Developer | Belief | Empathy | Includer | Positivity

I'd advise incoming students to be open-minded and explore the campus and clubs to meet new friends and make the most of it!

Nuchia Vue

Grad Student - Kinesiology

Adaptability | Relator | Restorative | Achiever | Responsibility

Have a scheduled and stay on top of your assignments. I rather finish any assignment as soon as I can so I focus on other things like your hobby or exercising. College can take a toll on mental health so reward yourself sometime.

Jasmin Barrera

Liberal Studies

Positivity | Includer | Discipline | Focus | Arranger

The biggest advice I can give is to get involved and make the moment last. Go to events, join a club or an organization, make new friendships, make the memories count. I also would recommend seeing your advisor because they are the biggest help with setting a road map of future classes you need to take for your major. Another important piece of advice is making a to-do's list because being a college student can get unorganized really easily. My final advice is to keep your head up high and stay positive! 

Remy Cottrell

Music Education

Includer | WOO | Positivity | Developer | Input

I recommend getting involved on campus! There are a variety of different student organizations at Fresno State, and there are almost certainly some that would be interesting to you. Along with the fraternities and sororities, there are countless clubs for almost every hobby and interest that you could think of. As someone who wasn’t from Fresno, joining clubs was one of the primary ways I made friends and developed a social life here.

Juan Garcia

Forensic Behavioral Science

Deliberative | Empathy | Relator | Analytical | Context

Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. The obstacles we face make life more interesting and once we learn to overcome them, it makes life much more meaningful. 

Erica Harness

Sociology

Harmony | Relato | Empathy | Achiever | Developer

Get involved with your college. Start networking and looking out for workshops and programs on campus. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn from others This also looks good on your resume if you’re interested in grad school. 

Tomio Prehoda

Liberal Studies

Learner | Achiever | Includer | Connectedness | Consistency

Embrace opportunities for academic growth through  Fresno State student organizations and support groups.

Sara Sanchez

Liberal Studies

Developer | Empathy | Belief | Individualization | Achiever

Step out of your comfort zone and take a leap of faith! Trying something new can be terrifying, but don’t let it hold you back from discovering what is possible. Embrace the unknown and explore your potential. You got this!” 

Evelyn Soto

Liberal Studies

Empathy | Adaptability | Developer | Relator | Restorative

One piece of advice that I would give to new Fresno State students is to take advantage of the many resources we offer on campus! Stop by the student cupboard at the IT building to get some free food/groceries. Check out the student health and counseling center, they offer tons of services from counseling, STI testing, vaccinations, dermatology, and so much more. If you’re ever in need of something else, talk to a case manager at The Center for Essential Needs in the Family Food Science Building (rm. 110). They are there to help support your basic needs such as housing, food, and financial challenges. College can be a challenging time, but there are many support teams on campus who are here to help!

Ximena Guzman Tapia

Lead Program Assistant

Health Science & Chicano and Latin American Studies

Empathy | Developer | Relator | Harmony | Positivity

Mi consejo para las familias entrantes es que siempre apoyen a sus estudiantes y les proporcionen palabras de aliento en este nuevo capítulo de su vida. No solo estén orgullosos de su estudiante, sino que también estén orgullosos de sí mismos por guiar a su estudiante a través de la vida para convertirse en las grandes personas que son hoy en día. ¡Disfruten de este nuevo capitulo junto con sus estudiantes y bienvenidos a la familia de Fresno State!

Jack Espinoza

Spanish

Achiever | Discipline | Restorative | Positivity | Responsibility

Les damos una cálida bienvenida a Dog Days y estamos encantados de recibirlos. Estamos aquí para apoyarlos y guiarlos en todo lo que necesiten, ayudándoles a comprender los servicios disponibles en Fresno State para que, junto a ustedes y sus hijos, esta nueva etapa sea lo más sencilla y agradable posible.

Walter Morales Martinez

Athletic Training

Includer | Developer | Positivity | Empathy | Analytical

Es una cosa bonita ver a su hijo o hija seguir su estudio aquí­ en Fresno State. En este nuevo capí­tulo de su vida, es muy importante que los apoyen y darle mucho Ánimo para seguir adelante. La familia es clave para que sean exitosos y sigan adelante. ¡Con su apoyo, sí se puede!