Report to Board: September 2025

Fall Semester Enrollment

For the second year, the 2025 Fall semester is off to another very strong start with over 24,000 students registered for classes. Ram Ready was held from August 5-9 serving nearly 1,500 new students. The welcome event provided students with an opportunity to meet with their Ram Pathway team, take a campus tour, participate in a resource fair and learn about the free support services and programs available. Workshops were also held and included presentations from financial aid, library services, tutorial services, DSPS, textbooks and student portal workshops.

West Fresno Center Update

The West Fresno Center (WFC) continues to increase enrollment with over 1,200 students attending classes this semester. Over 70 percent of students who are registered for classes at WFC also take courses at FCC. The City of Fresno FAX Bus Service held a press conference on August 11 near the WFC announcing a new route along Church Avenue and connects southeast and southwest Fresno from Walnut to Fowler Avenues. The new line connects with four existing routes, creating a much-needed crosstown option for nearly 44,000 residents.

EOPS Textbook Express A Success

The EOPS Textbook Express was held on August 9 and helped over 120 students in EOPS, CARE, and NextUp start the semester prepared and confident. In partnership with the Bookstore, Student Activities, Outreach, and the Ram Pantry, students receive early access to textbooks, student ID cards, campus resources, and tours. During the first two weeks alone, EOPS, CARE, and NextUp committed over $160,000 in books to support students’ success.

Transfer Day

FCC is hosting a Transfer Day event on September 10 with over 50 four-year colleges and universities participating. The event will be held outdoors from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. In addition, Guided Pathway workshops will be held to help students learn about specific majors.

Welcome Black Week

The FCC UMOJA Program will be hosting the 4th Annual Welcome Black Week from September 15 – 17. The week is designed to celebrate, welcome, and engage FCC African American students by building a sense of
belonging and purpose on campus. The events include a Student Ed Plan workshop on September 15, an Entrepreneurs Panel on September 16 and a Family Cookout on September 17.

9/11 Ceremony

FCC will commemorate the 24th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony on Thursday, September 11 at 9:00 a.m. in Veterans Square. The ceremony will include a memorial wreath march featuring retired biology instructor, Scott Porteous, playing the bagpipes. Rick Jimenez, a pastor at Rivergate Ministries in Fresno and a former Marine Corp Drill Sargeant will be delivering the keynote address.

College Night

The annual Fresno Area College Night will be held on September 10. This year’s event will be held at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall with thousands of high school students and their families learning about options in higher education from colleges and universities across the country. Fresno City College’s booths and displays will include counselors, faculty, outreach specialists, and student ambassadors. Counselors and staff will also participate in various workshops to provide information on college, financial aid and the admissions process.

Welcome Week

During the first week of the semester, over 3,600 students visited the welcome booth, over 3,900 students visited the student lounge and over 3,500 students were issued ID’s with bus passes. In addition to the main information booths, Ram Pathway booths were set up across campus, where faculty, staff, and student volunteers were ready to help with questions about majors, career paths, and anything else students  needed.

Kerman Shuttle

For the fourth semester, a free shuttle is available for FCC students living in Kerman. Funding for the Kerman shuttle is made possible through the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency. This fall, over 50 students are utilizing the service. There are two scheduled shuttles every weekday morning from Kerman to FCC, and two afternoon return shuttles from FCC to the Kerman Community Center.

Scholarship Reception

More than $595,000 in scholarships were awarded to over 480 students for the 2025–26 academic year, marking an exciting increase in support of our students at the annual FCC Scholarship Reception held on August 28 in the OAB Auditorium.

City Fest

The dancing, food and fun is back on Friday, September 26 from 6:00 –10:00 p.m. in the historic courtyards of the Old Administration Building. This exciting and festive event features a silent auction, food, drinks and dancing. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and are $40 each, $75 for two or $300 for a table of 8. Be part of the fun and help us to raise funds for the Ram Pantry.

Congratulations to all the FCC student athletes!

FCC In the News

ABC 30:

• New FCC President Denise Whisenhunt celebrates return to Fresno
• City College welcomes students for fall semester under new president
• Watching your Wallet: Creating a college student budget
• New FAX bus route connects southeast and southwest Fresno

KMPH Fox News:

• Fresno City College welcomes Denise Whisenhunt as new president

KMJNOW:

• Fresno City College Begins New School Year

Your Central Valley News:

• Fresno students’ success is taking them to the ‘sacred ground for all dancers’
• Fresno City College instructor, Caleb Duarte, unveils mural at Fresno airport

Fresno Business Journal:

• FCC Architecture Instructor named as new partner for Fresno Architecture Firm

GVWire:

• FCC Alum Debuts as Author with Gamer’s ‘100 First Words’ Children’s Book