CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY - FRESNO (Fresno State)

California State University - Fresno ("Fresno State") is a public university situated in Fresno, California, a 3-4 hour drive south of San Francisco. Fresno is located at the base of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains in a successful agricultural area of California known as the San Joaquin Valley. Fresno State is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system. Fresno State offers a wide range of degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. 

There are more than 1,000 faculty members at Fresno State. Distinguished alumni include acclaimed writers, set designers, producers, top business leaders, including the founders of Patagonia, Inc., and Jenny Craig, Inc., a U.S. Ambassador, NASA astronaut, and an Olympic Gold Medal winner, among others. 

Fresno State's Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology has world-class agriculture programs, including the first commercially bonded winery on a U.S. university campus. The agricultural school also runs pioneering water development and irrigation programs, and is home to a student-staffed farm that raises annual crops and livestock. 

Fresno State runs the Summer Arts program that attracts students from around California to learn from world-renowned performers and artists who give public performances during the summer. The program includes a festival in visual, performing and literary arts. There are two-week residency courses at all degree levels in creative writing, dance, music, film, video, theatre/performance, visual arts, design, arts education and new technology.

History 

California State University - Fresno was founded in 1911 as "Fresno State Normal School. In 1921, it became a teacher's college. In 1949, it began offering advanced degrees.

Academics 

The academic calendar for Fresno State follows the semester system with fall, spring and summer semesters. The summer semester is comprised of a few shorter sessions.

Colleges and Schools 

The academic schools, colleges and divisions at California State University - Fresno include:

• Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
• College of Arts and Humanities
• Craig School of Business
• Kremen School of Education and Human Development
• Lyles College of Engineering
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Science and Mathematics
• College of Social Sciences
• Graduate Studies
• Continuing and Global Education

Student Life

There are numerous student clubs and organizations available on the Fresno State campus for student involvement. Choices range from academic, professional and honorary interests, to cultural, recreational, religious or special interest. There is an active Greek Life on the Fresno State campus, with many active fraternities and sororities. 

On campus housing is available through several residential halls, and there are many options for dining on campus.

Student activities and entertainment are plentiful at Fresno State, with a 16,000-seat concert venue (the Save Mart Center) that is also home to many Bulldog athletics. This concert venue has headline performers like Madonna and the Rolling Stones, as well as hosting rodeos and other events.

Fresno State also has a large student recreation center that hosts many programs.

Traditions

The school colors for California State University-Fresno are red, blue and white. 

The school mascot is the bulldog, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Fresno State "Bulldogs." 

The Fresno State football team wears an additional color and symbol on the back of their helmets - a green and red "V." This "V" is a representation of the San Joaquin Valley agricultural community. Many "Bulldog" players come from the San Joaquin Valley community, which is a major supporter of the football program at Fresno State. 

Fresno State Fight Song 

Fight! Varsity. On your toes, dig in and hit that line!

We're all pulling hard for you, so fight and give the best there is in you. 

Fight! Varsity. On your toes, dig in and hit that line!

We'll fight on to victory. We're always true to Fresno State!

Athletics 

The Fresno State "Bulldogs" compete in several intercollegiate sports, including: 

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Equestrian
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Fresno State's "booster" group or cheering squad is called the "Red Wave," which is one of the largest in the country. The university's "Bulldog Foundation" is one of the nation's top volunteer fundraising teams.

Satellite Campuses 

In addition to its main 388-acre campus in Fresno, California State University - Fresno has a 1,000-plus-acre University Farm campus, on the northeastern side of Fresno.

Community Life 

The city of Fresno is in Central California, located equidistance between San Francisco and Los Angeles, roughly a three to four hours' drive from each. The campus community is committed to community service as part of the Fresno State experience. The Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning Program is dedicated to promoting the value of community service to Fresno State's students, faculty and staff. 

The Smittcamp Family Honors College at Fresno State offers scholarships to California's highest achieving high school students. These scholarships cover the costs of education, living expenses and encourage participation in community service. 

Fresno State runs several environmentally friendly initiatives that aim to develop "green living" habits throughout the community. The Water and Energy Technology Center on campus fosters businesses that come up with good "green" efficiency ideas. The school partners with the community to improve recycling, energy conservation, alternative fuels, better use of public transportation, and more.