The College of Social Sciences at Fresno State will offer a major in Asian American and Asian Studies this fall to allow students to immerse themselves in Asian American/Asian history and contemporary issues, including courses on Asians in the Central Valley.
“Asian American history is American history,” said Dr. Jenny Banh, professor and Asian American Studies Program coordinator.
With an Asian student population of almost 12% at Fresno State, a major in Asian studies is needed to help all students — no matter their ethnicity — with critical thinking, writing skills and cultural competence that can be applied to a number of careers including nursing, teaching and social work, she said. Not to mention, “there are many fun general education classes such as Asian Community Health, K-Pop, Asian Eats writing, Central Valley Asian Communities and Film,” Banh said.
Other new majors this academic year include architectural studies, health administration, environmental and occupational health and safety and wine business. New minors include accounting, leadership for public purpose, religious studies and aerospace engineering.
Fresno State anticipates an incoming class of about 6,643 new undergraduate students — 3,582 freshmen and 3,061 transfers.
Nearly 72.9% of continuing undergraduate students have registered for the fall semester. Total enrollment for the university’s 115th academic year is projected to be about 25,064. (Enrollment numbers are not final until the campus census is conducted in early fall.)
“We are entering an exciting season at Fresno State as we welcome a strong and vibrant fall cohort. It is truly inspiring to see our community place their trust in us to help shape their future and achieve their dreams.”
Phong Yang, interim vice president for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State.
Dorm move-in day is Saturday, Aug. 16. This year, 1,356 students will be living in Fresno State Student Housing. Construction continues on the new 80,000-square-foot affordable student housing project at the corner of Shaw and Cedar avenues that will add 228 apartment-style units to the student housing portfolio. The building is on track to be completed by fall 2026.
The first day of instruction is Wednesday, Aug. 20. Welcome stations, hosted by staff members, will be held the first two days of classes from 7 to 10 a.m. near parking lots and main walkways around campus to provide students with directions and information.
Student Involvement will host several activities and events during Welcome Week to kick off the new academic year and help connect students with campus traditions and student organizations and programs. See a complete list of events and activities here.
Other campus updates include:
New cabinet member
Matt Hawkins joined the President’s Cabinet on July 7 as Fresno State’s vice president of Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Hawkins previously served as executive vice president and chief of staff for Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. He succeeds Debbie Adishian-Astone who retired at the end of 2024.
Fresno State Library
Starting this fall, the library will close to the general public at 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. After 8 p.m., only Fresno State students, faculty and staff with a valid Bulldog ID card will be allowed to enter the library. This policy will help enhance safety, reduce distractions and ensure a secure, peaceful study environment for the Fresno State community.
The Library is currently open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed weekends through Aug. 19. It resumes regular hours on Aug. 20 from 7:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Bulldog Hours begin at 8 p.m.) Mondays through Thursdays, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 11 p.m. on Sundays. Visit library.fresnostate.edu for more information on library services.
