Pictured Left to Right:
Payong Xiong, Salena Cedillo, Jazmin Villegas
Our team researched student resources available to students for free and at a low cost.
The Student Health and Counseling Center at Fresno State is the most accessible way for students to get little to no cost health services right on campus.
Services range from prescription and over-the-counter medications to medical exams, physicals and X-rays.
Every semester all students pay a $3 fee included in their tuition which pays for the health center.
To make an appointment for any of the services students can call the health center directly or make an appointment online.
“The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) has fully accredited our facilities,” the health center website says. “We do our best to provide the highest quality health care for you.”
Mitchell said the health center offers a variety of services to students that they may not be aware of. In addition, health insurance is not a requirement.
“Students do not need to provide insurance,” Dr. Robert Mitchell, director of Medical Services. “Services are covered by Student Health Fees.
Students can get lab work, immunizations and even prescription medications at the health center’s pharmacy as well.
Some prescriptions that students are able to receive include abortion pills, antidepressants and inhalers. Allergy pills are also available.
There are also a variety of sexual health opportunities that the health center provides. The health center offers contraception, Mucinex, condoms and pregnancy tests. Birth control is also a service that is provided.
The health center is also inclusive of the student community and provides LGBTQ+ and gender affirming services.
These services are in the form of hormone treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), STI screening and treatment, pap smears and prostate physical exams.
“With a continued dedication for ongoing support of all students, our team has been specially trained in gender identity exploration and concerns that transgender, non-binary and gender-expansive students commonly experience,” the website says.
Counseling and psychological services are also available for students. These services can be accessed through Zoom or in person, depending on availability and the student’s preference. The services include individual therapy, group therapy, crisis services, case management and psychiatry services.
Let’s Talk is another resource to students within the health center. Let’s Talk is a counseling service that allows students to be able to speak to someone immediately like an emergency hotline. The service is anonymous on a drop-in basis. Let’s Talk services are available to students on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All counseling sessions are typically 50 minutes long and appointments can be made by calling (559) 278-2734 or filling out an interest form online. The services are limited and students are only able to meet with a counselor about once a month.
There is also a survivor advocacy resource that students or staff and faculty who have been affected by sexual misconduct, or domestic violence and stalking can take advantage of.
Mitchell spoke about how crucial it is that these services are highlighted so that students can take advantage of them.
“Students should take advantage of mental health services available to them. There is no waitlist and visits are free for enrolled students,” he said.
Access to all health forms and to schedule appointments, students can do so online through their respective student health portal.
The Student Health and Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. with limited services from 12-1 p.m. The center is located at 5044 N. Barton Avenue M/S HC 81 across from Parking Lot 30.
LIBRARY RESOURCES - Salena
As new or even current college students, we may not be fully aware of the amount of resources that we have on campus. The Library, Student Cupboard, Career Development Center, Clothing Closet, and Student Health Center are just a few.
The Library, which can be considered the “heart of campus,” has many resources available to students and faculty. On Floor one, you will find research help located at the front desk where you can find access to peer review articles, journals, and obtain help for research assignments. Just a few feet away you will also find DISCOVERe and the printing center. The printing center allows students to print and make copies of any documents needed for a small fee. Payments can be made with your student ID. DISCOVERe which you will find is available for many courses, is a program that is centered around providing books and resources for students through the use of digital media on phones, laptops, ipads, and other digital devices.
Media and Video studios can be found on floor 3 of the library. These studios can be rented out and used to film and record podcasts, videos, etc for projects or personal use. These are just a few of the resources that the library provides. On the lower level you can find the Learning Center which includes tutors and success coaching.
The library also has study pods for both individual and groups, Starbucks, “quiet zones,” and more. Find out more about the library and it’s resources here https://library.fresnostate.edu/service/our-services-overview
Amendola Family Student Cupboard: Payong
The Amendola Family Student Cupboard is a free resource center that has items such as food (ex: meat, milk, tortilla, beans), drinks, and diapers to take for the students and families. Students can pay it through their student ID, there are no charges.
The staff there are very nice and welcoming so everytime I go in there it feels like I am shopping in real life which I felt unbothered and honestly, I didn't even know that the Student cupboard existed until this year 2024 so you should come to explore.
One of the best quotes that I remember about interviewing Brandon was, “in my opinion at least, I think it’s not a big one it’s very it would seem small but it’s big to me.”
I would also say the same thing too, even though the goal and the whole place of student cupboard is small I think it is very special to the students at most I can say and the things the staff does is helpful so I feel like my financial is getting worse I can depend on student cupboard because they will always be there.
Another thing is that the foods and drinks that they are selling are fresh so I recommend all of you guys to go check it out, they also let you take the boxes home too because instead of using bags they want to make the environment better, and the best thing is that it is free so if you are struggling with life go get it.
Student Health and Counseling Center: Jazmin
Through this assignment I learned so much about the Student Health and Counseling Center. There are so many services available to us that I didn’t even know about and I’m sure I’m not the only one who was unaware.
I think so many services on campus go unused due to lack of awareness. It’s so crucial that the university makes the effort to highlight all of its services each semester because it can be so difficult when we as students have to seek out resources when we need help.
The best part of this assignment is that we were all able to highlight an aspect of campus or the community that goes under the radar and unused.
I also discovered some flaws within the Student Health and Counseling Center. While it does provide a realm of great services, there are things that could be improved.
The hours especially. Fresno State is a campus where students live in on-campus housing, yet it closes before 5 p.m. This can be difficult for students who work during the day or even those who have classes because let’s not forget that students are literally students.
Another thing that definitely needs work is the fact that students can only meet with a counselor once a month. This can be so detrimental to a student’s mental health, especially if they are going through a rough patch and need additional support.
Along with its flaws, the benefits balance out what it lacks. The health center is definitely a great resource that students need to take more advantage of, especially considering that they pay for it regardless of whether they use it or not.
Career Development Center: Chase
Covering the Career Development Center here at Fresno State was a very rewarding assignment. It was challenging to consolidate the wealth of information on the CDC’s services and resources. I developed a script for my package where I tried to emphasize key features of the CDC in a logical and concise presentation. The use of the video format allowed me to showcase the functions of the room from the perspective of the future student visitors in a more compelling way. With the use of music and tight transitions I aimed to keep viewers engaged while informing them.
The CDC serves all Fresno State students as a path for career success by providing several different facilities. The Career Cafe is a lobby area where students can meet a Peer Mentor advisor who will help them with securing a job both on and off campus. The website is a hub of information offering many tutorials on enhancing a resume or strong interview conduct and skills. The Fashion Closet helps students find something professional to wear once they land an interview. It’s important that all Fresno State students take advantage of the CDC in some form or another, at least by checking out their page on the Fresno State website.