Fall 2025 Week of Workshops

Saddleback students, join us for our Week of Workshops (WOW) from Tuesday, August 12 through Friday, August 15 and kick off your semester with SUCCESS!

Workshops are scheduled in-person and online throughout the day. All students are welcome!

Workshops are facilitated by Saddleback faculty and staff to help you have the most successful semester possible.

  • All workshops are FREE
  • Learn about our five schools
  • Learn how to be successful in your upcoming classes
  • Connect with your instructors and classmates
  • Learn how you can receive free gas and grocery cards!
  • Learn more about our five schools and pathways!
  • Undecided? Come to a counseling exploration workshop.
  • Prepare to be a successful student with tips from instructors.
  • Improve your grades! Join a workshop on online study skills, test-taking techniques, note-taking strategies, and the proper way to read a textbook.
  • Taking math this semester? Spend time reviewing your skills for class.
  • Join a Financial Aid workshop to find out which aid and scholarships are available.
  • Still deciding on a major or career? Learn strategies to help you narrow down your search!
  • Review your online campus resources: Academic Counseling, FREE tutoring, Student Tele-Health Services, Library workshops and more!
  • Get involved on campus, learn more about campus clubs and organizations.
  • Promise students, continue the conversation and check-in with your Success Coach!

 

Week of Workshops Schedule

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

How to Research Future Careers

Join us for an engaging workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills for researching and exploring career opportunities. Whether you haven't worked yet, or looking to make a career change, this session will guide you through the process of uncovering valuable insights about different fields, understanding job market trends, and leveraging resources to make informed decisions. Discover strategies and online tools to create a personalized career roadmap. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career with confidence!

12 - 1 p.m.

Exploring Student On Campus Employment Opportunities

  • Speakers: Autumn McClenaghan
  • Room: 271-2
  • Zoom link: n/a

Interested in working on campus? There are different types of on campus opportunities for students that can help you gain experience, learn professional skills, and prepare for future employment. Join us to learn about where to find these on campus opportunities, including Federal Work Study, and how you can apply successfully.

12 - 1:30 p.m.

Level Up Your Learning with AI

This workshop introduces students to a range of AI tools designed to enhance learning, organization, and accessibility. From ChatGPT, and Google Gemini to Notebook LM, Copilot, Quilt, Otter.ai and Genio, participants will explore how these technologies support academic success. The session will also address ethical and responsible use of AI, Saddleback College's commitment to AI integration, and what students can expect as AI becomes a core part of the educational experience. Join us in-person in the Center for Access and Technology (CAT) Lab in Gateway 281 and on Zoom.

2 - 2:45 p.m.

MESA Program Information Session

  • Speakers: Georgina Martinez
  • Room: LRC 210
  • Zoom link: n/a

Come learn how the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program can support your academic and career goals in STEM. Join us for an Information Session to discover resources, mentorship, hands-on projects, transfer support, and a community of future engineers and scientists just like you!

2 - 3 p.m.

From Internships to Interviewing - Handshake & Big Interview Introduction

Come learn ways to maximize two great tools every student has access to. We’ll introduce you to both Handshake and Big Interview showing you some quick strategies to get started using both in your preparation for jobs, internships, and interviews. This workshop will be approximately 45 minutes. Hope you can join us.

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

From Internships to Interviewing - Handshake & Big Interview Introduction

  • Speakers: Eric Hilden, MPA
  • Room: GW 271
  • Zoom link: n/a

From Internships to Interviewing - Handshake & Big Interview Introduction
Come learn ways to maximize two great tools every student has access to. We’ll introduce you to both Handshake and Big Interview showing you some quick strategies to get started using both in your preparation for jobs, internships, and interviews. This workshop will be approximately 45 minutes. Hope you can join us.

11: a.m. - 12 p.m.

How to Have a Successful Relationship

  • Speakers: Tiffany Baggs
  • Room: LRC 147
  • Zoom link: n/a

Do you want to learn the skills to improve all your relationships with family, co-workers, friends and lovers? We will cover how to solve conflict, how to communicate to get what you need, how to deal with difficult people and much more!

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Finding and Researching Schools that Offer My Major

As you explore your opportunities for transfer and career, learn how to find and effectively research college and university programs and majors!

12 - 1 p.m.

How to Speak so People Want to Listen

  • Speakers: Tiffany Baggs
  • Room: LRC 147
  • Zoom link: n/a

Research says that communication is the number one skill that the workplace looks for when hiring. Come get the skills to enhance how you speak so people want to hear what you say.

1 - 3:30 p.m.

Trigonometry Review

  • Speakers: Larry Perez
  • Room: SCI-125
  • Zoom link: n/a

This workshop will review trigonometry using a unit circle approach. Attendees will learn how to use the unit circle to evaluate trigonometric functions as well as graph the six trigonometric functions. This is a great review for those of you planning to take Physics 2A, Physics 4A, Pre-calculus, or calculus.

5 - 5:45 p.m.

MESA Program Information Session

  • Speakers: Georgina Martinez
  • Room: LRC 210
  • Zoom link: n/a

Come learn how the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program can support your academic and career goals in STEM. Join us for an Information Session to discover resources, mentorship, hands-on projects, transfer support, and a community of future engineers and scientists just like you!

9 - 9:45 a.m.

MESA Program Information Session

  • Speakers: Georgina Martinez
  • Room: LRC 210
  • Zoom link: n/a

Come learn how the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program can support your academic and career goals in STEM. Join us for an Information Session to discover resources, mentorship, hands-on projects, transfer support, and a community of future engineers and scientists just like you!

10 - 11 a.m.

Becoming a Bobcat: Start Your First Semester with Success

  • Speakers: Success Coaching Team (Guillermo Vasquez)
  • Room: LRC 201
  • Zoom link: n/a

This workshop will go over the basics of being a college student in general as well as specifically at Saddleback College. This session is a way for students who were not able to attend the Becoming a Bobcat Orientation to receive the same important content.

Headed for Success: What You Need to Know for Prof. Major’s Online Class

Join Professor Nicole Major as she provides strategies, her course structure, the basics of Canvas, and other pertinent information for students to feel comfortable taking her online class. She will help her students navigate Canvas and demonstrate all areas of her course in order for students to be successful from the start. This workshop is a great opportunity for students who are new to the online class environment and/or would like to become familiar with the course before it begins. 5 points extra credit will be offered for attending. This workshop is optional.

SUCCEED in Professor Medling's Accounting 1A course!

Accounting is the language of business! Learn what it takes to succeed in Professor Medling's Accounting 1A class. This is a tough course; it's important that everyone is prepared and knows what to expect. Lots of great tips will be presented! This workshop will also introduce students to the course textbook and Connect (the textbook publisher's homework management system).

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

What Can Career Resources Do For You?

Whether you are a first-time student unsure about your career direction, a returning student looking to discuss your options, searching for employment, or somewhere in between, the Career Resource Center can help you reach your career and educational goals. This workshop will introduce you to the many services offered. Help us to help you achieve your goals one step at a time. This workshop is 30 minutes.

12 - 1 p.m.

College Services - What You Need to Know!

Explore the many online and in-person services and tools available to you at Saddleback College. This workshop will introduce you to career services and classes to help you decide on a major as well as the college catalog, student handbook, and other resources. Additionally, we will cover key services you need to know and how to seek more help. There will be time for questions and answers.

12 - 1:30 p.m.

Join us for an informative presentation on the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) at Saddleback

We will start with an overview of DSPS, including who we support, how to apply and the range of services we offer for students with disabilities. Learn about specific accommodations and services such as priority registration, note-taking, Accommodated Testing Center, the Center for Access and Technology (CAT) Lab and Alternate Media Textbook Conversion process. We will also cover various Assistive Technologies available to support students, from text-to-speech tools, note-taking apps and more. Finally, we will guide you on how to utilize these accommodations once they are approved, ensuring you have all the support you need to succeed. This presentation will be held in-person in the Center for Access and Technology (CAT) Lab in Gateway 281 and on Zoom. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how we are making education accessible and inclusive for everyone!

1 - 3:30 p.m.

Trigonometry Review

  • Speakers: Larry Perez
  • Room: SCI-125
  • Zoom link: n/a

This workshop will review trigonometry using a unit circle approach. Attendees will learn how to use the unit circle to evaluate trigonometric functions as well as graph the six trigonometric functions. This is a great review for those of you planning to take Physics 2A, Physics 4A, Pre-calculus, or calculus.

2 - 3 p.m.

Tap In: Finding Community and Support Networks as a Man of Color

  • Speakers: Guillermo Vasquez
  • Room: LRC 201
  • Zoom link: n/a

We are looking to support Men of Color at Saddleback College by creating strong networks of support and a strong community. Tap in to this workshop to learn about the resources available to you and how we can support you directly through our new Men of Color student club.

3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Fall Welcome Event: Foster Scholars

  • Speakers: Amy Strange
  • Room: GW 159
  • Zoom link: n/a

Our NextUp and Guardian Scholars students are invited to a Fall Welcome Event. We will share updates about our foster student programs, share success tips for the semester, review key campus services, and we will have the students create a mission statement for the program. School supplies will be handed out and dinner will be served.

4:30 - 6 p.m.

Interior Design Orientation

Discover the world of INTERIOR DESIGN at our INFORMATION SESSION! Whether you're a beginner seeking guidance or an art lover searching for enriching GE classes in Art and Design, this workshop is perfect for you!J oin us either in person at the BGS 131 classroom or through Zoom to learn about our program, career prospects, and class details. Tour our classrooms, meet our passionate instructors, and connect with student club leaders who will share invaluable tips for your journey to success. Don't miss out on this inspiring opportunity to explore your passions and embark on an exciting journey of creativity and innovation!

6 - 7 p.m.

SUCCEED in Professor Medling's Accounting 1A course!

Accounting is the language of business! Learn what it takes to succeed in Professor Medling's Accounting 1A class. This is a tough course; it's important that everyone is prepared and knows what to expect. Lots of great tips will be presented! This workshop will also introduce students to the course textbook and Connect (the textbook publisher's homework management system).

9 - 10 a.m.

How to Research Future Careers

Join us for an engaging workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills for researching and exploring career opportunities. Whether you haven't worked yet, or looking to make a career change, this session will guide you through the process of uncovering valuable insights about different fields, understanding job market trends, and leveraging resources to make informed decisions. Discover strategies and online tools to create a personalized career roadmap. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career with confidence!

10 - 10:45 a.m.

MESA Program Information Session

Come learn how the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program can support your academic and career goals in STEM. Join us for an Information Session to discover resources, mentorship, hands-on projects, transfer support, and a community of future engineers and scientists just like you!

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Let Your Personality Lead You to New Careers

How can you use clues about your personality and preferences to identify career choices? Work with our Career Guidance Specialist to learn more and get a list of careers that may match you!