Fall 2024 Week of Workshops
Saddleback students, join us for our Week of Workshops (WOW) from Tuesday, August 13 through Friday, August 16 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
- Participate in Becoming a Bobcat Day - Aug 14 or 16
- 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
5 - 6 p.m.
Survive and Thrive in Online Classes
Speakers: Brett Myhren
Room: N/A
Zoom: Zoom Link
Are you thinking about taking an online class? Are you already registered for one? Are you wondering about how to use Canvas? Learn the secrets of success online and find out if taking an online class is right for you. This workshop will allow you to see an example of an online class (in Canvas) and will give you an opportunity to ask questions about online classes. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the benefits of taking classes online.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
How to Apply for Jobs on Campus
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom: Register for How to Apply for Jobs on Campus
Want to work 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 opportunities (including Federal Work Study) and how you can apply successfully. This workshop doesn't cover certificated or faculty positions.
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Puente Bienvenida
Speakers: Alejandra Hurtado
Room: GW 224
Zoom: N/A
Come and meet your Puente program counselor and your Puente cohort at the Puente Bienvenida! All Puente students are encouraged to attend.
3 - 4 p.m.
LinkedIn & LinkedIn Learning
Speakers: Eric Hilden, MPA
Room: N/A
Zoom: Register for LinkedIn & LinkedIn Learning
We invite you to join us for an overview and discussion of ways students can utilize LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning. We'll cover things like - creating a strong student profile and ways to use LinkedIn in your job search. We'll also share how you can access your FREE LinkedIn Learning account.
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
College Services: Here's What You Need to Know!
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom: Register for College Services: Here's 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 MySite. Additionally, we will cover key services you need to know and how to seek more help. There will be time for questions and answers.
1 - 1:50 p.m.
"All the World’s A Stage": Shakespeare at Saddleback!
Speakers: Jennifer Hedgecock and Sheiba Kian Kaufman
Room: BGS 232
Zoom link: N/A
Have you ever wondered what Shakespeare has to do with globalism, gender, and social justice? Find out how you can be involved with our campus’s robust offerings in Shakespeare studies, events, and field trips. Come hear from former Shakespeare students and learn about meaningful conversations in the classroom on diverse and engaging topics, contemporary adaptations, and off-campus learning opportunities through the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the New Swan Shakespeare Festival at UC Irvine.
1 - 2 p.m.
Environmental Studies Department Open House
Speakers: Morgan Barrows
Room: ATAS 149
Zoom: N/A
Come learn about all of the great courses, work experience, certificates, and degrees offered through the Environmental Studies Department. Get to know fellow environmental studies students and faculty. Come listen to a few of our students presenting their summer research findings.
1 - 2 p.m.
Exploring Majors - Undeclared Student
Speakers: Brooke Sauter
Room: GW 224
Zoom: N/A
Undeclared students are encouraged to attend this workshop to get an overview of Saddleback College's 5 Schools and start exploring major options within these schools. During this workshop students will have the opportunity to ask a Counselor questions regarding majors and educational goal and complete majors/career exploration activity. It's never too soon to select your major!
1 - 2 p.m.
How to Use Handshake for Jobs & Internships
Speakers: Eric Hilden, MPA
Room: GW 271-2
Zoom: N/A
In this session, we’ll show you several ways to use Handshake, the #1 way college students find jobs &
internships. We’ll cover things like – how to log-in and claim your account, how to build your profile, and other tips you can use to take advantage of this excellent tool.
1 - 2 p.m.
The School of STEM New Student Welcome featuring MESA
Speakers: Art Nitta, Georgina Martinez, Madeline Hernandez (will include various faculty)
Room: SCI 111
Zoom: N/A
The School of STEM is hosting a welcome for incoming students interested in the sciences. Come meet your Success Coach, School Counselor, and faculty! They will go over some of the exciting programs and activities happening in the school of STEM, including the MESA Program.
1 - 3:30 p.m.
Trigonometry Review
Speakers: Larry Perez
Room: SCI 125
Zoom: 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.
1 - 2 p.m.
Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer and Responsibilities
Speakers: Anthony Becerra
Room: GW 158
Zoom: N/A
As a new student awarded financial aid, it is important to understand the types of financial aid you have been offered, how you will receive your aid, and what your responsibilities are to maintain eligibility! Join Anthony Becerra, Director of Financial Aid at Saddleback College to learn about all of this and MORE!
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
This is AMPD! Arts, Media, Performance and Design at Saddleback!
Speakers: Scott Farthing
Room: ATAS Lobby
Zoom link: N/A
Ever wonder what’s behind the curtains in a theatre? Curious about how green screens make magic happen? Interested in throwing a pot, learning to screen print, or how to use a RISO printer? The School of AMPD would love to show you at this year’s This is AMPD! Events Wednesday, August 14th and Friday, August 16th from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. (immediately following Becoming a Bobcat) beginning in the ATAS lobby and ending in the Fine Arts Plaza.
2 - 3 p.m.
Finding and Researching Colleges and University Programs
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom: Register for Finding and Researching Colleges and University Programs
Learn how to research programs and majors at colleges and universities. Information about proper
accreditation and estimated cost will be included. This presentation will last approximately 1 hour. Please log into Zoom up to 15 minutes before the start time.
2 - 3 p.m.
Mini Math Jam Workshop
Speakers: Frank Gonzales
Room: LRC 104
Zoom: N/A
Are you nervous about taking a college level math course in the Fall? Want to feel more confident and prepared before the semester starts? If you missed our 2-week Math Jam, don't worry, our Mini Math Jam can help! Laptop or tablet recommended, but not required.
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
How to Be Successful in Cinema-TV-Radio
Speakers: Hiro Konishi
Room: LRC 120
Zoom: Click on this Zoom link at the time of the How to Be Successful in Cinema-TV-Radio workshop to join.
The workshop shows you (students) the equipment and facilities the Cinema-TV-Radio Department has and discusses how we can help you build a career in the media industry, including the support systems for women and LGBTQ+ students we have.
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
How to Join Student Media
Speakers: Tim Posada
Room: LRC 117
Zoom: Click on this Zoom link at the time of the How to Join Student Media workshop to join.
Find your voice in student media by joining one of several options. Learn how to report stories, photograph events, and maintain an online news platform as a staff member of the Lariat. Join the OC News Team and broadcast your stories on Channel 39. Create your own podcast and air your content. Or design intricate magazine pages as a staff member for Orange Appeal. Get the scoop in this WOW session on student-run media.
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Performing at Saddleback!
Speakers: Scott Farthing
Room: Studio Theatre
Zoom: N/A
Dean Farthing and faculty from Music, Theatre, Dance, and Speech/Debate will talk about the "how-tos" of auditioning/placements and the different performing opportunities available for all Saddleback students!
3:30 - 5 p.m.
Trig Review
Speakers: Karla Westphal
Room: GW 381
Zoom: Click on this Zoom link at time of Trig Review workshop to join
This will be the first of several workshops offered throughout the semester to help students brush up on trig. In this workshop, we'll go over the basic definitions (both right triangle and unit circle) of the trig functions and review how to evaluate trig functions at "nice" angles without relying on a calculator, cheat sheet, or blind memorization. My emphasis is always on understanding a few basic concepts really well so as to minimize the need for memorization.
4:30 - 6 p.m.
Interior Design Orientation
Speakers: Farida Gabdrakhmanova
Room: BGS 131
Zoom: Zoom Link
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! Join 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!
10 - 11 a.m.
All About DSPS
Speakers: Laura Czajkowski
Room: GW 281
Zoom: N/A
Come meet the new Director of DSPS, learn more about DSPS, and take a tour!
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
How to Have a Successful Relationship
Speakers: Tiffany Baggs
Room: LRC 147
Zoom: N/A
Being an excellent communicator will improve EVERY area of your life. You will be a better friend, spouse, worker, and relative! You'll make more money and be happier when you can communicate clearly your needs and wants whether at home or at work. Come join us improve your life in every way!
11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
College Services: Here's What You Need to Know!
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: GW 271
Zoom: N/A
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 MySite. Additionally, we will cover key services you need to know and how to seek more help. There will be time for questions and answers.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
How to Speak so People Want to Listen
Speakers: Tiffany Baggs
Room: LRC 147
Zoom: N/A
Getting people to listen and really hear what you have to say is crucial in today's society and workplace.
Learn how to be engaging and interesting and have others loving to speak to you. I will teach you main
concepts in how to get others to want to communicate with you and so that you will be memorable and fun to listen to!
2 - 3 p.m.
Practice Interviewing with Big Interview
Speakers: Eric Hilden, MPA
Room: N/A
Zoom: Register for Practice Interviewing with Big Interview
In this session, we’ll show you how to use Big Interview, our campus-wide interview practice tool. We’ll cover things like – how to log-in and how to get the most out of the tool to build your confidence with any type of interview you have in the future.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
SUCCEED in Professor Medling's ONLINE Accounting 1A Course!
Speakers: Jane Pashalides Medling
Room: N/A
Accounting is the language of business! Learn what it takes to succeed in Prof Medling's ONLINE Accounting 1A course at Saddleback College. This is a tough class and it's important to make sure 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).
6 - 8 p.m.
Preparing for 3C: review of parametric curves
Speakers: Karla Westphal
Room: LRC 144
Zoom: Click here at time of workshop to join Preparing for 3c: review of parametric curves
In this workshop, we'll review parametric curves (covered at the end of second semester calculus), which will passcode (shouldn't be needed) 390313 be used extensively throughout 3C. As time allows, we may look at other pre-req topics such as polar coordinates, conic sections, and/or integrating powers of trig functions.
6 - 7 p.m.
Survive and Thrive in Online Classes
Speakers: Brett Myhren
Room: N/A
Zoom: Zoom Link
Are you thinking about taking an online class? Are you already registered for one? Are you wondering about how to use Canvas? Learn the secrets of success online and find out if taking an online class is right for you. This workshop will allow you to see an example of an online class (in Canvas) and will give you an opportunity to ask questions about online classes. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the benefits of taking classes online.
1 - 2 p.m.
Exploring Majors - Undeclared Students
Speakers: Brooke Sauter
Room: GW 224
Zoom: N/A
Undeclared students are encouraged to attend this workshop to get an overview of Saddleback College's 5 Schools and start exploring major options within these schools. During this workshop students will have the opportunity to ask a Counselor questions regarding majors and educational goal and complete majors/career exploration activity. It's never too soon to select your major!
1 - 2 p.m.
How to Use Handshake for Jobs & Internships
Speakers: Eric Hilden, MPA
Room: GW 271-2
Zoom: N/A
In this session, we’ll show you several ways to use Handshake, the #1 way college students find jobs &
internships. We’ll cover things like – how to log-in and claim your account, how to build your profile, and other tips you can use to take advantage of this excellent tool.
1 - 2 p.m.
The School of STEM New Student Welcome featuring MESA
Speakers: Art Nitta, Georgina Martinez, Madeline Hernandez (faculty might present as well)
Room: SCI 111
Zoom: N/A
The School of STEM is hosting a welcome for incoming students interested in the sciences. Come meet your Success Coach, School Counselor, and faculty! They will go over some of the exciting programs and activities happening in the school of STEM, including the MESA Program.
1 - 3:30 p.m.
Trigonometry Review
Speakers: Larry Perez
Room: SCI 125
Zoom: 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.
1 - 2 p.m.
Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer and Responsibilities
Speakers: Anthony Becerra
Room: GW 158
Zoom: N/A
As a new student awarded financial aid, it is important to understand the types of financial aid you have been offered, how you will receive your aid, and what your responsibilities are to maintain eligibility! Join Anthony Becerra, Director of Financial Aid at Saddleback College to learn about all of this and MORE!
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
This is AMPD! Arts, Media, Performance and Design at Saddleback!
Speakers: Scott Farthing
Room: ATAS Lobby
Zoom link: N/A
Ever wonder what’s behind the curtains in a theatre? Curious about how green screens make magic happen? Interested in throwing a pot, learning to screen print, or how to use a RISO printer? The School of AMPD would love to show you at this year’s This is AMPD! Events Wednesday, August 14th and Friday, August 16th from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. (immediately following Becoming a Bobcat) beginning in the ATAS lobby and ending in the Fine Arts Plaza.
1:30 - 3 p.m.
Let Your Personality Guide You to New Careers
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom: Register for Let Your Personality Guide 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!
2 - 3 p.m.
Mini Math Jam Workshop
Speakers: Frank Gonzales
Room: LRC 104
Zoom: N/A
Are you nervous about taking a college level math course in the Fall? Want to feel more confident and prepared before the semester starts? If you missed our 2-week Math Jam, don't worry, our Mini Math Jam can help! Laptop or tablet recommended, but not required.
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
How to Be Successful in Cinema-TV-Radio
Speakers: Hiro Konishi
Room: LRC 120
Zoom: Click on this Zoom link at the time of the How to Be Successful in Cinema-TV-Radio workshop to join.
The workshop shows you (students) the equipment and facilities the Cinema-TV-Radio Department has and discusses how we can help you build a career in the media industry, including the support systems for women and LGBTQ+ students we have.
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
How to Join Student Media
Speakers: Tim Posada
Room: N/A
Zoom: Click on this Zoom link at the time of the How to Join Student Media workshop to join.
Find your voice in student media by joining one of several options. Learn how to report stories, photograph events, and maintain an online news platform as a staff member of the Lariat. Join the OC News Team and broadcast your stories on Channel 39. Create your own podcast and air your content. Or design intricate magazine pages as a staff member for Orange Appeal. Get the scoop in this WOW session on student-run media.
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Performing at Saddleback!
Speakers: Scott Farthing
Room: Studio Theatre
Zoom: N/A
Dean Farthing and faculty from Music, Theatre, Dance, and Speech/Debate will talk about the "how-tos" of auditioning/placements and the different performing opportunities available for all Saddleback students!
3 - 4 p.m.
SUCCEED in Professor Medling's ONLINE Accounting 1A Course!
Speakers: Jane Pashalides Medling
Room: N/A
Accounting is the language of business! Learn what it takes to succeed in Prof Medling's ONLINE Accounting 1A course at Saddleback College. This is a tough class and it's important to make sure 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).
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
How to Apply for Jobs on Campus
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: GW 271
Zoom: N/A
Want to work 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 opportunities (including Federal Work Study) and how you can apply successfully. This workshop doesn't cover certificated or faculty positions.