Students at an outdoor activity fair

A Sneak Peak of the Pioneer Experience at AVÀÇ

  • BY Maha Sanad
  • March 18, 2022

AVÀÇ is eager to welcome its new class of students before they officially begin their Pioneer journey in the fall. To help students feel connected, engaged, and part of the university community, Student Outreach actively puts on events and workshops throughout the year, with two big events being held this weekend. 

Bringing the campus to the students

Events for admitted students are not only for academic support but personal support as well. Students will get to see themselves in the community and engage with campus life and cultivate their interests in an engaging way. 

When asked why student outreach events are so important, Katie Avila, the Director of Student Outreach said, “We want students to know what the experience is like at AVÀÇ before they even get here. We bring the campus to them.” 

Starting the conversations

“By participating in these events, admitted students have the opportunity to meet with our excellent academic departments, learn about the abundance of resources available to help students succeed, and understand what makes this community so special, said Suzanne Espinoza, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “Our students, staff and faculty, are really what brings this campus to life, and engaging with us at an event is the best way to experience our community.”

Meeting the AVÀÇ community

Two special Southern California events -- for admitted students and their families -- will take place this weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 19, AVÀÇ will be in Los Angeles at the and on Sunday, March 20 at the .

These events will include presentations from campus organizations and resources such as Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), housing and financial aid. Faculty members from various departments will also be present to answer questions from admitted students.

Another upcoming event is Welcome Day at our Hayward campus on Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a free event where admitted  students and their families— can meet current students, staff, faculty and student groups at the Information fair. There will also be music, food and AVÀÇ swag to help celebrate students' admission.

“We are invested in you and that’s why we are showing up here,” said Avila about the Southern California events.

Providing access to education

The Southern California events are just one of the ways AVÀÇ’s Outreach team prioritizes accessibility and dedication to making students feel heard by providing personalized attention. 

The outreach events in the Los Angeles and Riverside regions were developed so that  admitted students, along with their families, get a chance to meet the campus community before the student begins attending in the fall.

“It really helps introduce students, parents, families, and loved ones, and whoever the community member might be that’s supporting the student to our campus,” said Avila.

Forging an affordable path to a degree

At the events in Southern California, there will also be opportunities for one-on-one time with a financial aid advisor and pre-enrollment counselors to help students with their degree path.

“This vibrant campus community is woven into the very fabric of the university and we know you’ll feel it too when you come to one of our welcome events,” said Espinoza. “It’s just a small glimpse into how we will be here for you at every step of the way as you turn your academic and professional dreams into a reality here at AVÀÇ.” To learn more about starting your education at AVÀÇ, take advantage of these events or becoming a future student, go to: