Organizational Development
Workshops
From Survival Mode to All STAR: Emotional Intelligence as Your Workplace Superpower
Melissa Crook | REGISTER
In fast-paced campus environments, it’s easy to operate in survival mode without realizing the toll it takes. This workshop introduces the FEEL Framework (Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers), offering a practical path toward emotional well-being, sustainable performance, and more grounded leadership and teamwork.
Behind the Scoops: A Tour of the Fresno State Creamery
Daniel Avila | REGISTER
Get a behind-the-scenes look at where Fresno State’s famous ice cream is made! This guided tour of the campus creamery offers a glimpse into the production process.
Visit the Farm: A Fresno State Farm STAR Day Experience
Luz Mendoza | REGISTER
Join us for an interactive combination tour of the Fresno State Farm, featuring both a virtual experience and an on-site farm visit. Explore crop production, animal facilities, and innovative agricultural technology while discovering how the farm provides hands-on learning and prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Balancing the Books: Budget Tracking and Reconciliation for Academic Departments
A quick overview of a google sheet/excel document that can be used to track an Academic Affairs department budget. We will go over logging expenses, reconciling expenses with datawarehouse reports, and being able to project year end balance.
Building the AI Campus: FresnoState.ai and the Bulldog Genie Ecosystem
Technology Services | REGISTER
Join Technology Services for a workshop on FresnoState.ai, the university’s official AI portal for tools, training, and innovation. Learn more about Bulldog Genie, including EduVisor (transcript evaluation), TechVisor (Tier 1 tech support), and AssistVisor (digital accessibility).
How to Pickleball
Matt Olson | REGISTER
New to pickleball? Learn the basics—vocabulary, scoring, mechanics, and gameplay—then jump into a short tournament to practice and have some fun on the court.
Digital Declutter: Organizing Your Digital Life
Kat Koziar I REGISTER
Have you ever lost something digital? This interactive workshop will share some strategies
and best practices for organizing your personal (and work) data. It will provide concrete
examples and tips for organizing and managing data so your future self can find it.
A Short Introduction to Raqs Sharqi (aka Belly Dance)
Lori "Zilvia" Pardi I REGISTER
Come out and enjoy a fun short, introduction workshop about Raqs Sharqi (aka Belly Dance). This class will provide a brief outline of Raqs Sharqi including fundamentals of posture and a few basic dance moves set to Middle Eastern music.
Stock Market Basics
Deborah Davis I REGISTER
Learn the basics of investing, including stocks, mutual and index funds, and how they generate returns through growth and dividends. Explore key concepts like compound interest, fees, and risk tolerance, and gain practical steps to start investing or better understand retirement accounts.
Tour the Central Utility Plant: Experience the Engineering That Powers Your Workday
Laura Kossey | REGISTER
Experience the engineering that powers campus life on this behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Central Utility Plant, led by a knowledgeable guide who knows the system inside and out. You’ll step into the hidden heart of Fresno State to see how heating and cooling are generated, distributed, and fine‑tuned to keep every building comfortable year‑round.
Behind the Scoops: A Tour of the Fresno State Creamery
Daniel Avila | REGISTER
Get a behind-the-scenes look at where Fresno State’s famous ice cream is made! This
guided tour of the campus creamery offers a glimpse into the production process.
Yoga
Group Fitness Instructor | REGISTER
Relax the body and mind. Yoga combines slow movements, deep breathing, and meditation to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility, promoting harmony between body and mind through controlled motions and stretches.
Inside Bulldog Athletics Meet and Greet Q&A
Garrett Klassy | REGISTER
Hear from the Fresno State Director of Athletics and meet Bulldog student-athletes in this interactive session featuring Q&A, conversation, and autograph opportunities for staff.
Perseverance in Spite of Setbacks
Betsy Hays | REGISTER
"Stuff happens," as we all know. But what we don't talk about enough is how to persevere when it does. Whether your setback is emotional, physical or anything else, this workshop will help you explore your own resilience.
Never Stop Learning (or Teaching)
Lisa Bell I REGISTER
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides educational and immersive learning opportunities to those age 50 and better. In this workshop, you can learn how OLLI helps you stay connected with the university as either a student or an instructor.
Fuel For The Win
Dr. Lisa Herzig I REGISTER
Join Dr. Lisa Herzig from the Food Science and Nutrition Department and a senior nutrition and dietetics student to learn how to fuel your body for sustained energy and focus. This session will cover eating for energy, supporting muscle health, and how to evaluate protein powders, bars, and additives. Attendees will also get hands-on by making their own protein balls.
Stress Management: Strategies for Maintaining Well-Being
Stephen Case I REGISTER
This workshop provides participants with practical strategies to understand, manage, and reduce stress in both personal and professional settings. Attendees will learn effective techniques such as time management, mindfulness and healthy lifestyle practices to enhance overall well-being and productivity.
VIP Reception
Open to service award recipients only I REGISTER
In honor of reaching an important milestone in your Fresno State career, the STAR Day committee and members of the Cabinet invite all service award recipients to attend a private reception. Celebrate with staff, participate in photo opportunities and share with fellow honorees memories and accomplishments over the years.
From Burnout to All-STAR: Transforming Stress into Purpose, Mental Well-Being, and Impact
Dr. Gitima Sharma I REGISTER
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn a practical 5-step framework to transform daily stress and burnout into renewed sense of purpose and confidence—so they can continue showing up as “All-STARs” for themselves, Fresno State and for our world at large.
Bulldog Bash Celebrating Fresno State Staff Alumni
Jacqui Glasener I REGISTER
A large portion of campus employees are also Fresno State alumni, yet many are not currently connected to the Fresno State Alumni Association. This workshop will create a fun, welcoming experience specifically celebrating staff who are also Bulldog alumni while introducing them to the benefits and opportunities available through the Alumni Association. The session will combine celebration, networking, and interactive activities.
Pilates
Group Fitness Instructor I REGISTER
Pilates incorporates body weight and light weight exercises to tone and define the body through building strength and improving mobility.
Advanced Generative AI with ChatGPT Projects, Custom GPTs, and AI-Powered Business Intelligence
Max Tsai, Esuri Peiris, Anush Nazaryan amd Valerie Jimenez I REGISTER
Join this interactive workshop for higher education professionals ready to advance their Generative AI skills. Explore ChatGPT Projects, Custom GPTs, and AI-powered business intelligence with practical campus applications. Learn to collaborate effectively, design secure and responsible AI tools, and engage with key topics like privacy, governance, predictive analytics, and strategies that support stronger decision-making and institutional transformation.
Fresno State Athletics Trivia
Eddie Hughes I REGISTER
Join Fresno State superfan Eddie Hughes—known for his deep knowledge of Fresno State
athletics and traditions—for a trivia game filled with fun facts, friendly competition,
and All-STAR moments from Bulldog history. Prizes provided by the Kennel Bookstore.
Social Security 101: What You Need to Know for Your Future
Jon Lee I REGISTER
Social Security may be an important source of retirement income. Learn about key Social
Security claiming ages and how your benefit is calculated, so you can better understand
the choices. Review Social Security basics and income strategy, learn when to claim
Social Security and how to save in addition to SSA and CALPERS (403B and IRAs).
Fresno State Rec Center Tour
Derek Walters I REGISTER
Tour of the Fresno State Student Recreation Center, a 22,000-square-foot hub of health, wellness, and community. Open to staff, faculty, and students, this guided tour will highlight the Rec Center’s group fitness programs, intramural sports, courts, and amenities. You’ll also learn how staff can become members and take advantage of everything the Rec has to offer. Space is limited; tour attendees will meet in the Rec Center lobby.
Hall of Fame All-STARs - Closing Celebration
Close out STAR Day with a high-energy, stadium-style celebration that brings our Bulldog
team together one last time. Enjoy classic ballpark favorites, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker
Jacks, and Dippin’ Dots, while connecting with colleagues and exploring the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame’s interactive exhibits, where you can dive into the stories of Bulldog greats. Music
from KFSR will keep the energy going as we wrap up the day in true game-day style.
We’re excited to welcome Paul Loeffler, the “Voice of the Bulldogs,” who will join
us as part of this special closing experience.
Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the day, but the Closing Ceremony is where
the biggest wins happen, featuring resort dinner packages, museum and premiere attraction
memberships, wine tastings, game tickets, restaurant gift cards, raffle baskets, and
more.
Grab a snack, celebrate the day, and stay for the final plays, because you won’t want
to miss how STAR Day ends.