Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of CSM BOND?

A: The CSM BOND program began as a grant funded program under the name of the CSM First Year Experience program (FYE) in 2015. It targets incoming freshman with majors in the College of Science and Math. It is a cohort style program with two main components, the Summer Experience, and  CSM 10 course and CSM 15 courses.

• Summer Experience: The Summer experience takes place the week before classes begin for the Fall semester. During the Summer Experience students are led by Peer Leaders in various activities, experiments, introducing them to the campus, faculty and their peers.

• CSM 10: The Scientific Method in fall (GE Area A3) and CSM 15: Evidence Based Decision Making in the spring (GE Area E). Both of these courses are DISCOVERe courses and are geared towards preparing them with a foundation to succeed in their rigorous coursework as CSM majors.

The overall goal of the program is to increase students sense of self efficacy, sense of belonging as well as their critical thinking and quantitative learning in hope to increase student retention rates, graduation rate, and minimize the achievement gap, of CSM students.

If you are a student who is pursuing a major in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, mathematics, physics, and natural sciences, your department is requiring that you participate in the First-Year Experience BOND program. If you have a serious and compelling reason why you would not be able to participate, please contact Dr. Jaime Arvizu at jaimea@csufresno.edu.

Q: Who takes BOND?

A: If you are a student who is pursuing a major in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, mathematics, physics, and natural sciences, your department is requiring that you participat in the First-Year Experience BOND program. If you have a serious and compelling reason why you would not be able to participate, please contact Dr. Jaime Arvizu at jaimea@csufresno.edu.

Q: How can the CSM BOND program help me in my academic career?

A:  The BOND program will provide you with a community of peers, faculty, and mentors that will help you throughout your time at Fresno State. You will be connected to campus resources and opportunities that will give you a "leg-up" throughout your career. You will also be guaranteed enrollment in courses you need to graduate.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the CSM BOND program?

A: First time freshman at Fresno State. Major in one of the following majors: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, geology, mathematics, natural sciences, physics, psychology.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: The program university believes your first year is important and priceless, so it won't cost you a dime.

Q: Can I join this program if I am not a CSM major?

A: Unfortunately, no. Our program is designed to specifically support CSM majors and to be a part of our program when you are not of the correct major could actually be detrimental.

Q: Do I have to attend the Summer Experience?

A: Yes. The Summer Experience is a required component of the CSM BOND program and failure to attend can forfeit your position in the program. This year the Summer Experience will be from August 15-16 or 18-19. Additional information about the Summer Experience will be sent out to your Fresno State email as we get closer to the date. If you have concerns about attending the Summer Experience or possible time conflicts, please email the Advising and Resources Center Director, Jaime Arvizu, jaimea@csufresno.edu.

Q: What are the required CSM BOND classes?

A:

• CSM 10: The Scientific Method, 3 unit DISCOVERe course, taken during the fall semester. Practice in the application of the scientific method to locally relevant problems and challenges. The evaluation of inductive and deductive arguments couple with the evaluation of experimental data to develop and test scientific hypotheses.
• CSM 15: Evidence Based Decision Making, 3 unit DISCOVERe course, taken during the spring semester. Practice in the evaluation and use of quantitative evidence in reasoned decision making. Topics include uncertainty, significance, trends, experimental design and causality.

Q: Do I have to take both of the CSM classes?

A: Yes. Being a part of the CSM BOND program is a one year commitment, and in order to get the full impact and benefit from the program you need to stay within the program for your entire first year.

Q: What if I change my major while I am in the program?

A: If you change your major to a non-CSM major during your time in the program we ask that you first meet with Dr. Arvizu in the Advising and Resource Center (ARC). When you change your major some of your course requirements may also change and so, Dr. Arvizu will help you navigate whether the program would still be a good fit for you and your new career path. You can make an appointment with Dr. Jaime Arvizu by calling the ARC at 278.4150 or email jaimea@csufresno.edu.

Q: What is ARC?

A: ARC is the Advising and Resource Center, Located in Sci 1 Room 136. ARC oversees the College of Science and Math students with registration, academic holds, and connecting them with campus resources. If you want to make an appointment with an advisor call 278.4150 or email arc@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Q: What are some important dates that I need to know?

A:

Q: Who do I contact with questions about CSM BOND?

A:  Depends on the question! For questions about the program overall we encourage you to contact the Advising and Resources Center Director, arc@mail.fresnostate.edu while for questions about the CSM 10 and 15 courses we encourage you to contact one of the professors whose contact info is found on the CSM BOND Team Page .

 

Q:  Where can I find more information about the program?

A:  Check out our social media!