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Student Life

A rainbow flashes its colors behind Colusa Hall as a student walks down a sidewalk soaked by recent rains.

Some of Our Favorite Spring Images

Some of our favorite spring 2024 photographs, captured by University photographers Jason Halley and Matt Bates.

President's Perez sits with his back to the camera, wearing a red jacket with 'Chico State' written in bold white letters.

President’s Column: Chico State is Strong and Resilient

President Perez discusses Chico State's bright future and how our campus community is doing to ensure it. 

A graphic showing president Steve Perez posing and racing in an SAE Baja vehicle.

How To With President Perez: Baja Racing

This spring, President Steve Perez is going back to class in a series of how-to videos that explore the projects Chico State clubs and organizations are taking part in outside of the classroom.

Photo illustration with three portraits that include Kimate Richards, Thembi Mawema, and Lateasha Meyers

‘Elevating Black Excellence’ the Focus of Tipping Point Student Success Summit

The event brings together the University community to explore data around student success and learn how innovations in teaching and support services can make a critical difference.

Institute of International Education Recognizes Chico State for Study Abroad Excellence

In its latest Open Doors rankings, the Institute of International Education (IIE) listed Chico State as being one of the most active and engaged US higher education institutions in its category for participation in studying abroad.

President Steve Perez runs through Expressions Dance team with raised pom poms as the campus community enjoys the Alumni and Family Weekend BBQ barbecue as part of Wildcat Weekend

We are Making a Good First Impression

A note from a parent after Wildcat Weekend impresses upon President Steve Perez the value of every interaction with prospective students and their families.

Colorful wooden cutouts of houses on a white background

A Place to Call Home

To address student homelessness, Chico State’s Rapid Re-housing Program is breaking down barriers and stigmas that stand in the way of student success.

Megan Foster is her USA Rugby uniform

United States National Rugby Team Starter and Former Chico State Star Hangs Up Her Cleats 

Megan Foster, whose rugby career began at Chico State and took her all the way to the United States National Team, recently retired.

Adrian Fontanelli poses for a portrait with a soccer ball between his left arm and hip.

Inspired by his Parents, Fontanelli Plays with Passion and Purpose

Chico State Men's Soccer Coach Felipe Restrepo says that teammates try to emulate Adrian Fontanelli because of his pride, joy, and passion. But Fontanelli says his work ethic comes from his parents, Carlos and Marcela.

Crash Course: The Good Life Vs. The End of the World

Two GE courses offered by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts evoke very different ideas: one of existential dread and the other enlightenment and happiness. Yet both encourage students to ask some of life’s age-old questions.

People are gathered on the lawn in front of Kendall Hall, which decorated with lights, balloons, and a bouncy house in honor of Homecoming Weekend.

President’s Column: Excitement Builds For Wildcat Weekend

Embracing the cooler weather and beautiful seasonal changes, President Steve Perez is excited about the upcoming celebrations planned for Wildcat Weekend.

A group of students show excitement and stand in front of a banner that reads 'Wildcat Welcome.' There are bleachers and some students in the background.

Tips for your first year at Chico State

Check out this list of tips to help you navigate your first year at Chico State and make the most of your college experience.

Tami Henriksen smiles while sitting at her desk

Celebrating Tami Henriksen, a Guiding Light for Students in University Housing

Tami Henriksen, who has been helping University Housing students for 29 years, was honored with the 2022–23 Staff Council customer service award.

2023's COEDI award honorees are photographed together holding their certificates up.

2023 COEDI Awards Honor Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champions on Campus 

The 2023 Conversations on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (COEDI) Award ceremony was held in person on campus for the first time since the COVID pandemic, honoring the champions of transformation on campus.

A group of students stands outdoors while holding bags and other household items to be donated to an emergency shelter run by Chico State's Basic Needs.

REACH Students’ Service Projects Extend Support to Community

From mental health awareness to homelessness to animal welfare, 115 students tackle a dozen service projects to help the Chico community on and off campus.

Raquel Krach sits on a rock wall with trees and shrubs in the background.

Grad Student Farmer Grows Case for Marrying Agriculture With the Natural World

With her master’s thesis—a collaborative effort to study the effects of agroecology on her almond farm—Chico State graduate student Raquel Krach confirmed what the birds have been telling her. It’s working!

We're looking at a bright graphic illustration of an open suitcase. Inside, we see the Statue of Liberty, Big Ben, an airplane, a Chico State Wildcat statue, and the clock tower of Trinity Hall.

Passport to Self-Discovery

Since 2016, approximately 1,600 Wildcats have studied abroad at one of 200 locations across 35 countries. Students share their stories from both flight paths.

A student shakes a hand of a potential employer at a career fair on campus.

How To: Nail that Next Job or Promotion

Whether you are a student, young alum, or seasoned professional, the Career Center offers services for life to help you advance in your career.

Jaylen Kruth (left) stands behind a counter as she accepts a purchase by Josh Rodriguez (right) who is using his EBT card to pay. There are a variety of snacks on the counter.

Expanded CalFresh Eligibility Brings Food Access to More Chico State Students

More Chico State students can now qualify for CalFresh benefits to access food, thanks to expanded eligibility requirements.

Marin Spalding, left, and Marcus Peoples, on the right, sit side-by-side in a classroom with laptops opened in front of them. Both are dressed in formal clothing, smiling widely and clearly amused.

Students Travel, Grow, and Build Friendships Through Speech and Debate Team

The speech and debate team, which doubles as a club and a course, offers team members space to grow far beyond the competition stage.

A white bus is parked with its door open; it has Chico State written on the side and the Wildcat logo printed on it

New Transport Program Provides Students Rides to Sacramento Airport During Breaks

Students leaving campus during extended breaks can sign up for Wildcat Rides, a new program shuttling students from campus to the Sacramento bus and train station and the Sacramento Airport.

Sophia Hoffman is photographed against a brick wall.

Chico State Freshman Impresses Coaches on The Voice

Sophia Hoffman overcame a processing disorder to make it to Chico State—now she is turning heads on international television.

Natalie Hernandez, Abraham Trujillo, Gabby Medina Falzone, Daisy Rolon, and Oscar Cisneros-Magana on stage in Trinity Commons with a pride flag in the foreground.

Aux Talks Strikes a Chord for Connection

Sing. Laugh. Dance. Connect. Experience the power of the aux cord Thursday from 2–3 p.m. in Trinity Commons. It's Aux Talks and it's a whole lot of fun!

A Space for Students to Practice Self-Care

With high rates of depression and anxiety among college students nationwide, Chico State has added an on-campus resource to help our Wildcats get to graduation, both healthy and happy.

Professor Kendall Hall gives a presentation to students.

Office Hours: Astronomer and Physics Professor Kendall Hall

Astronomer and physics professor Kendall Hall is taking fear out of physics and making it fun for all.

Delta Sigma Theta members Arianna Punter (left) and La’Netta Bowden pose in front of a poster on display.

Exhibit Honors Historically Black Sorority’s Return to Chico State

The Pi Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has returned to Chico State and was recently honored in a pop-up exhibit at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology.

Students with headphones on play video games in the new gaming lobby.

Wildcat Gaming Lobby Opens to All Students

Open to all students, the new Gaming Lobby features PC gaming, console gaming, arcade games, board games, and more.

Masked students look at a map of campus while marking safety concerns they found.

Students Embrace Role in Campus Safety During Moonlight Walk

About 125 students canvassed campus to identify opportunities for safety improvements.

Lindsay Woychick, her husband, and french bulldog pose in a colorful forest in Spain.

Alumna Predicts Post-Pandemic Upgrades Will Enhance Study Abroad Experience

After a decade living in Spain, Study Abroad alumna Lindsay Woychick (Journalism, '12) shares how COVID-19 has transformed the international experience.

Portrait of a student seated at a desk in her home, surrounded by electronic equipment.

CAVE Adopts Virtual Program to Maintain Legacy Tutoring Services

Moving its face-to-face tutoring to a virtual format for the first time in the program's 50-plus years, CAVE collaborated with an online ally to continue helping local school children.

Sunbeams peek through leaves and branches of trees

CSU, Chico Basic Needs Receives $870,000 Grant, Addresses Student Homelessness

Chico State was one of seven CSU campuses to receive a California State University College-Focused Rapid Re-Housing Partnership Grant this year.

students walk out of the bell memorial union on a fall day.

AS Takes Step Against Systemic Racism by Honoring Juneteenth as Paid Holiday

By honoring Juneteenth as a paid holiday, the Associated Students hope to acknowledge its historical significance and contribute to efforts to dismantle systemic racism.

Students throw bean bags as part of a cornhole tournament.

Chico State Nearly Wins World Record Title with Cornhole Tournament

Chico State broke one world record and nearly set a new one with 398 students participating in a campus cornhole tournament.

A portrait of Farshad Azad

Alum Establishes Scholarship to Support Students Advancing Social Justice

To honor George Floyd, alum Farshad Azad founded a scholarship supporting students fighting for social justice—40 years after he first experienced racism himself.

Diana Castellanos gives a virtual campus tour, holding out her self-phone while filming herself in front of the California State University, Chico monument sign.

Admissions Innovates to Recruit Wildcats in the Virtual World

In-person visits help showcase Chico State to prospective students. Amid COVID-19, Admissions staff have found creative ways to connect virtually.

A cardboard cutout of Willie the Wildcat stands between two students socially distanced and working at desks

Summer Orientation Goes Free, Virtual

New Student Orientation has a new look this summer. While moving completely online, it's now also free for all incoming students and their families.

portrait of Alix MacDonald

Championing Advocacy and Awareness

As the advocate administrator for Safe Place, Alix MacDonald wants victims and survivors of interpersonal violence to discover their resilience.

A student waves at a friend on her iPad while Facetiming.

Together Apart

Photo essay captures how the campus community has united to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Students pose at the top of Macchu Picchu.

Passport to Peru: Students Explore International Business

A first-of-its-kind course took students to South America for an in-depth analysis of international business management and strategies.

A cartoon of a student at a computer with map of world behind him with other student faces in different countries.

Maintaining Connections from All Corners of the World

Even though physically distanced, international students, tutors, and advisors meet via Zoom every Friday to maintain their culture of connection and practice English.