College event centralizes steps for starting the semester
Moreno Valley College gathered new and returning students at its Welcome Center on Aug. 22 for Super Saturday, an on-campus resource fair designed to streamline class registration, financial aid, academic counseling and connections to student programs ahead of the fall semester.
Organizers aimed to consolidate many of the logistical tasks required to begin college into a single visit. Students met directly with staff from admissions and records, financial aid and counseling; toured campus facilities; and connected with programs intended to support persistence and transfer.
Many attendees arrived with family members seeking to understand the college process alongside students. To help handle the midsummer heat—temperatures reached about 100 degrees—the college provided complimentary breakfast and lunch, including tacos and aguas frescas.
Programs highlighted at the event
Student leaders and program representatives were on site to explain resources and eligibility. Outreach ambassador Gema Trigueros Araiza, a first-generation student and biology transfer major, described the event as an important orientation touchpoint for students encountering college processes for the first time.
"[Super Saturday] gives students a fundamental idea of where to go and how to get started on the first day of school," Trigueros Araiza said.
She said she commonly directs students to support services such as EOPS and the Promise Program, which can connect eligible students with counseling, financial assistance and other campus resources. Trigueros Araiza recommended the Welcome Center as an initial stop for students who are unsure where to begin; staff there can refer visitors to the appropriate departments based on their needs.
Student employment and work-study options were another focus. Trigueros Araiza related how being introduced to campus employment at age 17 provided early professional experience and a résumé asset.
Computer science major David Morales highlighted the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program as an integral part of his development at Moreno Valley College. MESA has provided him with academic support, mentorship and pathways to internships and scholarships. The program also funded his participation in a Los Angeles hackathon, where he gained practical experience, met industry professionals and competed with peers.
What students could accomplish at Super Saturday
- Complete or update class registration with counseling staff
- Apply for or check the status of financial aid
- Learn about student support programs (EOPS, Promise Program, MESA)
- Tour campus and identify key offices such as admissions and records
- Explore campus employment and work-study options
The event packaged these steps to reduce barriers for students who might otherwise make multiple visits or struggle to locate services. For first-generation students in particular, staff and peer ambassadors said offering hands-on guidance can demystify the enrollment process and connect students to supports that increase the likelihood of persisting.
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Admissions & Records | Enrollment, transcripts and class registration |
| Financial Aid | Grants, loans and application assistance |
| Counseling | Academic planning and transfer advising |
| Student Programs (EOPS, Promise, MESA) | Targeted academic, financial and mentorship support |
For many in attendance, the combination of staff access, program outreach and peer mentorship offered concrete next steps before classes begin. College representatives said events like Super Saturday are aimed at reducing friction in the enrollment pipeline and ensuring students know where to find ongoing support once the semester starts.
As Moreno Valley College prepares for the fall term, Super Saturday served as a concentrated effort to help students navigate administrative tasks and locate programs that can support their academic and career goals.
