Spring 2025 Week of Workshops
Saddleback students, join us for our Week of Workshops (WOW) from Tuesday, January 7 through Friday, January 10 and kick off your semester with SUCCESS!
Workshops are scheduled in-person and online throughout the day. All students are welcome!
Workshops are facilitated by Saddleback faculty and staff to help you have the most successful semester possible.
- All workshops are FREE
- Learn about our five schools
- Learn how to be successful in your upcoming classes
- Connect with your instructors and classmates
- Learn how you can receive free gas and grocery cards!
- Learn more about our five schools and pathways!
- Undecided? Come to a counseling exploration workshop.
- Prepare to be a successful student with tips from instructors.
- Improve your grades! Join a workshop on online study skills, test-taking techniques, note-taking strategies, and the proper way to read a textbook.
- Taking math this semester? Spend time reviewing your skills for class.
- Join a Financial Aid workshop to find out which aid and scholarships are available.
- Still deciding on a major or career? Learn strategies to help you narrow down your search!
- Review your online campus resources: Academic Counseling, FREE tutoring, Student Tele-Health Services, Library workshops and more!
- Get involved on campus, learn more about campus clubs and organizations.
- Promise students, continue the conversation and check-in with your Success Coach!
Week of Workshops Schedule
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Let Your Personality Lead You to New Careers
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
How can you use clues about your personality and preferences to identify career choices? Work with our Career Guidance Specialist to learn more and get a list of careers that may match you!
6 - 7 p.m.
Survive and Thrive in Online Classes
Speakers: Brett Myhren
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Are you thinking about taking an online class? Are you already registered for one? Are you wondering about how to use Canvas? Learn the secrets of success online and find out if taking an online class is right for you. This workshop will allow you to see an example of an online class (in Canvas) and will give you an opportunity to ask questions about online classes. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the benefits of taking classes online.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
How to Apply for Jobs on Campus
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: Zoom
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
Want to work on campus?
There are different types of on campus opportunities for students that can help you gain experience, learn professional skills, and prepare for future employment. Join us to learn about where to find these opportunities (including Federal Work Study) and how you can apply successfully. This workshop doesn't cover certificated or faculty positions.
12 - 1 p.m.
Finding and Researching Schools That Offer My Major
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
As you explore your opportunities for transfer and career, learn how to find and effectively research college and university programs and majors!
2 - 3 p.m.
Using Handshake in your Job and Internship Search
Speakers: Eric Hilden
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
In this session, we'll show you several ways to use Handshake, the #1 way college students find jobs &
internships. We'll cover things like: how to log-in and claim your account, how to build your profile, and other tips you can use to take advantage of this excellent tool. This workshop will be approximately 45 minutes. Hope you can join us. If you have any questions about this event, contact the Career Resource Center at (949) 582-4575.
8:30 - 9 a.m.
What Can Career Resources do for you?
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
Whether you are a first-time student unsure about your career direction, a returning student looking to
discuss your options, searching for employment, or somewhere in between, the Career Resource Center can help you reach your career and educational goals. This workshop will introduce you to the many services boffered. Help us to help you achieve your goals one step at a time. This workshop is 30 minutes.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Take Courses Without Buying a Textbook!
Speakers: Nicole Major and Jennifer Pakula
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Open your textbook, not your wallet! Join us for a brief overview of what Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) means for you and how to search for these classes in the online schedule. In addition, you will learn about the many different ZTC pathways that you can take to earn a certificate or degree here at Saddleback with zero book fees!
11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
College Services - What You Need to Know!
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
Explore the many online and in-person services and tools available to you at Saddleback College. This workshop will introduce you to career services and classes to help you decide on a major as well as the college catalog, student handbook, and MySite. Additionally, we will cover key services you need to know and how to seek more help. There will be time for questions and answers.
Headed for Success: What You Need to Know for Prof. Major's Online Class
Speakers: Nicole Major
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Join Professor Nicole Major as she provides strategies, her course structure, the basics of Canvas, and other pertinent information for students to feel comfortable taking her online class. She will help her students navigate Canvas and demonstrate all areas of her course in order for students to be successful from the start. This workshop is a great opportunity for students who are new to the online class environment and/or would like to become familiar with the course before it begins. Extra credit will be given for attending.
1 - 2 p.m.
College is hard. We make it easier!
Speakers: Office of Student Success
Room: LRC 210 (MESA)
Zoom link: N/A
Did you know you have success coaches? Come meet them all and get all your resource questions answered!
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Trig Review
Speakers: Karla Westphal
Room: LRC 105
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
In this workshop, we’ll review the triangle and unit circle definitions of the trig functions, with a focus on understanding how these definitions so as to minimize the amount of memorization needed. This will be the first of a series of workshops offered during the first part of the semester to help students brush up on trig, since this is an important pre-requisite in so many math and science classes. Workshop is offered both in person and via zoom.
4 - 6 p.m.
Interior Design Orientation
Speakers: Farida Gabdrakhmanova
Room: BGS 131
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Discover the world of INTERIOR DESIGN at our INFORMATION SESSION! Whether you're a beginner seeking guidance or an art lover searching for enriching GE classes in Art and Design, this workshop is perfect for you! Join us either in person at the BGS 131 classroom or through Zoom to learn about our program, career prospects, and class details. Tour our classrooms, meet our passionate instructors, and connect with student club leaders who will share invaluable tips for your journey to success. Don't miss out on this inspiring opportunity to explore your passions and embark on an exciting journey of creativity and innovation!
5 - 6 p.m.
Survive and Thrive Online
Speakers: Brett Myhren
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Are you thinking about taking an online class? Are you already registered for one? Are you wondering about how to use Canvas? Learn the secrets of success online and find out if taking an online class is right for you. This workshop will allow you to see an example of an online class (in Canvas) and will give you an opportunity to ask questions about online classes. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the benefits of taking classes online.
6 - 7 p.m.
Learn what it takes to SUCCEED in Prof Medling's ONLINE Accounting 1A course!
Speakers: Jane Pashalides Medling
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Accounting is the language of business! Learn the ins and outs of how to succeed in ONLINE Accounting 1A at Saddleback College. This is a tough course and I want to make sure everyone is prepared and knows what to expect. Lots of great tips will be presented! This workshop will also introduce students to the course Canvas shell, textbook, and Connect (the textbook publisher's homework management system).
6 - 8 p.m.
Preparing for Math 3C: parametric curves
Speakers: Karla Westphal
Room: LRC 105
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Parametric curves get used a lot in 3C. This workshop offers a quick review of the basics of parametric curves, emphasizing the underlying algebra and geometry that are most needed for Math 3C. As time allows, we may review additional topics from second semester calculus that are used frequently in 3C. Workshop is offered both in person and via zoom. Any 3C student, regardless of which section you are taking, is welcome to attend this workshop.
9 - 10 a.m.
How to Research Careers
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
Join us for an engaging workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills for researching and exploring career opportunities. Whether you haven't worked yet, or looking to make a career change, this session will guide you through the process of uncovering valuable insights about different fields, understanding job market trends, and leveraging resources to make informed decisions. Discover strategies and online tools to create a personalized career roadmap. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career with confidence!
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
How to Have a Successful Relationship
Speakers: Tiffany Baggs
Room: LRC 147
Zoom link: N/A
Do you need to improve your relationships with anyone? Communication is the number one reason relationships bloom or fail. Come learn how to improve yours.
12 - 1 p.m.
Learn what it takes to SUCCEED in Prof Medling's ONLINE Accounting 1A class!
Speakers: Jane Pashalides Medling
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Join this Zoom Meeting
Accounting is the language of business! Learn the ins and outs of how to succeed in ONLINE Accounting 1A at Saddleback College. This is a tough course and I want to make sure everyone is prepared and knows what to expect. Lots of great tips will be presented! This workshop will also introduce students to the course Canvas shell, textbook, and Connect (the textbook publisher's homework management system).
12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
How to Speak so People Want to Listen
Speakers: Tiffany Baggs
Room: LRC 147
Zoom link: N/A
Knowing how to talk so people want to hear what you say is crucial in the workplace and in your relationships. Come learn how to communicate so you are engaging, interesting and dynamic.
2:30 - 4 p.m.
Let Your Personality Lead You to New Careers
Speakers: Donnie Mineo
Room: N/A
Zoom link: Register for this Zoom Meeting
How can you use clues about your personality and preferences to identify career choices? Work with our Career Guidance Specialist to learn more and get a list of careers that may match you!