Pete Moye’
News Button

Junior college students who plan their transfers from the beginning are faced with the confusion of working with credits, and that is because it can be a puzzling process to piece together a schedule according to the chosen transfer school requirements.

A memo sent to the Faculty Senate from Senate leadership expressed concern for Cerritos students because they are currently dealing with these same problems, however, 2,900 students may be eligible for a transfer this year and may not be aware of it.

These students will be contacted throughout the semester to confirm that they are aware of the issue regarding their transfer legibility.

Stephen B. Johnson, vice president of student services, said, “There’s also an individual choice that each student will make in regard to transfer, that can also significantly effect the timing of the transfer, so sometimes there is additional preparation that a student wants to do for his or her major.”

Students that are possibly unaware of their transfer eligibility might be first generation college students according to the memo sent out to staff.

Consequently, many of those 2,900 might not have a person in their lives that understands the transfer process, which ultimately requires quite a few steps.

Jessica Erazo, anthropology major, is a first-generation college student.

“Every student has a responsibility to be aware of the opportunities that are out there and not let time pass them by, it can be a long wait when talking to a counselor but it’s worth it in the end,” she said.

Several colleges as well as universities require students to apply almost a year in advance, and many Cerritos College students that are qualified to make the transfer are unfortunately missing several of the deadlines at this point.

Johnson continued by adding, “A lot of times these days students are maybe aware of deadlines because there is so much news coverage of the fact that the universities have fewer openings, the community colleges have fewer seats. Most folks have a higher awareness of deadlines because they are concerned about meeting them.”

The Transfer Center will be hosting Information Sessions for student were they can meet up with Transfer Center Councilors and talk things out.

According to business major Christopher Rojas, his transfer seems impossible within the next semester but did not want to talk about it until he has his credits completed.

Subconsciously, this same scenario might ultimately set back students more then they wish in regard to transferring out of Cerritos, due to the deadlines four-year schools have.

The application filing period for fall admissions is fast approaching starting with Oct. 1 for the Cal State Universities and will begin Nov. 1 for the UC’s.

The Information Sessions will be held the following days:

• Sept. 19, noon to 2:30 p.m.

• Sept. 29, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Oct. 5, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

• Oct. 14, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

These Information Sessions have been designed to help prepare students for their transfer, addressing issues such as filling out the application of each university they wish to attend and the different deadlines held by each institution.

Students can sign up for these sessions by visiting the Transfer Center or calling (562) 860-2451 extension 2154, and they are completely free and are by appointment.

Cerritos College also holds workshops for students that are looking forward to transferring to a four-year school.

The memo from the Faculty Senate Leadership grievously estimated approximately 2,900 students will be eligible to transfer this year, and if past practices prevail, more then half will not fill out transfer application.