Students celebrated with upbeat music, lively games and refreshing ice cream during the UCLA and CSUN Day event on Wednesday, May 7, inside the Great Hall.
The event was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an opportunity for graduating students to connect with representatives from their transfer schools, as well as to celebrate their academic achievements and their next steps.
In addition to festivities, students participated in a special activity by sharing words of wisdom on a whiteboard and earning tickets that could be redeemed for ice cream.
A photo booth was also set up, allowing students to capture the moment with fun celebratory pictures.
Students were also able to pick up silver transfer cords, which they can choose to wear with their cap and gown during graduation.
CSUN graduation advising specialist for math and science Briseña Castaneda emphasized the importance of providing a welcoming environment for students preparing for the next chapter of their education.
“We build a community where students are welcome to ask questions,” Castaneda said. “If we don’t know the answer, then we always make the appropriate referrals. We welcome you with open arms because it can be difficult making the transition from the community college to a university where maybe expectations are placed or harder courses are taken.”
Psychology major Sophia Ruiz, who is transferring this fall to UC Santa Cruz, thought the event helped her reflect on the journey that brought her to this point.
“For some students, this feels like a support system,” Ruiz said. “So coming here, seeing the people who helped you, being able to say I made it, and feeling acknowledged is really special”.
Other students have felt the transfer process hasn’t been easy when navigating financial aid, and managing academic requirements can be overwhelming. But events like this help get them connected.
“It’s been a battle getting to know all the resources and financial programs,” psychology major Axel Maldonado said. “I always leave voicemails, and it can sometimes take a while to hear from a representative. It’s easier to connect with departments here and get more information.”
As students prepare to transfer to universities with new academic challenges, the event was a reminder that campus resources are in place and should be taken advantage of.
“Get connected, use the campus resources,’ mechanical engineering major Alex Lopez said. “Go tutoring, talk to the professor and join clubs. People just need to take that extra step.”
