The Charger

Experience Program
March 2017

Important!
About Us Transfer
Fair
*Tuesday,
March 7th
The Charger Experience Program (CEP) is
*10:00am-
designed to provide all incoming students 1:00pm
the foundation for success through direct *Under the
engagement with academic programs and Piazza
comprehensive understanding of support (Near
services. CCComplex &
Theater Arts
Building)

The Charger Experience Team

Don't forget to stop by and meet with your counselor at least once a semester (if not more!).
We are here to support you and your goals, whether they be earning an AA/AS degree,
completing a certificate, or transferring to a four-year university. As well, be on the look out
for future workshops and events!

Urias Garcia Gisela Verduzco Maria Haro

Counselor
ugarcia@cypresscollege.edu
Mondays 10:00am-6:00pm
Thursdays 1:30pm-6:00pm
Fridays 8:30am-5:00pm
Director Counselor
gverduzco@cypresscollege.edu mharo@cypresscollege.edu
Thursdays 8:00am- Tuesdays 10:00am-7:00pm
5:00pm Thursdays 1:00pm-6:00pm

To make an appointment, visit the Counseling Center in the 2nd floor of the Student Center
or call 714-484-7015 and ask for an appointment with your Charger Experience Counselor.

MH
 Spring Fling Kickoff Event
A big thanks to the students who joined us for our Spring Fling Kickoff event on Thursday,
February 23rd. We enjoyed pizza, cupcake decorating, and an opportunity drawing!!

Student Spotlight
Get to know your fellow Chargers! This month, we got to know a little about Aaron Santos, one of
our more proactive students, and his experience in the Charger Experience Program.

Aaron Santos 1. What is your major?

My major is nursing and I plan on getting my Associate's Degree
here at Cypress before transferring to California State University,
Long Beach.

2. What is your goal?

Besides those mentioned above, my goal is to make my family
happy. I am first generation born here and to go for the American
Dream. I plan on working hard and make the Dean's Honor Roll list.

3. How has the Charger Experience Program (CEP)

helped in meeting your goals thus far?
This program has really helped me relieve a little stress since there
aren't many programs or clubs that I am in. The Charger
Experience Program offers a lot of advice and consulting about
which classes you should take.

4. In your opinion, what should other CEP students know

about the program?
Instead of waiting hours in the Counseling Center on the second
floor, students can ask for their Charger Experience Counselor and
you're able to speak personally with Maria, Gisela or Urias.

MH
 Get Connected!
This month, we have the wonderful opportunity of introducing you to Yolanda Dueas,
counselor for the Transfer Center. Yolanda is an amazing asset to our Cypress campus and is
here to guide our students through their transfer process. Be sure to come to our Transfer
Workshop on Tuesday, March 14th!

1. How long have you been a transfer counselor here at

Yolanda Dueas
Transfer Center Counselor
Cypress?
This is my second year working at Cypress College as a Transfer
Counselor.
2. What is your favorite part about working with students?
I sincerely enjoy helping and guiding students in achieving their
educational goals and career aspirations. As a first generation college
graduate myself, I had challenges along the way. Like many students, I
started my journey at a community college and I had no one in my family
to guide me through the system. With support from a counselor, I received
my Associate of Arts degree and transferred to a 4yr. University where I
obtained my BA degree in Psychology. My experience inspired me to
pursue a career in educational counseling to guide students navigate the
higher educational system so they can also reach their goals successfully.
I feel that students need someone that they can relate to and understand
their needs so they can feel supported during their educational journey. I
understand the roadblocks that can happen along the way. Every day I
look forward to being part of a students planning process and making
their college experience a positive and fulfilling one.

3. What services do you and the Transfer Center provide students?

We offer an array of services such as:
Individual Counseling
4yr. College and University Representative Appointments
Bus Tours to 4-yr Universities
Transfer Fairs featuring representatives from various UC, CSU and Independent Campuses.
Resource Library of University Catalogs and pamphlets
For more in depth information on our services, please visit the Transfer Center webpage at
http://www.cypresscollege.edu/services/transfer
4. Why should first year students meet with a transfer counselor?
It is important for students to understand the transfer process early so that they will not run into any issues when it
is time for them to transfer. For example, each university may have different transfer procedures and major
requirements. In addition, there are several steps that are necessary before applying to a transfer institution. The
counselor can help facilitate this process by developing a student educational plan so that the student can take the
appropriate courses depending on the transfer plan that he or she chooses. Furthermore, the Transfer Center
Counselor can help clarify any transfer-related questions that the student may have.

5. What advice would you give to a student who is not sure about where to transfer to or is
unfamiliar with the transfer process?
Research: Make it a priority to research various institutions that provide your major of interest. This would
include both public and private four-year institutions to decide what will be the best fit for you. In addition to the
major, there are other factors that you need to consider in selecting a 4 yr. University such as location, class size,
and cost. Visit the universities website and/or use the following website to research institutions:
www.californiacolleges.edu and create a list of your top university choices. It would also be helpful to visit their
top choices by attending a campus tour and/or virtual tour, collect transfer materials, and find out if there are any
transfer agreements. Take advantage of the Transfer Center services as it provides a resource library, transfer
fairs, bus tours to specific universities and appointments with university representatives just to name a few. The
more information you have, the easier it will be to make a decision.
Plan ahead: It is important to make an appointment with a counselor regularly so that you are on track on what
courses you need to take for a particular major and institution. If you attempt to navigate the process with no
help from a counselor, there is a risk of taking courses that are not needed. It is best to meet with an expert in
order to maximize the courses offered at the community college.
6. Any additional tips/advice for first year students?
Select your major early. If undecided on a major, I recommend visiting the Career Center to help with a major
selection. By choosing a major early, you begin taking the required courses for the major, help you finish your
transfer program more efficiently; save you time and money in the long run.

MH
 March Calendar
Here are a few of the wonderful events happening on our campus for the month of March. We
will now be having Pop 'in Thursdays where we will cover different subjects to help you
through your college journey! Please look at the Important section of the calendar for our
program's requirements.

Transfer Fair
Under the
Piazza
10:00am-
1:00pm

MH