Transfer Angst

Media Credit: Daniel Marroquin / The San Matean
Leo Alcala, 21, discusses his future education with Doris Fendt, student outreach services representative from San Francisco State University at Transfer Day on Monday, Oct. 5.

http://media.www.sanmatean.com/media/storage/paper796/news/2009/10/12/News/Transfer.Angst-3805583.shtml

Mintoy Tillman and Sharon Ho
Issue date: 10/12/09

Budget cuts have forced state universities to close the door to new students for spring 2010.

"I can't start classes at San Jose State University this January because I couldn't get in due to the budget cuts," said Emily Tuipulotu, 20, an administration of justice major who will graduate this fall.

Budget cuts have caused UCs and CSUs to decrease the number of students admitted.

"It is very competitive for students to transfer right now because of the budget cuts," said Transfer Services Coordinator Mike Mitchell.

"We will be taking in 33,900 students for fall 2010, down 100 from 34,000 students last year," said Jo Volkert, associate vice president of enrollment planning and management for San Francisco State University.

"It is pretty disheartening," said English major Kajah C. Ram, 23, who will transfer next year.

Students should apply during the priority period from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 for UC applicants, and from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for CSU applicants for fall 2010, Mitchell said.

It is important for transfer students to make sure to apply before the Nov. 30 deadline, because they will be automatically disqualified if they miss it, Volkert said.

Social work, interior design, fashion design, psychology, nutrition and journalism programs have been impacted by budget cuts and are particularly competitive, said Volkert.

"Students who are interested in these majors will need to file an extra application," she said. "They should also be constantly keeping a look-out for updates sent via e-mail."

CSM Transfer Services helped students face these transfer challenges by inviting representatives from 40 schools to CSM on Oct. 5 for their annual Transfer Day.

A non-stop stream of 700 students attended Transfer Day, said Mitchell, and more than 50 students turned up for the UC application workshop afterward.