2019 Northern California Puente Transfer Conference Agenda

2019 Northern California

Puente Transfer Motivational Conference

Saturday, November 9, 2019 University of California, Merced

2019 PUENTE TRANSFER MOTIVATIONAL CONFERENCE

Chris Torres

Emcee

As a young teenager, my life changed dramatically when my grandparents split. I was angry that my grandfather left for La Barca, Jalisco, so I looked for an alternative familia and fell in love with the streets! I grew up in the Fruitridge/ Stockton Boulevard area of Sacramento, dropped out of high school at 17, had my first child at 18, and was not able to find sustainable employment due to my background and lack of education. In 2005, I showed up at Sacramento City College (SCC) as a 30-year-old with three children, low self-esteem, and desperate for a job. As I entered this intimidating new environment, I thought about how hard my grandparents worked. My grandfather came to the U.S. as a bracero in 1944; my grandmother worked the orchards, and these thoughts gave me motivation to push through my fears. Once I tapped into resources and support services such as tutoring, CalWorks, EOPS, Financial Aid, and mentoring, I was able to break the self-defeating belief system that I had developed. I went on to receive two Associate of Arts degrees at SCC, then transferred to Cal State Sacramento and obtained a Sociology degree with an emphasis in race and ethnic relations. I immediately went into my counseling graduate program and received my M.S. degree in fall 2015. My educational journey of nine and a half years was nothing short of a fantastic voyage and a great interpersonal growth period. I have enjoyed being a mentor for Puente for 11 years and now as a professional counselor/ professor, I am able to advocate for and assist disproportionately impacted populations. My work with Puente allows me to continue mentoring and guiding people from my community.

Reyna Grande

Keynote Speaker

Reyna Grande is an award-winning novelist and memoirist. She has received an American Book Award, the El Premio Aztlán Literary Award and the Latino Book Award. In 2012, she was a finalist or the prestigious National Book Critics Circle Awards. Her works have been published internationally in countries such as Norway and South Korea. Born in Mexico, Reyna was 2 years old when her father left for the U.S. to find work. Her mother followed her father north two years later, leaving Reyna and her siblings behind in Mexico. In 1985, when Reyna was going on 10, she entered the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant. She later went on to become the first person in her family to graduate from college. After attending Pasadena City College for two years, Reyna obtained a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and film and video from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She later received her M.F.A. degree in creative writing from Antioch University. Now, in addition to being a published author, she is also an active promoter of Latino literature and is a sought-after speaker at high schools, colleges and universities across the nation.

Currently, Reyna teaches creative writing at UCLA Extension and is at work on her next novel.

welcome

Julia Vergara Co-Executive Director of Puente

Julia Vergara’s relationship with the Puente Project began in 1995, when she and Jane Alsopp piloted the Hayward Unified School District program. Four years later, they were hired to serve as statewide coordinators. Julia is the proud daughter of immigrant parents from El Salvador, and is a first- generation college-going student who graduated from California State University, San Jose. She has devoted her professional life to working with underserved communities and, under her leadership, the Puente Community College Program has grown from 34 sites to 60 sites.

Charles Nies Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UC Merced

Charles Nies has worked in higher education for more than 20 years in a variety of roles. He was the dean of students at a small private college, a program director for a minor in leadership studies and an assistant dean of an interdisciplinary school at a large public university. As an instructor, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership theory, organizational theory, student development and social identity development. He has served as a consultant to a number of universities, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. His area of research is leadership and social change. Nies earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas as a double major in psychology and theology. He received an M.A. degree in counseling psychology and a Ph.D. in educational leadership/leadership theory from Washington State University. Alejandro Delgadillo Associate Director of Educational Equity & Access Programs at UC Merced Alejandro S. Delgadillo is the Associate Director of the Calvin E. Bright Success Center overseeing Services for Undocumented Students, the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, the Guardian Scholars Program, and Community Partnerships. Previously, Delgadillo served for nearly seven years as the Associate Director of Admissions at UC Merced. He attended UCLA, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and later received his master’s degree from Michigan State University in College and University Administration.

Agenda

8–9 AM

Registration and Breakfast

9–9:45 AM

Welcome and Roll Call Julia Vergara Co-Executive Director of Puente Charles Nies Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UC Merced Alejandro Delgadillo Associate Director of Educational Equity and Access Programs at UC Merced

Keynote Speaker Reyna Grande Award-Winning Novelist and Momoirist

9:45–10:30 AM

Walk to Workshops

10:30–10:45 AM

Session I Workshops

10:45–11:45 AM

Resource Fair and Lunch

11:45 AM–12:45 PM

Session II Workshops

1–1:50 PM

Session III Workshops

2–2:50 PM

Close and Raffle

3–3:30 PM

Map Legend

COB1 102, 105, 110, 113, 114, 116 & 120

1

2

COB2 110, 130, 140 & 170

SSM 116

3

SSB 120, 130, 160 & 170

4

Resource & Information Fair

5

Welcome Tent

3 4

1

2

5

Session I 10:45 AM–11:45 AM

Are You Interested in Attending a UC Campus? Are you interested in attending a UC campus? You have a unique opportunity to hear from three campuses at the same time during each workshop group. There will also be a UC and Resource Fair following the workshops, where you can get more details about each campus.

UC Berkeley, UC Merced and UC Santa Barbara

Welcome Tent

UC Davis, UC San Diego and UC Santa Cruz

COB1 102

UC Irvine, UCLA and UC Riverside

COB2 110

UC Merced Campus Tour

Scholars Lane

Get a campus tour from one of our student tour guides and learn about campus life, housing, dining, and the many academic opportunities available to students.

Puente Staff/Faculty Social Networking Hour Puente staff and faculty will have an opportunity meet with UC Merced leadership and receive a campus update from our Interim Director of Admissions. Session II 1–1:50 PM Social/Professional Fraternities and Sororities Fraternity or sorority membership is a good first step toward enjoying all the benefits college life has to offer. The four values of Fraternity and Sorority Life at UC Merced are leadership, scholarship, service and friendship. UC Merced Resources for LGBTQ+ Students The vision of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, within the Office of Student Life, is to affirm the LGBTQ+ and Ally community at UC Merced through education, outreach and advocacy.

COB2 140

COB1 102

COB1 105

Preparing to Transfer: UC Merced TAP and TAG Learn about the UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP), your first step toward transferring to the UC. We will also provide information on the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (UC TAG) and information specific to UC Merced.

COB1 120

UC Merced Pre-Health Services

COB2 110

We help you decide whether this is the best career for you and show you how to meet academic and other requirements for medical school. In collaboration with other campus services, we offer practice interviews and guide you through the application process.

Research at the UC

COB2 130

Want to do research as an undergraduate? The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) at UC Merced was established with a mission to encourage and facilitate faculty- mentored undergraduate research projects and creative activities across all schools and academic disciplines. UC Merced Resources for Undocumented Students Services for Undocumented Students is committed to empowering undocumented students to achieve their academic, professional and personal goals. Through collaborations within the campus and the Merced community, we aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all undocumented students.

COB2 170

Plan for Success After Transfer

SSB 120

There is a noticeable difference between community college and a four-year university. This workshop will outline the expectations, opportunities and changes that can be expected in a four-year university setting, and share resources that can help enhance students’ career goals and university experience.

Staying Motivated Through Transitions

SSB 130

Learning how to accept and adapt to change in a short amount of time is critical in having success, but it can put a lot of stress on a student. Having coping skills, a strong support circle and the ability to communicate needs is just as critical as academic learning itself. Transfer, Returning, and Veteran Program (TRV) Student Panel The Transfer, Returning and Veteran (TRV) program is a supportive community for transfer, reinstated and veteran students. We accomplish our mission by offering career development services, academic support services and a community of engagement.

SSB 160

How to Get Involved

SSB 170

The best way to adjust to the new university setting is to get involved! Come learn how!

UC Merced Campus Tour

Scholars Lane

Session III 2–2:50 PM

Financial Aid

COB1 102

After transferring, how does financial aid work? How can students get more aid (i.e. scholarships, grants, etc.)? We help answer those questions and more.

Student Panel: Critical Race & Ethnic Studies Come hear from students majoring in one of UC Merced’s newest programs: Critical Race & Ethnic Studies.

COB1 105

UC Riverside Puente Summer Leadership Program Develop your leadership and academic skills with other Puentistas who will share their experiences. Learn why you should apply for Summer 2020.

COB1 110

What it Takes to Have a Puente Club

COB1 113

Fresno City College Puente Club students will share their experiences with club organization and what the expectations are in order to be successful. Learn valuable skills to enhance your club.

UC Riverside Puente Summer Writers Conference Calling all students to explore and strengthen their skills and voice through creative writing! Work with published writers in this six day conference.

COB1 116

Increase Your Chances to UC Using Pathways + Come learn about how to increase your odds of being admitted at a UC campus using the new Pathways +.

COB2 110

Career vs. Major

COB2 130

In this workshop you will be exposed to the personal, academic, and career information that will allow you to explore and make a sound decision about your major and potential career.

Sustainability and Individual Impact on the Environment As the first research campus of the 21st century, UC Merced has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to demonstrate “from the ground up” sustainable economic, social and environmental systems that preserve the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Our faculty, staff, and students embrace this opportunity and are building sustainability into every aspect of the campus.

COB2 170

Art Activism

SSM 116

Be a Puente art activist! Learn how art has impacted activists and social justice goals.

Transfer, Returning, and Veteran Program (TRV)

SSB 160

Student Panel

UC Merced Campus Tour

Scholars Lane

2019 Northern California Puente Transfer Motivational Conference

Saturday, November 9, 2019