Keynote speaker uncertain Graduation guest still undecided

Tracy Wright Editor-in-chief

The commencement speaker for the spring 2014 ceremony has not been determined yet, according to Student Services Vice President Earic Peters.

Peters said several people had been invited to speak at the ceremony and a few have declined due to scheduling conflicts.

“We were looking for speakers for this year and next,” Peters said.

Peters indicated a speaker would be chosen, to be confirmed by Thursday, May 15, 2014.

Of the nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District, only six colleges have confirmed commencement speakers.

Staying close to home is one of the main reasons many students from Pierce transfer to California State University Northridge and University of California, Los Angeles according to Transfer Center Director Sunday Salter. Departments from UCLA and CSUN set up tables on the Mall from 10 am to 1 pm to talk to students for the Transfer Fair on Thursday, May 9.

“Students can ask questions like ‘what can I expect to study if I choose your major at your school’ or ‘what gpa should I have to get admitted to your program,’” Salter said. The fair also served to reward those students who are transferring

“Some students might be offended but to that I say, ‘this should motivate you to come back next year, get your piece of pizza and let us know that you are transferring’,” Salter said.

Rashonda Turner, 25, a political science major who got accepted to CSUN this fall found their financial aid representative helpful in how the finances differ for their school.

“I went to the financial aid table and they really helped me with a lot of numbers, a lot of scholarship information and things like that,” Turner said.

There are some general tips for students who wish to transfer to any school according to Donia Davis. administrator for the school of theater, film and TV of UCLA.

“Follow the transfer plan at your school, complete the IGETC, make sure all your GE’s are out of the way because they have to be completed before you transfer,” Davis said. The representatives were able to tell interested students the types of courses they can take at Pierce that satisfy requirements for various departments and programs, according to Administration Coordinator Ann Ward of CSUN.

“We can help them decide what type of program they want to go into,” Ward said. “There are so many different degrees they can earn, we can show them the different degrees we have.”