Pierce among top ranked in state College reported as No. 14 of 19 top transfer community colleges in Calif.

Meghan McGillicuddy Roundup Reporter

Pierce ranked among 19 community colleges that sent about half of its students to a University of California, according to the University of California

(UC) Transfer Action Report that was reviewed at the Pierce College Academic Senate meeting on Monday, May 19.

The UC Transfer Action Report surveys the community colleges across California and tallies how many students transferred to a UC school.

Santa Monica City College was ranked number one, with 783 students transferring to a UC between 2012-13. Other schools, such as Feather River College, only sent one student to a UC, according to the report.

“They really need to improve the scope of where they are getting their transfer students from,” said Sunday Salter, director of the Transfer Center.

The UC Transfer Action Report proposed that community colleges should look into improving their counselors and counseling resources in order to make the transferring process easier.

“I think that counseling does a pretty good job, but they need a little help in getting the word out as well,” said James McKeever, assistant professor of sociology.

In addition to improving counseling, the report suggested that colleges make it easier for students to choose classes that not only meet their need for their major, but can also be transferred to a UC school.

“There is a huge push on all of our departments to modify our curriculum,” said Joe Perret, an instructor in the computer application and office technology department.

Should community colleges follow through with the plan