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In an event sponsored by the PCC transfer center, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block spoke to a crowd regarding UCLA transfer concerns at the Circadian on March 29th.Speaking about various issues regarding community college transfer’s Block focused on state budget cuts, environmental changes at the UC level, and students’ ability to influence the state funds that are allocated toward higher education.

As the state struggles to provide schools with the required funds, UCLA remains strong with its transfer rate. “The budget cuts have not affected our transfer rate one bit. Show us your applications, let us help you afford schools,” Block said.

Although the chancellor remains optimistic about the transfer rate, students remain concerned about how they are going to pay for school once they transfer.

“My biggest concern about transferring has been paying for school,” said psychology major Christine Varney. “I know an education should pay for itself in the long run, but hearing about so many students stuck with a high debt from college makes me pretty nervous.”

Another issue students have concern about is living arrangements. Block elaborated about a program that UCLA offers. “PCC transfer students are offered a living unit that is on campus for at least a year,” Block said.

Although the chancellor’s words of encouragement are meant not to scare students away from applying to UCLA, some students see the reality of the situation.

Psychology major Christine Varney said: “I think with the increasing budget cuts there comes more competition among transfers.

Another option students have resorted is to applying to multiple schools, regardless of where they have their heart set. Justin Youngs, political science major, said: “I have dreamed about going to UCLA ever since I was 6 years old. The statewide budget cuts have most definitely scared me, so I applied to over 10 schools for next fall.”

Another issue raised at the event is the transfer student’s ability to adapt quickly to the environmental changes at UCLA.

Block wanted transfer students to be aware of the academic workload and its commitment. “The only issue students need to adapt to is the quarter system in comparison to the semester system,” Block said.

Amidst the recent protest against the California school budget cuts, one student asked if these protests helped or hurt the issue.

“I think what was done was great with these protests,” Block said. “One thing students have to realize is that California has many institutions that require allocations and have priority above higher education.”

He encouraged students to contact local representatives and express their concern about educational cuts.

Students reacted to this explanation in various ways.

“I know we have to be aware that there are other establishments that need funding more than higher education, and I respect that,” said Varney.

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