Job Demand for Computer Science Majors

If you want to land a high-paying job after graduation, major in computer science. A spokesman for Microsoft said the company has 6,300 job openings and 3,600 are in computer science and engineering. What can you expect to earn? Most of these jobs pay $100,000 and up in salary and benefits. Want a Job After College? Major in Computer Science appeared in the "U-T San Diego" on Feb. 2, 2013.

picture by Antony-22

Also, if you're thinking about earning a Ph.D. to teach in academia, How Many Ph.D's Actually Get To Become College Professors? from "The Atlantic" breaks down the percentage of graduates who obtain a tenured college teaching position by major. The article was forwarded by John Gradilla.

Math Advice



picture by Rovnet

"Math does not have to be intimidating." -- Victoria Phung.

Here is an interview with City College Math Professor, Victoria Phung, who is teaching Math 38 this semester. The actual interview took place in the fall of 2012, but we thought it would be appropriate to post it at the beginning of the semester. 

What classes are you teaching this semester?

-I am teaching Math 38, Pre-Algebra.

How long have you been at City? 

-I've been here for at least 10 years.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of teaching math?

-Help students come to understand mathematics.  It is very rewarding when I see that they get the concept and the students themselves are excited that they get it.

In our global society, why is it important to have a strong foundation in math?

-Because math is everywhere, all around us.  Understanding mathematics enhances your reasoning and problem solving skills. 

UCSD Top 10 in Best Value




Revelle College by Tktktk

 
According to Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, UCSD is one of the best value colleges in public university education. UCLA and UC Berkeley also made the top 10. SDSU ranked 77th and CSU Long Beach, Cal Poly Pomona, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo also made the top 100. Kiplinger's Rates UCSD 10th Nationally Again ran in the U-T San Diego on Jan. 13, 2013.



UCSD literature building by Tktktk


Speaking of UCSD, a few months ago, we posted an article about the TAG ending at UCSD in fall 2014 and some students voiced objections. Here's an option for first-year students wanting to transfer to UCSD. UniversityLink is a program that allows a student to transfer with a minimum 3.0 GPA if they meet specific requirements. Interested first-year students should meet with a counselor to discuss requirements for this program. Note: you must be either a high school senior or in your first year of college to be eligible.

Pay Off Student Loans



Picture by Marya

Want to pay off your student loans? Brian McBride paid off $26,500 in student loan debt in two years. This Huffington Post article shows how he did it. Here's a Wall Street Journal article from "Yahoo! Finance" about people who threw a "loan-payoff party" after taking care of their student loan debts. Also, an online article detailing four ways to avoid excessive student loan debt recommends students work no more than 20 hours a week: "Research by the nonprofit thinktank Public Agenda shows that balancing school and too many hours of work is the No. 1 reason students drop out of college."   

County of San Diego hiring

The County of San Diego is hiring for a number of positions such as certified nursing assistant, project manager, and environmental health specialist. Here is info on County positions open for hiring.

Healing loss through helping others

picture by Einar Einarsson Kvaran

Anita and Nathan Weedmark suffered a parent's worst nightmare -- the loss of their 19-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. A Mesa College student, Elizabeth died in a car accident in 2006 while driving to San Francisco to visit friends. Anita and Nathan plunged into despair, but eventually came to terms with their loss. Nathan: "In a way, you don't want to lose your grief because you don't want to lose the memories." Anita: "And I just started sobbing, and I thought, 'Oh no, is this what's going to happen? I'll just forget about her?' But I'm not going to forget her. I talk about her practically every day."

Anita and Nathan Weedmark transformed their pain to start an annual event called "Lizfest" in honor of their deceased daughter and raise funds to help children through music. A Couple's Brave Journey Through Heartbreak appeared in the "U-T San Diego" on December 17, 2013.  

CSU San Marcos proposes fee increase

picture by Thomas

Will raising fees encourage students to graduate faster and create more room for admission? CSU San Marcos apparently thinks so. Even after the passage of Prop. 30, this college is sending these proposals to their Board of Trustees: institute a per unit supplement fee of $372 for students with 160 or more units, inititate a $91 per unit fee for repeating a class, and a $182 per unit fee for students taking more than 18 units (this discourages enrolling in more units than needed in order to drop them later). What's your take on this as a student?  Cal State University Seeking New Fees Next Fall was forwarded by counseling support staff supervisor, Megan Soto. It was published in the LA Times on Nov. 8th, 2012.

picture by Neon Tommy

Fear not! Governor Brown to the rescue! The governor voiced his opposition to proposed fee increases on the part of UC and CSU universities after the passage of Proposition 30. His reasoning: "This is not the time to be raising fees of any kind," he said. "Voters gave us billions in new revenue, now we have to use that judiciously." CSU, UC Postpone Plans to Hike Fees, Tuition appeared in the "U-T San Diego" on Nov. 14, 2012.

Choosing a Major

Choosing a Major
by Kelli Turpin

When I was publishing my last post (the one about Catalog Rights), I realized that we hadn’t yet talked about how to choose a major.  Since I brought it up, I get to talk about the process of choosing a major.  The things I get myself into!



 



Before you start thinking about a major, think about your career.  You’re in college for a reason, right?  Many times, career choice dictates major choice: you can’t be an engineer without an engineering degree.  Even for those careers that don’t have connected majors, knowing your end goal will help you maintain your motivation, which will in turn keep your grades up, which will improve your chances of getting into the university of your choice, which should lead to graduation and a real job. 

Best Careers in U.S.

What careers have top pay, excellent employment growth, flexibility, and good job satisfaction? Here are the top 10 careers according to CNN Money and the reasons they're the best. The article appeared on Yahoo on Nov. 1, 2012.

Spring schedule and registration



picture by Anita Martinz

Here are some key dates for spring forwarded by counseling support staff supervisor, Megan Soto:

• Nov. 8th -- The spring class schedule is available online.
• Nov. 15th -- Last day to apply for spring and receive a priority appt date for registration by e-mail.
• Nov. 16th -- Registration date/time available for viewing on Reg-e.
• Nov. 26th -- Registration by appt begins.
• Nov. 30th -- Last day to apply for spring and receive a registration appointment after Dec. 14th (Note that students who apply after Nov. 30th will need to register for classes after Jan. 7th).
• Dec. 17th -- Last day of the fall semester.
• Jan. 7th -- Open registration begins.
• Jan. 8th -- Last day to submit a petition to re-take a class in the spring semester.
• Jan. 28th -- First day of spring classes.
• Feb. 8th -- Add/drop period for semester-length classes.
• March 2nd -- Best priority for FAFSA submission to receive financial aid.
• March 4th -- Pass/No Pass option deadline for semester-length classes.
• March 22nd -- Deadline to petition for fall reinstatement after a 3rd disqualification.
• April 1st -- Deadline to petition for a certificate/AA/AS degree and have your name in the program. Start of 2nd 8-week classes.
• April 11-- Career Fair 10am to 1:30 in Gorton Quad. 
• April 12th -- Withdrawal deadline for semester-length classes. 

Private Colleges



Amherst College


Where are the best values in private colleges? Which school is offering free tuition? Read this Kiplinger article to find the best bets in private colleges.

Also, here's a resource for info about private colleges.

USD info



photo by Chris Palmer

Here's some info about University of San Diego from Erik Castillo, their Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions and forwarded by Counseling Support Staff Supervisor, Megan Soto:

       

   http://www.sandiego.edu/admissions/undergraduate/visit/upcoming_events.php

for more information on upcoming events.

 

Florence Italy by Marius Fiskum



Recently Added Majors:

• Behavioral Neuroscience major (2012)
• Italian Studies major (2012)
• Biophysics major (2011)
• Architecture major (2010)

USD in the news

• Ranked 1^st in the nation for the percentage of our students who study abroad. Over 71% of USD students have had at least one international experience. (Institute for International Education)
• Recognized by Ashoka U as a Changemaker campus, an honor that affirms our commitment to social entrepreneurship.  There are only 14 other Changemaker campuses. Read more at http://ashokau.org/about/what-we-do/
• USD is the first university in the West Coast Conference to win the Commissioner’s Cup for 5 years consecutively. This recognizes the best overall performance in conference play.
• One of three universities to host the Dalai Lama during his visit to San Diego in April 2012.

Admissions Facts:

• Total undergraduate enrollment is 5,493
• 48% of total student body is from CA
• 46% of total student body is from out-of-state

·         6% of total student body is international

• 31% of total student body identify as a person of color

Catalog Rights - by Kelli Turpin

Many of the terms that you hear from City's faculty and staff are unfamiliar.  In order to be sure that you've completed all the requirements for an associate degree, you need to know a) what your major is, and b) what your catalog year is.  This post aims to help you understand your catalog rights and how to determine catalog year.  (What if you don't know what your major is?  Stay tuned.  I have a feeling that we're going to cover that at some point in the near future.)

First, some background:

An associate degree requires 60 units, or 20 classes.  A well-prepared full-time student usually takes 12 (or more) units (4 classes) each semester and finishes in 5 (or fewer) semesters (approximately 2 ½ years).  If a student cannot take 12 units a semester, then the same degree will take longer to finish.  (For those of you who like numbers: If our hypothetical student takes one class a semester, then that student will take 20 semesters to finish a degree.  Given the lack of summer school in our district, that translates into 10 years.  Two classes a semester = 10 semesters = 5 years.)

The requirements for each degree program are published in the College Catalog each academic year.  The catalog is the official document that establishes each program’s requirements.  Each department has the responsibility to update and revise its section of the catalog each year.  When technology, employment needs, or transfer requirements change, the affected departments change their programs accordingly.

Scholarships available!

Scholarships for non-citizens and AB 540 students forwarded by counselor Edwin Hiel:

http://www.latinocollegedollars.org/
http://www.salef.org/
http://hs.houstonisd.org/debakeyhs/Departments/counselors/Undocumented.html
http://www.nygearup.org/collegesense/students/scholar_undoc.htm
http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/undocumented.phtml
http://cacesf.org/   
 

SDSU nursing changes and other info

SDSU has changed their nursing admissions procedure. Transfer students to their generic BSN program will no longer be able to apply for spring semester because this program will only be open for fall transfer. All nursing prerequisites must be completed by the end of fall 2012 for fall 13 admission to the generic nursing program. Students interested in nursing are encouraged to attend a group advising session at SDSU. This info was provided by Jason Ramirez, Undergrad Program Coordinator of SDSU's school of nursing.

Also, effective fall 2012, SDSU is no longer accepting students to the Physical Education emphasis under Exercise Nutritional Sciences due to "budget and lack of student interest." They expect to discontinue the emphasis according to Manuel Sanchez, articulation officer at SDSU. The above info was forwarded by counseling department chair, Cathi Lopez.

Here are links to the SDSU GPA requirements by major, the advisors contact by dept, their TAG, and the local admission area community colleges.

CSUs and UCs are strapped for money

Picture by Nehrams 2020

Okay, if you're a college student in CA, breathe a sigh of relief that Proposition 30 passed. What might've been the fallout if voters had gone in the other direction? CSU Board OKs Tuition Increase -- Good Only If Prop 30 Fails was published in the "LA Times" on Sept. 19, 2012.

Also, the UC system is considering increasing enrollment of out-of-state and international students to help during this time of funding shortages from the state. These students pay higher tuition and this brings in more money to the UCs. However, it hurts California residents who hope to realize their dream through a UC education. Hall: In-State UC Enrollment Faces Diminished Future appeared in the "U-T San Diego" on Sept. 21, 2012.

Academic Renewal

ForestWander Nature Photography, www.ForestWander.com

Want to raise your GPA? Here's how to do so without retaking classes. You can renew up to 12 units of substandard coursework (D's or F's) or 1 semester of substandard coursework (below 2.0 GPA). Conditions: One year has elapsed since the most recent courses to be renewed, you've completed at least 15 units with a 2.0 or higher GPA at a regionally accredited college since the courses to be renewed, and official transcripts from all colleges are on file. See a counselor for the petition.

According to Jennifer Atkins of UCSD, a course taken at a UC college for a substandard grade should only be retaken at a UC campus. This can be through cross enrollment or summer session, but not through Extension. If you receive a grade of "F" in a UC course and retake it at a non UC campus, both grades will be averaged. If you get a grade of "D" in a UC course and retake it at a non UC college, the repeated grade will be disregarded. Students who are not in good standing at a UC aren't eligible to attend another UC, but an exception can be requested. This info was forwarded by counselor Rudy Zamora.    

Student Spotlight

Jose B. is a 20-year-old City student who has seen more than his share of obstacles. He was born in LA and moved to Tijuana with his family when his grandfather passed away. Jose lived there until he was 15, and his parents told him to come back to the U.S. for the opportunities. He moved to San Diego and eventually became the first in his family to go to college, but it wasn’t easy. As the oldest in his family, Jose had to work two and three jobs to support his four siblings. He often commuted from TJ to San Diego and rode the trolley to get to City College.  

Jose is working as a peer mentor in First Year Experience (FYE), a support service that helps new students adjust to college. He relays his experiences to students he works with. “I didn’t know about financial aid, the bookstore, and programs like EOPS, MESA, and Puente. When I was in school, nobody told me about that.” Now he utilizes the resources; he is an EOPS student and appreciates the guidance and support. Jose wants to let students know what’s available. His advice to new students: “Some students know a lot about college. Find someone who’s going to guide you and help you with their experiences or knowledge. If you need help, you should ask.”