By: Chris Lim, May 13, 2025
Cal Poly Pomona’s PolyTransfer program commemorated the journey and success of graduating transfer students during a graduation celebration event May 5 at the Bronco Student Center.
PolyTransfer is a program that aims to help students, who usually transfer from community colleges, with any struggles when it comes to stepping foot in CPP and supporting them throughout their journey.
The event gave students the opportunity to mingle, indulge in food and drinks and decorate their caps with PolyTransfer-provided supplies. A Career Center representative was also present to help those who were uncertain about their future.
Claire Luevanos, the PolyTransfer’s program coordinator, said the event was important to honor graduating students who were a part of the program.
“We wanted to celebrate and support all of our PolyTransfer students who made it this far in this journey,” Luevanos said. “Sometimes when it comes to finishing, it’s exciting but also stressful for students. This event was catered for those transfer students who have accomplished so much during their years at Cal Poly Pomona.”
Different resources, such as professional peer mentors, workshops, and a study lounge, are provided to incoming transfer students.
Anayeli Morales, an early childhood studies graduate, transferred from a community college to CPP.
Morales said she had slight travel issues when it came to commuting to her classes in community college, as she would have to pay for her bus rides to get to her classes.
Coming into CPP, she learned there were multiple resources, including free bus rides and free car rides, that were provided to students.
“I was surprised to see free resources like this,” Morales said. “When it came to my community college, they didn’t offer resources like that.”
According to Morales, being a part of the CPP community gave her a sense of ease when it came to her journey as a college student. With the help of different resources around her, she said she was able to succeed and connect with others around her.
As a graduate, Morales advises future transfer students who come to CPP to explore the campus more and to not be afraid of more interactions with the community.
“Don’t be afraid to explore the campus and ask questions,” Morales said. “I started off a little quiet when I was here, but asking questions helped me connect with others. I know our daily routine is to come to campus and then go home, but you might find something really useful that can connect you with someone.”
Lucian Jun, a psychology graduate, traveled from Arkansas in hopes of finding a new ground.
Originally studying computer science, Jun knew CPP had a great computer science program. However, he didn’t find as much passion and chose to swap over to psychology. The swap gave Jun more time to explore and connect with the CPP community.
With the help of students and facilities, he said he was able to find campus life more comfortable with new friends and had an overall great experience at CPP.
“I felt really close and built a long-lasting relationship with a lot of (people), and they were incredibly friendly,” Jun said. “Those small interactions really made my campus experience beautiful for me.”
PolyTransfer maintains its mission to support underserved, underrepresented, and first-generation transfer students, and it dedicates events like these to celebrate transfer student success.
Students who transfer over to CPP only spend around two to three years coming to campus, according to Luevanos, but the program ensures transfer students make the most out of those years with supportive events, peer mentoring and involvement in campus life.
Luevanos said she wants students who transfer over to CPP to feel comfortable when it comes to student life, and she makes sure they are supported throughout their journey.
“PolyTransfer is here to help and support transfer students,” Luevanos said. “We know that students can fall into academic probation, struggle with who to talk to or maybe experience difficulties in classes, and that happens. Our team wants to guide and motivate transfer students and support them all the way throughout their journey.”
Feature image courtesy of Chris Lim
