Fullerton College Hosts Undocumented Student Week of Action, Oct. 15-19
Lisa McPheron
Director of Campus Communications
714- 992-7014 | lmcpheron@fullcoll.edu
Fullerton (October 10, 2018) – Fullerton College will join more than 40 community colleges and organizations across California that will host events for Undocumented Student Week of Action, October 15 – 19. This campaign will advocate for a permanent solution to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that includes a pathway to citizenship, and to provide support and resources to all undocumented students.
The college’s events include a variety of workshops covering financial aid, legal rights, mental health, documentary viewing, and capacity building for educators. It will also include a resource fair of local nonprofit and student organizations and Fullerton College services.
“Contributing to inclusive environments that foster a sense of belonging, is the key to strengthening support for undocumented students,” said Sylvia Pimentel, counseling faculty and coordinator of the Grads to Be program. “There are various ways we can advocate through public education, contacting governmental representatives, voting, and addressing instances of anti-immigrant rhetoric or behaviors. The strategies benefit student success and institutional efforts at increasing retention and persistence.”
The California Community Colleges Board of Governors declared Oct. 15-19 as Undocumented Student Week of Action in a resolution adopted at its September meeting, held less than 10 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. The resolution notes that the California Community Colleges is committed to providing an open and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, age, gender, medical condition or socioeconomic status, according to a State Chancellor’s Office press release.
Throughout the year, the Grads to Be program provides a variety of services and resources for undocumented students including mentorship, academic counseling, leadership development, financial aid and related workshops to support students through their academic journey. Pimentel said the program has seen an increase in the number of students served since last year with more and more students engaged and taking advantage of resources available.
Grads to Be is hosting these events during the Undocumented Student Week of Action at Fullerton College:
Monday, October 15 – Opening Day
- Commitment Ceremony: 12:10 p.m., in front of the Library
Join Fullerton College President Greg Schulz and guests for the kickoff. An announcement will be made on a recent grant supporting undocumented students.
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshop: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Building 200, Room 229
The workshop will cover the CA Dream Act, applying for state financial aid and scholarships.
Tuesday, October 16 – Legal Rights
- Resource Fair: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., quad
Grads to Be will host the college’s first undocumented student resource fair in collaboration with local nonprofits and student organizations.
- Presentation – How to Prepare for ICE on Campus and Workplace Enforcement Efforts: 12 to 1:30 p.m., Building 200, Room 226
The U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP will discuss the parameters and guidelines regarding ICE on college campuses.
- Presentation – Know Your Rights: 3 to 4 p.m., Building 200, Room 229
Representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a nonprofit, grassroots civil rights and advocacy organization will lead this discussion.
Wednesday, October 17
- Know Your Legal Rights Webinar: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Building 500, Room 520
Presented by Immigrants Rising.
- Explore Entrepreneurship Webinar: 5 to 6 p.m., Building 200, Room 228
Presented by Immigrants Rising.
Thursday, October 18
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me Display: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., quad
Fullerton College’s faculty, staff and students are invited to sign postcards that will be sent to Congress in support of undocumented students and their families.
- Mental Health Workshop – Undocumented Experiences, Resistance and Resiliency: 12 to 1:30 p.m., Building 200, Room 229
Friday, October 19
- Pizza & Movie Night – No Le Digas a Nadie Documentary (Don’t Tell Anyone): 6 to 8 p.m., Building 1000, Room 1018
To learn more about the Grads to Be program and services at Fullerton College, please visit https://grads2be.fullcoll.edu/
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