TransferPalooza
TransferPalooza Conference + Fall Opening Day
Friday, August 21, 2026
9:00am - 2:30pm (Check-in at 8:30am)
Location: San Diego City College Saville Theatre + Breakout Locations
You're welcome to register on site! We'll accept students until the theatre is at capacity!
What is TransferPalooza + Fall Opening Day?
On Friday, August 21, join San Diego City College for TransferPalooza and Fall Opening Day! Whether you're just getting started at City College or planning to transfer in the upcoming year, you'll have an opportunity to connect with campus programs and services, attend university-led workshops, hear from successful transfer students, and get the information and resources you need to start the year off strong.
At TransferPalooza and Opening Day, you will:
- Learn what it really takes to transfer from directly from SDSU, USD, National University, and Pt. Loma Nazarene University (we've asked them to deliver all of the transfer tea!). CSU San Marcos will join us at lunch time!
- Hear from experienced City College Transfer Counselors who will share EVERYTHING they know about UC-transfer admission
- Discover how to qualify for guaranteed admission into the CSU, various UC campuses, and into HBCU partner colleges
- Hear from students who've successfully transferred from San Diego City College
- Connect with City College support programs like EOPS, Veteran's, Counseling, CalWORKS/Believe, Admissions, Financial Aid
- Learn more about the Promise Program and getting two free years of college
- Get your student ID and take a campus tour
- Leave with tools, insights, and a community that believes in your success!
This is not a lecture.
It's not an orientation.
This is a conference.
We will only do this during the fall semester - and we don't want you to miss it! This year, every enrolled City College student who completes an evaluation during the conference will be eligible to receive a special prize!
Registration is strongly encouraged!
Who Should Attend?
If you're thinking about transferring to a college or university after City College, TransferPalooza and Fall Opening Day is where you need to be!
This day was designed for:
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New students who want to start with a strong transfer plan
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Continuing students with questions about the transfer steps or the transfer process
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First-generation college students
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Students in programs like Promise, Umoja, Puente, HUBU, EOPS, CalWORKs, MESA
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Anyone who wants to be in community with other transfer students
TransferPalooza and Fall Opening Day is the fall event for students who want to transfer from City College to a university.
TransferPalooza Conference + Fall Opening Day Agenda (9am-1pm)
(Subject to Change)
Conference Check-in (8:30 AM)
Grab your conference packet, enjoy a light breakfast, and get ready for a day designed
just for transfer-bound students.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
We'll kick things off with a warm welcome from our President and a quick preview of
what's in store for the day.
Workshop 1: Transfer 101 - Transfer Basics
This session breaks down the key transfer steps, timelines, and what to focus on at
each part of the journey.
Real Talk: Student Transfer Panel
Hear honest advice and stories from students who made the leap from City College to
a university (and what they wish they'd known sooner!)
Workshop 2: Choose Your Track (Pick One):
- CSU Transfer Prep (with SDSU admissions)
- UC Transfer Prep (with the City College Transfer Center)
- Non-Traditional Transfer Pathways: Private & Online Universities (with USD, Pt. Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) and PLNU Undergraduate Accelerated Programs)
- Pathways to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities, with an HBCU Alumnus/Counselor)
Lunch & Resource Fair, Raffles & Prizes
Grab lunch while you connect with other students and university reps, and explore
the campus programs that will support your transfer goals. Raffles, prizes and pick
up your City College transfer swag!
Student Support Program Sessions (1:10pm-2:30pm)
Select Your Workshop or Campus Tour (Optional):
- CalWorks/Believe (Support services to parent learners who receive TANF/CalWORKs benefits)
- Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS), CARE and NextUP
- Promise Program (Two free years of community college)
- Veteran's (For Veteran students and their Dependents)
- Campus tours will repeat at 1:10pm and 1:50pm
TransferPalooza and Fall Opening Day is your back to school event - a chance to kick
off the fall semester with intention and tap into the resources that will power your
transfer journey at San Diego City College!
See What to Expect
Watch highlights from last year's TransferPalooza Conference and get a glimpse of the workshops, student panel, campus resources, and community waiting for you this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What makes TransferPalooza different than other transfer events?
TransferPalooza is a conference. Unlike some events where you may drop in and out, TransferPalooza is designed to be experienced from start to finish, 9am-1pm. Each part of the day builds on the next - helping you find resources and information that will help you reach your goals. We want you to leave with a clearer sense of your options and more confidence in the choices ahead (and a little bit of transfer swag)!
Please plan to stay for the duration of the conference. We encourage you to attend the afternoon sessions to find out more about the programs and resources at City College. -
Why should I attend?
You'll leave TransferPalooza with information about the steps to transfer, what local colleges are looking for, and a Transfer Toolkit with resources to review when you need them. And, of course, you'll have an opportunity to make new connections with peers, programs, and local university reps.
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What if I want to attend more than one workshop?
Everyone will attend the first workshop, Transfer 101: Transfer Basics, together. For the second workshop, you'll choose one session when you register. This helps us plan ahead and ensure there's enough space in each room. Don't worry, if you're interested in more than one option, you'll still have the chance to connect with university representatives during the Resource Fair at lunch. It's a great time to ask questions and gather info about other pathways you may be exploring. Following lunch, you may attend a campus tour or a workshop with one of our student services programs as part of Opening Day.
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What time should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 8:30 AM, and we recommend arriving at the MS parking structure by 8:20-8:30 AM. It's about a 5-minute walk to Saville Theatre, and you'll want time to check in, grab a quick bite to eat, (use the restroom) and get settled in your seat before the program starts at 9:00 AM.
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Do I have to stay for the entire day?
The conference runs from 9am-1pm is jam-packed with activities throughout the day, including lunch and an opportunity to win raffle prizes. Following lunch you have the option to attend information sessions with some of our campus programs, where there will also be raffle prize winners!
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I'm not sure where I want to transfer; can I still go?
Yes! In fact, you're encouraged to attend. You'll get great general information on how the transfer process works, and you'll have a chance to attend a workshop to see if that school might be the right fit for you!
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I'm already part of Promise/Umoja/Puente - should I still come?
Yes! TransferPalooza is designed to build on the support you already have. You'll get valuable info about the transfer process, hear from students who've been where you are, and learn how to make the most of your time at City. What you learn at the conference will support some of what you discuss in your appointments with your program counselor.
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How much does the conference cost to attend?
TransferPalooza is completely free - but registration is required to reserve your spot and get lunch. Spaces are limited inside of the theatre.
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I attend Mesa/Miramar College - can I still attend?
Absolutely! TransferPalooza is hosted by San Diego City College, but we know many students take classes across the San Diego Community College District. You're welcome to attend - just be sure to register ahead of time so we can make sure you have access to the workshops and resources throughout the day!
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What time should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 8:30 AM, and we recommend arriving at the MS parking structure by 8:20-8:30 AM. It's about a 5-minute walk to Saville Theatre, and you'll want time to check in, grab a quick bite to eat, and get settled in your seat before the program starts at 9:00 AM.
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Where can I be dropped off for the event?
Students may be dropped off in Parking Lot 8 near the corner of 13th and C Street, between Building R (Learning Resource Center) and Saville Theatre. Look for the purple rectangle on the map.
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Where do I park for the event?
TransferPalooza attendees may park in Lot 8, next to the Saville Theatre on the corner of 13th and C Street free of charge. Spaces are limited. The MS Building parking structure on 16th Street, between C Street and Broadway has plentiful spaces and parking is also available at no charge. Look for the green stars on the map to find parking. Once parked, follow the green arrows from the MS Building toward Saville Theatre (our event location) near the corner of C Street and 14th Street. We’ll be ready to welcome you there!
What People Are Saying
"I love the motivating atmosphere and I now feel more prepared to take on my transfer duties."
- TransferPalooza '25 attendee"I was completely clueless of everything spoken of today and I’m so glad I joined because now I'm more informed and know I have more resources."
- TransferPalooza '25 attendee"I wish something like this existed when I was a student. To be in a classroom setting - to have transfer information decoded would have allowed me to transfer earlier."
- Christina Sandoval-Paquette, Admissions Officer, UC San Diego
REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL!
Spaces are limited! Lunch + swag for registered students who attend!
The San Diego Community College District is committed to providing a safe, inclusive,
and equitable learning and working environment for all students and employees. The
District does not discriminate based on sex, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics in its educational programs or employment practices.
SDCCD Board Policy on non-discrimination.
