Welcome to the New Spring 2013 semester [January 14 - May 24, 2013]. The Cerritos CalWORKs program offers services to assist you during your Educational journey. Furthermore, Cerritos College prides itself in helping our students develop the skills, attitudes, and beliefs necessary to foster an understanding of the process of learning to help get you closer to reaching your academic, career, and life goals. I invite you to stop by the Newly Enhanced Student Success Center, located in the Learning Resource Center for more information on the services offered. Additionally, I want you to be aware of a recent change which only affects New Students applying to Cerritos College:

Mandatory for All New Cerritos College Students:

- Assessment, Orientation and Counseling is Mandatory, and is required for all New College Students. You will not be able to register until you complete your Assessment, Orientation and Counseling. For questions please call (562) 860-2451 ext. 2356 to schedule an appointment with a CalWORKs counselor.

As you know, California continues to face some serious economic problems now and based on the economists we will continue for the next few years The Governor has enacted changes to the CalWORKs program in the form of reduction of services, as they pertain to eligible recipients. These changes go into effect January 2013. It is important that you keep yourself informed. These changes do not affect the College CalWORKs program, and we are here to serve you.

Education and training is still one of the best ways to survive during these hard times. That is why it is very important for you to remain focused on your education and continue taking your courses. We are here to help you achieve those goals. So remember to see a CalWORKs counselor every semester and be sure to talk to your counselor before dropping classes or changing your schedule. At Cerritos College CalWORKs students receive early registration, however, to maintain eligibility,you must be enrolled and make an appointment to meet with your counselor each semester.

I am proud to say that we have a dedicated and committed team, and we provide an array of services to complement and enhance your educational experience. I have an open door policy and I invite you to stop by to say hello. I always look forward to meeting with our students, new and continuing.

The CalWORKs staff and I hope that each semester brings you closer to your desired goal.

Sincerly,

Norma C. Rodriguez

Director of Student Program Services