When: Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon

Where: Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus, 5901 S. Calle Santa
Cruz, Tucson

"I'm Going to College" is a half-day education conference for high school students and their parents that will increase their understanding of what it takes to pursue higher education degrees. The UA and Pima Community College have partnered to host this event and send the message to the Tucson community that higher education is a natural transition
after high school for everyone and everyone should to go to college.

This event will combine college information with fun. UA president Peter Likins and PCC Chancellor Roy Flores will join UA basketball players in welcoming students and encouraging them to follow their dreams and to take advantage of the opportunities that education provides. Students presently enrolled at the UA, PCC as well as campus representatives will also welcome event participants and provide valuable insights.

Participants will be eligible to win an assortment of prizes including UA football tickets to that afternoon's game against the University of Southern California, UA Bookstore coupons, basketballs and other special gifts. Coffee, juice and pan dulce will be served.

Sofia Ramos, associate to the vice president for executive affairs and university initiatives, says that "the University of Arizona is very interested in increasing the diversity of our student body. President Peter Likins believes a diverse environment is not only central to our
mission but also essential to advance our goal of excellence."

Selected sessions will be available in Spanish to help parents prepare their children for college and to help them understand the college environment. Representatives from Native American, African American, Asian Pacific American and Chicano/Hispano community will be on hand to host a reception following the educational sessions.

Sessions will cover everything from the admissions process, financial aid, transfer options to co-enrollment opportunities. Admissions and financial aid applications will be available as will UA and Pima representatives proficient in the financial aid, admissions and
enrollment process.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn much of what they need to know about college." says Ramos. "Our sessions include presentations on how a student can prepare for college while in middle school and high school. Since attending college is definitely a family affair, we're encouraging potential students to bring their
siblings, parents, and friends."

An involvement fair at the event will include refreshments, prizes and vital information. UA alumni organizations and student organizations from both PCC and UA will provide personal stories to help prospective students prepare. Representatives from the Tucson business and professional communities will also attend to discuss, with students and their families, career opportunities and the education required to succeed.

Students and families who wish to attend may obtain additional
information from the UA Diversity Resource Office at 626-5502 and from
the Pima College Information Center at 206-4500.