1. #PiercePride #PierceLeader #Leaders4Pierce #EngagePierce
The Office of Student Engagement was established to provide an academic framework and campus connection for all Pierce
College students. The College’s mission statement, which reads: “Pierce College is a student-centered learning institution that
offers excellent opportunities for access and success in a diverse college community”. This mission statement is the basis for
providing excellent academic support for students. The Office of Student Engagement serves students by:
 Introducing students to the Pierce College campus during Orientation and creating a
campus culture that promotes academic success, personal development, peer mentoring,
and leadership opportunities.
 Providing superior student programming in the areas of academic development, peer
mentoring, study skill building, and time management.
 Developing student leaders and dedicating specific programming targeted at creating
leadership and service-based opportunities on campus.
 Creating a space on campus for students to focus on their academic development.
 Encouraging student-based initiatives that enable Pierce College students to contribute
back to both campus and local communities.
 Fostering relationships with administration, faculty, and staff on behalf of students.
 Celebrating academic benchmarks while providing follow-up interventions for students who require additional academic support.
 Creating a support system for Pierce College students from pre-enrollment through graduation.
2/1/2016
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT NEWSLETTER
NEW STUDENT ENGAGEMENT STAFF
 Dr. Juan Carlos Astorga, Dean of Student Engagement - Dean Astorga has over 20 years of experience in higher
education having worked at the Public, Private and Community College level. He previously served as the Dean of
Specially Funded Programs for LA Southwest College where he oversaw grant funded programs. He also served as
the Director of TRIO Programs at Mt San Antonio College, where he supervised the Upward Bound and Student
Support Services Programs. Dean Astorga earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies and Psychology from
UC San Diego, and a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling from San Diego
State University. He graduated with his Ed.D. in Higher Education with a specialization in Community College
Leadership from Cal State Fullerton.
 Dr. Lara Conrady Wong, Student Engagement Coordinator & Counselor - Dr. Conrady has worked in higher
education for the past 15 years, and is a dedicated student advocate. As the Associate Athletics Director of Student
Services in Texas Athletics, she specialized in student programming/events such as Orientation, Academic Events,
and Career Exploration. She also has experience in academic counseling and student leadership development. Her
research interests include student community/campus engagement, student-athlete academic development, and
service learning. Dr. Conrady Wong earned her B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University, and she completed
both her Master's in Social Work and her Ph.D. in Education Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education
at The University of Texas at Austin.
Pierce College – Go Brahmas!
The Student Engagement Newsletter includes information about upcoming workshops, campus
programs, and student-led initiatives! It is YOUR time to get involved at Pierce College!

2. #PiercePride #PierceLeader #Leaders4Pierce #EngagePierce
The Associated Student Organization (ASO) - Located in the Library and Learning Crossroads Building,
the Student Engagement Center houses the Associated Students Organization (ASO), the student
government body of Pierce College. ASO serves as the “voice” for Pierce College students, and advocates
for student-centered policies and procedures. ASO is committed to representing student interests by
participating in shared governance, and strives to improve student life, and supports diversity initiatives,
cultural activities, and service-learning events.
The Club Council - The Club Council is the second branch of ASO/Student Government, and provides chartered student
clubs a platform to plan and implement student-based initiatives. The Club Council is comprised of delegates from each club
on campus, the Club Council President, and the ASO Advisor. Clubs can be registered by completing a Club Application Packet.
PEER 2 PEER MENTORING PROGRAM
How to Get Involved – Engage, Empower, and Reach Out
The P2P Mentor Program matches incoming students with trained Peer Mentors to answer
questions, connect to the campus community, and support students in their transition to become successful college students. The
P2P program achieves this through specific programming and activities to create a community for first-year students and through
one-on-one peer support and relationships. Peer Mentors are Pierce College students who exhibit a commitment to their own
academic success, and are knowledgeable about campus resources and how to be academically engaged.
The P2P Mentor Program’s goals are to improve student self-perception with effective peer to peer relationships; to retain
100% of the first-year students in the P2P Mentoring Program; and to increase students’ self-efficacy through: academic
success workshops (mastery), peer observation (observation), peer support (verbal & physiological) and engagement in “beyond
the classroom” activities. Want to be involved in P2P? Here is how! Incoming students interested in receiving a Peer Mentor, or
to learn more about becoming a Peer Mentor, please come by the Student Engagement Office/ASO to complete an application.
STUDENT LEADER SPOTLIGHT
Tanisha “Tea” Saunders, Child Development major
Student Leadership & Campus Involvement: ASO Senator, Peer2Peer Mentor,
Child Development Club President, AGS Social Committee Chair, PTK Honor Society Member
Why Pierce College? “Pierce College seemed like a good fit for me. Being a student here has allowed
me to be a part of something bigger by being involved in student leadership organizations - and being an engaged student. Pierce
College also has a “community” feel to it. Pierce College has prepared me for the next career step as a pre-school teacher.”
Importance of Campus Connections: “I think that it is critical for students to get to know their professors, and to connect with
them as mentors. I am thankful to the faculty members that have mentored me during my time at Pierce College!”
Suggestions for Student Success: “It is important to find what your strengths are, and build upon them. Get involved in a club,
and work on YOU while you are a Pierce College student. By being involved in a club, it will help you to find your passion and
to connect with other Pierce College students that have the same passion and academic interests.”
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, OR SUGGESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT:
DR. JUAN CARLOS ASTORGA – ASTORGAJC@PIERCECOLLEGE.EDU 818.710.2248
DR. LARA CONRADY WONG – CONRADLL@PIERCECOLLEGE.EDU 818.710.5238