Day at Dominguez Open House, Unity Fest Cultural Event Combine for Dominguez Fest 2009

Two major events at California State University, Dominguez Hills usually held separately have joined forces this year. A Day at Dominguez academic open house and cultural festival Unity Fest will both take place on Saturday April 18 under the banner “Dominguez Fest.” The public is invited to the day-long event to learn about the academic programs at CSU Dominguez Hills and experience the university’s – and region’s — many cultures.

“We decided to combine the two events into one signature event so visitors could experience our academic side and our rich cultural diversity as well,” says Kim Larson, University Outreach and Information Services, who is coordinating the Day at Dominguez event.

A Day at Dominguez activities will get the day started with a welcome in the university gymnasium at 10 a.m., followed by campus and housing tours, and workshops covering such topics as preparing for college and choosing a major. Every year, thousands of prospective students – from middle school to graduate level – as well as parents and school counselors attend this open house. Pre-registration is advised and can be completed online at www.csudh.edu/outreach/dominguezfest.html.

On-site admissions, a key component of past A Day at Dominguez events, continue this year. Admissions staff will meet with prospective students and discuss their admissions eligibility, and if eligible, admit them to the university that day for fall semester. Students wanting to take advantage of on-site admissions must first apply online at www.csumentor.edu; however incoming freshmen must have applied before March 1. Also required are official transcripts and test scores, and a check or money order for $55.

The open house at Dominguez Fest also includes an academic fair showcasing the degree programs, financial aid opportunities and student life at CSUDH. Students and parents can talk one-on-one with faculty members, deans and staff about their departments and programs. That portion of the day will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. in the university’s Sculpture Garden in conjunction with Unity Fest activities.

From 10 to 4 p.m., in the Sculpture Garden, the Unity Fest portion of Dominguez Fest features a children’s arts and crafts village, cultural artisans, community and student organizations, and cultural and musical performances ranging from blues to country, jazz to salsa, and from Spanish folklorico to traditional Polynesian dance. There will also be an international food court, with Thai barbecue, Greek gyros, soul food, Mexican and Latin American fare, carnival favorites and Native American specialties.

Yesterday, Dominguez Fest began with a preview day in the Loker Student Union Palm Courtyard, where the campus community was treated to performances by Caribbean and R&B groups, as well as belly dancers and Japanese taiko drumming from the Taiko Center of Los Angeles. Among the local cultural groups scheduled as entertainment during Dominguez Fest on Saturday are Upstream, Raquel Rodriguez, Diondre Jermaine, Gypsy Folk Ensemble, Ricky Parish and the Blues Gypsy, The Echo Park Project, Grupo Faisan Folklorico and Tupulaga.

Dominguez Fest is co-sponsored by the Office of Outreach and Information Services and the CSU Dominguez Hills Multicultural Center.

For more information, call (310) 243-3996 or (310) 243-2519, or visit www.csudh.edu/outreach/dominguezfest.html

- Amy Bentley-Smith