Joseph Diaz of Fontana thought he would be attending UCLA in January.

But instead, he and about 1,500 other community college students expecting to transfer to a University of California school will have to wait until fall.

It doesn't matter that Diaz, 21, is clearly UCLA material, having successfully completed the strenuous honors program at Mt. San Antonio College.

He must bide his time, though, because there is no money coming from the state to support his schooling at UCLA.

"I'm not mad at the UCs because it's not their fault. It's the people in Sacramento," Diaz said. "I'm just wondering: Who's fighting for me up there?"

The UC system halted the transfers because the state cut $410 million in UC programs from the California budget.

"This is really retreating from the Master Plan of Education established in 1960, when everybody that qualifies was guaranteed a spot," said Raul Rodriguez, Mt. SAC's dean of counseling and matriculation.

The state also plans to cut funding for enrollment growth in 2004 and 2005, so it is uncertain if a limitation on transfers could happen again, said UC spokeswoman Lavonne Luquis.

"That sets the stage (that this) might happen next year," she said.

The UC Board of Regents will discuss 2004-05 enrollments for new freshmen, as well as transfer and graduate students, at three meetings over the next four months, she said.

In her 25 years working in higher education, Elizabeth Cipres, Chaffey College's dean of counseling and matriculation, said funding for higher education has never been more at risk.

"This is the worst I have ever experienced," Cipres said. "I expect it will not get better until the budget gets better."

During a time of such uncertainty, community college students ought to know the system inside and out, and have backup plans if they want to finish school quickly, Cipres said.

"I think students need to be more savvy and know what they are doing early," she said.

Since UCs are inaccessible until the fall, Cipres said her counselors are recommending students apply to a California State University campus.

Many Cal State schools are full for the spring semesters or winter quarters, but a few are still accepting students. Cal State San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Long Beach all have space.

Cal State Fullerton has closed enrollment to its main campus, though the university is still accepting transfers to the El Toro satellite campus, Cipres said.

Rodriguez of Mt. Sac fears that UC hopefuls who are forced to take a semester off might not return in the fall because of financial aid strains, he said.

It is the older student, who chooses to either borrow money or take time off work to go back to school, who will have the most difficult time waiting until the fall to pick up again, Rodriguez said.

Diaz, who works part time at Mt. Sac, plans to work full time and take a few light classes like piano, tennis and guitar until his Bruin days begin.

"It kind of sets me back," Diaz said. "But, it's not really that bad. It's only a semester."