Matriculation

Overview

Title 5 of the California State Educational Code and state mandated matriculation regulations outline the minimum standards for all California Community Colleges. These minimum standards are broken down into eight specific components. Although each campus is given some flexibility in how it addresses and implements the components, it must remain in compliance with all the minimum standards. Collectively, these components are referred to as Matriculation Services. Matriculation is a process that brings the college and any other student who enrolls for credit into agreement for the purpose of realizing the student’s educational goals and objectives. The agreement involves the responsibilities of both parties to attain those objectives through the college’s programs, policies and services. The student’s responsibilities include the expression of at least a broad educational intent upon enrollment the declaration of a specific educational objective and adherence to academic and attendance policies. The college agrees to provide instructional and support services that help ensure that students attain their educational goals.

Matriculation is Campus-Wide

Matriculation is a campus-wide effort that involves all college personnel working together in assisting the students in achieving their academic goals. Instructional faculty provide valuable classroom experiences, support staff provide the follow through for implementation of new programs and student services.
Evergreen Valley College is a partner in every student’s educational pursuit. If students succeed, we succeed. One of our main objectives in this partnership is to provide access to all the rules and regulations regarding course work as well as to all special services that can help students do the best they can in their classes. To meet this objective, there are many Campus Services available. Evergreen Valley College encourages all students to take advantage of all we have to offer.

Matriculation Aims for Student Success

The primary goal of Matriculation is to help each student achieve academic success. To accomplish this goal, the college and the students must work together to generate a Student Educational Plan and to define the various processes and activities that will lead to academic success. The many services across campus provide follow-up materials and contact students who would need to meet their academic goals. These basic partnership agreements include responsibilities for both the college and the individual student.

College Responsibilities Include:

• Provide an admissions and records process that will enable the college to collect state required information on students.
• Provide an assessment process using multiple measures to determine student’s academic readiness in English, Reading, Math, and English as a second language.
• Provide an orientation process designed to acquaint students with college programs, services, facilities and grounds, academic expectations, and college policies and procedures.
• Provide counseling services to assist students in course selection, development of an individual student educational plan, and use of campus support services.
• Provide additional advisement and counseling to assist students who have not declared an educational goal, are enrolled in basic skills courses, are on academic probation/dismissal, or have been identified as high-risk.
• Establish a process to monitor a student’s progress and provide necessary assistance toward meeting educational goals.
• Assist students with (or direct them to) written district procedures for challenging matriculation regulatory provisions.
  

Student's Responsibilities Include:

• Submit official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended.
• Read the college catalog, schedule of classes, and other materials which detail college policies and procedures.
• Indicate at least a broad educational goal upon admission.
• Declare a specific educational goal after completing a minimum of 15 units.
• Participate in assessment, orientation, counseling/advisement services and other follow-up support services deemed necessary by the college in order for students to complete their stated educational goals.
• Attend all classes and complete all course assignments.
• Complete courses and maintain progress toward stated educational goals.
  

Matriculation Exemption Policy

The San Jose/Evergreen Valley Community College District encourages all students to fully participate in each college’s matriculation program. A student may be exempt from the Assessment, Orientation, and/or Counseling/Advisement component of matriculation if one or more of the following exemption criteria are met.

New students may be exempted from the Assessment component of matriculation if they:

• are enrolling in open curriculum classes only;
• are enrolling in non-AA applicable courses other than pre-collegiate basic skills;
• are enrolling in apprenticeship courses only;
• or have AA, BA, or other college degrees.

Previous reading, writing, and math coursework successfully completed (with a C grade or better) may be used for placement purposes in lieu of the corresponding placement test(s).

New students may be exempted from the Orientation, and/or the Counseling components of matriculation if they:

• are enrolling in apprenticeship or short-term courses;
• have a previous college degree.

All students are included in the follow-up component.
San Jose/Evergreen Community College District: 1/28/92

Assessment

EVC offers an assessment process to help students determine the best starting point in English or Mathematics providing their past experience and abilities. The campus is committed to using multiple measures in all aspects of evaluation. These assessments are available on a regular basis. For an appointment please call 408-274-7900, ext 6636.

Additional assessments are available for students for whom English is not their native language, so appropriate courses in reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as courses in pronunciation and accent reduction may be pursued.

These assessments are available on a regular basis. Other assessments such as, Career Assessment is also available.

Orientation

Orientation provides general information regarding EVC’s services and programs as well as each student’s rights and responsibilities. Students also learn about transfer and degree requirements, vocational programs, and student services.
Other topics include:

• Assessment placement advice
• Academic expectations
• EVC’s facilities
• Investigation and resolution of student’s complaint/problems
• Tips on achieving academic success

Counseling/Advisement

1. Students who hold Associate Degrees or higher from regionally accredited institutions.
2. Students who have completed less than 15 units and whose education goal is either;
1. Advancement in current job/career (update job skills).
2. Maintenance of certificate or license (e.g. nursing, real estate).
3. Educational development (intellectual, cultural).
3. Students who are receiving matriculation services from another college and are now attending an SJECCD campus concurrently. Students who did not meet approved matriculation exemption criteria, but choose to be exempt from all or part of the matriculation components, may do so by completing a waiver form available at the Office of Admissions and Records.
   

Early Alert

About four to five weeks into each full-length semester, many students who are having academic difficulty are notified and advised that it would be wise to confer with their instructor and/or seek additional assistance or direction. Faculty prepares the notifications based on classroom performance. The intention for the “Early Alert” is to help students realize that some modifications are needed in their work, if they are hoping to achieve academic success. Early Alert highlights the available services on campus that can help students successfully complete their semester.

Counseling Services

Counseling services are available on a day and evening basis to Evergreen Valley College students. Through a coordinated guidance program, counselors assist students with academic planning and also in career and personal matters. Although any counselor can help any student, students often develop a working relationship with a particular counselor, since consistent contact and follow-up can maximize the counseling efforts. In addition, most counselors have a specific connection to specific majors. For more specific information than what is provided below, stop by the Counseling office (Room SC-256) or call to make an appointment at (408) 270-6475.

Specialized Courses

Counselors offer guidance classes that aid students in academic, personal and social adjustment as well as provide guidance in study skills and career development. Academic Counseling

Accurate information about program requirements and course prerequisites is essential for planning courses of study. Counselors serve as valuable resource people in helping select appropriate classes, since they stay aware of any changes that may affect completion of majors, general education and/or transfer requirements. Counselors can help students select the best combination of courses to meet the lower division transfer requirements at the eventual transfer institution. Meeting regularly with a counselor helps ensure progress toward achieving an Associates Degree or Certificate of Achievement.

If a student has not selected a major field of study, they are encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan and to identify a major. Counselors also provide help by interpreting assessment results.
Students may arrange for academic advising through the Counseling Office in Room SC. It is advisable to call for a counseling appointment. There is usually a counselor available for walk-in counseling to help those students who drop by for immediate help with an academic question. Call (408) 270-6475 for the walk-in schedule.

Career Counseling

The Transfer/Career/Cooperative Education Work Experience Program offers a variety of services and resources designed to aid students in the process of choosing, changing or confirming one’s goals and life planning. In addition, the college library maintains current written and audio-visual materials on local, state, ad national job markets. Students are encouraged to use the resources in the Transfer/Career/Cooperative Education Center for computerized career assessments and research. Career workshops, résumé assistance, and special events are also available. Individualized career counseling appointments are available by appointment. Call: (408) 274-7900 ext. 6620.

Personal Counseling

Getting the maximum benefit out of going to college sometimes involves complications that influence all aspects of life, not just the academic arena. Students are encouraged to come to the counseling office where a professional counselor will be able to assist with any such non-academic concerns. The services of a licensed psychologist are also available to students on an appointment basis in the Student Health Center, Room SC-256. Call (408) 274-7900 ext. 6480.

Learning Resources

Learning Resources at Evergreen Valley College are the focal point of campus-wide instructional support efforts. These services are distributed across the campus. The location and phone number for each service is noted below. Evergreen Valley College encourages each student to take full advantage of these instructional support opportunities, since they often can help raise levels of academic success.

Disabilities Support Program (DSP)

Evergreen Valley College provides support services for all eligible students with specials needs. Students with learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, psychological disabilities, vision, health, hearing, speech, acquired brain injury, or other documented disabilities, can find the services they require through DSP. Through DSP, students are assured of accessibility to the Evergreen Valley College curriculum and facilities.

The DSP Center is located in the Student Services Building, room SC-120. For more information, contact DSP by phone (408) 270-6447 TDD (408) 238-8722

Appropriate Accommodations for Accessibility

Elevators, ramps, handrails, and automatic doors assure physical accessibility to all buildings. Reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations assure equal accessibility, for all students, to the college curriculum and programs. Evergreen Valley College is fully compliant with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with questions or concerns regarding accessibility can contact DSP directly at (408) 270-6447

The DSP provides assessment for eligibility for services for learning disabilities and speech language disabilities. Supportive classes are provided to help students compensate for their difficulties.

The DSP High Tech Center provides computer access and instruction for students with special needs. Assistive hardware devices, software, and specialized courses are available. The lab offers computer classes available to all Evergreen Valley College students as well as individualized computer-aided instruction to help develop skills in reading, critical thinking, vocabulary development, grammar and usage, spelling, and mathematics.  

Services Available Through DSP

• ASL Interpreters and Real-time captioning
• Specialized Tutoring
• Note Taking
• Classroom Accommodations
• Testing Accommodations
• Registration Assistance
• Alternate Media Formats
• Academic & Career advisement
• Assistive equipment
• Texts-on-Tape
• Computer Access and Training
  

CalWORKs Services

Special services, including registration, course and career planning, are provided for those students receiving CalWORKS assistance. Students who are parents (single or married) working less than 100 hours a month and meeting county income limits can be eligible to receive book awards, cash aid, and childcare aid while going to college. Those already receiving aid and those wishing to determine their eligibility need to visit the Career Services Center to talk with a CalWORKS specialist. For more information call (408) 274-7900 ext. 6453

Career Center

The Career Center, located in the Learning Center, provides computerized career exploration and assessments, helps with developing résumés and cover letters, and posts job and internship opportunities. Stop by to explore a range of career options and to determine a realistic pathway to achieving career goals. The Career Center is open week days and at least one evening. Appointments are available. Call (408) 274-7900 ext.6620 for more information or to verify hours.

Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOP&S)

Evergreen Valley College conducts an EOP&S program that offers two basic types of assistance to students from low-income families: (1) financial assistance in the form of grants and loans, including summer grants and short-term emergency loans, and (2) educational support services. The EOP&S Program is staffed with a coordinator, a counselor, a secretary, a recruiter, and peer advisors, all of whom are dedicated to the program’ goals: motivating economically and socially disadvantaged students to pursue higher education at Evergreen Valley College and assisting them in transferring to a four-year college or university.

EOP&S Support Services

• Academic Advisement and Assessment
• Counseling
• Educational Plans
• Early Registration
• Book Vouchers
• Photo ID’s
• Tutoring Referrals
• Job Placement Referrals
• Health Services Referrals
• Transfer Assistance
• EOP&S Scholarship
• Open Computer Lab
• Calculators and Recorders
  

EOP&S Eligibility Criteria

1. Be a California resident.
2. Be a full-time student (12 units).
3. Have completed no more than 70 units of college course work.
4. Meet EOP&S income criteria in one of the following ways:
• If unemployed , student must be eligible to receive a Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGFW “A”). To be eligible to receive a BOGFW “A” waiver, a student, at the time of enrollment, must be a recipient of TANF/CAL WORKS (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) or SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program) or General Assistance; or have a certificate from the California Department of Veteran Affairs stating eligibility for Deceased/Disabled Veteran’s Department Fee Waiver.
• If employed , student must be eligible to receive a Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGFW “B”). To be eligible to receive a BOGFW “B,” a student’s total family income for last year, including taxable and nontaxable income, cannot exceed $12,360 for a family of 1; $16,590 for a family of 2; $20,820 for a family of 3; or $25,050 for a family of 4. Families larger than 4, add $4,230 for each additional dependent.
5. Meet only one of the following EOP&S educational conditions:
• Non-high school graduate.
• High School G.P.A. below 2.50
• Been previously enrolled in remedial courses
• Not eligible to enroll in the minimum college level of Math or English
• First generation college student
• Member of an underrepresented group
  

EOP&S Application Procedure

1. Apply for a Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGFW) and/or apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is never too early to apply. Assistance in filling out these forms is available in the EOP&S Office ( Admissions Building).
2. Apply for the EOP&S Program by filling out the EOP&S application and student mutual contract.
3. Make an appointment to see an EOP&S counselor.
4. Provide proof of family income. A copy of Federal Income Tax return is required in order to document parent’s taxable income. If any income is derived from non-taxable income, a verification form or statement is required.

Maintaining Eligibility

In order to remain eligible for the EOP&S program, each EOP&S student must be making normal progress towards a goal, certificate, or degree as determined by the college, with a satisfactory average of a “C” or better for each semester. EACH EOP&S STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO MEET THREE TIMES PER SEMESTER WITH HIS/HER EOP&S COUNSELOR FOR ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT AND PLANNING.

Financial Aid

Evergreen Valley College believes that no student should be denied access to the educational experience because of lack of funds. Financial Aid’s basic goal is to make funds available to students in need in an equitable manner, following closely regulated state and federal laws.

Eligibility

Eligibility for financial aid is determined by a Department of Education approved system, which calculates the difference between the ability of students and their families to provide for their financial needs and the amount required to meet educational expenses while attending college.

The policy of the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District is in compliance with the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1998, emphasizing that no financial aid applicant will be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, age, sex, or physical impairment.

For some programs, financial aid eligibility requires a minimum of six (6) units of enrollment each semester. Continued eligibility requires successful completion of contracted units with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above. Refer to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard located in the Financial Aid Office ( Learning Center Building). Students interested in applying for financial aid should visit the Financial Aid Office to obtain an application and detailed instructions. For more information or to make an appointment, call (408) 274-7900 ext. 6460

Types of Aid Available

• GRANTS are awarded to students who meet specific eligibility requirements. Grants are available in varying amounts of assistance and do not call for repayment. The grant programs are the Pell Grant, the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and the Cal Grant, which is funded and awarded by the State.
• LOANS for which students may qualify through Evergreen Valley College are incorporated as part of the regular financial aid package. The loans bear a variable interest capped at 8.25 percent on the unpaid balance. No interest is charged and no payment is required on some loans until six months after the borrower ceases to be at least a half-time student. Repayment of loans may be scheduled over a 10-year period.
• WORK STUDY offers a limited number of part-time jobs on and off campus to students who qualify on the basis of need. Under this program, students are assigned work on campus, which is often in the nature of on-the-job training; the pay for the work is a portion of each student’s financial aid package.
  

Scholarships

Evergreen Valley College offers a wide variety of scholarship opportunities, from our own scholarships designed specifically for Evergreen Valley College students, to a vast list of outside scholarship resources. Visit the EVC library or Transfer Center for the latest information and assistance in researching scholarship opportunities.

Transfer Center

The Transfer Center at EVC offers a highly visible and accessible location with resources helpful to both transfer and career students. Students are invited to research majors, careers, scholarships, jobs and other educational goals using the Eureka computerized program. The Center also supports a library of career/occupational information. Through the Transfer Admission Agreements program, students who meet transfer admission requirements are guaranteed priority registration upon admission to a four-year college such as San Jose State University, San Francisco State University, U.C. Santa Cruz, U.C Davis, Santa Clara University and many more.

Additional Information

Workshops are also presented on a regular basis on topics such as: application procedures, financial aid, scholarship writing, and résumé writing skills. Drop-ins are encouraged. The Teach for Tomorrow organization has a liaison in the Transfer Center. More information is available on the Transfer Success website.

ASSIST

ASSIST is a computerized student-transfer information system that can be accessed over the World Wide Web. It displays reports of how course credits earned at one California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California's colleges and universities and therefore provides the most accurate and up-to-date information available about student transfer in California. ASSIST is available at www.assist.org.

Meeting Practical Concerns

Campus Store

The EVC Campus Store
Monday - Thursday - 7:45am - 7:00pm
Friday - 7:45am - 2:00pm

The Evergreen Valley College Campus Store, located in the Gullo Student Center, carries in stock the textbooks and supplies needed for all classes offered each semester. The Bookstore also stocks a variety of goods and sundries most used by students. Used textbooks, although in limited quantities, can be purchased at significant savings. Students may return books purchased for the semester, provided they follow a clearly specified policy, which is well publicized. In addition, there are book buy-back periods offered during Finals, when books in usable condition may be sold back by students.

There is a 3% discount on supplies with a current A.S. Membership Sticker.

The Food Court

Fresh & Natural Cafe ( Food Court)
Monday - Thursday - 7:30am - 2:30pm
Friday - Closed

Fresh & Natural Cafe ( Gullo Student Center) is a great place to meet friends or relax between classes. Students regularly stop by for breakfast, a hot lunch, or refreshment breaks. Feast on grilled items, pizza, deli sandwiches, smoothies, hot entrees, espressos, salads from the salad bar, fresh fruit, pastries and more. The relaxed atmosphere provides a gathering place between classes. When the Food Court is closed, vending machine items are still available in the Campus Center as well as in other buildings across campus.

Problems, Complaints, Grievances

Evergreen Valley College is committed to meeting the needs of every student and that includes helping to resolve any class or campus-related problems that surface. The Student Conduct Code and the Student Grievance Policy detail the official steps and process to be followed. Basically, if the problem or conflict is not extreme, it is often best to try and solve it directly with those involved. For example, if you are surprised by a grade for a class, talk with the teacher for clarification. If that does not resolve the problem, contact the student ombudsperson, appointed by the Associated Students or in his/her absence, call the Office of The Dean of Counseling and Matriculation at (408) 274-7900 ext. 6638.

Students experiencing disability related accessibility problems may contact the DSP Coordinator at (408) 270-6447

If the problem is more extreme in nature – discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment – it would be better for students to start by contacting the Dean of Special Programs at (408) 274-7900 ext. 6455 or the Director of Diversity at (408) 274-7900 ext. 6413. If it is an emergency, call 911 directly or contact the District Police emergency number, (ext. 6468) from any on-campus phone.