• February 4 — Last day to add semester-length classes or drop with a refund or credit
• February 12-15 — Observance of Lincoln's and Washington's Birthdays, college closed
• February 19 — Last day to drop semester- length classes without a "W" appearing on transcript
• February 19 — Last day to request Pass/No Pass (P/NP) on courses marked SC (Student Choice)

More important spring semester dates

Mid-Semester Office Hours
As you are aware, Californians are experiencing an unprecedented fiscal crisis that has been particularly devastating for our educational systems. Community colleges across the state have been especially hard-hit, resulting in severe reductions to our academic programs and support services. Given the magnitude of the budget cuts we are experiencing this year and anticipate again next year, some offices will no longer be able to offer the same level of service.

Effective Monday, February 8th through Friday, April 2nd, the following programs/services will reduce their office hours: Admissions & Records, Counseling, EOPS/CARE and Financial Aid. The change in hours will be on Monday and Thursday evenings when the offices will close at 5:00 p.m. (remaining open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 7:00 p.m.) and on Fridays when the offices will close at 2:00 p.m. To view the spring office hours for all departments, click here.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your understanding.

Many Services Available Online
Did you know that many of the services available to you on campus are also available on the LMC website or WebAdvisor? Some services available on the website are:

• Semester course schedules and annual catalogs
• Department office hours
• Financial Aid facts and forms
• Career exploration resources
• E-advising (online counseling)
• Employment services

And on WebAdvisor, you can:

• Pay your fees
• View and print your unofficial transcripts, class schedules and educational plans
• Check your waitlist status to see whether you have been granted permission to enroll in your waitlisted classes
• Drop classes

Why not spend some time browsing the LMC website and WebAdvisor for resources that can benefit you?

Apply for Graduation Now
If you qualify to graduate in Spring 2010, now is the time to apply for graduation. The graduation ceremony will be held on May 28, 2010 and the deadline to apply is March 1. For complete graduation information and to access the Application for Graduation, click here. Contact Admissions & Records or the Counseling Office if you have questions.

Career Center News
Wondering if you are playing your cards right when exploring particular majors or career options? The Career Center may be able to point you in the right direction. We have a variety of resources, including vocational assessments in the areas of interests, personality styles, skills, and values. In addition, we have qualified staff available to answer your questions about specific career options, career paths for specific majors, resume writing, interviewing, and labor market trends. Come by room CC3-524 or call (925) 439-2181, ext. 3252 today to see how the Career Center can help you!

Bookstore Update
Here are some important textbook dates to keep in mind:

• Friday January 29th — Last day for textbook exchanges & refunds (must have current semester receipt and books must be in original condition)
• Friday February 5th — Last day for textbook refunds if you drop your class (must have proof of drop, current semester receipt and books must be in original condition)
• Tuesday, February 9th & Wednesday, February 10th — Textbook Buyback (wholesale) from 9 a.m. to 7p.m.

Financial Aid News
Cash for College
The Office of Financial Aid Office is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Cash for College event which will take place on Saturday, February 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Science Building, room 136. This event is designed to help students meet the March 2nd priority deadline by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.

Unemployed?
The Department of Education and Labor have established a new website to assist those who are unemployed. Many unemployed individuals are not aware of the resources available to them. For example, most do not know they may be eligible for a Pell Grant or that a federal government-approved financial aid administrator has the ability to, on a case-by-case basis, adjust their financial aid eligibility based on their special circumstances. The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor website, Opportunity.gov, provides valuable information about tools and resources available for unemployed workers. If you or your parents are currently receiving unemployment benefits, make an appointment with your financial aid coordinator to discuss your situation.

Scholarship News

There's Still Time to Apply for the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship!
Each spring, the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a number of two-year scholarships of $4,000 per year to students who transfer the following fall or spring from Contra Costa County Community Colleges to junior standing in four-year accredited institutions.

To qualify for a scholarship you must:

• Be of African-American, Latino, Native American or Pacific Islander descent; i.e. a minority group underrepresented at four-year colleges and universities in California.
• Be enrolled for the fall semester prior to the award or have completed your course work within the past year at Diablo Valley, Contra Costa or Los Medanos College.
• Be eligible (have sufficient and proper units) to transfer to a four-year institution with junior standing for the next fall term (or at the latest the next spring term) following the award.
• Provide evidence of financial need.
• Complete and submit on time the application with required attachments. If selected for interview, you must attend the Saturday morning selection committee interviews in the spring.

The application deadline is February 10, 2010. All materials must be submitted to the Scholarship Office, room CC3-440 by 5:00 p.m.

2010 UC Berkeley Student Leadership Symposium
Saturday, February 6 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at UC Berkeley
The Cal Student Leadership Symposium, sponsored by the LMC Office of Student Life, is an annual student leadership conference at UC Berkeley dedicated to bringing together and inspiring student leaders in our community. Through workshops and networking opportunities, symposium attendees are connected with essential tools to be agents of positive social change and leaders on campuses and in their communities. All LMC students are eligible to attend. The deadline to submit your registration form is Thursday, January 28 at 5:00 p.m. Space is limited so don't delay! For more information, contact the Office of Student Life, room CC3-800A or call (925) 439-2181 ext. 3266.

Join the LMC Student Government!
The Los Medanos College Associated Students (LMCAS) has positions open for student government senators. Join the student government and help plan fun events, provide valuable services to students and, most importantly, be the "voice" of your student body. Apply now.

LMC Bay Adventures

• Feb. 18 — "Wicked" (Broadway Theatre), $25
• Mar. 20 — SF MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) Visit & Tour, $5
• May 8 — Alcatraz Island Tour, $15

Join groups of LMC students on fun trips around the Bay Area and enjoy some of the cultural attractions our region has to offer. All trips include transportation and admission. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. For more information or reservations contact the Student Life Office, room 800A, call 925-439-2181, Ext. 3266 or see the Activities & Events Calendar.

Blood Drive


A blood drive will be held on February 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. To schedule your donation appointment, please contact the Student Life Office at 925-439-2181, ext. 3266 or sign up online at www.bloodheroes.com (click on "Donate Blood" and enter Sponsor Code + losMC).

Club Day
Join LMC clubs for fun, games, music and food on Wednesday, February 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the indoor quad.

Undecided about your major? Not sure what career to pursue? Join us for information sessions about some of the exciting vocational programs offered at LMC:

• Process Technology (PTEC) on January 26th from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Fire, Emergency Medical Service (EMT) and Administration of Justice on January 28th or February 4th from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

The information sessions will take place in the Library Community Room, L-109. RSVP to Catherine at (925) 439-2181, ext. 3276 or email [email protected]. Refreshments will be served!

Thomas Hampton is MVP in Community College All-American Game
Thomas Hampton, LMC running back, added one more honor to a long list of achievements for the 2009 football season. In the Junior College All-American football game held in Chandler, Arizona, Hampton was selected MVP for gaining 177 yards on eleven carries and scoring on a spectacular 98-yard run in the fourth quarter, erasing a 14-12 deficit for the California All-American team. The California team won 19-14 over the rest of the United States All-American team.

email: [email protected]

web: http://www.losmedanos.edu