Los Medanos CollegeJanuary 2013
Greetings!    

Happy New Year and welcome to Spring 2013 semester! The e-news contains several important announcements this month, along with opportunities and activities you won't want to miss, so please read on.

 Important Dates    

  • January 15 ---- First day to submit early Summer 2013 graduation application to receive early registration appointment for Summer 2013 - Policy and application
  • January 21 ---- Martin Luther King Birthday holiday, college closed
  • January 25 ---- Last day to add a full-term class
  • January 25 ---- Last day to drop a full-term class and receive a refund or credit
  • February 1 ---- Last day to drop a full-term class with a "W" appearing on transcript
  • February 14 ---- Last day to request P/NP (Pass/No Pass) on courses marked SC (Student Choice)
  • February 15-18 ---- Presidents' birthday holidays, college closed

 More important dates       

 

Spring Classes Still Available!  

 

We now have the opportunity to offer something we haven't been able to offer at the beginning of the semester in a long time ---- open classes! So if you have an open space in your schedule or have been thinking about taking another class, check out the online Schedule of Classes and search for the subjects in which you are interested.  Be sure to check the "Show open courses only" box at the bottom of the page.

 

Rendering of the future Student Services entrance.

New Student Services Center under Construction! 

You have probably noticed the construction taking place at the entrance to the College Complex from the outdoor quad. The third and fourth floors are being remodeled, and when finished LMC will have a beautiful "one stop" Student Services Center providing a convenient location for students to access information, counseling services, financial aid services, employment and career services, and more. All of the services that are now scattered around the campus will be brought together. The construction is funded by Bond Measure A+, passed by Contra Costa County residents in 2006.

 

Because of the construction, you may finding it more difficult to determine the most efficient way to go from one class to another. You can find a printable map to help you navigate around the construction on our "Pathways During Construction" web page. Maps are also available at various locations around campus for your convenience. Thank you for your patience as LMC grows to serve you better.

 

Admissions Updates

   

Add Codes
Adding a class that has already begun? The most convenient way to add a class after the semester begins is to obtain a late add code from the instructor and then register on InSite/WebAdvisor
, selecting the "Late Registration (using Add Codes)" link. Late add codes may be used from the first day of class through the last day to add courses. For full-term Spring 2013 classes, the deadline is January 25th. Once you are registered, be sure to go to "My Class Schedule" on WebAdvisor for confirmation and to print out your schedule. After the last day to add, the add code will no longer work and you will no longer be able to register through WebAdvisor.

 

What if I didn't register by the last day to add?
If you were attending the class before the last day to add, you may use a Late Add Petition to enroll in the class. Ask your instructor to sign the petition and then take the petition to the Admissions and Records Office to register for the class. The deadline to submit a Late Add Petition for Spring 2013 full-term classes is February 11th. After February 11th, you will no longer be permitted in the class and will not be allowed to enroll.

 

Last day to drop with no W
State regulations have shortened the deadline to drop a class with no "W" appearing on your transcript. For full-term classes, this date is February 1. If you no longer want to attend the class and don't want a "W" to appear on your record, be sure to drop your class by the

 deadline.

 

Early Petition for Summer 2013 Graduation
Beginning January 15th, students planning to complete their academic requirements in Summer 2013 may submit an Early Graduation Application
. Petitioning for graduation early means you will be granted an early registration appointment for summer so you don't miss out on the last classes you need for graduation.

 

For more information, review the Graduation Policies page on the website. If you plan to participate in the Spring 2013 graduation ceremony, there will be an additional form for you to fill out in mid-April. Watch the Graduation web page for more details.

 

Spring 2013 Graduation
If you are planning to graduate in Spring 2013, you may submit your "regular" Application for Graduation

 once you have registered for your classes. Please be sure you have visited a counselor to review your major or run a Program Evaluation from WebAdvisor. The deadline is March 1, 2013.  

 

Career Center News 
 
What does the Career Center do?
 
The LMC Career Center, located in CC2-263, is here to assist you with career exploration and job search preparation. Here is a list of services the Career Center provides:    
  • Career Assessments ----  Interests, Values and Personality/Career Match
  • Assistance in exploring majors and career options
  • Job hunting advice
  • Resume and cover letter development assistance
  • Mock interviews

Make an appointment online   

 

 Upcoming Career Exploration Workshops 

The Career Center will present a Career Exploration Workshop twice in January:    
  • January 23, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Room L-106
  • January 24 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Room L-105

 In this workshop, you will take assessments to understand your personality traits and what your natural strengths, talents and interests are, and then explore some careers that match your assessment results.

 

Transfer Center News
  
The Transfer Center has moved! 
The Transfer Center reopened in its new location on January 7th. We are now located in room CC2-225, just down the stairs from our old location.

 

Campus Tours and Representative Visits  

The Spring 2013  campus tour schedule and
university representatives visits schedule will be available online beginning January 21st. 

Student Life News & Events

 

Spring Fever, Monday, January 14 - Friday, January 18
Mustangs got spring fever! Join us for a week of festive activities to welcome our new and continuing students back to LMC! Check out the Student Life Activities & Events page for more information. Spring Fever is sponsored by the Office of Student Life and LMCAS.

   

Club Leader Orientations
Club leader orientations will be held in the Office of Student Life conference room (GA-5) at the following dates and times:

  • Wednesday, January 16; 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday January 17; 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
  • Friday January 18; 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

Blood Drive

Student Life & Blood Centers of the Pacific will be hosting a blood drive on campus on Tuesday, February 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in L-109. For more information or to schedule your donation appointment 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).       

 

Student Life BBQ Days: R.E.A.D Club

Join us on Wednesday, February 6th from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Office of Student Life for a BBQ sponsored by the R.E.A.D Club. BBQ Days occur during the semester on the first Wednesday of each month.

 

Bay Adventures: Museum of African Diaspora
Join other LMC students on Saturday, February 9th for a fun trip to the Museum of African Diaspora in San Francisco. Cost is $5.00 and includes transportation, museum admission, and a special private group tour. However, space is limited and you must sign up in advance to attend. Applications are available in the Office of Student Life.
 

Join the LMC Student Government!

The Los Medanos College Associated Students (LMCAS) has positions open for student government senators and representatives.  Join the student government and help plan fun events, provide valuable services to students, and most importantly, be the "voice" of your student body.  Weekly meetings are held on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Library Conference Room 1 (L-105). Applications for the spring semester are now available online. Application deadline: Monday, February 25, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Club Day: Wednesday, February 13, indoor quad

Join LMC's Student Clubs for a festive day of activities, bake sales, music and more on Wednesday, February 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the indoor quad.

 

Be a leader IMPACT Student Leadership Retreat
The IMPACT Retreat is an annual leadership development event open to all students on the LMC campus. Through workshops, speakers and fun activities, students gain insight into their personal leadership styles, meet and connect with other LMC student leaders and gain essential tools to be leaders in their clubs, programs and communities.   

 

The retreat will take place on March 2nd in the Community Room (L-109). Admission is free and includes all of your retreat materials and lunch. However, space is limited, and you must register in advance by turning in the registration form to the Office of Student Life. The deadline to register is Thursday, February 21st at 5:00 p.m.

 

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. Weekly meetings are held on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Library Conference Room 1(L-105). Application deadline: Monday, February 25th at 5:00 p.m.
Applications for the spring semester are now available online.

 

Bookstore news 
 
Regular store hours  
Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Extended store hours through January 19 
Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 12 and 19 only, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

 

Book sales at the Brentwood Center, January 10 - 23 
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday,  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

 

January 22nd is the deadline for refunds on Spring 2013 textbooks. Books must be in original condition and the current semester's receipt must be shown.

 

The Bookstore accepts Cash, Visa and Mastercard only. Textbook Rentals are available only at the LMC Bookstore in Pittsburg.    

More Bookstore information at www.lmcbookstore.net.

 

Financial Aid Reminders & Updates

Spring 2013 Important Deadlines 

  • All Appeals (Excess Units and Financial Aid Suspension) - March 11
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress - online quiz - March 18
  • Direct Loans - April 22
The California Dream Act

 The California Dream Act 

The California Dream Act of 2011 consists of two laws, AB 130 and AB 131, which allow AB 540 eligible students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid, including: 
  • Board of Governors Fee Waivers
  • State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
  • Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs
  • Privately-funded scholarships

See the Financial Aid  California Dream Act page for more information.

 

Get Ready! Get Set! Go!

Are you ready to do your FAFSA for the next academic year? The 2013-2014 FAFSA form will be available after January 1, 2013. You can easily apply online. To make sure you have everything you need to complete your FAFSA, visit the  Federal Student Aid webpage.

   

The online FAFSA is available in English and Spanish, and has step-by-step instructions for you to follow. If you need assistance, come to one of our financial aid labs or one of the financial aid general workshops beginning in January.

 

New Financial Aid Regulations   New regulations regarding the Pell Lifetime Eligibility Limit and Ability to Benefit are in effect and may affect you. Details can be found on the Financial Aid home page.

 

File for Cal Grant by March 4th!  
Due to March 2, 2013 falling on a Saturday, the March Cal Grant award deadline is extended to the following Monday, March 4, 2013. The paper GPA Verification form must be postmarked no later than March 4, 2013. Information and forms    

 

Do you know what the Chaffee Grant is? 
If you are or were in foster care, you may be eligible for a Chafee Grant of up to $5000 a year in addition to any other federal or state aid. To qualify for the Chafee Grant, you must be enrolled at least half time and maintain good grades. A Social Security number is not required. More information 
In This Issue
Important Dates
Spring Classes Still Available!
Student Services Center Construction
Admissions Updates
Career Center News
Transfer Center News
Student Life News & Events
Bookstore News
Financial Aid Reminders & Updates
Quick Links