LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE STUDENT SERVICES

Greetings!
Spring Fever 2016
Mustangs got Spring Fever! Join us during the first full week of classes, January 25 - 29, for festive and fun activities to kick off the spring semester, as well as free food and beverages. Brentwood Center will have its own Mustang Day on Wednesday, January 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Check out the Student Life Activities & Events page for more information.

Important Dates  
  • January 15 -- First day to submit early Summer 2016 graduation application to receive early Summer 2016 registration appointment
  • January 22 -- First day of Spring 2016 classes
  • February 4 - Last day to add full-term classes
  • February 4 -- Last day to drop full-term classes in person for refund
  • February 5 -- Last day to drop full-term classes on WebAdvisor for refund
  • February 5 -- Last day to drop full-term classes in person without a "W"
  • February 7 -- Last day to drop full-term classes on WebAdvisor without a "W"
  • February 12-15 -- Lincoln and Washington Birthday holidays, college closed
  • February 19 -- Last day to request Pass/No Pass (P/NP) on courses marked SC (Student Choice)

More important dates 

Black History Month
Black history month Stay tuned for LMC's Black History Month celebration. Throughout the month of February, look for displays, activities and events focused on the contributions African Americans have made to our life and culture. Activities are still in the planning stages but here are things to watch for:
  • A read-in of various publications focused on black history
  • Story time at local elementary schools
  • Film screenings
  • A genealogy workshop
  • And much more!
Check LMC's homepage for updates.
Admissions News
Class schedules by email 
Have you lost the printout of your class schedule?  No problem! Check your InSite mailbox before the first day of classes on January 22 for an email containing your class schedule, as well as the drop dates for each of your classes.  Additionally, when you log into InSite, you will see your class schedule on the left side of the page.

stickies Wait list reminders
Once classes begin on January 22, you will no longer be able to add your name to a wait list. However, you may attend a class to see whether the instructor will give you a late add code. To use a late add code, go to InSite/WebAdvisor and select "Late Registration (using Add Codes)" to register for your class.  
 
You must officially register by the last day to add classes. You do not need to stand in line if you have a late add code. Always go to "My Class Schedule" on InSite to verify that the late add code worked and you are officially enrolled in the class.
 
Are you receiving important messages? 
All official communications from the college go to your InSite email account. One way to make sure you don't miss any important email is to forward your InSite email to your personal email address. You can set up email forwarding on the InSite Portal.

Emergency alerts and appointment reminders can also be sent to your phone as text messages. However, you must opt in for text messages on InSite. After logging into InSite, click "Opt in for text messages" on the Quick Links menu on the left side of your portal page.

Got questions?
Many students call the Admissions & Records Office to ask for information that is contained on the website. Before you contact Admissions & Records, please check the  Admissions & Records website as most answers are contained there. 
 
Graduation updates 
If you applied for Fall 2015 graduation, you have already been notified of your status. If your graduation requirements were complete, you can expect your diploma to be mailed no later than February 15. To make sure you receive it, check WebAdvisor to see if we have your correct address on file. 
  Happy Grad
If you plan to graduate in Spring 2016, you may apply for graduation once you have registered for spring classes. The deadline to apply is March 1. Be sure to see your counselor to make sure you are ready to graduate. You can also review your progress in Student Planning on InSite.
 
Early petition for Summer 2016 graduation
Beginning January 15, you may submit an early petition for graduation if you plan to complete your graduation requirements in Summer 2016. By applying in the spring semester, you can receive an early registration appointment for summer to ensure you can enroll in the last classes you need for graduation. For more information, review the  Graduation Policies page on the website. If you want to walk in the Spring 2016 graduation ceremony, you will need to submit an additional form in mid-April. Watch the Admissions & Records website for more details.  
Financial Aid News

Apply for 2016-2017 financial aid
Are you planning to enroll for 2016-2017 classes? It's time to complete your 2016-2017 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application. The priority deadline is March 2. 


Satisfactory Academic Progress
To continue receiving financial aid in Spring 2016, you must have met minimum academic and progress requirements during Fall 2015. The Office of Financial Aid is reviewing Fall 2015 grades to determine whether you met these requirements. This is called the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP). If you did not meet the SAP requirements, you will be notified this month via Insite email. Spring 2016 appeals must be submitted by January 25.  For information about how to appeal your financial aid status, see Financial Aid Appeals.

Financial Aid workshops
You have the power shape your future! Attend a free Financial Aid workshop and learn about all of the financial aid options available for students pursuing higher education, including the various state and federal grants. Then receive hands-on assistance to obtain your student/parent PINs and complete the FAFSA online. All workshops will be held in the FAFSA LAB, Room 309 in the Student Services Center. Financial Aid Workshop schedule

Financial Aid Lab
Did you know that the Office of Financial Aid provides assistance to students at the Financial Aid Labs at both the Pittsburg Campus and the Brentwood Center?  The Pittsburg lab is located in the Financial Aid Office, Room SS3-309 and the Brentwood lab is located in the Brentwood Financial Aid Office, Room C-2. At the labs you can receive assistance with:
  • Creating an FSA ID and password
  • Submitting a new FAFSA application or renewal
  • Completing the California Dream Act Application

Financial Aid Lab hours 

 
Apply now Scholarship News
Now is the time to apply for scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year.  If you are planning to continue at LMC or transfer to a 4-year university in Fall 2016, don't miss out! Check out the LMC Scholarships web page to see scholarship opportunities available to LMC students.

Here are some highlights:
  • Diablo Vista Transfer Scholarship - $5,000; Deadline: February 1, 2016
  • Kennedy King Transfer Scholarship - $10,000 awards; Deadline: February 5, 2016
  • Los Medanos College Foundation Scholarships - awards vary from $250 to $2500; Deadline: February 11, 2016
  • STEM Scholarship (continuing LMC students) - $5000 awards; Deadline: February 11, 2016
  • Spotlight on You Vocational/Career TechnologyScholarship - Awards up to $3,000; Deadline: March 29, 2016
 For more information, eligibility criteria and applications for these and other scholarship opportunities, visit the Scholarships website.  

Scholarship application workshops  
Get help with your LMC Foundation Scholarship and Kennedy King Transfer Scholarship applications and essays! See the scholarship application workshops schedule for dates, times and locations.  
 
Transfer Services Updates
University
University tours
Visit San Jose State; UC Davis; University of Nevada, Reno; and more with LMC this spring!
See the University Tours webpage for complete information.
Need Cash
Need cash to transfer?
 Financial aid is available for transfer students! FAFSA and California Dream Act applications are now open. If you will be transferring in 2016, be sure to apply by March 2. Need help? Come to the Office of Financial Aid, CC3-309 or Transfer & Career Services in the Student Services Center, upper level, for application assistance.
Meet the reps
Meet university reps
Meet with a university representative and find out if you're on track to transfer to your #1 university. Check out the university rep schedule and make an appointment today!
Earn Units for Your Job!
Do you currently have a job or internship? Are youvolunteering your time? The Cooperative Work Experience Education Program (CWEE) is a great opportunity to further develop your skills and learn more about your job while earning LMC and transferable units!
 
CWEE is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2016 semester. Visit the CWEE website for more information, or email [email protected].
LMC Bookstore News

Girl with LMC shirt
Regular bookstore hours
Monday - Thursday,  7:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Extended bookstore hours
January 22 - 29 only  
Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (January 23 only)  

Book sales at the Brentwood Center
January 19 - February 5
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
Cash, Visa and Mastercard accepted
Sales only; refunds, exchanges & rentals must be done at the Pittsburg campus.
 
Refund deadlines
Refund deadline for any reason - February 1
Books must be in original condition and the original receipt is required.

Refund deadline for dropped classes - February 5
Books must be in original condition and the original receipt and class schedule are required.
 
Textbook buyback - Pittsburg Campus
Wednesday & Thursday, February 10 & 11, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Important:
Be sure to bring all CDs, DVDs and other supplemental materials that were purchased with your textbooks.

Brentwood Center News
 
Student Services in Brentwood
The Brentwood Center offers many services to help students succeed in college, including Education and Career Counseling, Financial Aid, Transfer Services and more.  Visit the Brentwood Center web pages for services offered and hours of operation, or call us at (925) 513-1625 for more information.
 
No Parking information Parking reminders
The Brentwood Center offers free parking in public lots we share with other businesses in our immediate area, such as the Dollar Store and McDonald's.  LMC students may only park in those designated public parking lots.  Parking around the buildings to the west of the campus is restricted.  For a detailed parking map and more information, please see Parking at the Brentwood Center.   
 
Always plan to arrive on campus early to allow yourself sufficient time to find a parking space and get to class.  We also ask that you drive through the lot slowly and with caution, and whenever possible, avoid parking directly in front of the businesses with which we share parking. If you have any questions about parking, please call or check in with Police Services at the entrance to the Brentwood Center or call (925) 473-6919. 
Thank you for your cooperation!
 
Bookstore
The Brentwood Center bookstore will be open from January 19 through February 5 during the following hours:
  • Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Fridays, 9:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Only textbooks for Brentwood classes will be available. Avoid long lines the first week of the semester by buying your books early!  Note that refunds and textbook rentals are only available at the main LMC bookstore on the Pittsburg campus.    

 
Library textbook reserve
Have homework but don't have the funds yet to purchase your textbook?  Both the Brentwood Center and Pittsburg campus libraries offer textbooks for students to check out for three hours at a time.  Books must be kept on campus and returned prior to closing time.  Stop by the Brentwood Center office for more information and to check out a book.
 
Student Life Mustang Day 
Mustang Day at the Brentwood Center will be held on January 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Meet representatives of the various LMC Student Services programs and student ambassadors, and learn about all the services available to help you be successful!

Steeltown Invitational Debate Tournament
Have the presidential debates made your brain hurt? Have you thought to yourself, "Is this really even a debate?" If you're interested in watching competitive intercollegiate debates where debaters are discussing (and arguing) today's pressing issues, the LMC Debate Team has you covered. Join the LMC Debate Team on January 23 and 24 as they host the Steeltown Invitational Debate Tournament in the Library Community Room, L-109. You'll have a chance to watch multiple rounds of thought-provoking debate and a chance to interact with students from various colleges and universities. We'll even provide snacks! The debates begin at 9:00 a.m. each day. We hope to see you there!
Library News
We are excited to announce that the LMC Library has purchased a  NYTimes.com subscription for all LMC students and employees. You must create your account while on campus in Pittsburg or Brentwood. Once your account is created, you can access it anywhere!

Here are some highlights and features you will find in the Times:
  • Tools & Services: Mobile apps, email newsletters, alert set-up and more
  • Times Topics: From A to Z, a treasure trove of news going back to 1981 with interactive multimedia on subjects, events, people and places
  • Today's Paper: Access a digital copy of the print edition
  •  Interactive graphic on the Paris Climate Change Event -- Science made easy!
  • The Edit: The New York Times newsletter for students, with news organized by academic major, popular articles on social media, advice from experts and more, delivered to your inbox.
  •  Tablet Apps: Includes the New York Times cooking app.
  • The Learning Network: Designed for K-12, yet relevant to all educators.
  •  New York Times inEducation Trial: Faculty resource website four-week trial. The New York Times requires faculty to complete a four-week trial and then request permanent access. Areas of study include: American government, business, environmental sciences, international relations, leadership and writing & English composition.  Economics, criminal justice and psychology are coming this month!

To create your NYTimes.com account: 

  • Go to www.NYTimes.com/GroupPass (Remember: you must be at the Pittsburg campus or Brentwood Center to create an account.)
  • Click on "Create an Account".
  • Sign up by typing in your email address and any password.

That's it!  Access www.NYTimes.com on any computer or download the NYTimes app on any smartphone or tablet.  Log in to the account you created and explore!