Important dates, deadlines, and information

 

       January 27, 2016

 

In this issue
 
Check student email
Get college news

Quick links
Important upcoming admission and registration dates 
Spring 2016 Important Dates (pdf)
February 4 - Last day to add a full-term class
February 4 - Last day to drop a full-term class and be eligible for a refund of fees
February 5 - Last day to drop a full-term class, in-person, without a "W" appearing on transcript 
February 7 - Last day to drop a full-term class, online, without a "W" appearing on transcript 
February 12 - Holiday - Lincoln's Birthday - college closed
February 13-14 - Holiday - Presidents Weekend - no Saturday/Sunday classes
February 15 - Holiday - Washington's Birthday - college closed
February 19 - Last day to request P/NP option for a full-term class
February 29 - Last day to file for summer 2016 graduation with early registration option

Open classes at DVC!
Check out the online schedule now or visit Insite/WebAdvisor. There are also many late-start classes and online classes available this spring!


Courses to consider
Not sure which classes to take this spring? Here are some courses to consider

Please be a good neighbor and consider our surrounding neighborhoods

Our neighbors have reported that some students who park in the residential areas surrounding the college are not respectful of those neighborhoods. Our students have been reported emptying ashtrays and garbage from their cars onto the streets, playing loud music, and engaging in other types of disruptive behavior. We want to preserve DVC's excellent reputation as a top notch institution of higher learning. Part of that means being a good neighbor. We understand that our students often have no other choice but to park on neighborhood streets, especially at the beginning of the semester and during heavy enrollment periods, but please show respect for our neighbors as you would your own. Help keep our neighborhoods clean, quiet and peaceful.

Newly renovated Fitness Center
Come by PE-101 and check out the newly renovated Fitness Center, complete with state-of-the-art equipment. If you like what you see, a simple enrollment is required.

Research proves students that exercise test higher in their academics than students that do not exercise. Come on down below the pond and check it out. For more information, please contact Ralph DePew at [email protected]
Student ID cards and ASDVC activity discount sticker
The DVC student ID card is provided to enrolled students and is required for library checkout, printing and copying on campus, and to show proof of identification to access many services on campus. Students may obtain their ID card at the Student Life Office in the Student Union Building, the Library at the Pleasant Hill Campus or at the Learning Commons at the San Ramon Campus (SRC). 

To get your student ID card, present an official photo identification (such as a California's driver's license). A black and white student ID card is provided free of charge to all enrolled students who have been registered in a class at least a minimum of 24 hours. Color IDs are available only from the Student Union Building at the Pleasant Hill Campus for a $4 charge.

An optional ASDVC activity and discount sticker is available for purchase at the Student Life Office or Book Center and costs $10 per semester. A discount combo purchase of color ID and ASDVC sticker can be purchased at the Student Union Building at the Pleasant Hill Campus for $12. 

The benefit of purchasing a sticker include a five percent (5%) discount at the DVC Book Center, free admission to DVC athletic events, and discounts from many off-campus businesses. The sticker is issued through the Student Life Office and at the San Ramon Campus. The fee helps to fund student activities including club events, films, concerts, special athletic events, and campus enhancements. Fees are non-refundable. 
Financial aid announcements
Board of Governors Fee Waiver
Apply for a fee waiver and, if eligible, you could have all course fees for summer 2015, fall 2015, and spring 2016 terms eliminated through the Board of Governors Fee Waiver program. You may be eligible for a refund if you already paid your fees and are found eligible. Moreover, you may also qualify for a parking permit at a discounted rate. 

2015-16 and 2016-17 FAFSA available now! 
To see if you qualify for financial aid for the 2015-16 academic year or to apply for aid next year, please visit www.fafsa.gov and complete your application today. Funds are available to help you pay your course fees, for books and supplies, transportation costs, and even rent! If you want to be considered for Cal Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or Federal Work-Study in 2016-17, you must submit your 2016-17 by the March 2 priority deadline. 

For more information about financial aid programs, please visit DVC Financial Aid.

2016-17 California Dream Act application
Are you an AB-540 undocumented student? If so, you may qualify for a tuition fee waiver for the next academic year. Complete your California Dream Act application today by visiting www.caldreamact.org. If you want to be considered for Cal Grant, you must submit your 2016-17 California Dream Act application (CADA) by the March 2 priority deadline. To find additional resources available to you, please visit DVC DREAMers.

Manage your money!
DVC is partnering with the National Endowment for Financial Education to bring you CashCourse, an online financial education tool with lessons and resources to help you manage your money. To learn more, please visit DVC CashCourse.

Stay connected with DVC WiFi

Follow the step-by-step instructions for wireless internet on the DVC campus. You will need your InSite Portal ID and password.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair
On Thursday, February 11, the DVC Umoja program and Transfer Center are hosting a college fair of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., in the DVC cafeteria. Several of the schools attending are part of the new Transfer Admission Guarantee program, which guarantees admission to students who complete an associate degree for transfer or at least 30 UC/CSU transferrable units with a 2.5 or higher GPA.

Students also receive priority consideration for housing, pre-admission advising and consideration for transfer scholarships (with a 3.2 or higher GPA). More information on this program is available at the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office website.

HBCU's at the College Fair will be waiving application fees, offering on-the-spot admission and some will offer scholarships on the spot. Students should bring official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended (one copy for each HBCU in which you plan to apply). All students are encouraged to attend and learn about what HBCU's have to offer!
Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month this February! Join Umoja, Student Life, EOPS, the Library, and the Pan African Union in the many events that are planned for February. Visit DVC Umoja for updates throughout the month. 
Join student government
The Associated Students of DVC (ASDVC) is currently seeking new members. Mandatory information sessions for potential members will be held the first two weeks of the semester in the Student Union Conference Room and at the San Ramon Campus. Come learn about what ASDVC does, what the requirements are, and how to petition to join the board. Visit the Student Life Office for specific dates and times. 

ASDVC meetings are held Tuesdays from 2 - 4 p.m., in the Student Union Conference Room. 

Join a student club!
Enhance and enrich your DVC experience by getting involved with the campus student club program! It gives you wonderful opportunities to develop valuable leadership skills, participate in entertaining events and programs, connect with peers who share your personal interests and/or career goals, and have an overall AMAZING time! Join a student club on campus this spring!

If you are interested in learning more about DVC's clubs or joining a club, then mark your calendars for DVC Club Days! A variety of clubs will be present sharing information about their clubs on Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 24, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., in the Commons. 
Cooperative Work Experience (COOP)
Have a job or internship? 
Sign up now for the spring term!
COOP/Work Experience is an academic course that allows you to earn up to four units per term for a maximum of 16 units for your paid job or internship!

To learn more about the COOP/Work Experience program, watch the Cooperative Work Experience video or visit COOP/Work Experience.
Scholarship announcements
DVC general scholarship application
The DVC general scholarship application is available now! Apply for all DVC scholarships with a single application by visiting DVC Scholarships. Awards range from $250 - $2000 for continuing and transferring DVC students. Applications must be completed by February 19. For more information about the application process, please attend one of our upcoming application workshops
Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship
A $10,000 scholarship opportunity is available to minority transfer students within the Contra Costa Community College District. For more information about the scholarship, including specific eligibility criteria, please visit the Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund website. Applications must be submitted to the DVC Scholarship Office by February 5. For assistance with the application process, stop by the DVC Scholarship Office on the first floor of the Student Services Building, or call 925-969-2094 to schedule an appointment.
 
External scholarship opportunities also available!
Other scholarship opportunities from outside organizations, businesses, and individuals are available on DVC's Scholarship website. Application deadlines are approaching! Awards range from $500 - $15,000 for continuing and transferring DVC students. Please visit External Scholarships for current and upcoming opportunities. 
Career and Transfer Services announcements
Workshop series
Career and Transfer Services will be offering a workshop series this spring that explores various topics within the realms of career and transfer. Workshops will include rsum writing, transfer basics, internships, social media, and so much more. Career and Transfer Services will also be hosting several job fairs and transfer events. 

DVC online job board
Check out the DVC online job board to search for on- and off-campus jobs and internships as well as create professional rsums and e-portfolios. 

DVC Career and Internship Fair 
Mark your calendars for the DVC Career and Internship Fair on Thursday, March 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
 
For more information, please be sure to stop by Career and Transfer Services.

San Ramon Campus announcements

Do you have questions about financial aid?
  • Need help with your application?
  • Want to know if you qualify?
  • What types of financial assistance are there?
A financial aid counselor will be available for drop-in appointments on Wednesday, Feb. 3 and 10, 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Check in at the SRC Admissions Lobby.

Are you interested in joining student government?
There is an Associated Students of DVC (ASDVC) information meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2 - 4 p.m., in W-204. Come learn about what ASDVC does, what the requirements are, and how to petition to join the board.


Interested in attending Saint Mary's, SF State, UC Davis or CSUEB? 
College representative will be at the San Ramon Campus on the following dates:

Wed., Feb. 3Saint Mary's (appointments)10 a.m. - 12 p.m.Learning Commons
Wed., Feb. 3Saint Mary's
(drop in)

12 - 1 p.m.Learning Commons
Wed., Feb. 10SF State
(20 min. appointments) 
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Admissions Lobby
Wed., Feb. 17UC Davis
(20 min. appointments) 
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Admissions Lobby
Wed., Feb. 17CSUEB
(20 min. appointments) 
3 - 6 p.m.Admissions Lobby
To make an appointment to meet with a college representative, please email [email protected]
FREE Microsoft Office software for all DVC students!

DVC students gets Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus at no cost via the Microsoft Professional Plus Benefit program. Download the software NOW!

Attend a brown bag workshop!
Did you know that the Student Life Office hosts weekly brown bag workshops? These workshops are open to all students and cover a wide range of useful and informative topics. All sessions are held in the Student Union Conference Room. Extra credit slips for attendance are available at the end of each workshop. 

Brown bags are held Thursdays from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. beginning in February, in the Student Union Conference Room. 
Get enrollment priority!
Are you missing out?
Get the classes you need before they fill. Students with enrollment priority status can enroll in classes ahead of students without enrollment priority!
 
How to be awarded enrollment priority 
All new and continuing students who enrolled fall 2014 and later can gain this status by completing the online orientation, assessments in English/ESL, or math, and an education plan.
 
Attend a Rev Your Reg workshop
Complete your online orientation, take your English assessment, and learn more about education planning and academic advising in an all-in-one session. Workshops are held in the Assessment Center every Tuesday, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Wednesday, 1 p.m. Sessions are three hours and you must register in advance

Questions about enrollment priority or attending a Rev Your Reg workshop? Contact Justine Pojanowski-Todd at [email protected].
Be watchful of your belongings and visit the lost and found.

Just a reminder to use extra vigilance in watching over your personal belongings. Thefts are common at this time of the year and we don't want it to happen to you. Please keep your belongings safely under watch at all times.
 

If you do lose an item, be sure to visit the lost and found located at Police Services. Pleasant Hill Campus Police Services are located next to the Engineering Technology Building, parking lot 1. San Ramon Campus Police Services are located in W-102.

Stay up to date with everything that's going on at DVC!

Don't miss anything important (or fun)! Follow us on Twitter! Like us on Facebook!  

Smoking policy
Smoking at Diablo Valley College is restricted to parking lots at the Pleasant Hill Campus and to the student parking lots at the San Ramon Campus. 

State law also prohibits smoking within 20 feet of all doorways and windows.

Low-cost, high-quality dental care

The DVC Dental Hygiene Teaching Clinic offers a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to receive dental hygiene services provided by dental hygiene students. Fees in the clinic range from $10 (cleaning for a child 12 and under) to $55 for a deep cleaning for an adult. Regular maintenance cleanings for adults are $25. Radiographs (x-rays) range from $10 for check-up films, to $25 for a full set.


The clinic is in LHS-102. Please call 925-969-2692 to schedule an appointment for an initial evaluation to see if you qualify.

Pre-apprenticeship Program
Interested in a career in the trades? 
DVC's Pre-apprenticeship program can prepare you for a high-paying job in the trades (carpentry, electrical, pipe steamfitting, etc.).
This program is designed to assist students in preparation to pass the entrance exams for a variety of apprenticeship programs or to gain entry-level employment in the trades. Starting salaries can begin at more than $35,000 and grow to over $90,000 after five years.
To learn more about the DVC Pre-apprenticeship program, please contact Todd Farr at [email protected].
DVC Book Center announcements
The DVC Book Center will be buying textbooks back on February 9 and 10, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Store hours (January 20 - May 27): 
Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 7 p.m.                     
Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.                                                         
EOPS announcements
Less than two weeks left to submit a spring 2016 EOPS application!

 
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is currently accepting a limited number of applications for new spring 2016 EOPS students. Eligible students may receive a wide variety of services including, but not limited to, individualized counseling, peer support, book vouchers, and academic and transfer assistance. The application period closes on Friday, February 5, or until the program reaches full capacity. 
We are nearing capacity with fewer than 100 spots remaining! Apply ASAP as the application window may close sooner than February 5!


The EOPS program
 is a highly impacted program. Only eligible students will be offered a space on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must meet state-mandated income and educational eligibility guidelines in order to enter the program.

For an application, please stop by the EOPS Office or download the EOPS application from the EOPS website. Completed applications must be submitted in person to the EOPS Office. 
CalWORKs announcements 
CalWORKs is designed to help current DVC students who are also participating in county CalWORKs complete the academic and career training they need to successfully become economically self-sufficient. 

If you are currently participating in county CalWORKs, stop by the CalWORKs Office located on the first floor of the Student Services Building to see if you are eligible for additional student services and benefits.
Study in London!
Would you like to study in London and have the opportunity to explore London's rich museums, libraries, theaters, concert halls and historical buildings? Would you like to be a part of the community, not just a tourist?

To learn more, contact the Study Abroad Office at 925-969-2507 or [email protected] and find out if you qualify for financial aid. Scholarships are also available!
Safety reminder
If you are faced with a potentially violent or dangerous situation on campus: First move to a safe location and then immediately contact campus police at ext. 23000 from a campus phone, or 925-680-7000 from your cell phone (calling 911 from a cell phone will result in an unnecessary delay).

Our campus police are highly trained to deal with a wide variety of situations involving students and visitors on campus.
Police Services silent witness tip line
Students, faculty and staff can call 925-229-6464 to provide information without having to leave any personal information.

For more information in case of emergency:
The Inquirer, DVC's award-winning student newspaper, is online! Check us out in print or online at www.dvcinquirer.com.
Our mission statement
Diablo Valley College (DVC) is passionately committed to student learning through the intellectual, scientific, artistic, psychological, and ethical development of its diverse student body. DVC prepares students for transfer to four-year universities; provides career and technical education; supports the economic development of the region; offers pre-collegiate programs; and promotes personal growth and lifelong learning. View our complete mission statement.