CalWORKs

(408) 741-4007

https://www.westvalley.edu/services/calworks/

If you are a student who receives CalWORKs/TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), you may be eligible to receive individual career and personal counseling, services and support to help you succeed in school and meet the require ments of your CalWORKs plan. The CalWORKs Program can assist you with child care, books and supplies, transportation and other needs. Work study jobs, tutoring and support groups are also available.

Learning Outcomes

After participating in the CalWORKs program, a student will be able to:

• Define personal and/or academic goals, short term or long term;
• Identify on and off campus resources.

 

Disability and Educational Support Program (DESP)

(408) 741-2010

https://www.westvalley.edu/services/desp/

Disability and Educational Support Program (DESP) facilitates the success of students with disabilities in classes and programs. A variety of services and educational assistance courses are provided in an effort to equalize educational opportunities for students as they move toward their educational or vocational goals. Course offerings are listed under Disability and Educational Support Program, Kinesiology and Continuing Education in this catalog.

Learning Outcomes

Following the completion of the DESP new student intake:

• Students will demonstrate the ability to request approved accommodations.
• Demonstrate self‐determina􀆟on – decide when to implement accommoda􀆟ons.

Support Services

Support services are based on the educational limitations of the disability and determined through an interactive process.

• Interpreters / RealTime Captioning
• Counseling
• Notetakers
• Alternate media / e-text
• Specialized equipment
• Readers
• Registration priority
• Mobility assistance
• Braille transcription
• Test-taking assistance

Counseling Services

Specialized counseling is available to assist students with academic, career, personal and disability-related counseling to aid student success.

Learning Disability Services

Assessment of learning difficulties and courses for students with learning disabilities are offered.

Adapted Physical Education

Physical education courses designed for students with disabilities (listed under Kinesiology and Non-credit in this catalog).

Assistive Technology Services

Training in the use of assistive technology, in addition to informal evaluations.

 

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

(408) 741-2023

https://www.westvalley.edu/services/eops/

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) offers educational and financial support services to students who have historically experienced language, social and economic barriers. Students must meet the state mandated educational and financial disadvantage criteria to be considered eligible. The intent, purpose, and resources of EOP&S are aimed at assisting students to achieve their academic and career goals.

CARE is a program designed to help single parent students succeed in college. CARE students must be at least 18 years of age and single heads of household. The student or their child, who must be under 14 years of age, must be receiving CalWORKS/TANF/AFDC.

All CARE students are also EOPS eligible.

Included Services

• Book vouchers and grants
• Priority registration
• Academic, career and personal counseling
• Assistance with the transfer process
• University application fee waivers
• Additional tutoring hours
• Referrals to special programs and resources
• Peer advising
• Emergency loans
• Multi-cultural awareness and social activities

Students interested in further information are encouraged to visit or call the EOP&S Office at (408) 741-2023.

Learning Outcomes

After participating in an EOP&S New Student Orientation, a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate social and personal responsibility by: attending counseling appointments, submitting academic progress early alert, developing educational plan with a counselor.

 

First Year Experience

https://www.westvalley.edu/learning-communities/first-year/

The First Year Experience Program (FYE) Program is designed to support a smooth transition into the first year of college within a learning community environment. The FYE Program is intended to foster college self-efficacy, growth mindset, and scholarly strategies for academic success.  

All students will enroll in FYE designated English, Math, and Counseling classes. This means students will see the same peers in their FYE classes where they can establish bonds, find friends, and belong to a community that supports them in their first year of college. In addition to structured classes, students will have supportive instructors, a dedicated counselor, and engage in fun activities outside of the classroom to help them reach their transfer, graduation, and career goals. FYE is open to all students and is ideal for first-generation college students.

Learning Outcomes

After participating in the First Year Experience, students will:

• Develop a Student Educational Plan with the goal of an associate degree, certificate and/or to transfer to a four year college or university.

 

International Students

Student Services Center
(408) 741-4028
https://www.westvalley.edu/services/international/

West Valley College welcomes international students with a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

• University transfer courses
• Associate degrees and Associate Degree for Transfer
• Occupational training programs
• Personal or skill development opportunities
• Obtain an International Student Application from West Valley College
• Online: International Student Application Forms
• Phone: (408) 741-4028
• Email: askwvcFREEWEST_VALLEY
• Mail: West Valley College, Attention: International Students/DSO
  14000 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070-5698

The International Student Office offers complete services to F1 visa students: facilitates application/admission process, immigration and status advising, counseling and the transition to studying in the United States. To be admitted to the college a student must achieve a minimum TOEFL score: 61 ibt (internet based). IELTS, ITEP and Step Eiken are also accepted in lieu of TOEFL. Please contact department for accepted tests and minimum scores. The international student advisor holds orientations each semester to acclimate the students to the American Educational system, to review F1 status regulations, and to review/assist students in registration. International student advisors assist currently enrolled international students with such concerns as academic matters, status/immigration/employment regulations, services available, and personal concerns. 

Learning Outcomes

After accessing the services provided by the International Students Office, an international student will:

• Understand the responsibilities of the F-1 visa status requirements
• Develop an Educational Plan to meet their individual course requirements for degree and/or transfer goals

 

MESA

https://www.westvalley.edu/learning-communities/mesa/

The new State funded Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program at West Valley College supports students who are first generation, under-represented in a calculus-based STEM field who seek to transfer to a 4-year university. 

To join the MESA cohort, please fill out an enrollment form:  

https://www.westvalley.edu/learning-communities/mesa/application.html

Benefits of Joining MESA:

• A supportive and collaborative learning environment at the MESA Center - Open Monday through Friday for MESA students to study, socialize, and learn together.
• Group and individual tutoring - MESA connects students with dedicated tutors in STEM.
• Dedicated faculty and staff - MESA consists of a dedicated Director, Counselor, and Office Coordinator who are here to provide support.
• Transfer and career preparation
• STEM enrichment and student success workshops
• Connection to the industry - MESA students will have opportunities to meet with professionals across industries. Past partnerships have included Stanford University and Kaiser Permanente.
• Scholarship, internship, and research opportunities

 

NextUp

NextUp is a new program at West Valley College that provides extra services for foster and former foster youth who were in care at lease one day after turning 13, and who are now younger than 26.

https://www.westvalley.edu/services/eops/nextup.html

(408)741-2023

 

Puente Community

https://www.westvalley.edu/learning-communities/puente/

The Puente Project prepares students to compete academically in a university environment. It emphasizes the Latinx experience through English writing, counseling, and mentoring components. The Puente Program integrates:

• Two semester English 1A and 1B classes.
• Two semester Counseling classes.
• Individual academic, personal, and career counseling.
• Transfer information, university tours, student motivational and transfer conferences, and assistance with the transfer process.
• Personal mentor relationships with community professionals.

Learning Outcomes

Through participation in the Puente Community, a student will:

• Develop a Student Educational Plan with the goal to transfer to a four year college or university.

Working together as a Puente team, an English instructor and a college counselor join with students to establish a foundation for the students’ academic and professional success.

The program starts in the fall semester and runs through spring semester. This program is open to all students who are planning to transfer, are enthusiastic and committed to learning about Latinx experiences, and would like to participate in monthly program events (meetings, trips, tours, and work site visits).

For additional information and/or to join Puente, please contact Joe Bucher at [email protected].

Follow us on Instagram: @wvcpuente

 

TRIO Student Support Services

(408) 741-2022
https://www.westvalley.edu/services/trio/

The TRIO – Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) is a federally funded Department of Education program. TRIO SSS is designed to empower first-generation, income-eligible West Valley College students as they prepare to obtain a certificate and/or two-year degree and/or transfer to a four-year university. TRIO SSS was established at WVC in 2010 and serves 140 students each year who meet the eligibility criteria.

Services & Benefits

• Priority registration
• Free printing and computer workstations
• Grant aid to Pell-eligible participants with high unmet need
• Academic support
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Assistance
• Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling
• Workshops and seminars
• Transfer Planning and Visits to Four-Year Universities
• Cultural events
• Networking opportunities
• Leadership development
• Sense of commUNITY

Now Serving Undocumented Students

As of Fall 2023, in addition to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, TRIO is able to extend services to West Valley College students that are undocumented (Includes: Dreamers, AB540 eligible, DACA, TPS, U&T Visa, Asylum/Refugee).

Learning Outcomes

After participating in the TRIO Student Support Services Program for two semesters:

• Students will develop a complete educational plan with either certificate, AA/AS and or transfer requirements;
• Students will report an improvement of their knowledge of transfer information;
• Students will report an improvement in their knowledge of financial literacy.

 

UMOJA Community

(408) 741-2608
https://www.westvalley.edu/learning-communities/umoja/westvalley.edu/learning-communities/umoja/

The UMOJA Community is a learning community committed to the academic success, personal growth, and self-actualization of African Americans and other underrepresented students. The mission of this program is to build lasting community while assisting our students in retention, graduation, and transfer to the University. For additional information and/or to join the UMOJA program, please contact Philip Severe at (408) 741-2493 or philip.severeFREEWEST_VALLEY or Lenore Harris at (408)741-2586, lenore.harrisFREEWEST_VALLEY

The UMOJA Program:

• Offers linked English 905 and 1A courses, Counseling 5 and 12C.
• Encourages enrollment in History 12, English 12 and Counseling 50.
• Provides students with college, peer and community mentors.
• Connects students with support services on campus and with transfer institutions.
• Provides cultural events, social outings and visits to transfer institutions.

Learning Outcomes

After participation in courses and activities in the UMOJA Program, a student will be able to:

• Develop a Student Educational Plan with the goal of an associate degree, certificate and/or to transfer to a four year college or university

 

Veterans Resource Center

Welcome Desk: (408) 741-2158
https://www.westvalley.edu/services/veterans/

West Valley’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is staffed by the Program Specialist & VA School Certifying Official, Academic Counselor and VRC Ambassadors, all dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment for Veterans, students who have served in the military, and military connected students. The VRC provides a communal space for veterans to study, socialize, connect with peers and access resources to enhance their college experience.

The VRC Team is here to help you access:

• Academic counseling and tutoring resources
• Veterans educational and health benefits information
• Financial aid information and application assistance
• Specialized presentations and workshops
• Connection to on-campus wellness professionals
• Community resources and referrals

Program Services

• Study lounge with computers, free printing, coffee and snacks
• School supplies, textbooks and technology loans
• Personalized academic support and specialized tutoring
• Vet-to Vet peer mentoring and study groups
• VA Work-Study student employment opportunities