Nov 01, 2024

2024-25 Student Handbook

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2024-25 Student Handbook

Part 1: Introduction and Applying to IVC

A Great Choice: Irvine Valley College
Key Steps to Success
Online Services
Tips to Starting Off Right
Units: How Many Should You Take?
Financial Aid Programs
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Student Success and Support Program

A Great Choice: Irvine Valley College

Did You Know?

IVC has the No. 1 transfer rate in California!

Campus

Irvine Valley College combines a small‑college environment with modern facilities and equipment, dedicated staff, and excellent faculty who combine knowledge and experience with a sincere commitment to student learning. Irvine Valley College is also smoke-free.

Enrolling Is Easy

Visit the Office of Admissions and Records website and follow the instructions to fill out an online application. After applying, but before registering for classes, students are required to complete advisement, their first semester academic plan, and orientation (unless exempted).

Classes That Fit Your Schedule

For your convenience, IVC offers classes during the day, evening, and weekend; for eight weeks or full semesters; on campus, online, or hybrid (a mix of online and on-campus classes).

Academic Programs

IVC offers two-year associate degrees in over 90 majors in the liberal arts and sciences, business sciences, social sciences, and technologies. You can complete general education and pre-major requirements for transferring to four-year colleges. You can also train for a specific job by earning a certificate in more than 65 career and technical programs. Or you can take courses for your own personal development.

Student Life and Activities

The Offices of Student Life and Student Equity are committed to providing meaningful services, activities and communications that build community; ensuring academic success; encouraging creative expression, personal growth, and well-being; foster diversity, equity, and social justice; and promoting student advocacy and leadership. In addition to a variety of student clubs, throughout the year there are art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre performances, and special events. The nine IVC athletic teams include state and national champions in men’s and women’s sports, and IVC also leads California with the state’s first varsity esports program.

Honors Program and Honor Societies

The IVC Honors Program provides a supportive learning community that nurtures academic, professional, and personal growth in highly motivated students from all backgrounds. The program offers eligible students access to the small, seminar-style honors classes with enriched coursework; interaction with other motivated students; recognition on transcripts; and priority admission review at many transfer institutions. IVC also has an award-winning chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honors organization for two-year colleges, and an active chapter of Psi Beta, the national honors organization in psychology for community college students.

You Belong Here

Whether you’re a first-year student from high school, a student coming back to college after taking some time off, a military veteran, or a DREAMer, IVC welcomes everyone! IVC strives to create an inclusive atmosphere where all can learn and feel welcomed. Diversity and inclusion matter, and IVC has programs that show this. From programs to support veterans to programs for DREAMers, LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, foster youth, and students with food and housing insecurities, IVC is building an accepting, encouraging, and unified community.

We Help You Succeed

IVC offers extensive support services to help you succeed. These include counseling on choosing a major and selecting classes, career counseling, transfer assistance, help with basic English and math skills, free tutoring, assistance for veterans and international students, health care, and services for low-income students and students with a disability.

The Transfer Advantage

It is easier for a community college student to transfer to a University of California or California State University campus than it is for a student applying directly out of high school. The grade point eligibility index is lower, and community college students are given priority for admission. It is also much less expensive to fulfill general education and lower-division major requirements at the community college. Community college students are typically very successful after transfer. Currently, IVC’s transfer rate is #1 among all California community colleges. Another bonus is that IVC has transfer agreements and/or Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAGs) with UC and CSU campuses. The IVC Transfer Center also hosts visits from college representatives throughout the year. Typically, more than 50 four-year universities participate in the IVC Transfer College Fair.

Key Steps to Success in Your First Semester

Step 1: Apply to IVC

If you are 18 years or older, a high school graduate, have never attended IVC, or have been away from IVC for more than two semesters, you must complete the IVC California Community College application at i vc.edu/admissions.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Registration

Guided Self Placement

Upon successful completion of the IVC application process, students will receive an email with their IVC student ID number. The IVC student ID number, along with the PIN created during the application process, will be the login credentials into MySite. In order to complete the math and English placements, students will need to log into MySite and complete the Guided Self Placement surveys for math and English. If English is not their primary language, students must complete the ESL Guided Self Placement survey.

PRO TIP: MySite is a service of the South Orange County Community College District (Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College). A MySite account allows students to register for classes, manage, and review their academic information while attending one of the SOCCCD campuses. Click on the MySite button at www.ivc.edu. For more information, see Online Services below.

Orientation

Orientation provides an overview of important policies, procedures, and services at IVC. Orientation sessions are oﬀered online or in-person. Students can access the online orientation through their MySite account and can sign up for an in-person orientation by visiting the matriculation website at ivc.edu/admissions/apply or calling 949-451-5315.

During orientation, students will learn about:

Academic expectations
Available programs, support services, and campus resources
Academic calendar and important dates and deadlines
Registration and college fees
Additional college-specific issues, policies, and procedures

Advisement

Students may complete advisement when placement results for English/ESL and math are available in MySite. Advisement sessions can be completed online or through in-person group sessions. During advisement sessions, students will learn about:

Course options based on the student’s math and English/ESL placement results
IVC’s course sequence in math and English/ESL
Certificate and degree requirements and transfer options
How MySite and the online enrollment process work
Strategies for balancing school and other personal commitments

First Semester Plan

After a student receives their math and English/ESL placements and completes advisement, the student will then be ready to develop a First Semester Plan, which is a set of courses that should be taken in your first semester of college in order to reach your educational goals. First Semester Plans can be completed online or through in-person group advisement sessions.

Submit Official High School Transcripts

Students are highly encouraged to submit their high school transcripts showing successful completion of math and English courses through the completion of the 11th grade. For additional course placement consideration, it is highly recommended for students to submit their high school transcript listing successful completion of math and English courses through the 12th grade.

Students who have completed coursework with a grade of C or better at another accredited U.S. college may electronically submit their transcript for math and/or English placement consideration. Grades that are not acceptable are “C-,” “D,” “F,” “FW,” or “NP.” Students may also submit AP exam scores (in English composition, calculus, and/or statistics) with a score of 3 or higher. Contact your high school or college for details on how to submit your transcripts to Irvine Valley College. If you are unable to access your high school transcripts, contact the Office of Admissions and Records at 949-451-5220.

Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid

IVC awards over $20 million annually to more than 8,000 students. The overall cost of full-time attendance at a California community college for a full-time student living with parents is over $20,000. To be considered for financial aid at IVC, students must complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). AB 540 students must complete the CADAA. For additional information, visit the Financial Aid website or call 949-451-5287.

Step 4: Register for Classes

After successfully completing the steps listed above, students who are required to matriculate will be eligible to register for classes. It is important for students to register for classes during their scheduled registration date and time.

Students who are exempted from matriculation are not mandated to complete the steps listed above, but will receive a much later registration time (for more information, see Enrollment Priorities in Part 2: Enrollment and Placement). To find your registration date and time, log in to MySite, and click on My Information.

To register for classes on your assigned registration date and time, log in to MySite, click on My Classes, then Register for Classes.

Attend Classes

Do not miss the first class meeting. If you are absent, you risk bring dropped to make room for students who are waiting to enroll. Contact your instructor if you cannot be present at the first class!

PRO TIP: Take responsibility for your success in college. Keep track of important dates and deadlines, instructors’ office hours, and the many IVC resources available to help you succeed. The most successful students are those who take responsibility for themselves.

Technology Support Services and Online Resources

The Technology Services Help Desk provides students with phone and online chat support for campus technology and other computing needs. See our Student Account Management website for helpful resources including user manuals on:

Login Issues
Email Issues
Canvas Issues
Password Resets
Student Printing

Canvas™

Canvas™ is the college’s Learning Management System (LMS). Canvas provides students with an online learning community along with other tools to assist them in getting the most out of their courses. Students participate in course lessons by accessing the Canvas site, located at www.ivc.edu under “Login” (navigation bar in upper right side of homepage). Students are able to interact with course content (e.g., articles; audio and video; submitting exams, homework, and quizzes) and their instructor and classmates.

Instructors inform students how to use the Canvas system by email or at the class orientation. Students officially enrolled in an online class with a valid email address and email password may access the account at ivc.edu under Login once their teacher publishes their course. They can view articles and videos about Canvas and find technology support at i vc.edu/tech. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser and required for certain features.

Wifi Access

Irvine Valley College offers currently enrolled students WiFi access while on campus. If you have a WiFi-enabled device, you can access the Internet from most locations on campus. You will need to use your college email address and email password to login.

By logging into the Irvine Valley College WiFi Network, you are entering into a binding agreement to adhere to South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) Electronic Communications Administrative Regulations 3720 and 3725.

Student Print Queue

Irvine Valley College’s Student Print Queue system allows you to:

Add files to your Print Queue from on- or off-campus
Print double-sided to reduce your carbon footprint
Make color copies
Release print jobs at any of the student print locations at IVC
Release print jobs at IVC that were sent to one of Saddleback’s student print locations and vice versa
Add funds with credit or debit card. You can add funds to your account with cash in the Library at the funding kiosk.

To be ready to print when you arrive on campus, you must first Register and Add Funds to your account. This can be done on or off campus. Officially enrolled students may access the account at printing.ivc.edu/user with a valid user name and password.

MySite

MySite is the IVC web portal that provides students with online access to college services. It works across all platforms, as well as on mobile devices (e.g., tablets and smartphones). Access to MySite is through the IVC website: www.ivc.edu. Use your IVC email and password to log in to MySite for functions like:

My Classes (Register for Classes, Make Payment, Refund Information, Shopping Cart, Current Classes, Change Grading Option, Unofficial Grades, Academic History, and Class Status)
My Information (Matriculation: Assessment and Placement Results, Online Advisement, Online Orientation, Placement Information, Appointments, Change Address, Reminders, 1098-T Information, and Fee Statement)
My Academic Plan (MAP)

Student Email

All students are automatically given email accounts within 24 hours after applying to the college. Usernames are assigned automatically (customized names are not provided), and accounts are continued with no interruption in service as long as the student remains enrolled in contiguous semesters (excluding summer). Students may change their initial password and forward copies of their student email to another account (e.g., their home email) by logging into MySite. However, faculty and staff use the official student-provided email address to correspond. It is highly recommended to always check your school email at ivc.edu under Login (navigation bar in upper right side of homepage), then email.

Approximately three weeks after the start of a semester, continuing students who have not enrolled in at least one class for the new semester will have their email accounts deleted. Students who drop all of their classes will have both their email accounts and any messages deactivated.

For the most current information about how to use student email accounts, go to i vc.edu/tech.

Example: If your name is James Bernardo, your user name is jbernardo0. Important: Student email accounts always end in a number. Your account name may end with a zero or any other number, but it will never end with the letter “o” or “l.” Your student email address is: jbernardo0@ivc.edu. Your default email password is: Your PIN plus two zeros. For example, if your PIN is 3456, your default password is 345600. Your domain is: IVC-STUDENT. To change your password, go to ivc.edu and click “Login” (navigation bar in upper right side of homepage). Click “Forgot Password”, you will then be prompted to change your password.

Important Notice: Student email privileges are designed solely for educational purposes. District policy forbids personal, recreational, or commercial use of college computers, email, and Internet services.

Online Educational Counseling

Online counseling is an extension of drop-in counseling. Students can access this service from the Counseling Center at ivc.edu/counseling-center .

Online Orientation

IVC’s online orientation is available to students 24/7/365 from any computer with Internet access. The orientation provides students with valuable information regarding academic expectations as well as the various services, policies, and opportunities available at IVC. It is designed to give students a comprehensive overview of the Irvine Valley College experience. The orientation is fully accessible to the visually impaired.

Once students have applied to IVC and received their student ID number, they may access the online orientation through MySite.

Online Advisement

IVC’s online advisement is available to students 24/7/365 through MySite from any computer with Internet access. The advisement takes students step-by-step through the process of identifying which classes they can take during their first semester at IVC. Advisement is specific to each individual student and is based on recommended classes identified through the student’s placement results, educational goal, and personal interests.

Online Education: Online Classes

Online education is the process of learning, researching, and interacting outside of a campus environment. Online education at Irvine Valley College is conducted on the Internet via the college’s learning management system (see below). Each class has a specific IVC instructor who serves as a personal contact to answer student questions, provide review opportunities, and administer examinations throughout the semester.

Students must meet the specific requirements of the course and participate responsibly. Any student enrolling in an online class is required to view orientation information at ivc.edu/d e.

Tips to Starting Off Right

Submit Official Transcripts

Send IVC official transcripts from previous high schools, colleges, and universities you have attended to show that you have completed a course prerequisite or to request an exemption from matriculation.

Know Your Residency Classification - General Provisions

Every person, by law, has a legal residence, and there can only be one legal residence. Each person applying to a California community college must be classified as a resident or nonresident. The cost of education for California residents is subsidized by taxpayers. Nonresidents cover the full cost of their education. Learn more about Residency at ivc.edu/admissions/residency.

Students must be able to provide evidence of living in California, coupled with intent to make California one’s permanent home for no less than one year and one day prior to the start of the term. Since intent is a subjective state of mind, California considers any of the following documents objective measures of one’s intent:

Federal tax transcript for the previous year and the corresponding California state income tax return (CA 540 or CA 540 NR), accompanied by appropriate W2s. (W2 statements alone are not sufficient).
Evidence of employment in California (two pay stubs: one recent and one from one year ago, and a letter on company letterhead verifying employment).
Continuous occupancy of rented or leased residential property in California (the lease agreement must list your name as a lessee or occupant), or ownership and living in residential property.
Proof of being a registered voter in California.
Possession of a California driver license or California identification card.
Being the registered owner of a car registered in California.
Evidence of active checking and/or savings account drawn on a California bank branch with a California address associated with the account (two bank statements-one recent and one from one year ago).
Possession of a California professional license (real estate license, medical or law license, etc.)

California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student.

Some more general rules:

Unmarried students who are under 19 years of age automatically derive their residency from the parent with whom they last resided. Students who are 19 years old have had the year between their 18th and 19th birthdate to obtain the documents to establish the requisite intent to prove their own residency.
Married individuals derive their residency independent of their spouse. A married woman does not automatically derive residency from her husband, and vice-versa. While many documents may be shared, married individuals must be able to produce evidence of their individual intent.
Individuals holding the following visas may not establish residency in California, regardless of the length of time they have lived in California: B-1, B-2, C-1 to C-4, D-1, D-2, F-1, F-2, F-3, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, H-4, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, M-3, 0-2, 0-3, P-1 to P-4, Q-1 to Q-3, 5-5, S-6, S-7, TN/TD; TWOV. Additionally, undocumented aliens are not eligible for residence classification.
Merely residing in California is insufficient to make a claim of residency for tuition purposes.

EXEMPTIONS FROM NONRESIDENT TUITION:

The California Education Code and provisions in state law allow certain nonresidents the opportunity to pay in-state fees. Eligibility criteria are noted at right. Students who believe they are eligible for an exemption based on any one of the following criteria should consult the Office of Admissions and Records when they apply:

Students who are members of the armed forces of the United States who are stationed in this state on active duty, except those assigned to California for educational purposes.
Spouses and dependents (natural or adopted children or stepchildren) of active members of the armed forces.
Students who are eligible as covered individuals as defined in the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACA Act), who are taking advantage of their Chapter 30 or 33 benefits, or who use educational assistance under Chapter 31.
Parents who are federal civil service employees and have moved to California as a result of a military realignment action that involves the relocation of at least 100 employees. This exemption also applies to the natural or adopted children or stepchildren of such employees.
A nonresident student who lives in California and who is under 20 years old and was served by the California Foster Care System may be entitled to a resident classification.
Students who have completed at least three years of high school or adult school in California and have graduated from a California high school or the equivalent who are eligible by completing the “AB 540 Affidavit for Exemption” for consideration.
K-12 special part-time students, other than non-immigrant aliens, participating in a College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnership program or a K-12 special part-time student (non-CCAP: concurrently enrolled high school student).

CHANGING RESIDENT STATUS:

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the reclassification to resident status (consult the Office of Admissions and Records). Reclassification forms and directions are available on the IVC website under the Admissions section. Evidence from the list of documents provided on the residency questionnaire confirming your presence and your intent to remain in California, may be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records along with the residency questionnaire. Remember, your documents must show presence and intent at least one year and one day old before the semester begins. The burden of proof lies with you.

Units: How Many Should You Take?

College Units

A college “unit” (or “student hour”) is a term used to define the time value of a course.
A one-unit lecture class typically requires one (1) hour of in‑class instruction and two (2) hours of student work outside of class per week for a 16-18 week semester.
In a lab class, the majority of the student’s work is done in class. A one-unit lab class typically requires three (3) hours of class instruction for a 16-18 week semester.

When deciding how many units to take, it is very important to plan time for attending class; completing reading assignments, writing assignments, and other homework assignments; and studying. You are expected to be fully prepared for each class before the class period begins. For each 1 unit of in-class time for a lecture class, schedule 2-3 hours per week for studying. For example, a student enrolling in 12 lecture units should plan on a weekly total of 36 hours for school: 12 hours for in-class attendance, and at least 24 hours of study outside of class. Do not overload yourself when you register for classes. Design a course load that is reasonable for your level of energy and motivation.

If you are going to school and working, the maximum amount of work recommended is as follows:

Work	Take No More Than
40 hours per week	3-6 units
30 hours per week	6-9 units
20 hours per week	9-12 units
5-15 hours per week	12-15 units

The example below illustrates how many hours you should expect to manage for work and school each week:

Chart showing the number of recommended units based on the number of hours per week. For 3-6 units, it is recommended that students work no more than 40 hours per week, and it is recommended that students spend 18 hours in and out of the classroom.

You may take as little as 0.5 unit and as much as 19 units during a single semester. If you want to take more than 19 units and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, you may request to take additional units by completing an overload petition form in the Counseling Center.

Financial Aid Programs

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Photo showing the IVC financial aid office You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for any of the programs discussed below. If you are in default on a student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant, you are not eligible for federal student aid until the default is cleared or overpayment repaid. For additional information, visit the Financial Aid website.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell grant is a grant for undergraduates with high financial need who have not already received a bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is based on factors like student and parent income and assets and household size. Grant amounts are dependent on the student’s student aid index (SAI, formerly expected family contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution), the student’s enrollment status, and whether the student attends a full academic year.

NOTE: Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG is designed to help undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional need (according to the federal formula). You will automatically be considered for this grant if you complete the FAFSA. To receive the FSEOG, you must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, enrolled in at least 9 units, and maintain ‘Satisfactory’ SAP status. Funding is very limited and will be awarded to eligible students until expended.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program funds part-time job opportunities for students with financial need (according to the federal formula). Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units at IVC. Funding is very limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Federal Direct Loans

Long-term, low-interest loans are available through the U.S. Department of Education. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units and complete a FAFSA. Loan amounts vary depending on grade level, the student’s enrollment status, and whether the student attends a full academic year. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit our Federal Direct Loans website for more information.

STATE PROGRAMS

A U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for any of the programs discussed below. AB 540 students will need to complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). For additional information, visit the Financial Aid website.

California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver

The most popular financial aid program at IVC is the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), which waives tuition fees for eligible California residents who have financial need. Students must complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (for AB 540 students only) to qualify for the CCPG.

Students who are on probation for their last two consecutive semesters will lose eligibility for the CCPG. Students may appeal the loss of CCPG eligibility under the following conditions:

Student has a disability and applied for reasonable accommodations with Disability Support Programs for Students (DSPS) but did not receive services in a timely manner.
Student has made significant academic improvement.
Student has experienced extenuating circumstances (e.g. accident, illness, or other circumstance beyond the student’s control).
Student requests special consideration because they are receiving CalWORKs benefits; or DSPS, EOPS, veterans, foster youth, or homeless services.
Student has not enrolled at IVC or Saddleback College for two consecutive primary semesters (fall and spring) since becoming ineligible for the CCPG.
Student was unable to obtain essential support services.

Students must submit their appeal using the online dynamic form on the Office of Financial Aid website.

Cal Grant

Cal Grants are state grants awarded to eligible California residents. In addition to completing the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for AB 540 students by March 2, students must submit a GPA verification form to the California Student Aid Commission by the filing deadline. GPA verification forms and more information on the Cal Grant program are available at www.csac.ca.gov.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

EOPS is a state-funded program for full-time students enrolled in 12 or more units who are financially and educationally disadvantaged, have completed less than 70 degree-applicable units, and demonstrate an educational disadvantage as outlined by the state. Among the services provided are academic/career counseling, a book service program, extended tutoring, a student grant program, and work-study opportunities. Funding is limited. You must complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application as well as a separate EOPS application to apply. Contact the EOPS Office in SSC 220 for eligibility requirements at 949-451-5243 or eops@ivc.edu, or visit ivc.edu/eops.

Scholarships

Irvine Valley College offers scholarships through the college’s Foundation and generous contributors. Scholarships are typically awarded using a variety of criteria as determined by the scholarship representatives, availability of funds, merit of application, and other distinctions. Learn more about the IVC Scholarship Program.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

IVC Office of Financial Aid
Telephone: 949-451-5287
Fax: 949-451-5459
Email: ivcfao@ivc.edu
Website: i vc.edu/financial-aid
Office Location: SSC 130
IVC Federal School Code: 025395

Financial aid is intended to help students pay for college expenses including books, fees, transportation, and other education related costs. The IVC Financial Aid Office encourages students to become informed about the variety of aid programs available to them.

Basic Eligibility Criteria for Student Aid

To receive aid, you must:

Prove financial need based on federal and state guidelines (for need-based aid programs).
Have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Be enrolled as a regular student working towards an eligible degree or certificate.
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (AB 540 students submit the CA Dream Act Application if meeting AB 540 eligibility criteria).
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Not be in default on any educational loan or owe a refund on an educational grant.
Have a valid Social Security Number (For federal aid only. AB 540 eligible students do not require a Social Security Number).

What to Expect from the IVC Financial Aid Office After Submitting Your Application

An email notifying you that your FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application was received and whether any additional information is required to be submitted to ivc.studentforms.com.
A Document Request Email notifying you of additional information required to be submitted to i vc.studentforms.com.
Financial Aid Award Email: Once your financial aid file is complete, we will review your financial aid eligibility and send you an email to notify you that you can view your financial aid award letter for the type of program(s) you qualified for and the amount of aid you are eligible to receive.
Financial Aid Disbursement Option Email: Students are notified when a payment is ready to be disbursed in advance of each disbursement. Student financial aid is disbursed through Nelnet as a paper check unless you select to receive it directly to your personal checking or savings accounts or onto a reloadable debit card.

Federal Student Financial Aid Deadline:
Submit the 2023-24 FAFSA applications online by June 30, 2024.

To Complete a FAFSA

Applying for financial aid is a three-step process. You must make sure that you complete each step:

Create your FSA ID: An FSA ID is require to log into the FAFSA, make corrections, and sign the FAFSA electronically. Parents of dependent students with a valid SSN will need to create an FSA ID to electronically sign the student’s FAFSA. FSA IDs can be created online by going to www.studentaid.gov.
Complete the FAFSA Form at www.studentaid.gov: Make sure the application is for the correct academic year (i.e., 2023-24) and that IVC is listed in the School Selection section of the FAFSA. There are questions on the FAFSA that determine a student’s eligibility status including citizenship, education status, and dependency status, and will require income and assets information for all household members to be able to equitably determine a student’s financial aid eligibility.
Complete your file: Your eligibility for financial aid cannot be determined until you provide all requested documents. Once your file has been reviewed by a Financial Aid Specialist, you will receive an award email regarding your financial aid eligibility.

To Apply for a Cal Grant

For Cal Grant consideration, you must complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for AB 540 students by March 2 each year. Students will also need to submit a GPA Verification Form, which is available on the CSAC website at www.csac.ca.gov. You can create a WebGrant 4 Students account with CSAC to check your award status at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov.

You do not have to submit a GPA Verification Form if you have completed at least 16 units of college level coursework at IVC, as the college will send your GPA information electronically to the state. More information is available on the Cal Grant page on the Office of Financial Aid website.

To Apply for a California College Promise Grant

To apply for a California College Promise Grant (CCPG), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if you are an AB540 eligible student.

Please allow 1-2 weeks for the Financial Aid Office to receive your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and update your CCPG eligibility on MySite.

If you have already registered and paid your fees, you can still apply for the CCPG. If you are eligible, your enrollment fees will automatically be refunded in 1-2 weeks. For additional information regarding the refund process, please visit the Student Payment Services website.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal and state regulations require that students maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible to receive financial aid. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage all students to progress steadily at a reasonable rate toward graduation, transfer, or completion of their educational goal. The Office of Financial Aid at IVC will evaluate all aid recipients at the end of each term to ensure that they are meeting all components of satisfactory progress.

Students must meet all of the following academic standards to receive financial aid:

Maintain a cumulative 2.0 district GPA.
Complete 67% of all classes enrolled.
Complete associate degree by 90 units of enrolled coursework, or 45 units for a certificate program.

Return of Title IV Funds

When a recipient of federal student aid (Title IV grant or loan) withdraws completely from the college before completing 60% of the enrollment period, federal law requires repayment of part of the aid received. The amount that must be repaid will depend upon the percentage of the semester completed. The Office of Financial Aid will notify the student regarding the amount owed and repayment options. Any aid recipient who needs to withdraw from all classes should contact the Financial Aid Office before dropping. More information on the effects of aid recipients dropping classes can be viewed on the Financial Aid Policies page of the Office of Financial Aid website.

Financial Aid Disbursements: Nelnet Student Choice Refunds

Irvine Valley College has partnered with Nelnet to provide student financial aid disbursement services. Through this service, you are able to choose how you would like to receive your financial aid disbursements by depositing directly into your personal checking or savings account, onto a reloadable debit card, or by paper check. Learn more about dispersement.

Steps to Becoming an IVC Student

Photo showing students working on computer The steps to becoming an IVC student are designed to promote the student’s efforts toward completing their educational goals. These services include 1) placement, 2) advisement, 3) the development of a first semester plan, and 4) orientation. These services are a partnership between the student and IVC. Students are expected to complete key processes upon successful completion of specific milestones. You will be exempt from these steps and will receive a later registration time if one of the following applies:

You have completed an associate degree or higher.
You have enrolled in IVC for one of the following reasons:
1. To maintain a license for employment or occupation.
2. Educational development.
You are a four-year college/university student enrolling in IVC to satisfy requirements for their four-year college/university.
You are concurrently enrolled as a K-12 Special Admit.

See Steps to Becoming an IVC Student »

1. Complete Math and English/ESL Placement

Upon successful completion of the IVC application process, students will receive an email with their IVC student ID number. The IVC student ID number, along with the PIN created during the application process, will be the login credentials into MySite. In order to complete the math and English placements, students will need to log into MySite and complete the Guided Self Placement surveys for math and English. If English is not the primary language, students must complete the ESL Guided Self Placement survey.

2. Submit Transcripts

Incoming students are highly encouraged to submit their high school transcripts showing successful completion of math and English courses through the completion of the 11th grade. It is also highly recommended for students to submit their high school transcript listing successful completion of math and English courses upon completion of the 12th grade for additional course placement consideration.

Students who have completed coursework with a grade of C or better at another accredited US college may electronically submit their transcript for math and/or English placement consideration. Grades that are not acceptable are “C-,” “D,” “F,” “FW,” or “NP.” Students may also submit AP exam scores (in English composition, calculus, and/or statistics) with a score of 3 or higher. Contact your high school or college for details on how to submit your transcripts to Irvine Valley College. If you are unable to access your high school transcripts, contact the Admissions and Records Office at 949-451-5220.

3. Advisement

When placement results for English/ESL and math are available in MySite, students may complete advisement. Advisement sessions can be completed online or through in-person group sessions. During advisement sessions, students will learn about:

Course options based on the student’s math and English/ESL placement results
IVC’s course sequence in math and English/ESL
Certificate and degree requirements and transfer options
How MySite and the online enrollment process work
Strategies for balancing school and other personal commitments

4. Develop a First Semester Plan

After a student receives their math and English/ESL placements and completes advisement, the student will then be ready to develop a First Semester Plan, which is a set of courses that should be taken in your first semester of college in order to reach your educational goals. This plan will be for 1-2 semesters, and will be created using MAP (My Academic Plan) in the student’s MySite account. First Semester Plans can be completed online or through in-person group advisement sessions.

Comprehensive My Academic Plan (MAP): Upon completion of 15 degree applicable units or before enrolling in the 4th semester, students will be required to complete a comprehensive academic plan. A comprehensive academic plan is a semester by semester plan for completing the student’s academic goal. Failure to complete a comprehensive plan will result in a hold being placed on the student’s enrollment.

There are many opportunities for you to complete your comprehensive academic plan. Enrolling in counseling courses such as COUN 1 - Academic Planning, COUN 2 - UC Student Education Plan, COUN 100A - Education Planning for Certificates and Associate Degrees, and COUN 100B - CSU Student Education Plan may also help you find the direction you are seeking. Group workshops are also offered.

If you are undecided on a program of study, enrolling in COUN 102 - Career Exploration and Life Planning, or visiting the Career Center for assistance are excellent options.

5. Orientation

Orientation provides an overview of important policies, procedures, and services at IVC. Orientation sessions are oﬀered online or in person. Students can access the online orientation through their MySite account from any computer with Internet access. Students can sign up for an in-person orientation by visiting the matriculation website.