Student Services
What student services are available at Porterville College?
When should I see a counselor or academic advisor?
Porterville College has counselors to help you choose the courses which best suit your individual interests and career goals. Throughout the year, counselors teach courses in college survival, study skills, career development, overcoming math anxiety, and success groups. It is important that you see a counselor at least once per term to evaluate your academic progress. Your counselor will be able to answer any questions you have about course requirements, degree requirements or schedules.
It is strongly encouraged that transfer students meet with a counselor early in their enrollment. Many four-year colleges and universities have varying requirements. A counselor can guide you toward appropriate coursework preparation. For advising appointments, call 791-2329, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or stop by the counseling center in AC-126 to make an appointment.
Walk-in advising days and times are available by calling 791-2329. On these days, students can be seen by a counselor, without an appointment, on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you desire an appointment to see a counselor please make an advising appointment by calling 791-2329 or go online at www.portervillecollege.edu/counseling.
Transfer Center
The Transfer Center, located in the Student Services Center, provides assistance in all aspects of the transfer process. Services include catalogs and information for UC, CSU, private, and out-of-state universities, computers to access online transfer resources, and handouts in a variety of subjects such as transfer preparation, application, and financial aid. In addition, the Transfer Center offers monthly workshops to provide students with helpful transfer information. .
What if I need additional assistance with courses?
The Porterville College Learning Center offers the lab component of several writing, reading and math courses as well as individualized programs in math and English skills. Instructors offer small-group clinics in basic writing, reading, research and math skills and are available to help students with specific academic questions and concerns. The Learning Center also houses the mentor program, a drop-in service for students who need help with writing assignments, and tutorial services. Students may use the Learning Center as their schedules permit. For more information, speak to Catherine Hodges at 791-2240, 791-2242, or 791-2236.
What are the steps for graduation?
Meet with a counselor.
Complete the Degree Evaluation Petition during the filing period.
What is the Degree Evaluation Petition (DEP)?
Degree Evaluation Petition (DEP) is the form that begins the evaluation review of the courses you have completed or are in progress to determine if you meet the required course(s) to graduate. The DEP is available in the Counseling Center (AC-126) and must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records within the next filing period by the student or counselor.
What if I miss the filing period? If you missed the filing period for the degree evaluation, you may still meet with your counselor to complete the “Degree Evaluation Petition”, but will not be submitted until the next filing period.
Does this mean I won’t graduate? No, you may participate in the graduation exercise in May but, if you missed the filing period for the Degree Evaluation Petition, your degree will not be posted until the filing period.
If you withdraw from courses that were needed to graduate before the 60 percent date, a letter will be sent to inform you that, as a result of dropping the required courses, you no longer meet the graduation requirements. If you have chosen to participate in commencement, a letter will be mailed in early May with details of the graduation exercise. At the completion of the semester and when degrees have been confirmed by the Office of Admissions and Records, students who did not pass the required courses for graduation from the spring term will be informed they will not receive their degrees. Go to www.portervillecollege.edu to check the filing period for graduation or as posted in the Office of Admissions and Records area.
ADMISSIONS and RECORDS
(Registrar’s Office)
The Admissions and Records Office provides information to future students; high school students, parents, counselors and the community. Students may obtain class registration, transcripts, grades, tuition information and much more enrollment information. The faculty and staff utilize the office for their records, register, staff admissions, grades, FERPA regulations, and data access. Our alumni can be provided transcripts, diplomas, and other useful information. Remember the Admissions and Records Office is where your permanent college records are located.
Federal and State Financial Aid
Porterville College is committed to provide students an opportunity to pursue their educational goals. The Financial Aid Office offers assistance to students who need funds to attain that goal.
The purpose of Financial Aid is to supply you with financial aid to attend Porterville College. If you have questions, be sure to ask members of the financial aid staff. We believe that no student should be denied access to the educational experience at Porterville College because of a lack of funds. We must work under federal and state regulations designed to supply funds to those who need them the most. If you decide to accept the federal aid, you should be aware that federal regulation regarding repayment of money under the Return of Title IV Funds mandates if you receive a GRANT and then withdraw from all your classes prior to the 60 percent point, you may owe a repayment to the federal program. To receive funds the staff must follow the federal and state regulations which include a series of questions that must be asked of you. Please be patient with the application process.
The financial aid process starts with the completion of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). The information that you provide assists us in determining what you and/or your family should pay toward your educational expenses. Students must apply early to receive funds for the first day of classes. The process is not difficult if you read the instructions and ask questions. The Board of Governors Waiver (BOGW) is for California residents and will cover the cost of the California enrollment fee for the academic year. Feel free to come by the office if you have any questions regarding your application or financial aid.
Extended Opportunity Program & Services (EOPS)
EOPS provides services to students who are educationally and economically disadvantaged. The program is funded through the State of California and the local community college district.
To be eligible for the program, a student must:
- be a resident of California
- be a full-time student (12 credits) at Porterville College
- qualify for the Board of Governors Wavier A or B
- be educational disadvantaged as determined by the state regulations
- not have completed more than 70 credits of college-level course work
- be working toward a certificate or degree
- be making satisfactory academic progress with an Educational Study Plan on file
Services students may be eligible for:
- Book awards
- Counseling
- Grants
- Meal cards
- Peer advising
- School supplies
- Transfer assistance
- Workshops
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)
CARE participants must meet EOPS eligibility, have a child under the age of fourteen at the time of admission, receive CalWORKs (formally AFDC), and be a single head of household who is 18 years of age.
CARE eligible students may receive assistance through grants, book awards, meal cards, supplies and special interest workshops. For additional information on the EOPS or CARE Programs, contact the staff in AC-126.
California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids Program CalWORKs)
The CalWORKs Program provides services to students who receive TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families, formally known as AFDC) and who have been referred by their TulareWORKs caseworker at the welfare office. CalWORKs serves as a liaison between the student and caseworker and monitors academic progress.
Other services include:
- CalWorks workstudy (on and off campus)
- Job placement, job search skills, resume writing, interviewing techniques
- Academic advising
- Books
- Funding for child care
- Mileage reimbursement
- Job readiness workshops
Through the TANF-CDC Grant, students who are interested in Preschool Teacher and Associate Teacher will receive additional services which include payment of the state license fees. For further information, please contact the staff in AC-126 or call 791-2303.
Looking for a career in education?
California Mini-Corps is a migrant statewide categorical services program. The primary objectives of the program are:
Provide direct instructional services to migrant children, and
Prepare qualified college students for a career in education.
The program serves as a support system by providing “hands-on” experience in the classroom and training via weekly in-services and income. This program is available to full-time college students.
The Porterville College program has been successful in terms of recruitment, transfer, and services rendered to the local school districts. We are currently servicing several schools from the following school districts: Alta Vista, Porterville, Ducor, Lindsay, Strathmore and Terra Bella. If you are interested and would like to find out about qualifying, please contact the Mini Corps office at 791-2300.
Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides services for students with disabilities, which may include physical, learning and other types of disabilities. The DRC is located in AC-115.
Students may be interested in improving job skills, getting a vocational certificate, wanting personal enrichments or planning to transfer to a four-year college. Services will be based on the level of disability and the academic needs of each student. The Rehabilitation Act, Section 504 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandate that students with learning, physical or other types of disabilities receive services to allow an equal experience in education. The DRC is the central area for these free services.
Students with a print disability, a visual limitation or reading difficulty that limits access to traditional print material may request printed materials in alternate media. Examples of alternate media formats include electronic format (e.g., text on CD), Braille, audio, and large print. Students make alternate media requests through the DRC.
Anyone interested may contact the DRC office at 791-2215.
Veterans and Dependents of Veterans
It is the goal of the Veteran’s representative to assist the Veterans and Dependents of Veterans in obtaining Veterans Educational Assistance. It is the mission of the college to offer eligible program participants with support to achieve their educational goals. Students maybe eligible to receive a monthly check depending on the program that they qualify for: Veterans Educational Benefits (Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30, 32 and 106) and/or Dependent's Educational Assistance Program Chapter 35 of Title U.S. Code. The Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office can inform you of your eligibility at 1-800-827-1000.
Contact the Veterans Representative in the Admissions and Records Office.
Library Resources and Services
The PC library house s over 27,000 print books and over 110 magazines, journals, and newspapers. Through the library, students have access to nine different electronic databases giving them online information from books, magazines, , journals, and newspapers. NetLibrary, the full-text electronic book database has over 19,000 titles. Media resources include equipment to view over 600 VHS, DVD, cassette, and CD titles. Students can use study rooms and read and study in the large reading room. Faculty-reserved materials can be viewed and copied in the library. The library houses its Valley Writers Collections-over 500 book titles written by over 200 authors who have lived In Californiaís Great Central Valley.
For further information, call 791-2318 or visit the library website:
www.portervillecollege.edu/Library
Do you need tutorial services?
Tutors are available, free of charge to Porterville College students, in most academic subjects. Appointments may be made in the Learning Center. In addition, student writing mentors and math and language arts instructors are available to assist students on a drop-in basis. For further information, visit LRC-503 in the Learning Resource Center or call the Learning Center Technician, at 791-2227 or 791-2236.
Where do I purchase books and other class materials?
The Porterville College Bookstore is located in the Student Center. In addition to textbooks, many items are available including notebooks, pencils, stationery, greeting cards, art supplies, tote bags, pennants, patches, and an excellent selection of sportswear. When classes are in session the PC Bookstore hours are: Monday thru Thursday 07:30 am to 7:00pm, Friday 07:30 am to 11:00 am.
Is there a cafeteria on campus?
Yes, the PC Cafeteria is located in the Student Center. Its purpose is to serve good food at very reasonable prices and at a convenient time. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m during regular session and summer. The potato bar and salad bar are open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The grill also opens at 10:00 a.m.
Is there a Wellness Center on campus?
The Wellness Center, located at the north end of the gym, provides health services to currently enrolled full- and part-time students. The purpose of the Wellness Center is to further the educational opportunity and success for all Porterville College students by providing access to health services which promote the physical, emotional and social well being of students. The Wellness Center maintains high quality health care services by establishing procedures, treatments, activities, and referral systems designed to meet student needs.
The student health fee gives students full access to a full-time Registered Public Health Nurse available Monday through Friday and during evening hours as well. Services included, but not limited to, campus emergency care, first aid, nursing assessment and treatment of common acute illnesses, TB tests, vision and hearing screening, blood pressure screening, selected immunizations and pregnancy tests. If further off-campus medical evaluation or treatment is needed, students will be referred. A rest area and some over-the-counter medications are available. First aid supplies are also located in strategic areas throughout the campus. Appointments are available, but not necessary. Students with chronic health problems of a serious nature (diabetes, seizure disorder, cardiac problems) are advised to inform the Wellness Center so that the best possible help can be rendered in case of an emergency.
When you visit the Wellness Center you have the right to privacy, confidentiality, and to be treated with dignity. All records are confidential and cannot be released to anyone without written authorization. The only exception is when subpoenaed by court or when information is required by public health law. Information on the Wellness Center may be obtained by calling 791-2212, accessing the Porterville College Website, or the information desk.
Does the college have student organizations or clubs?
The Associate Students of Porterville College (ASPC) is the student body of Porterville College. The student body is represented by a Student Senate organization that promotes activities which contribute to the development of human relation skills, the development of leadership abilities and meeting the recreational and social needs of students.
- ACES (formerly LISTO)
- Anthropology Club
- Art Club
- Chicanos/Latinos for Com. Medicine
- Entrepreneurs of the Future
- Native American Club
- One in Christ Club
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Photography Club
- Pirate Athletic Council
- Recycling Club
- Rotaract Club
- Student Senate (ASPC)
- Support on Wheels
