1. Welcome to the College of Alameda Online Orientation!
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2. This orientation is designed to:
help you get started at the College of Alameda
provide direction and information that will be helpful to you as a new student
prepare you for course selection and the registration process

3. Congratulations! You’re at Step 3 of the Matriculation Process!
What is Matriculation?
Matriculation is a state-mandated process to assist you in planning, choosing, and achieving your educational goals.
Simply, it is an agreement between the College of Alameda and you, the student, to work toward your success.

4. MATRICULATION STEPS *YOUR PASSPORT TO SUCCESS*
1. ADMISSIONS
Complete an application and keep information updated during subsequent enrollment periods.
2. ASSESSMENT
COA uses multiple measures to make assessments related to academic readiness and proper course selections. Effective predictors of student success will be your assessment scores, highschool GPA, your study habits, work and family obligations, your level of motivation and other variables discussed during counseling.
3. ORIENTATION
All new students participate in orientation designed to provide you with information you need to know regarding services for students, transfer and degree requirements and programs, college rules and regulations, course selection, and registration procedures.
4. COUNSELING
All new and returning students are expected to see a COA counselor during the enrollment process to discuss their educational goals, assistance in appropriate course selection, and service referrals.
5. FOLLOW-UP
All students are expected to work with a counselor to develop a current personalized STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN that outlines your educational goals and the course sequencing plan to meet those goals. You should meet with your counselor on a regular basis to monitor your progress and keep your ed plan current.

5. What educational opportunities are available at College of Alameda?

6. College of Alameda offers the following:
Certificate Programs
Associate Degrees
Transfer to a 4 year University/College

7. What are Certificate Programs?
Certificates can prepare you for an entry level position in a variety of fields including:
auto technology, auto body, computer information systems, accounting...and many more!
In a certificate program you only study courses related to the field you are interested in.
Most certificates can be completed in one and a half years or less. How quickly you move through a certificate program is determined by you and your availability to take classes. Certificate programs focus on preparing you for a specific occupational goal. Generally, certificate programs prepare students for employment in technical fields.

8. Associate Degrees
The degree offered by College of Alameda is the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science degree (AS).
Known as “the two year” degree, how long it takes you to complete the associate degree requirements will be determined by where you begin in the Math and English/ESL sequences and your availability to take courses.
Most students complete their degrees in three to four years because they have job or family commitments that compete for their time.

9. Associate Degrees
In recent years the value of an associate degree has increased significantly. In some professions it can be mean a significant difference in salary and opportunities for advancement.
What is required for an AA/AS Degree?
60 units of degree applicable course work
General Education requirements
Major requirements
Elective courses
GPA requirements (overall, general education, and in major)

10. Transfer Opportunities
A community college such as College of Alameda is an extension of the university system.
Public Universities
California State University (CSU)
Examples: CSU East Bay, San Francisco State, San Jose State
University of California (UC)
Examples: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles
Private Colleges/Universities
Examples: Stanford, Holy Names, St. Mary’s
Tips for transferring
Meet with a counselor to discuss your transfer goals and to create an Education Plan.
Visit the Transfer Center for information on transfer applications, deadlines, and to meet with Admission Representatives.

11. Student Success DO YOU WANT TO BE AN ACADEMIC SUCCESS?
WHAT MAKES A STUDENT SUCCESSFUL?

12. College: New Expectations
College is NOT like being in High School
You are responsible for the following:
Attending class all the time and being on time
Making sure you purchase books for your courses
Completing assignments on time
Conducting yourself respectfully and treating others respectfully, in and out of the classroom
Asking questions when you don’t understand or need further assistance
Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a college student

13. 10 Tips for Success 1. Assess your priorities
2. Get print-out of your schedule
3. Know important deadlines
4. Make a scheduled appointment to see a counselor to do an educational plan
5. Take advantage of resources and services
6. Get to know your instructors
7. Monitor your progress during the semester
8. Interact with classmates, form study groups
9. Get involved on campus
10. Get a printout of your grades once semester ends

14. Student Success Time-management
The choices about how you spend your time are important
How can you plan your schedule and manage your time?
Ask yourself the following questions:

15. Time Management 1. How many hours a week will you be working?
2. How many units do you plan on enrolling?
3. How many hours a week do you plan on studying?
4. What other priorities take up time in your schedule?

16. Time Management 1 unit equals one hour in class or lab a week
IF YOU WORK TAKE NO MORE THAN
40 hours/wk 6 units
30 hours/wk 9 units
20 hours/wk 12 units
5-15 hours/wk units
1 unit equals one hour in class or lab a week
For every 1 unit of class, plan on studying 2-3 hours for that class
12 units is considered “full-time” enrollment

17. Tools for Success CATALOG
includes a complete list and description of all courses offered at College of Alameda
lists all college policies and procedures, requirements, and information about degrees, certificates, transfer requirements, credit by examination, academic renewal, probation, course repetition, etc.

18. Tools for Success SCHEDULE OF CLASSES STUDENT HANDBOOK
lists the classes that will be offered during the term and includes specific scheduling information such as meeting dates, times, locations, and instructor names.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Provides information on resources, policies, and services as well as a calendar for scheduling.

19. Courses that help students succeed at College of Alameda
Coun 200A: Orientation to College
(0.5 units)
All new or returning students should enroll in this course to help you transition to college
Coun 24: College Success (3 units)
Learn skills that help you succeed academically: time-management, critical thinking, goal setting
Coun 57: Career/Life-Planning (3 units)
Not sure of your career or major? Take this course to help you explore your options and discover how to match your values and skills with a career or major

20. Student Support Services
Financial Aid
Offers financial assistance like grants, loans, and other aid to eligible students
Extended Opportunity, Programs and Services (EOPS)
Offers aid to educationally under-prepared and/or economically disadvantaged students
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS)
Offers instruction and support services to students with disabilities
One-Stop Career Center
Provides job search assistance, job listings, career and vocational guidance

21. Orientation Completed!
Congratulations! This completes the online orientation.
Please print out the ORIENTATION QUIZ and submit it to the Counseling Department in the A Building
If you have any questions, please contact the Counseling Department at (510) or stop by the A Building in Student Services