The services of counselors and faculty advisors are available to all students at Porterville College. Counselors and advisors assist students in the preparation of their academic programs and provide guidance in the solution of personal problems.
Computerized career assistance and current information concerning occupations are available in AC-126. Students are urged to make use of these services and investigate career opportunities early in their academic program.
Limited child care facilities are available for children of Porterville College students. To be eligible, the student: (1) must be carrying a minimum of 12 credits, and (2) be enrolled in a child development class.
The child must be at least three months old and must meet state mandated medical standards. Enrollment priority is established by parents’ income level, class load, and number of parents in family. For further information, call the Child Care Center.
| Enrollment Fee | $20 per credit* | |
| Nonresident/International | $190 per credit (to 15 credits maximum) |
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| Student Body Operating and Building (Student Center) Fee | $1 per credit ($5 maximum) | |
| Health Fees | $12 per semester $9 for summer |
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| Parking for on-campus classes | $20 per semester $10 for summer |
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| Student ASB Card (optional) | $15 per year and $7.50 for spring only |
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| In addition to college fees, students could expect average additional costs. (This budget is based on a student living away from home.) | ||
| Room and Board (average) | $5,400 per year | |
| Books and Supplies (average) | $1,314 per year | |
| Personal Expenses (average) | $1,656 per year | |
| Transportation (average) | $1,000 per year | |
*$20 per credit cost is set by the state and may change.
(Per year is a nine month academic year.)
The Disability Resource Center provides services for students with physical, learning and other types of disabilities.
The Disability Resource Center is located in AC-115. Services will be based on the level of disability and the academic needs of each student. Students may be interested in improving job skills, getting a vocational certificate, pursuing personal enrichment, or planning to transfer to a four-year college.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans 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 Disability Resource Center is the central area for these free services.
Students can make alternate media requests through the Disability Resource Center.
Students with a verifiable disability who are not participants in the Disability Resource Center program, but who still wish to utilize special accommodations should contact the Vice President of Learning, Steve Schultz in AC-101.
Anyone interested may contact the Center office at 791-2215.
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 Tulare Works worker at the welfare office. Available services include CalWorks work study (on- and off-campus), job placement, job search skills, resume writing, interviewing techniques, academic advising, books, school supplies, child care, mileage reimbursement, and job readiness workshops.
For further information call 791-2303 or stop by the office in AC-126.
The Wellness Center, located in back of the Gymnasium, next to the pool,, provides health services to currently enrolled full- and part-time students. The purpose of the Wellness Center is to further the equality of 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 the students full access to a full-time Registered Public Health Nurse available Monday through Friday and during evening hours as well.
Services included, but are not limited to, campus emergency care, first aid, nursing assessment and treatment of common acute illnesses and infections, TB tests, vision and hearing screening, blood pressure screening, selected immunizations and pregnancy tests. If further off-campus medical evaluation or treatment is needed for injuries or ailments, students will be referred. Referral for individual counseling is available for students expressing the need for personal counseling. 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.
Throughout the year the Wellness Center coordinates campaigns for better health, such as, Red Ribbon Week, Great American Smoke Out, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Cancer Awareness and an Annual Health and Career Faire. Health education information and materials are also available on many topics.
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 or the information desk.
Federal and state financial aid are available to assist students enrolled in eligible programs (a four-year or two-year public or private educational institution, a career school or trade school) to cover the cost of their educational expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Most aid is need-based and requires enrollment in six or more credits.
What type of financial aid is available?
In order to qualify for federal student aid, you must:
In order to be eligible, you must:
In addition:
How do you apply for federal student aid?
Porterville College has many scholarships ranging from $100 to $2000. These scholarships are awarded in part to students presently enrolled and attending Porterville College, as well as graduating sophomores continuing their education at a four-year institution.
Applicants are considered for all awards for which they qualify. Unless otherwise stipulated, awards are made in the spring semester. Applications may be picked up from the Financial Aid Office in January. For additional information on scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office.
With the expansion of the Cal Grant Program, there are now several types of Cal Grant awards: Cal Grant A and B Entitlement, Cal Grant A and B Competitive, California Community College Transfer Entitlement, and Cal Grant T.
Starting with the 2000-2001 graduating class, every high school senior who meets the academic requirements (3.0 GPA for Cal Grant A; 2.0 GPA for Cal Grant B), falls within established income and asset ceilings, and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant A or B Entitlement award. Every community college student who meets the admissions requirements for California State University, is under 24 years old, meets other program requirements, and applies on time will receive a California Community College Transfer Entitlement Award. In addition, eligible students have an opportunity to compete for 22,500 Cal Grant A and B competitive awards. Of the awards set aside for competitive Cal Grants A and B, half are for community college students who apply by a second deadline of September 2.
All Cal Grants A, B and C are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or occupational and career training and do not have to be paid back.
Students may accept only one Cal Grant at a time and should apply during their senior year in high school. To receive Cal Grant benefits, they must be attending school at least half time.
Cal Grants A and B can be extended for an additional year for those in teacher credential and other mandatory five-year programs.
To be eligible for a Cal Grant, you must:
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:
Services students may be eligible for:
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 at least 18 years of age.
CARE eligible students may receive assistance through childcare 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.
The LISTO (Liberal and Integral Studies for Transfer Opportunity) Program is dedicated to academic achievement to facilitate transferring successfully to a four-year university. LISTO is a word that can be translated as “ready” or “smart” in Spanish—a fitting acronym to represent the goals of the program.
The program targets students who may need assistance transitioning to post-secondary education. LISTO requires participation in various activities designed to engage students in learning communities and to facilitate the transfer process to a four-year university.
LISTO students are part of a powerful peer network, a team, working together towards the completion of their educational goals. The grant focuses on creating Learning Communities. These communities provide students with a peer support group who share interests, goals, and receive additional support from the LISTO staff. LISTO assists students in developing the motivation to learn by making a commitment to academic success and provides a supportive atmosphere designed to make them feel at home on our campus.
Activities begin with an orientation which gives students a chance to interact with fellow students, faculty, and staff before school begins. Students also participate in various on-campus activities, cultural field trips and university visits. The LISTO Program provides numerous services to help students succeed. Services include unlimited tutoring, a computer lab with free printing, a lending library, Peer Mentors, an Educational Advisor, and much more!
LISTO eligibility requirements are:
For more information, contact the LISTO office at (791-2219).
These are courses that have been identified as part of a linked set, meant to aid students in their comprehension of the course material as well as in successfully completing the course. Linked Courses are open to all Porterville College students.
The BOGW is a FEE WAIVER for California residents only. If eligible, the BOGW will cover the cost of the California enrollment fees for the academic year. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office, AC-103.
Breakfast and lunch are available Monday through Friday, and evening meal services are available Monday through Thursday. Students with ASB cards may purchase meal tickets in the bookstore for $25.00 giving them a $30.00 value in food purchases.
Student Services are supported largely by the sale of Associated Student Body Cards, and students are encouraged to support the program. A game room, dances, recreational activities, and concerts are included. Student activities are under the control of the Student Senate, which meets twice weekly.
Formation of clubs under faculty sponsorship is encouraged at Porterville College to provide outlets of expression for specialized interests. All clubs are coordinated through ASPC.
The PC student clubs and organizations are:
The SWAT Team (Students with Anthropology Training) is a subgroup of the PC Anthropology Club and was organized in 2003. SWAT Team members visit local elementary schools and provide programs to fourth graders featuring the culture and practices of the Yokuts Indians who occupied the San Joaquin Valley and foothill area from prehistoric times up to the present day. The Team brings an array of traditional artifacts into the classroom and each team member gets the opportunity to present a brief presentation on some aspect of Yokuts culture.
This program allows PC students who are pursuing a teaching career to actually stand in front of a “live audience” and gain some valuable experience. Aside from benefiting our students, the program has been embraced by the elementary school students and teachers.
In today’s world, with tight budgets and other restrictions, it is difficult for teachers to arrange field trips. The SWAT Team, essentially, brings the field trip to the classroom. Since its inception, the program has proven to be one that costs nothing and benefits many.
The SWAT Team Program is open to any PC student with an interest in teaching and/or Native American culture.
Porterville College provides inter-collegiate athletics for both men and women students. A stadium, playing fields, large gymnasium, and tennis courts are available.
Whether a music major or a music lover, a student may enjoy the many offerings at Porterville College. A rich tradition of choral music (including numerous successful tours by PC choirs) provide vocal students with many opportunities for group performance. Voice, piano, and guitar instruction are available to the beginning, intermediate, or advanced student. Instrumental music offerings are being developed, so see the current class schedule for available opportunities. Academic classes in music prepare students for transfer-level coursework.
Porterville College is fortunate to have one of the finest galleries found on a community college campus. Located in the center of the campus in a uniquely shaped building, it offers both students and the community an opportunity to see art exhibited in a professional environment. Shows often include local artists, students or examples of important historical works such as Indian rock art. The concept of the gallery was conceived as a learning tool to share art as a total experience from conception of idea through construction to the final product.
Porterville College makes education available at the lowest possible cost for all students who attend. Supplies and new or used textbooks may be purchased at minimum cost in the college bookstore in the student center. The college bookstore stocks textbooks, school supplies and sundry items. It is open daily, some evening hours and at selected times during the summer session.
Porterville College offers services to students whose goal is to transfer to a four-year institution. Activities are varied and include negotiating articulation agreements with four-year institutions, assistance with submission of applications for admission, communication of transfer information, admission agreements and scheduling of field trips. Students wishing to meet a representative visiting Porterville College can schedule an appointment by calling the counseling department at (559) 791-2329. Students can check out catalogs for University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU). Contact the Transfer Counselor in AC-126 for more information.
Porterville College is approved for the education of veterans eligible for educational benefits. As such, it will qualify veterans in attendance to draw education subsidy and subsistence benefits under either federal or state laws. The College maintains contact with both the Veteran’s Administration and the California Veteran’s Affairs Office and will make arrangements for the service of veterans’ guidance centers and for interviews between the veterans and representatives of veterans’ agencies.
Porterville College will evaluate incoming transcripts to determine the amount of credit granted at this institution. Porterville College will grant credit to veterans for specific service experience up to a maximum of two (2) credits. Additional credits may be evaluated and awarded for other military education completed. Veterans are required to have official transcripts sent to Porterville College from all other institutions attended, as well as AARTS or CCAF transcripts. Evaluations of such experience will be made by the Admissions Office. Once the amount of military credit granted is determined, the veteran’s length of time to meet the educational goal (degree or LVN or Psychiatric Technician Certificate) will be shortened. The Veterans Administration will be notified. Evaluations made and credit allowed by Porterville College are subject to review and re-evaluation by any college or university to which the veteran may later transfer.
An educational plan is a form that is prepared by veterans and their academic advisors which outlines the veterans’ program by semester. All veterans receiving benefits are required to have a completed educational plan on file before credits can be certified with the Veterans Administration. All educational plans must be complete and accurate as they are used to determine whether or not veterans receive educational benefits while attending Porterville College. Educational plans must be done in a timely manner; otherwise delays in payments will occur.
Veterans only receive benefits for courses that fulfill AA or AS degree requirements. Certificate programs are not covered by VA benefits with the following exceptions: LVN and psychiatric technician.
For an AA/AS degree with a stated major, VA will only pay for courses in the major and the general education areas indicated on the appropriate Porterville College graduation checklist. Example: AA Criminology/Law Enforcement.
For an AA/AS degree with a stated major following IGETC, VA will only pay for courses in the major and courses listed on the IGETC checklist. Additionally, VA will pay for ethnic studies and Education P101 since these are part of the AA/AS graduation requirements. Example: AA Criminology/Law Enforcement using IGETC checklist.
For an AA/AS degree with a stated major following general breadth, VA will only pay for courses in the major and courses listed on the general breadth checklist. Additionally, VA will pay for ethnic studies and Education P101. Example: AA Criminology/Law Enforcement using general breadth checklist.
For an AA in general education, VA will only pay for courses listed on the CSU General Education Breadth Checklist. Example: AA General Education.
For an AA in general education, VA will only pay for courses listed on the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum checklist. Example: AA General Education using IGETC.
Veterans may select AA/undecided for one semester only; therefore, the educational plan should only be completed for the current term. However, the courses must fulfill a degree requirement.
The declared major must be clearly stated in the “comments” area. Additionally, the educational plan should note if the student is transferring from another institution.
The VA will not pay for the following courses:
VA will pay for prerequisite classes, if required.
Veterans who enroll in short-term classes will only be paid VA educational benefits during the period of the short-term class.
Due to military evaluations, elective credits must be included on the educational plan in the final semester.
