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College of Alameda

College of Alameda

College of Alameda

Introduction

Our Mission

The mission of the College of Alameda is to serve the educational needs of its diverse community by providing comprehensive and flexible programs and resources that empower students to achieve their goals.

Our Vision

The Vision of the College of Alameda is that we are a diverse, supportive, empowering learning community for seekers of knowledge. We are committed to providing a creative, ethical, and inclusive environment in which students develop their abilities as thinkers, workers, and citizens of the world.

At College of Alameda, “ABCs” means we integrate our core values in all we do to help students in their efforts to realize their dreams. How are these crucial success indicators emphasized in service to our learning community?

Academic Excellence means we validate our work based on the assessment of our student's success as defined by our Institutional Learning Outcomes. We seek to meet these goals with a commitment to an innovative and integrated curriculum built upon collaborative partnerships within our organization between student services and academic instruction, seeking to create opportunities for applied learning (such as service-learning, civic engagement, and cross-discipline learning communities), all within in the context of a psychologically and intellectually safe environment that encourages risk-taking and celebrates our successes.

Budgetary Competence means all our services need to be offered creatively within the real-world constraints of our budget. We are all a part of this process of being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us by the community we serve. We strive to not bring ideas to the table without first asking how this fits within our resource limits, seeking to find creative ways to supplement our budget. In this, we also seek to find creative ways to do what we want to do within the context of our vision of success – not merely a shrunken vision of what we have always done. We also seek to serve our students with convenient and creative scheduling allowing us to offer courses that are productive, creative, and experimental. We look for holistic offerings that complement our existing programs, our sister colleges within the Peralta Community College District, and that play to the unique strengths of the College of Alameda.

Community Engagement means we seek to embody a Spirit of Collegiality, actively working towards a student-centered philosophy that embodies a community of scholar-practitioners committed to serving our students with professional and collegial competence. We aspire to hold one another accountable to clear standards of success and excellence – as defined by our Institutional Learning Outcomes – utilizing a process of evaluation and assessment, leading to the improvement of college programs and services. In this, we use tried and tested models of academic excellence that work! COA’s Learning Communities (Adelante, APASS, Amandla, Community Leadership, and Public Service) are all examples of successful programs that exemplify our commitment to students. We focus on a holistic collaborative approach to learning; one in which learning happens both in and out of the classroom. We recognize our frontline staff members are no less important than our administration and our faculty cannot function without either. We actively promote and support students as equal partners in shared governance through the Associated Students of College of Alameda (ASCOA) and our Campus Life Council. This one-team approach, comprised of students, staff, and faculty, seeks to de-emphasize distinctions between the stakeholders; we are all learners, each working towards a common goal: student success!

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Why College Of Alameda?

Your Future Starts Here!

College of Alameda is an excellent small community college in California. Whether you want to transfer to a four-year university, fast-track your career, earn college credit while you are in high school, or enhance your skills to further your career, the College of Alameda is here for you. College of Alameda supports you to reach your educational and career goals at a price that works for you. Academic programs offer flexible schedules to meet your needs. With small class sizes and professional faculty and staff, the College of Alameda guides and supports you on your journey towards your next step in life.

Follow your Dream!

Start with your dream (what do you want to be?). You have the opportunity to make a difference in your life and the life of others while achieving your financial goals. If you are career-focused, we are here for you with XX majors and XX certificate programs to support you in reaching your goals.

If you are unsure of your dream, begin by exploring your strengths and passions. Meet with a counselor to explore careers and programs that match your interests. Select a program to begin your path to success.

College of Alameda has an open enrollment policy. While you apply to the college, all students are accepted and eligible to take classes as new students. If you are a high school graduate, have your GED, or are a current high school student looking to earn college credit, the College of Alameda is the place to start.

Fields of Study

Art, Language, and Communication

You enjoy connecting with people either through language, art, music, writing, speech, or all of these things and you like reaching out to bring people together.

Business, Entrepreneurship, and Transportation

You understand the way organizations operate and how to get things done and you are ready to get the most out of what you learn. You enjoy working with tools, mechanical or electrical drawings, machines, and equipment

Culture and Society

You are interested in organizations, laws, politics, human interactions, and social bonds that make our planet a rich and diverse place to live.

Health, Science, and Technology

You enjoy exploring and understanding the world around you, theoretical, physical, and biological. Figuring out puzzles drives you to find solutions. You are committed to helping others and are interested in addressing the needs of your community.

Campus Features

Support Programs & Services

Admissions & Records

Here to provide you one-on-one service with Residency issues, enrollment problems, adding or dropping classes, student verification, assist you with ordering official or unofficial Transcripts, and help you submit your documents for your certificate or Degree.

Career and Employment Center

Our Mission: To transform lives by providing Access and Opportunity for our Students and Community.

Career Education (Formerly CTE)

Prepare students to be competitive candidates for today’s workforce. The Associate Degree and Certificate programs offered include Apparel Design and Merchandising, ATLAS, Auto Body and Paint, Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Business/Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Dental Assisting, Private: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Diesel Mechanics.

EOPS/Care/Calworks

A program designed to provide academic support and above-and-beyond services to help students reach their academic goals. Students enrolled in the EOPS program demonstrate that they have educational, economic, social, cultural, or language problems that interfere with their educational careers.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is made available to assist students when family resources are not sufficient to meet college costs. Financial aid is offered to enhance and increase student success in obtaining an education and meeting your educational goals. Financial aid funds come from the Federal and State governments.

Learning Resource Center

Free Tutoring for College of Alameda Students.

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)

A peer and professional support community whose aim is to increase access and opportunities for success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)-related fields for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented college students. MESA provides resources for students to develop essential academic and leadership skills to achieve success in school, career, life, and STEM-related disciplines.

Student Accessibility Services (Formerly DSPS)

Provides services designed to meet the unique educational needs of enrolled CoA students with documented disabilities. Our professional staff works with each student to provide accommodations that ensure equal access to all academic programs, and to promote students’ independence so they may realize their academic potential and reach their goals.

Veteran’s Resource Center (VRC)

Committed to providing quality education to veterans, active duty members, reservists, and their family members (dependents). While providing educational courses to reach your goal, we also offer resources and referral information to succeed in a college setting.

Welcome Center

Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM

If you need help becoming a College of Alameda student, visit the Welcome Center! You can use the Welcome Center to apply to college, register for classes, and apply for financial aid. If you need assistance, our Student Ambassadors are here to help.

Health, Wellness & Legal Services

Roots Clinic

During the pandemic, services can be accessed at the Roots Community Health Center.

Free Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counselors are available Monday – Thursday

9 AM to 5 PM and Fridays 2 PM to 5 PM

Health Services is offering free remote mental health counseling and limited in-person appointments. Get support with adjusting to college, relationship or family difficulties, coping with crisis, problems at school or work, social isolation, difficulties sleeping, anxiety, depression, covid-19 concerns, stress management, trauma concerns, grief.

Campus Showers

Due to the Pandemic, Showers are closed.

Currently, enrolled students can use the college shower facilities twice a week during all academic terms (except when school is not in session). Dates and times may differ by semester and are posted at the beginning of each term.

Immigration Legal Services

In partnership with the College of Alameda, East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) is offering FREE immigration legal services to College of Alameda students. Schedule an appointment with an immigration attorney or legal advocate to discuss your immigration status and options.

Learning Communities

Adelante Con Comunidad, Excelencia, Sabiduria y Oportunidad (ACCESO)

ACCESO Serves and supports Latinx students to plan for and attain a certificate, degree, or transfer within three years. While our mission is to expand opportunities and improve the educational attainment of Latinx students, the ACCESO Program is open to all students at the College of Alameda.

Puente

The Puente Project is a national award-winning program that has improved the college-going rate of tens of thousands of California’s educationally underrepresented students since 1981

UMOJA

The UMOJA Community at the College of Alameda is more than a program, it is an opportunity. We aim to help increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates among African/African Americans and other scholars. College is more than assignments and grades. We aim to help make higher education a personal experience.

Online Resources

Cashier

Due to the pandemic, the cashier office is closed until further notice.

No cash or in-person payments are currently being accepted. Pay fees online by credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard) in the Student Campus Solutions system.

Library Services

Although the Library is currently physically closed curbside pick-up/returns are available (by appointment only) in addition to the following online services:

  • Chat online with a librarian
  • Access free ebooks and articles 24/7
  • Access online databases
  • Access online library courses.

New Students Steps to Success

If you’re new to college – whether you’re a recent high school graduate, you’ve completed your GED, or you graduated from high school a while ago, start here. You’ll need to complete a simple series of steps to apply for admission and enroll in classes. Also, don’t forget to apply for financial aid to help pay for college! Find step-by-step guides and tutorials here.

One-on-One Application Assistance

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 AM – 2 PM Virtual application workshop.

Virtual Financial Aid Workshop

Every Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 1 PM

Get assistance completing your FAFSA or Dream Act Application, and/or completing your financial aid file. Get answers to your financial aid eligibility questions.

    Admissions

    Eligibility for Admission

    If you are 18 years of age or older and can profit from the instruction, you are eligible for admission as a California resident or nonresident. If you are under 18 years of age, you may also enroll if you are a high school graduate or have earned a GED or California High School Proficiency Certificate.

    Residence Requirements

    To be qualified as an in-state resident for tuition purposes, you must have lived continuously in California for at least one year immediately preceding the residence determination date. The residence determination date is the day before the term for which the person is applying for admission begins. You must also provide evidence to indicate that you intend to make California your permanent home. If you are an unmarried minor, your residence is that of your parents or legal guardian. You are responsible to demonstrate clearly both physical presence in California and intent to establish California residence. In addition, you must be a U. S. citizen or hold a U.S. Immigration status that does not prevent the establishment of residency.

    Admission of Nonresident Students

    Students who are not legal residents of California for one year and one day prior to the first day of the term may enroll as nonresident students. You will be charged Nonresident Tuition in addition to the California Community College Enrollment Fee, Campus Center Use Fee, and Health Services Fee. Nonresidents who are both citizens and residents of a foreign country also pay a Capital Outlay Fee. Information regarding tuition and refunds is found in the “Fees” section of the catalog.

    Note: Nonresident students pay all fees unless specifically exempted from paying a particular fee.

    Admission of International Students

    Special regulations govern the admission of F-1 international and non-immigrant students. International students should contact the Office of International Education for application and admissions information. All F-1 international students must complete an additional application along with a $50 application fee and other documents. Please visit our website to learn about the application process and steps.

    Admission of High School Students - High School Concurrent/Dual Enrollment Program

    Peralta’s High School Special Enrollment provides enrichment opportunities for high school students who can benefit from college-level instruction. Each College may admit a number of high school students entering 9th grade or above who have exceptional ability, or who desire specialized or advanced training. Admission to the college requires approval from your high school counselor. *Other high-school students may be admitted on the basis of a contractual arrangement between the District and the high school of attendance (PCCDBP 5010). The High School Special Enrollment is specifically designed to accelerate the academic or vocational career of high school students. Access to the Special Enrollment Program is NOT allowed for:

    • Remedial work (any classes in any discipline that are not college level and cannot be applied to an associate degree or higher). Remedial course numbers are 250 or higher.
    • Work to make up for failed high school or middle school classes.
    • Recreation or hobbies.
    • Any class that can be taken at the local high school.

    High school students enrolling in a college-level course must meet assessment requirements. The student must follow all the regulations and policies of the college, including adhering to any prerequisite requirements. It is recommended that the student brings a high school transcript to assist the college in determining the correct level of courses.

    As of Fall 2019, students enrolled in 15 units or fewer will not be charged enrollment fees or any other college/ district fees. High school students enrolled in more than 15.0 units are required to pay enrollment and all other mandatory fees. (See the current Peralta Colleges class schedule for current health, campus use, and transportation fees.) All college coursework is governed by the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which allows the release of academic information, including grades, to the student only- regardless of age. Academic information is not released to parents or third parties without the consent of the student.

    Scholarships and Funding

    Scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend college, advance their knowledge and skills for career readiness and help them prepare for both academic opportunities and financial challenges after transfer. This website provides information and resources to assist students in how to begin their search for scholarship opportunities. Note that requirements and deadlines vary among every scholarship.

    College of Alameda Promise

    The College of Alameda (COA) Promise is a pathway for Alameda high school graduates to access a quality college education. Eligible students will receive a year of college without fees.

    Peralta Foundation Scholarships

    Each semester, the Peralta Colleges Foundation is committed to providing students with access to post-secondary education and persistence services so they can complete college prepared for a successful career. The Peralta Promise enables qualifying students to attend their first semester at one of the Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda, or Berkeley City College – for free!

    External Scholarships

    Here is a list of general scholarships that are available for community college students. Not every scholarship has a citizenship requirement. Review the following scholarships for your eligibility.

    Locations

    • Alameda

      Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway,555, 94501, Alameda

      Questions