Welcome to the
College of Alameda
Online Orientation!
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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
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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.

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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
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keep your ed plan current.
What educational
opportunities are available at
College of Alameda?
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College of Alameda offers the
following:

Certificate Programs

Associate Degrees

Transfer to a 4 year
University/College
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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.
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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.
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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)
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Transfer Opportunities

A community college such as College of Alameda is an
extension of the university system.

Public Universities

California State University (CSU)


University of California (UC)


Examples: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles
Private Colleges/Universities


Examples: CSU East Bay, San Francisco State, San Jose State
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.
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Student Success

DO YOU WANT TO BE AN
ACADEMIC SUCCESS?

WHAT MAKES A STUDENT
SUCCESSFUL?
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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
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
10 Tips for Success
1.
2.
3.
4.
Assess your priorities
Get print-out of your schedule
Know important deadlines
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
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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:
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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?
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Time Management

IF YOU WORK
 40
hours/wk
 30 hours/wk
 20 hours/wk
 5-15 hours/wk
TAKE NO MORE THAN
6 units
9 units
12 units
14-16 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
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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.
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Tools for Success

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES


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.
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Courses that help students
succeed at College of Alameda

Coun 200A: Orientation to College
(0.5 units)


Coun 24: College Success (3 units)


All new or returning students should enroll in this
course to help you transition to college
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
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Student Support Services

Financial Aid


Extended Opportunity, Programs and Services
(EOPS)


Offers aid to educationally under-prepared and/or
economically disadvantaged students
Disabled Students Programs and Services
(DSPS)


Offers financial assistance like grants, loans, and other
aid to eligible students
Offers instruction and support services to students with
disabilities
One-Stop Career Center

Provides job search assistance, job listings, career and
vocational guidance
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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) 748-2209 or stop by
the A Building in Student Services
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