Frequently Asked Questions - Welcome Center

 

1. I have never been to college and want to come to Mission College. What do I need to do? We're glad you've chosen Mission. Here are the steps to take: First, apply for admission online. Next, most students must complete the Placement Assistance Tool prior to registering for classes. Visit Placement/Assessment Services in SEC-109 or assessment.missioncollege.edu to complete the tool. If you have completed classes elsewhere or passed AP exams that you would like to be considered for course placement, visit prerequisites.missioncollege.edu. 
2. I attended another college and now want to come to Mission. How do I begin? First, apply for admission online, then request copies of your official transcripts from the colleges you have attended, to be sent to the Admissions and Records Office.
   
   Mission College
   Admissions & Records Office
   3000 Mission College Boulevard
   Santa Clara, CA 95054
   
   If you would like your transcripts officially evaluated, you need to see a Counselor. Contact the Counseling Office to make an Educational Plan. You can schedule a counseling appointment through the MY MISSION PORTAL.

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3. What degrees and certificates are offered at Mission? Here's the list of degrees and certificates.
4. How can I set up the college tour at Mission College?  Want to get a better feel for our wonderful campus? Want to learn about the variety of majors that we offer? It's time to sign up for an official tour of the campus offered by the Welcome Center. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes (some may be longer as desired) and is guided by a Mission College Ambassador. Ambassadors are helpful and friendly Mission College students with real experience attending Mission College. Tours of the campus are offered by appointment. Sign up for a tour with the Welcome Center's Tour Request Form or give us a call at the Welcome Center 408-855-5083.
   

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5. I am a high school student who would like to take some classes here at Mission College, what should I do? You will need to apply for admission online in order to get a student ID#. Most students must complete the Placement Assistance Tool prior to registering for classes. Visit Placement/Assessment Services in SEC-109 or assessment.missioncollege.edu to complete the tool. If you have completed classes elsewhere or passed AP exams that you would like to be considered for course placement, visit prerequisites.missioncollege.edu. Submit your dual enrollment form with any government-issued photo ID or high school picture ID,  in person at the Admissions and Records Department. For more information on the procedures and policies please see our dual enrollment page. 
6. Do I need to be registered as a Mission College student to speak with a Counselor? Counseling is available to assist students with academic, transfer, career and personal issues. Services are available on a walk-in basis or by private appointment (see chart below). Counseling classes can also assist students in making career and educational decisions, enhancing study skills, and staying motivated. Degree, transfer or certificate-seeking students are encouraged to meet with a counselor for an educational plan. Walk-in vs Appointments:

   Walk-in Services

   • Assistance with course selection
   • Review assessment test results
   • Transfer advising
   • Petition to drop without a “W”
   • Petition for a refund
   • Petition for academic renewal
   • Petition for reinstatement
   • Request to enroll in more than 18.0 units
   • Crisis intervention
   • Probation advising
   • Orientation waivers
   • Transcript evaluation requests
   • Graduation advising -Assistance with clearing prerequisites

   By appointment only (make appointments online)

   • Develop an Educational Plan
   • Review of transcripts from other schools
   • Assistance with applications for degree or certificate
   • Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAGs)
   • Major and career exploration
   • Probation and dismissal counseling
   • Disqualification or reinstatement counseling
   • Financial aid appeals
   • Personal counseling

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7. How can I speak with a Counselor? You can call our main number 408-855-5031, and either set up an appointment or leave a message for a Counselor to call you back. You can also submit a question using our online contact form, or come by our drop-in Counseling Office during our regular business hours. Please check our Counseling website for more information and answers to questions.
8. How do I know what classes I need to take? That's the main reason we have Counselors! Schedule an appointment with a Counselor to identify your goals and review any courses you have already completed. We'll be happy to put together a plan that can help you reach your goals efficiently.
   

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9. Do I have to take an assessment or placement test before I can register for classes at Mission? It depends on several things. If you already have a college degree from a U.S. college or university, you don't need to be assessed. If you have already taken an assessment test at a California community college and have the scores, we can use those scores to accurately place you. Likewise, if you have taken English, Reading or Math classes at another college, we can review your transcript (even unofficial copies) and place you based on previous coursework. Finally, if you are only here to take a class in some area other than English, Reading or Math, you may not need to take the assessment. However, most students are required to complete assessment tests at the Assessment Center during their first semester at Mission College. There is no charge, and we’ll usually use the higher of your current assessment result or prior test or coursework.
10. I want to register for my classes. I don’t know how to use My Mission Portal. What do I need to do? My Mission Portal is a convenient way to register, add or drop your classes no matter where you are. If difficulty occurs, you can visit the Welcome Center located at Mission College first floor SEC 105 and the student ambassadors will be more happy to assist you.
    
    Contact information:
    Student Engagement Center SEC-105 (first floor)
    Tel: 408-855-5083
    Email: [email protected]
11. How can I reset my "My Mission Portal" (College Web Services) and FAFSA Password? If you are having trouble logging in to your portal or FAFSA account, please give us a call at 408-855-5083 during our office hours, so we can assist you. Please view our open hours.
12. How do I apply for Financial Aid? The Financial aid (FAFSA) is done completely online at www.FAFSA.gov. It depends on your needs, units completed, and other factors. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 408-855-5065, or via email at [email protected] for further assistance. They are located in the Student Engagement Center room SEC 118.
    

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13. How can I correct my FAFSA application online? Correcting your FAFSA application can be done by visiting the FAFSA homepage. From there you will be able to log in and make corrections or for further assistance you may come in person to the Welcome Center where one of the wonderful student ambassadors can help you.
14. How do I Purchase A Parking Permit? Spring and Fall parking permits are $50 (see the permit's notice for validation time period information), while Summer Session permits are $25 (see the permit's notice for validation time period information). Parking permits may be purchased on-line or they are available for purchase in-person outside the Welcome Center
15. For ESL Placement Process, how long does it take to complete?

    ESL initial placement: 

     

     

     

    What do I have to do when completing the ESL Placement Process?
    The ESL Placement Process will take about an hour. You will read, write, and answer questions about what you can do in English now. There are three parts:

    You will read and suggest the reading level that is right for you.
    You will think about what you can do now listening and speaking in English. You will suggest the listening and speaking level that is right for you.
    You will write for 30 minutes on a specific topic. You will suggest the writing level that is right for you.
    When you are finished, ESL instructors will look at your writing and your suggestions, then place you into your ESL courses. You will receive your ESL Placement results in two to three (2-3) business days. Your results will be emailed to your WVM email address

     

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16. Do I need to make an appointment for the assessment test? All Placement Tests are computerized, and are administered on a first come - first served basis. You do not need to make an appointment [click on the "Test Schedules" link (left hand side) for the current hours of operation]. The Assessment Center is located in the Student Engagement Center in Room SEC 109. Students with disabilities can contact the Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) in Room 240 CC or by calling (408) 855-5085 or TTY at (408) 727-9243 to make an appointment.
    
    1. Can I retake the test? You may take an ESL placement test, two (2) times in a 365 day period. After that you are required to take the classes in which you were placed in. Placement Tests are for initial placement only. Once you start in an academic sequence you may not use the placement test to skip levels. If your intention is to skip levels, you need to file a "Prerequisite Challenge Form" with the Counseling Department.
17. How long will it take to get my refund? Refunds will be automatically issued. If you paid by credit/debit, you'll receive a credit on your account in the amount you paid. If you paid by cash/check, you'll receive a credit on your WVMCCD card. Refunds generally take 4-6 weeks. If you have not received your refund, please contact the Cashier’s Office at 408-855-5028
18. How can I obtain my Unofficial/ Official transcripts?
    If you have never ordered transcripts before, the first two transcripts are free. Thereafter, additional transcripts are $6.00 each and will be processed and mailed out within 10 working days (PROCESSING DOES NOT INCLUDE SATURDAY OR SUNDAY). Special Rush service is available for $20 per transcript (Immediate Processing) whether or not transcripts have been ordered in the past. Transcript Request form and additional information. 
    
    

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19. Who can I contact if I have general questions?

    For any general questions, you may contact the Welcome Center at 408-855-5083. We are open Mondays - Tuesdays 9am - 7pm, Wednesdays - Thursdays 9am - 6pm and  Friday 9am - 1pm or if you want 24 hour services please visit our homepage and click on “Have a Question? Ask!” for instant answers. 

20. What is Canvas?
    Canvas is a Web-based course management system adopted by Mission College for all courses. Canvas provides a safe, password protected, virtual environment for students and instructors. When you log into Canvas, you will see a listing of courses in which you are currently enrolled. Canvas includes most of the course materials and communications resources you will need to be successful in your online courses. Login to Canvas
    
    

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21. What is the cost per Unit for a Resident / Non Resident student? If you are a Resident of California the cost per unit Is $46 and for Non-Resident the cost per unit will be $265. Full details of the fees/costs here.
22. Can High School Student take classes at Mission College? Yes, High school students (grades 9-12) are eligible to enroll in college-level courses at Mission College. The academic credits earned at Mission College may be applied towards a high school diploma or a college degree.  High school students enrolled in college units (considered "dually enrolled") are not required to pay the $46.00 per unit fee. Students pay only the health fee and the rest of the classes are fee!
    

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23. How can I apply or reapply to Mission College? NEW STUDENT: A new student is one who has never enrolled at Mission College, and who must complete an application for admission. RETURNING (FORMER) STUDENT: A returning student is one who was not enrolled in a class during the previous semester, but has been enrolled in classes at this District in the past. Returning students must submit a new application for admission prior to registering for classes. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT: Visit our Institute for International Studies website for information and application(s). Persons on F-1 International Student Visas and other kinds of visas, such as B-1/B-2 or J visa, may visit the International Student Center for help. Students who hold a H1-B or H-4 Visa should go directly to the Admissions and Records Office to apply to the college. Steps to Apply.
24. How can I get my Student Picture ID Card?  Click on the link to view the 3 simple easy steps to getting your student ID card at Mission College.
    
25. How do I obtain my SmartPass?  Click on the link to view the steps on How to get a SmartPass.

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26. How do I clear prerequisites? Click on the link to view the steps on How to clear prerequisites.
27. What is the difference between the FAFSA and the California Promise Grant? How does it help me?

    What is Financial Aid? Financial aid is money available from federal, state, and private sources to help students meet college costs. Financial aid will pay for educational costs including: Tuition and Fees, Room and board, Books and supplies, Personal Expenses and Transportation Costs. Financial aid helps fill the gap between the costs of attending college and the amount that students and their families can afford to pay. Who is Eligible? Almost anyone who needs financial assistance to attend West Valley or Mission Colleges may receive financial aid. However, you must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for the aid we offer:

    • You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Foreign students with student visas are not eligible for financial aid. Students meeting the criteria to be classified as AB540 students, may be eligible to receive some types of State of California aid.
    • You must be in an eligible degree or certificate program.
    • You must neither be in default on any federal loan (examples: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal Direct Student Loan) nor owe a repayment on any Pell or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
    • You must be registered with the Selective Service (the draft) if you are male, at least 18 years old, and were born after December 31, 1959, unless you meet certain specified exceptions.
    • You must be enrolled at least half-time and be maintaining satisfactory academic progress (“How Your Academic Progress Affects Your Financial Aid”).

    The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is funded by the State of California.  It waives the amount of enrollment fees and a portion of the parking permit charged to eligible California residents.  Recipient must be a California resident for at least one year and one day prior to the first day of each semester.

    • 2018-19 California College Promise Grant (CCPG) 
    • 2018-19 California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Spanish/Español
    • 2019-20 California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
    • 2019-20 California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Spanish/Español

    The CCPG application is now available for the current academic school year, which includes the Fall through the Summer Semester.

    The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) offers three ways for students to qualify:

    CCPG - A
    Qualified applicants (or parents, if applicant is dependent) must be currently receiving Temporary Aid For Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance/General Relief through the county social services department or have certification from the California Department of Veterans' Affairs.  Supporting documentation must be provided.  

    To apply, complete the California College Promise Grant Form

    CCPG - B
    Qualified applicants (and parents, if applicant is dependent) do not exceed the State-designated income standards. To apply, complete the California College Promise Grant

    CCPG - C
    Qualified applicants filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application, listing West Valley College, and have financial need.

    Income standards for the 2017-2018 & 2018-19 school year (based on 2016 income)*

     

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