Academic Catalogs

Student Programs

Noncredit/Adult Education

(714) 684-1809
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/noncredit/

The Noncredit Adult Education Program at Golden West College provides adult students access to higher education for skill attainment, college preparation, and career pathways that lead to educational and employment opportunities. The Office of Adult Education at Golden West College seeks to serve adult education students in the local community as they consider their pathways to college and career options through free, noncredit classes.  Golden West College’s noncredit courses are designed for students who wish to advance their educational and career goals. Noncredit courses are offered on-campus and online. They provide students with lifelong learning and career preparation opportunities. All noncredit courses are FREE with no proof of residency needed. The courses are highly accessible and repeatable with no prerequisite courses. Most importantly, the courses serve as a critical “open access” entry point for students of diverse backgrounds and those seeking self-improvement, increased literacy, and job skills.

Calworks Program “Education That Works”

Second Floor, Student Services Center
(714) 895-8111
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/calworks/​

The CalWORKs Program at Golden West College provides specialized support services for student-parents who are 1) receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits and services, and 2) are participating in either the county WTW (Welfare-To-Work) or GAIN (Greater Avenues for Independence) programs.

Services include academic counseling, coordination of services with County Social Services Agencies and community based service providers, processing of county paperwork, priority registration, subsidized work-study, workshops, gas cards, support grants, and school supplies. The CalWORKs Program assists student-parents in achieving their long-term self-sufficiency through a supportive and individualized approach that focuses on academic, career, and personal goals.

For more information, please call (714) 895-8111 or visit goldenwestcollege.edu/calworks/. 

Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS)

First Floor, Student Services Center
(714) 895-8721
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/dsps/​
BP 3722 / AP 3722

Golden West College offers students with disabilities a variety of support services to ensure equal access to instruction. If students have a verified disability, they are encouraged to request assistance from the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS). After meeting with a DSPS counselor, services may include, but are not limited to:

  • Priority Registration
  • Registration Assistance
  • Academic and Career Counseling
  • Testing Accommodations
  • Comprehensive Autism Program
  • Sign Language Interpreters
  • CART/Captioning Services
  • Adaptive Technology
  • Alternative Media
  • Note Taking Services
  • Adaptive Physical Education Courses
  • Liaison with Campus and Other Agencies

For additional information, eligibility, policies, and procedures regarding accommodations and services, please call: (714) 895-8721 (voice), email: dsps@gwc.cccd.edu or visit: www.goldenwestcollege.edu/dsps

Golden West College, in alignment with the Coast Community College District strives to ensure compliance with accessibility standards for electronic and information technology (BP 3722 / AP 3722). GWC works to ensure all curriculum, instructional material, websites, and media/videos are accessible to students with disabilities and the appropriate accommodations are available through DSPS. If a student needs assistance, finds material that is not accessible, or media/videos that are not captioned, please contact the DSPS office immediately so our office can make sure all areas are in compliance with the American with Disability Act; Title 5 of California Code of Regulations, and Section 504/508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Questions or problems regarding access of students with disabilities to any college program or service should be directed to the Golden West College Dean of Students and Section 504 Coordinator, Dr. Carla Martinez at 714-895-8781 or cmartinez@gwc.cccd.edu. 

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE), NextUp, & Guardian Scholars

Second Floor, Student Services Center
(714) 895-8768
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/eops/​

The Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS), CARE (single parents), NextUp and Guardian Scholars (Foster Youth) Programs at Golden West College are categorically state funded. The programs are designed and dedicated to the delivery of comprehensive services and benefits that encourage the enrollment, retention, and transfer of students who are challenged by language, social, economic, and educational barriers. One of the programs' main objectives is to ensure participants equal access to success while pursuing their certificate of achievement, an Associate in Arts Degree (A.A., A.S., ADT), and/or meet four-year university transfer requirements.

Eligible students are welcome to take advantage of the following services:

  • Book Services
  • Parking Permit
  • Meal Services
  • Unmet Need Grants (depending on funding)
  • Counseling (Academic & Career)
  • Peer Advisement
  • Priority Registration Program (if qualified)
  • Foster Youth Services
  • Study Hall Access
  • Single Parent Services
  • Chromebook and Calculator Loan Program
  • Life skills workshops

Voluntary participation in these programs is based on state mandated guidelines. Students must apply for financial aid, complete an EOPS application, and be enrolled as a full-time student at Golden West College at the time of admission. Exceptions to the full-time requirement include eligible foster youth and/or students enrolled in the DSPS program. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the Financial Aid Office. If applying for the CARE or NextUp Programs, additional documentation maybe required to establish eligibility.

ASPIRE

https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/aspire

 The ASPIRE Program's mission is to support the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student population by providing culturally responsive services to enhance their educational experiences at Golden West College while celebrating their diverse cultural identities.  Students benefit from a dedicated counselor, leadership development, career development, peer support and connect with the AANHPI community and culture. Visit https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/aspire/ for more information.

Puente Program

(714) 895-8214
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/puente/

The Puente Program is a two-semester learning community that includes three main components. The accelerated writing course sequence incorporates Latine and multicultural authors with an emphasis on English writing skills. Intensive counseling provides students with sustained, in-depth career and academic guidance throughout their enrollment in community college. Students receive mentoring from community members who are recruited, trained, and matched with students to share career advice and personal experiences. Students in the Puente Program enroll as a cohort in required coursework each semester and participate in the program as a true learning community that supports personal, academic, and cultural development of students. The Puente program is offered at GWC in conjunction with the Center for Educational Partnerships at the University of California, Berkeley.

All students are eligible to enroll in the Puente program who meet eligibility below. Once a student is enrolled in the Puente Program, students can continue to take advantage of Puente mentoring, counseling, and guidance while enrolled at Golden West College.

Eligibility

Students are eligible to enroll if they meet the following requirements:

  1. Have not completed Engl C1000/Engl C1000E or COUN G104. 
  2. Attend a mandatory Puente orientation and complete the Puente Program application.
  3. Commitment to a year-long program and intend to transfer to a college/university.
  4. Students must complete college-level math within the first year of the program.
  5. Participation in out-of-class activities, including campus tours, career panels, and conferences.

Additional Benefits:

  • Priority Registration
  • Have a dedicated counselor to guide your educational and career goals
  • Take required English courses to transfer to the CSU/UCs/and some private universities
  • Build a strong support system with peers, mentors, and instructors
  • Be guaranteed a full-time course load for the fall
  • No cost for university tours, conferences, and cultural activities.
  • College supplies and program merch
  • Plus more...

Puente Classes

Fall Semester

  • Engl C1000E Academic Reading and Writing
  • COUN G104 Career And Life Planning 
  • Plus additional general education or major courses provided by the counselor

Spring Semester

  • ENGL G110 Critical Thinking, Reading And Writing Through Literature 
  • Plus additional general education or major courses provided by the counselor

​​Math, Engineering, Science Achievement Program (MESA)

https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/mesa/

The MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program serves first-generation, lower-income students who plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in a STEM* major. MESA provides academic, community, transfer, professional/career and other supports in STEM, including a designated academic counselor, help finding and applying for STEM scholarships and paid internships, a designated MESA student center, organized study groups and guided review sessions for core STEM classes, university visits and other field trips, career and leadership development workshops, job shadowing opportunities, conferences and career networking and customized support and guidance based on students’ specific goals. Additionally, MESA helps build community among STEM students.
Through the program, students develop academic and leadership skills, increase educational performance, gain confidence in both their academic and professional abilities, and make lasting friendships. Each year MESA students will earn scholarships, place in internships, and a cohort of students will transfer to a four-year university in a STEM Major. 

Students are eligible for MESA if they meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a STEM major*
  • Neither parent or guardian earned a bachelor's degree or higher in any country
  • Must meet at least one "economically disadvantaged" criteria (fee waiver, grant, bog, eops eligible, etc.)
  • Plan to transfer to a 4-year university to major in STEM
  • Be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, Dreamer or DACA
  • Primary Program of Study *and* enrolled in at least one class at GWC

*STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) majors are defined as calculus-based – the degree requires a minimum of Calculus I.

Umoja Learning Community Program

Second Floor, Student Union

https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/umoja/

The Umoja Learning Community (UMOJA) is an educational program designed to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students of all backgrounds interested in learning and growing together.  The program is built around principles and practices derived from the African and African American diasporas. 

UMOJA offers a variety of resources and services that are designed to support student success. These resources include academic counseling, tutoring, career planning, financial aid assistance, and cultural events and social activities. Additionally, UMOJA provides a safe and welcoming space for students to connect with their peers and build meaningful relationships.

UMOJA is committed to creating a culture of excellence, where students are empowered to achieve their full potential. Through the program's focus on academic and personal development, students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and beyond. Visit our website, Umoja Community, for more information.

Study Abroad Program

Coast Community College District
(714) 438-4698 

GWC students are encouraged to explore options for earning course credit while participating in Study Abroad. Several short-term study abroad programs led by district faculty members are offered each year through the Coast Community College District. For more information go to: https://www.cccd.edu/students/int-prgms-stdy-abroad.html.

Veterans Services

First Floor, Student Services Center, located in Admissions & Records.

Golden West College is accredited by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education for the training of veterans seeking benefits under state and federal regulations.

School Certifying Official (SCO)

Application and certification for benefits are provided by the School Certifying Official located in the Student Services Center, on the first floor in Admissions & Records. For information, contact vets@gwc.cccd.edu.

Eligibility for Benefits

The Veterans Services office will assist veterans and dependents using the following VA educational benefits:

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill ® (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill ® (Chapter 30)
  • Montgomery GI Bill ® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR Chapter 1606)
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E Chapter 31)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

To apply for VA benefits, veterans and dependents can apply online at:  https://www.vets.gov/education/apply/. Eligibility for benefits is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Students using VA education benefits for the first time at Golden West College, are required to meet with a GWC veteran counselor and have a student education plan prior to registering and requesting certification. After registering for classes, students using Chapter 33 Post 9/11 or Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Veteran Readiness Employment educational education benefits, must immediately contact the Veterans Services office at 714-895-8140 to request submit the Request for Certification Form a fee deferral, or they will be to avoid being dropped in accordance with the non-payment drop schedule. Students can access the Request for Certification Form here https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/vrc/cert-links.

Requirements for Receiving VA Education Benefits

To qualify for benefits, veterans and eligible dependents must be working toward an approved educational objective. A list of approved programs for VA benefits can be found on the VA WEAMS Institutional Search Tool at https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchCountryCriteria.do

Veterans and dependents must submit official sealed transcripts from all colleges attended previously to Golden West College within four weeks of being admitted, or future certifications for benefits may be delayed.

Students must have a counselor-approved Student Education Plan. Only classes that are applicable towards their educational goal will be certified for educational benefits.

Students must notify the School Certifying Official of all changes in enrollment at the time of the transaction. The veteran is responsible for any overpayment in housing allowance caused by enrollment changes.

Students must maintain satisfactory standards of progress. Students who are on academic or progress disqualification may not be eligible for benefits.

Registration Priority for Veterans

Subject to the provisions of SB1456 and California Education Code Section 66025.8, Golden West College grants priority registration for four academic years (within 15 years of separation) to eligible California resident members or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces (with honorable, general, or other than honorable discharge) and the State Military Reserve (those with dishonorable or bad conduct discharges are ineligible). To verify eligibility, a military ID or DD214 Member 4 must be submitted to Veterans Services in Admissions & Records. For eligibility information, please visit our website.

CalVet Tuition Fee Waivers

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), Golden West College will not will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33. Students may be required to submit a Certificate of Eligibility, VAF 28-1905, and/or additional information needed to properly certify enrollment, as outlined in other institutional policies.

In recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans while serving our country with honor, the State of California may grant their dependents a tuition fee waiver while attending a California Community College, a campus of the California State University system, or a campus of the University of California System. In addition to submitting an application to the California Department of Veterans Affairs, dependents MUST complete the California College Promise Grant (formally known as the BOGFW) available on the school’s website. Please note: the Financial Aid Office recommends students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which includes the California College Promise Grant application.

Students who have been approved for the CalVet tuition fee waiver should take their Authorization Letter to the Financial Aid Office. Please note that the waiver is for tuition only. Students must pay any and all remaining fees or they will be dropped in accordance with the non-payment drop schedule.

For more information about this program, contact your local County Veterans Service Office.

Active Military Tuition Assistance

Active military using Tuition Assistance should consult with Veteran's Services in Admissions and Records.

Veterans Resource Center (VRC)

First Floor, Student Services Center
(714) 892-7711 ext. 55144 or via email: vets@gwc.cccd.edu
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/vrc/

The Veteran Resource Center (VRC) is committed to supporting the unique needs of Golden West College’s military-connected student population. We proudly serve all veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and the spouses or dependents of veterans by providing holistic support services tailored to each student's educational journey.

Through collaboration with campus departments and community organizations, the VRC ensures students have access to the resources they need to succeed. The VRC is a welcoming space where students can find camaraderie and build community with fellow veterans, active duty, and military-connected peers. The center also serves as the meeting place for the GWC Student Veteran Organization, fostering leadership, engagement, and advocacy on campus.

VRC features:

  • Onboarding services
  • Veteran education benefits assistance
  • Academic counseling
  • Mental health counseling
  • Financial Aid, Scholarship and Basic Need Grant Information
  • Resource Connection and Veteran-Specific Events and Activities
  • VA Work-study campus opportunities 
  • Tutoring Referrals 
  • Disability Services Liaison
  • School supplies
  • Chromebook loan program
  • Free printing
  • Food/snacks
 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.