Frequently Asked Questions

EOPS stands for Extended Opportunity Programs and Services. EOPS is a state-funded Academic Counseling Program designed to assist eligible full-time students at the community college level. The EOPS Mission is to enhance success by providing “Over & Above” services to eligible students.

Fall/Spring Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Intersession/Summer Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday from 9 am to 12 pm.

The EOPS office is located in Watson Hall, fourth floor, room 443.

For more information, please call (714) 432-5817 or visit our EOPS website.

It is 714-432-6808.

First, you need to be an OCC student and follow the enrollment steps – this includes enrolling in 12 OCC units, completing OCC Online Orientation, and applying for Financial Aid. Second, make sure to check the EOPS website for our open enrollment date(s) to complete the EOPS application online.

For the Fall semester, applications are available online May 1^st, and for the Spring semester, applications are available November 1^st. View the application

1. Qualify for California College Promise Grant Formerly Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (B.O.G.F.W.) under options A or B or C with a zero EFC as determined by the Financial Aid Office.                  
2. Be a California resident (AB540 Eligible).
3. Be a full-time student (12 units per semester at OCC or be a DSPS student).
4. Preferably have less than 40 college applicable units.
5. Meet EOPS State Guidelines, such as EOPS applicants must be educationally disadvantaged according to Title V, Article 2 section 56220(e).

EOPS services include academic and personalized counseling, priority registration, textbook services, career planning, Honors assistance, transfer planning, bilingual services, cultural events, and transportation services.

Yes, you can, but you have to fill out an EOPS Online application for OCC, a Transfer Request Form, and a copy of your official transfer college transcripts.

You can participate in 6 consecutive semesters (Fall, Intersession/Spring) in EOPS and/or accumulate 70 AA/AS degree-applicable units before you have to exit. We do not count summer sessions as part of the 6 consecutive semesters.

No, if you comply with the program requirements the previous semester, you do not need to reapply.

All EOPS students must complete three scheduled EOPS counseling contacts each semester (Fall/Spring).  This requirement will be satisfied by the following:

• 1^st Appointment - Completing the first counseling appointment within the first six weeks of each semester. This appointment will include the completion or update of the Student Educational Plan.
• 2^nd Appointment - Submitting the Academic Progress Report (APR) in CANVAS on time and meeting with an EOPS counselor as needed each semester (Fall/Spring).
• 3^rd Appointment - Completing a third counseling appointment to discuss plans and courses for the next semester, discussing transfer plans, and exiting dates. 

Yes, you can attend OCC and another sister campus (GWC & CCC) while in the EOPS program at OCC. However, to be qualified for our services, you must have EOPS counselor approval, and 75% of your units have to be taken at OCC. Book service is not guaranteed at our sister campuses.

Yes, you are still eligible for EOPS. However, when you fail a class and do not make a 2.00 GPA for one semester, you will be on probation with the school and “warning” probation with EOPS. You need to improve your GPA to 2.00 or more to be removed from “warning” probation, or you will be placed on Non-Compliance Probation (NCP).

Yes, you can reapply.

Yes, you can get a copy of your unofficial transcripts through MyCoast.

Our counselors are:

Yes, you are free to see any counselor, but to stay eligible for EOPS, you must complete three EOPS counseling appointments each semester. 

Yes, walk-in hours for EOPS students are posted in CANVAS. When available, you can click on Express Counseling and are seen first-come, first-served by the next available EOPS counselor.

Please come to the EOPS office, and let us know about your emergency. There is a good chance the staff can help you out.

No, students are not assigned to EOPS counselors. You are free to see any counselor you want.

Returning EOPS students - Upload your semester class schedule to the CANVAS assignment; with 12 units, you will receive a grade of 100%. Then your textbooks can be ordered on the first day of class each semester from the OCC bookstore.

New or Returning EOPS students - After the start of instruction, students must contact the EOPS front desk to ensure they are added. Uploading a late class schedule, you will receive an email/Canvas notification from us, letting you know that your name has been added to the booklist at the OCC bookstore.

To purchase your books, you need to have a current class schedule and your student ID card.

No, you cannot. The book service is only for purchasing/renting new or used textbooks, including textbook access codes sold at the OCC Bookstore.

No, you cannot. Our book service is only for books at the OCC bookstore.

If the class is not offered at OCC, you need to get permission from an EOPS Counselor,  be in at least 75% of your classes at OCC, turn in the cost of books and a class schedule. ALso, the OCC bookstore must be able to purchase the book.

Sometimes, you can if you are new to the EOPS Program. Please keep your receipts from the OCC bookstore and contact the EOPS office as soon as you are eligible for books.

In October for the Fall semester and in March for the Spring semester. Please check your OCC school email.

We send you a copy through your OCC school email account, and you can always stop in the EOPS office and pick one up. Please wait for instruction through CANVAS.

Every Fall and Spring on a Friday at 2 pm in the 8th week of class (dates vary every semester).  Please check Canvas/OCC Gmail or the EOPS website for the deadlines.

If you have the grade posted on Canvas, you can print that out and attach it to your APR form.

If your instructor does not post their grades on Canvas, you can email your instructor and ask for your current grade. If the instructor emails you the grade, you can print that email and attach it to your APR and write in; please see attached.  

You are required to get signatures and grades from both lecture and lab instructors in different sections of the APR.

Appointments can be booked 2 weeks in advance. Please call 714-432-5817 to schedule an appointment or book an appointment online through CANVAS.

Two weeks before the semester starts up until 2 weeks after the semester ends. Check with the EOPS staff for the starting date.

It varies each semester, but before the 6th week of class is good goal. 

It varies every semester. You have until two weeks after the semester ends to complete your required appointments. 

Yes, please ask how.

As you complete your application(s) to transfer, please remember to fill out the page asking about your income. Most EOPS students will qualify for an automatic fee waiver. If you do not qualify for some reason, please fill out the Request for Application Fee Waiver Form located on the CSU & UC application website and write in "I am an EOPS student at OCC." Ask the EOPS office for a Letter of Certification and submit that with the hard copy of the fee waiver application.

During your last semester, remember to fill out the EOPS Exit Form with us and submit a Petition for Graduation to Admissions & Records during the graduation petitioning period. After receiving your graduation packet from the Graduation office, bring your Cap and Gown ticket to the EOPS office to receive a fee waiver for the OCC Bookstore cap and gown.

Yes*, EOPS will pay for your honor society membership dues to join. However, we do not cover any regalia. Fill out the specific honor society application, check the box indicating you are an EOPS student, and turn it into the Garrison Honors Office. EOPS will review your file to ensure you comply by keeping up with program requirements (Appointments, GPA, etc.). If you are in compliance, EOPS can cover fees, and the Honors office will contact you with further details about your membership.

*This service offered is based on State funding and availability. This service is not guaranteed.

Orange Coast College Students Ride the OC Bus FREE!

• All full‐time, part‐time, and non‐credit enrolled students are eligible.
• Unlimited rides on all 53 OC Bus local fixed routes.
• Download the OC Bus App to your smartphone. 
• To create your account, you must use your registered ORANGE COAST COLLEGE email address. Your pass will appear in the "My Ticket" section.
• Don’t have a smartphone? Contact OCC Basic Needs Center via email at occbasicneedscenter@cccd.edu or by phone at (714) 432-6492, and we’ll assist you in getting a physical bus pass.

For more information, please visit OCTA.

CARE stands for Cooperative Agencies and Resources for Education.

CARE is administered by the EOPS Program and serves the unique needs of single parents designated as head of household. When students are accepted into CARE, they must have at least one child, be a full-time student, and be a current recipient of CalWORKs/TANF/AFDC (or their child(ren) can be a recipient of CalWORKs/TANF/AFDC). All CARE students must be accepted into the EOPS program and meet all the EOPS eligibility requirements. The application period is open year-round for CARE/DSPS/CalWORKs and Foster Youth students.

If you are accepted into the CARE program, you will be notified in person or by email. The Gas cards are evenly distributed to CARE students based on their continued eligibility and funding available from the state.

The CARE program is located in Watson Hall, fourth floor, room 443.

For more information, please call 714-432-5817 or visit our EOPS website

If you are an EOPS student and have a 3.5 or higher GPA, please contact EOPS Office at (714) 432-5817.

You must be a CARE student or a previous CARE student.

Please visit the EOPS office to verify your MyCoast Gmail address.

UMOJA is a program utilizing promising practices dedicated to enhancing African Americans' cultural and educational experience and other students to promote student success for all students. With the help of educators committed to academic success, UMOJA, with an ethic of love, intentionally and deliberately educates the whole student - body, mind, and spirit.

• Complete OCC Application
• Be enrolled as an OCC student (full-time or part-time)
• Complete FAFSA Application or CA Dream Act
• Complete Umoja Application 
• Complete Umoja Orientation
• Sign the Umoja Student Contract
• Meet with Umoja Counselor/Coordinator

We are so glad you are interested in joining the Umoja family at OCC! Please take a few minutes to complete the application.

OCC Umoja Program Application

As a Umoja student, you must meet with the Umoja counselor at least twice per semester or as often as you need. After completing the Umoja application and receiving your official welcome email, you can access the link to schedule your Umoja counseling appointment.