At Orange Coast College, we define Student Equity as guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students, while working to identify and address barriers that stand in the way of student success. This commitment to access, success and transfer for all of our current and prospective students is part of OCC's Student Equity Program, created to address gaps in achievement for students with the greatest needs. Through this program we assure that, regardless of background, students are supported with resources and services needed to achieve their educational outcomes.
The Student Equity Program has reached its capacity for the 2023-2024 academic year and is no longer accepting applications. First-time, first-year students attending OCC in the Fall 2024 semester are encouraged to submit the Pirates' Promise Interest Form.
Activities
- Campus Tours for Transfer Students
- Major & Career Exploration
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Events
- Leadership Development
- Summer Bridge for First-Year Students
Support Services
- Textbook Stipends
- School Supplies
- Technology Lending
- Monthly Gift Cards
- Cap & Gown
- Honors Society Fees
- Tutoring
- Academic Advisement and Counseling
- Peer Mentoring
Populations We Serve:
- Low-income students (CA College Promise Grant/BOG Eligible)
- Undocumented Students
- First-Generation Students
- Students of Color
- And more
Student Equity Program Eligibility Criteria:
- First time college student (no degree already attained; Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral degree)
- Be enrolled in at least 6 academic units at OCC during the Fall and Spring Semesters. (Exceptions offered for students with DSPS accommodations)
- Qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) - formerly known as the Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver
- Be in good standing with the Student Equity Program, if reapplying from a previous academic year.
- Not in any other OCC student support services program (EOPS/ CARE, CalWORKs, Guardian Scholars).
**Student Equity will be accepting students with the greatest need based on financial aid awards and unmet need.**
Program Requirements for Continuing Students
Eligible students who have been approved must maintain the following requirements in order to remain in good standing:
- Complete a comprehensive educational plan.
- Make progress toward an educational plan. Program eligibility may be limited to no more than 6 semesters.
- Enroll and maintain mandatory 6 units of enrollment at OCC during Fall & Spring semesters.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by Financial Aid:
- Complete 67% of units attempted
- Maintain a 2.0 semester/cumulative GPA
- Complete your academic program within Max Time Frame.
- Submit an Academic Progress Report (APR) each semester.