FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a parking permit and where do I get one?

Parking permits are required at all times except in visitor parking. Daily parking permits can be obtained at red or yellow machines throughout parking lots. Semester permits are can be purchased online @ westvalley.edu or at the Admissions and Records Office. (BOG eligible students pay a reduced fee for semester permits). There is no grace period during the Summer Session. See the District Police parking page for more information.

How do I register for classes?

If you did not attend in the previous semester, you will need to file an application. If class has not started and is not closed you may register via phone or web. If class has begun or is closed you will need to obtain an add code from the instructor.

How do I know if I'm a full-time or half-time student?

Full-time students must be enrolled in 12 units or more.
Half-time students must be enrolled in 6 - 11.5 units.
This is solely for Fall and Spring semesters.
Please see a Counselor to discuss registration status when taking winter and summer term courses.
If you require proof of enrollment, you may request a letter of verification from the Office of Admissions & Records or you can print out your schedule in the student portal.

How do I get a listing of classes I have registered for?

A record of registered classes is downloadable on the web or in person at the Admissions and Records office.

What does the designation LHS in the class schedule stand for?

The classes are offered at Leigh High School (LHS).

Where do I get an Add code?

ADD codes are obtained through the Instructor and may be added using WVCPortal.

Do I need my instructor's signature to drop a class?

Generally, no signature is needed, except when dropping courses in person for-Photography, Chemistry and PE (if a locker was issued).

How do I know which books I need for my class?

The instructor generally provides this information in the class syllabus (green sheet); Login to WVCPortal, go to student menu and then click on the link "My Textbooks".

I went to my class and no one showed up. Does this mean my class was canceled?

No, there is usually a sign posted for canceled classes. If no one is there after 15 minutes of start time, check your class schedule. If no errors are apparent, check with the Division Office.

When is the last day to drop with a full refund and without a "W"?

For short-term classes, you must drop within 10% of the class length for a full refund and 75% of the class length to drop with a "W". For example: A class starting February 2, and ending February 28, runs 27 days. Therefore, the class must be dropped within the first 2 days for a refund. For full semester courses, see schedule of classes, Dates and Deadlines page.

Can I register for a class that begins tomorrow It isn't listed on the closed class list?

As long as the class has not started and there is room, you may register via the phone or web registration systems.

I am unable to attend the first class meeting(s). What should I do?

Obtain the instructor's email and/or telephone extension number and leave a message. Instructor e-mail and phone numbers can be located: www.westvalley.edu, select tab at top of screen "Faculty and Staff". Then click the link for faculty and staff listing.

How do I pay for my classes?

There are several ways to pay your fees. Login to WVCPortal, select the student menu and then click on the link titled "Pay on My Account". On campus at the Cashier's Window located in the Admissions and Records Office. On T-REG (phone registration) you can pay using your Visa or Master Card to pay for current semester fees. You may Fax your payment with you Visa or Master Card to (408) 867-5033. You may also pay by sending your payment U.S. mail to:
West Valley College
Attn. Cashiers Office
14000 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070.

How do I get my loan check?

Loan checks are picked up in person by the student. They should go to Financial Aid first to get a release form and then to the Cashier's Window in Admissions and Records to pick up their check.

I was told that I'd get the Board of Governor's Fee Waiver (BOGW) and that my fees will be waived? Why am I being charged a fee?

The fees waived by the BOGW are the cost per unit Enrollment fee. Parking permits for Spring and Fall are discounted for BOGW recipients. Other fees such as, campus caenter, student Health fee, ASB and web/phone reg fee, are the responsibility of the student.

I am a high school student and I was wondering how my school will know what grade I got in my class?

Students must request an official copy of their transcript at Admissions and Records.

Do I need to take the assessment test in order to register for my classes if I don't want a degree?

Assessment is not required to register in classes other than English and ESL.

How can I study for my class when I can't afford to buy the book?

Emergency book loan assistance is available through the Dean of Student Support Services Office the first week of the semester for Fall and Spring. This is an interest free loan. Due to limited funding, there is no book loan program during the Summer.

What does it mean to audit a class? How do I sign up for the class when I audit? What about high school students?

Some departments allow students to audit their classes for a reduced fee. Audit slips are obtained through the Division Office, signed by the instructor and processed at the Cashier's Window. No academic credit, record or grade is given. Concurrent enrollment students are not allowed to audit.

How do I prove I have met a course prerequisite?

If a prerequisite course was taken at West Valley College or Mission College, the system will automatically verify it and allow registration. If taken at another institution, an unofficial transcript, grade report or in progress print out should be submitted to the Assessment or Admissions and Records Office. Students also have the option to submit a challenge form along with supporting documents to the Assessment Office. Final decision will be made within 10 working days of submittal.

When can I make an appointment to see a counselor?

Appointments may be made by dropping into the Counseling Center located behind the Admissions Building, or calling 741.2009. Drop-in counseling is also available. Drop in counseling is for quick questions (10 minute maximum time allowed). Counseling hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30am-7pm, Friday 9am-2pm. You can find open hours and phone numbers on the campus services page.