Dear Students,
I am so happy that you have decided to join the West Valley College community as a new or continuing student. The summer session and fall semester are great times to begin a new chapter in your journey and we are so glad to have you here with us! West Valley is truly a community of dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators who are here to help guide you along the way. I hope you find your time with us beneficial not only in terms of your educational and career goals but also in feeling cared for—West Valley is part of the Caring Campus Initiative.
An education at West Valley is all-encompassing. We provide a strong educational foundation for those who want to transfer to a four-year university but also career education programs for students who want to enter the workforce or skill up in their current jobs. You are in great hands.
Our outstanding faculty will provide transformational learning experiences; our staff will surround you with any support you might need; and your fellow classmates will not only become your closest friends but your greatest supporters—cheering you on as you challenge yourself in the classroom and beyond.
While you’re here, I encourage you to get involved as much as you can. We have a variety of student clubs, activities, and on-campus events. And, as you may have noticed, our campus is truly a gem in the heart of Silicon Valley. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do each day—it truly is a source of peace and serenity amid the fast-paced world we are living in.
And, as you start your classes and step into the classroom, I want you to know that the college is vigilant in following state and county health guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. We want our students to thrive on a safe and healthy campus and continue to not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements in air filtration and circulation; have on-campus COVID testing available; and have implemented, since November 2021, a vaccine mandate for all employees and students who take classes on campus.
The college is also very committed to serving the basic needs of our students. In fact, this year we are opening a new food pantry, Roots, A Food Sharing Program to Fuel Potential, open to all students and community members. We also provide free grocery giveaways, free technology and textbooks through our TNT program in the library, free personal mental health counseling, free Wi-Fi hot spots, and emergency funding to support housing and other living costs for those who qualify. In addition, the West Valley College Foundation and Office of Financial Aid are dedicated to helping to support students in meeting their financial needs with scholarships and free tuition.
West Valley College is here for you—with a community that will surround you with love, support, and a sense of family. We are so happy to have you. I am excited for you to embark on this incredible journey and cannot wait to see you on campus or via Zoom. Welcome to the West Valley family!