At West Valley College, Admissions and Records is a critical entry point not only for enrollment, but also for ensuring students can access, afford, and navigate their education without unnecessary barriers. Proactive outreach and cross-campus collaboration characterize the team’s approach to identifying solutions that keep students on track.
“When we remove barriers and simplify the process, students are able to stay focused on their goals.”- Tanya Anderson, Vice President of Student Services
Early in her first year at West Valley, psychology major Daniela ran into a roadblock that might have derailed her education elsewhere had it not been for the Admissions and Records staff. When she enrolled for the 2025–2026 academic year, Daniela lived outside of California, which made her ineligible for lower in-state tuition. She soon accrued a West Valley College account balance of more than $5,000, and a hold placed on her account prompted an Admissions and Records review.
A team assessment suggested that Daniela’s eligibility for in-state residency may have changed.
Not only did they discover Daniela now met the criteria, but through a one-on-one appointment she provided documentation to be reclassified and rebilled at a lower rate— $46 per unit, down from $419—for prior and current terms. Additionally, she went on to secure housing within our district service area, making her eligible for free tuition.
In the spring term alone, nearly 100 West Valley student accounts have been rebilled through similar interventions, helping students reduce costs, stay enrolled, and confidently navigate the path to transfer.