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 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm with virtual appointments to 2:30 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.

Complete the EOPS application online.

Remember, you need to also apply to be an OCC student and follow the enrollment steps – this includes  completing OCC Online Orientation, and applying for FAFSA/Dream Act Financial Aid and enrolling in 12 OCC units to have your EOPS application considered.

Anytime. We accept new EOPS students until the 7th week of the Fall and Spring semester. If we get full before that we can roll your application to the next semester. Give us a call if you have question at 714-432-5817.  View the application

1. Qualify for OCC Financial Aid California College Promise Grant or Dream Act under options A or B or C with a zero to -1500 SAI (Student Aid Index Number) as determined by the OCC Financial Aid Office.                  
2. Be a California resident (AB540 Eligible).
3. Be a full-time student (12 units per semester at OCC or quailafy for accommodation with the ARC or CARE programs.)
4. Preference go to students with less than 55 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 and grants.

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 each semester, your EOPS services will roll over until you reach the 6 semesters and/or 70 unit limits.

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) during APR Week 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 or CCC) while in the EOPS program at OCC. However, to be qualified for our services, you must have EOPS counselor approval, majority of your units have to be taken at OCC and your financial aid has to be 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. You will need to work with an EOPS counselor and improve your GPA to 2.00.

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, every Wednesday from 9:00 am to Noon. If we have additional Drop-in hours for EOPS students we  post it in CANVAS. When available, you can click on Drop-In Counseling in CANVAS 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 EOPS 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 account will be available one week before the start of 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.

Make sure you are aware when the book deadlines are and that you meet them. No Remiburesment with out prior approval.

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 for textbooks at GWC and CCC.   

Sometimes, you can if you are new to the EOPS Program and purchased books before being accepted. 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 and the EOPS CANVAS page.

We send you a copy through your OCC school email account, and you can always stop in the EOPS office and pick one up or print one from CANVAS. Please read all instructions through CANVAS or your email.

During APR Week-Every Fall and Spring by the Wedneday in the 8th week of class (dates vary every semester).  Please check the EOPS Canvas assignment or your OCC email for the current semester 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 upload the email to your APR assignment. 

You are required to get signatures and grades from both lecture and lab instructors in different sections of the APR if grades are not posted in CANVAS.

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 each semester appointments start counting for your required contacts. Check with the EOPS front office if you have questions if your appointment counts. 

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

It varies every semester. If you complete it by the last Friday of class you could be considered for the EOPS grant. But we always give you two weeks after the semester ends to complete your required appointments with out an appeal.

Yes, please find the instructions in the EOPS CANVAS.

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 contact, Shannon O'Neal in the EOPS office. 

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, EOPS will instruct you to 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

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.