Welcome Back!
Before your counseling session, make sure you've completed your placement and orientation. If you're a returning student who has yet to attend college, submit your high school transcripts and AP exam scores of three or higher.
If you're transferring from another college or university, submit your college transcripts before your counseling appointment. Once you've confirmed that your transcripts have arrived, schedule a transcript evaluation appointment to keep everything on track.
If a parent or guardian plans to attend your counseling session, you'll need to give verbal consent to your counselor ahead of time due to FERPA rules. Parents and guardians should only join if the student has a prior IEP and requires DSS accommodations.
Preparing for Your Counseling Appointment
To make the most of your counseling sessions, it's crucial that you take an active role. Prepare a list of your most pressing questions or topics, such as:
- transferring to a university
- choosing a major
- career options
- personal concerns
Focus on what matters most, as you might not have time to cover everything. This proactive approach will empower you and ensure you get the most out of your session.
Remember to take notes during your session to capture all the valuable advice and insights your counselor provides!
Helpful Resources
Academic Counseling Tile in InSite
Explore the Academic Counseling tile in InSite for information and support on transferring to UCs, CSUs, HBCUs, AICCUs, out-of-state schools, or pursuing a degree or certificate from DVC. This resource is designed to ease anxiety about transferring or choosing a new institution.
Academic Counseling Resource TileCareer Exploration Resources
Choosing a major can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our Explore Career resources are here to guide you. They help you discover your interests and research potential careers.
Bring your findings to your counseling session, and your counselor will help align your academic path with your career goals. This support is designed to make the process less daunting and more manageable, ensuring you feel guided and less overwhelmed.
Explore Careers Resource TileTypes of Appointments
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A general academic counseling appointment helps with course selection, educational planning, and transfer requirements. Perfect for students not in specialized programs, these sessions offer personalized guidance to support academic and career goals. Counselors provide tailored advice to keep you on track for graduation and future success.
Schedule a General Counseling Appointment -
Drop-In Counseling Sessions
We offer 15-minute in-person, virtual, and phone drop-in sessions for new students. These quick sessions are perfect for short questions or planning one semester but aren’t suitable for detailed needs like:
- Comprehensive education plans
- Graduation checks
- Career or major exploration
- Application reviews for four-year schools
- UC PIQs or TAG applications
- Transcript evaluations (counselors can’t access transcripts during drop-ins)
For in-depth questions, schedule a general counseling or specialty appointment.
Using Drop-Ins Effectively
Join Drop-In Counseling Queue
Check our hours for drop-ins at the Pleasant Hill campus or the San Ramon satellite. For Zoom or phone sessions, counselors will try to contact you up to three times; after that, you’ll be removed from the list. Please don’t use Zoom or take phone calls while driving, as counselors will ask you to reschedule -
Diablo Valley College provides personalized counseling for a variety of student communities and programs:
- Athletics: Academic support tailored for student-athletes.
- CARE: Comprehensive resources for single parents balancing school and family.
- Community of Pride: Safe, affirming support for LGBTQ+ students.
- DSS (Disability Support Services): Specialized services for students with disabilities.
- EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services): Assistance for students overcoming economic or educational challenges.
- First-Year Experience: Helping new students transition and thrive in college.
- Foster Youth: Personalized support for current and former foster youth.
- International Counseling: Academic and immigration guidance for international students.
- MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement): Focused academic assistance for STEM students.
- PACE (Program for Adult College Education): Flexible pathways for working adults.
- Puente: A learning community supporting Latinx students through academic, counseling, and mentorship opportunities.
- Umoja: A culturally empowering program focused on the success and retention of African American students, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
- Veterans: Resources and support specifically for veterans and their families.
- Wellness: Mental health and personal well-being services to help students thrive
We’re committed to helping every student succeed, academically and personally.
Specialized Counseling -
If your GPA falls below 2.0 or you complete less than 50% of your attempted units, a hold will be placed on your student portal, and you’ll be assigned to Academic or Progress Alert Level 1 or 2.
- Alert Level 1:
- Academic: GPA below 2.0.
- Progress: Less than 50% of attempted units completed.
- Alert Level 2:
- Academic: GPA below 2.0 for two consecutive terms.
- Progress: Less than 50% of attempted units for two consecutive terms.
To remove the hold, you must complete an Alert 1 or 2 Workshop or schedule a counseling appointment. Note: Drop-in counseling is not available for these appointments.
Schedule a Alert 1 or Alert 2 Counseling Appointment - Alert Level 1:
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Students dismissed for having a cumulative GPA below 2.0 or completing less than 50% of their attempted units for three consecutive terms must complete the following steps:
- Attend a Reinstatement Workshop.
- Submit the Reinstatement Application.
- Schedule a Dismissal Appointment (1-hour session with a counselor).
Failure to complete these steps will delay your ability to register for classes.
Schedule a Dismissal Counseling Appointment -
If DVC Financial Aid has asked you to schedule an MTF appointment, follow these steps:
- Schedule a counseling appointment specifically for MTF.
- Submit the online appeal form at least 48 hours before your meeting.
If the appeal is late, your appointment may be canceled, and you’ll need to reschedule. Drop-in sessions are not available for MTF appointments
Schedule a Maximum Time Frame Financial Aid Appeal Counseling Appointment