This has become a classic line for someone in the college culture who wants to meet another student. The question is still legitimate, as most students must eventually declare or select a major area of study. If you will be transferring to a four-year college or university, you must select a primary area of study.

You will not only apply for admissions to a four-year college but also to a specific department or major within the college. Selecting a major area of study helps you focus your education and career goals. To some, the decision about what to "be" or "do" is clear at an early age. For others, the decision takes longer, and the journey is full of obstacles and detours. Keep your options open at first. Enroll in classes that seem interesting; choose courses that engage your curiosity.

A community college affords you the opportunity to sample the fields at an affordable price. There is nothing worse than feeling trapped by a statement you made early in life or by the wishes of others. If you would like a more structured approach to selecting a major and ultimately a career, the Gavilan College Guidance 1 class (Self-Assessment and Career Guidance) is helpful and popular. In this transferable, elective course you will be able to assess your interests and their applicability to various careers and majors.

The college’s Career/Transfer Center also has resources to support your search for a major and career direction. Ask about the popular computer program EUREKA. If your interests do not seem to have a "built-in" major attached to them, consider broad options such as liberal studies or humanities major. Having a broad-based undergraduate degree has many advantages. A graduate degree is more frequently the time for specialization.

If you are in a vocational program, you will be specializing in a field at a much more rapid pace than those who are transferring to a four-year college. Selecting a major requires research and critical thinking on your part.

What jobs or activities have you enjoyed in the past? Do you have friends or family members who seem to have interesting jobs? Interview them or volunteer in an area that parallels a field in which you may be interested. Enroll in an internship experience that will give you a flavor of a field. Remember, the decision must be yours – not your parents’, partner’s, or peers’.

Matriculation is part of a statewide effort within community colleges to increase student success through transfer to four-year institutions, completion of certificates and degrees programs and timely graduation. The commitment that Gavilan College and you make together through the matriculation process supports you in accomplishing your educational and personal goals. See the college catalog for additional information.

Although the college encourages you to take full advantage of the range of services offered through matriculation, you have a right to exempt yourself from any of them. In order to waive your participation in any of these services, you need to complete an exemption form, obtainable at the Admissions and Records Office. Caution! If you opt to waive orientation, you may not register during priority registration. (Please see the catalog for additional information.) Whatever your decision, we encourage you to use any of the matriculation services available.

As noted within this student handbook, the college’s catalog and Schedule of Classes, many classes have notations of prerequisites, co-requisites, or advisories (see the glossary in the back). The college’s departments and curriculum committee institute prerequisites because a major portion of one course’s content is based upon prior knowledge of the material obtained in the course before it. If a course has a "prerequisite," you may not enroll in the higher level course without meeting the lower level requirement. This can be done by completing the "prerequisite class" with a "C" grade or better or showing documentation of meeting an equivalency. (See a counselor and the catalog for additional information.)

A "co-advisory" is a requirement to enroll in one course at the same time you enroll in the second one. An "advisory" is a recommended skill level needed for success in the course you are selecting – it is not a requirement.

The criteria for challenging a prerequisite includes:

• The prerequisite has not been made readily available, and as a result, you cannot complete your educational plan in a timely manner.
• The college established a prerequisite in violation of established district procedures.
• You possess documented proof that the prerequisite is descriminatory or has been applied in a discriminatory manner.
• There is documented knowledge or ability that will enable you to succeed in the course despite not meeting the prerequisite.

If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college, you ordinarily complete 56-60 transferable units and transfer. With 60 units from the appropriate categories, Gavilan will award you an A.A. degree named for the general education pattern you complete. Although the four-year receiving schools do not require an AA in order to enroll, you personally benefit by having an A.A. degree. The verification that you have completed your general education and elective requirements is also a benefit before transferring.

There are several general education patterns from which you can select: Gavilan’s, UC’s, CSU’s and private colleges’. Talk with a counselor about the best choice for you. Not following the correct plan can lengthen your time at Gavilan

A transfer agreement is a formal agreement between you and a four-year institution to which you intend to transfer. The agreement may guarantee admission to a university a year in advance. It may also guarantee admission into a major. Please see the Gavilan College catalog for additional information.

If you have completed 30 or more transferable units:

1. Meet with a counselor.
2. Select a college or university to which you would like to transfer. Students may sign only one agreement.
3. With a counselor, review your GPA (grade point average), your transferable units, and the course requirements for the four-year university and your major.
4. Complete the transfer admission agreement between Gavilan College and the university to which you wish to transfer.
5. Complete an application for admission to the receiving four-year institution during the initial filing period.
6. Keep a copy of all paperwork (transfer admission agreement plus application).
7. Complete the coursework as agreed to in the Transfer Admission Agreement.
8. Maintain the minimum GPA as specified in the Transfer Admissions Agreement.
9. Transfer Admission Agreements are usually signed between September 1 and October 31 a year prior to attending the university.

Your GPA will be calculated at the end of each semester and cumulatively (all semesters to date). Your transcripts and grade record will show whether you have attempted a class, completed or withdrawn from a class, repeated a class (to replace the grades of a D or F), the total number of units you have attempted and completed, and grade points associated with each grade. Grades from other colleges will need to be calculated separately.

Sample Grade Point Information: