The West Coast Arboretum Society has honored the college for its variety of trees and botanical uniqueness. Students and members of the community can walk or run the one- and two-mile cross country trails that wind through the rolling hills that are a backdrop for the campus. 

As you walk up the hill from the duck pond, ten oak trees have been planted in a beautiful curving line along the hill. They are California coastal oaks, donated by the California Nurseryman's Association and planted by the students who create the college's student newspaper, The Rambler. Every year more oaks will be planted as a way to give back to the earth some of the trees taken in the production of newspapers.

Nestled between the Gavilan and Gabilan Mountain ranges to the west and south, the Gilroy site has been witness to much California history. Located on the western edge of the historic Henry Miller estate, the college's 150 acres have witnessed the journeys of Mexico's De Anza expedition and the escapades of the infamous California bandit, Joaquin Murrieta. The Costanoan Indians settled on many sites around the present-day campus, with several Native American sites actually located on the campus.

In 1919, the college was located on the site of what is presently San Benito High School in Hollister. Relocated in 1964, the college changed its name from San Benito Junior College to Gavilan Community College and moved its main campus to Gilroy. The college also has sites in Hollister and Morgan Hill.

The college primarily serves the communities of Hollister, Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill and San Juan Bautista. Thirty years ago, Gavilan had an enrollment of 300 students. The faculty was small and the relationships between students and instructors were close. Despite more than a 16-fold increase in students since 1964, the faculty and student relationships remain close and informal today.

Gavilan's relatively small size provides students with a relaxed and supportive environment. Many students who have gone on to attend larger colleges say that they miss the attention they received from the faculty and staff at Gavilan.
 

Campus Environment

The student population at Gavilan averages 5,000 and is made up of morning, afternoon and evening students. Some attend weekend classes. Many students attend college full-time, focusing primarily on their education. Others work full-time and enroll in one or two classes after work. Still others juggle several classes a week as part-time students and also work more than one part-time job. Some are returning to school after many years to take classes for enjoyment and to learn new skills.

Sometimes students feel that bigger is better, and there certainly are some differences between a small and large campus. MORE parking lots to circle; MORE students waiting at the instructor's office; more traffic to and from campus. You get the picture.

Despite the fact that the college is small and has a central walkway through the middle of campus, any new place can be confusing. The feelings you had the first day of high school or at a new job are no different than those you may have your first weeks of college. "Will everyone know I don’t know where I'm going or what I'm doing?!" There are printed maps of the campus at the information desk and in the college catalog. Tours are available from the Associated Student Body. There may be one, two or three buildings within a given complex, so you will need to either consult your map or take a quick walk by the doors to read the room names and numbers. People are very willing to help, so if all else fails, just ask.

Student Impressions of the Campus

• "The people are friendly and nice."
• I can get my general education completed in a variety of ways.
• "Gavilan offers quality education in a nice atmosphere."
• "Gavilan is a great place to make friends."
• "The instructors are very helpful and contribute to a great learning environment."
• "The Puente and EOP&S programs helped me a lot."
• "The teachers care about you as a student."
• "Attending Gavilan has broadened my horizons."
• "I've learned a lot about responsibility."
• "Tutoring services and computer labs are excellent."

Campus Publications

• The Rambler is the weekly, award-winning, student-produced campus newspaper. It is both a well-read campus newspaper and a laboratory experience for journalism students.
• The Rambunctious News is the newsletter of the Associated Student Body (ASB). The activities and services of the student body are advertised in this periodical publication, and it provides a forum for student opinion and input.
• The Gavilan College Catalog is the formal agreement/contract between Gavilan College and the students. It is a detailed book of policies, procedures, programs and services and is revised every two years. (Much of the information is on the Gavilan web page.) You follow the program requirements listed in the catalog for the year in which you first enrolled. The catalog can be purchased in the Admissions and Records Office or the Gavilan Bookstore.
• The Schedule of Classes is a changing schedule of courses which is printed each semester. It lists prerequisites, co-requisites and advisories for courses and supplements the college catalog. It is available in the Admissions and Records Office, is mailed to all homes in the college district prior to each semester, and can be picked up at locations in the surrounding communities.
• The Gavilan College Community Services Catalog offers non-credit classes for the general community. The selections range from single-session classes for personal enrichment to multiple-session courses for skill development. The fees range from $5 to $89. You can request a schedule of classes by calling (408) 848-4771 or dropping by Community Services.

Orientation

In order for a person to feel at home in a new environment, an orientation or introduction can be very helpful. Whether you are at a new job or in a new educational environment, an overview can increase your comfort level.

The purpose of Gavilan College's orientation is to give new students a hint of things to come, and some information about the programs and services available at the college. 

An orientation session includes, but is not limited to:

*College programs and services * Financial Assistance

* Academic expectations * Course scheduling

* Institutional practices * Facilities and Grounds

It also covers:

Students are expected to sign up for an orientation session prior to their placement assessment. You will have several orientation options from which to choose, as new formats continue to be developed. Examples include a 1 1/2 hour session and a two-unit Guidance class (Guid 200). (Please see the Admissions and Records Office for the choices available.) The topics that are covered in all orientation sessions are the same--the details and styles may be slightly different depending upon the presenters of the orientation and the audience. 

Bring the college catalog to orientation in order to familiarize yourself with its contents. 

(You can buy it at the Gavilan Bookstore, the Admissions and Records Office or at the orientation session.) The college continues to look for ways to provide orientation in a variety of ways, so what is described here is always open for improvement and change. We especially welcome suggestions from students. Share your ideas and comments with a counselor or one of the administrators in Student Services. The college catalog is your agreement/contract with the school. Programs and requirements may change from year to year, but the catalog under which you entered (for example, 1999-2001) is what you and the college have agreed to follow. There are a few exceptions to this. Check with the Admissions and Records Office for the exceptions.

The placement assessment will help you and your counselor or advisor make an appropriate selection in the math, reading and writing areas based upon the scores you received in those components. The placement test is one measure used (of multiple measures) for course placement. The selections of classes you make should be comfortable and at an appropriate level for you. If you choose to ignore the suggestions that an assessment score provides or do not have a solid and successful track record in preliminary levels in math, reading and writing, you may be surprised, disappointed or unsuccessful in higher level classes. Appropriate class selections make your introduction to college positive.

Registration will also be discussed during the orientation. It will include the importance and necessity of officially dropping a class if you need to readjust your workload. College instructors expect students to take responsibility for officially dropping courses they can no longer attend.

Guidance classes at Gavilan provide a more comprehensive orientation to college. They are taught by members of the counseling staff. They include Planning College Success (Guidance 200) and College Survival Skills (Guidance 251).

Exemption from orientation is a possibility for some students. The criteria is:

• have an AA degree or higher

• have accumulated less than 12 units in transfer courses

• be presently enrolled in less than six units

• not plan to earn a certificate or degree

A waiver form is available at the Admissions and Records Office.

Placement Assessment

Everyone needs to be able to communicate clearly. Communication skills often determine your ability to hold a good, professional position and to have effective relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Also, strong mathematical skills are an asset in today’s society.

The latest national reports on the large number of Americans who are unable to read, write and solve math problems at even a high school level should be a "wake-up" call for all of us. English and mathematics courses are required for both an AA Degree and for the general education credits you'll need to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Even if you are not working towards a certificate or planning to transfer to a four-year college, strong reading, writing and math skills are a necessity for a successful life. Gavilan College requires all new students to take a placement assessment unless they qualify for an exemption. (See the catalog or speak with a counselor.)

The college's placement assessment takes up to three hours and is usually conducted in group settings. You may schedule an individual assessment session for a variety of reasons. For this service, you will need to make an appointment with the assessment specialist at 408-848-4889.

Perhaps you worry, as do many students, that the placement test may not indicate your true abilities or that you could actually fail the assessment. You cannot fail the assessments, and they are only one indicator used to place you in the best English or math course for your skill level.

The assessment instrument used at Gavilan College has been developed by the American College Testing service and is used at many colleges. It contains three basic sections: writing, reading and math. You are given 25 minutes per section.
 

1.  The mathematics section contains 32 items and is designed to measure mathematical reasoning skills. It emphasizes the solution of practical problems that are encountered in college-level courses. The items cover three skill areas: basic skills, applications and analysis. You may also choose to take one of three optional algebra sections. You will need to take one of these algebra sections if you want to take a math class beyond the elementary algebra level (Math 205).

2.  The reading section measures reading comprehension. You are asked to draw conclusions, determine implicit meanings, and make comparisons and generalizations. There are three prose sections reflective of college-level courses with multiple choice selections for answers.

3. The writing section contains 36 multiple-choice sections. You will be asked to read three passages and to identify errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

The number of correct answers is translated onto a scale and a percentage, or percentile, score is then calculated which represents how you scored in comparison to those who have taken the placement assessment nationally.

You will be given a print-out with the corresponding class recommendation printed above the writing, reading and math scores. 
 

This is a representation of the way your scores will appear.	Entry/Orientation Date: 1/20/99
	Test Results:	Language	Reading	Numerical	Algebra
	12/15/99	250/	48/	205/	205/233
		67% 46	80% 33	74% 23	89% 13

This student’s scores recommend English 250 and a choice between Math 205 and 233.

Additional considerations, referred to as multiple measures, are used in recommending placement in math and English classes.

Multiple measures include the consideration of your hours of work per week, sophistication of study skills, transcripts of previous academic work, prior college degrees, employment and life experiences, certificates and licenses, and your assessment of your skill level. Because multiple factors are used in recommending a course placement, most placements or advisories seem to be correct. Yet, some students feel that taking a recommended course is a waste of time.

There are some students who decide after the first few days in a course that they want to move to another level within the discipline, for example Math 205 rather than Math 233. In consultation with the instructor, this change can be made using a pink "add/drop card." These cards are available at the Admissions and Records Office. 

 
English as a Second Language - ESL

If you want to learn or improve your basic English skills at Gavilan College, here are the simple steps to follow:

1. Fill out an application, which you can get at the Admissions and Records Office in the Student Center. If you have any questions about the application, please ask the staff to assist you. Many of them speak Spanish and are happy to work with you. You will need to provide your Social Security number. You will need to use the same name and number on all your papers. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your permanent or temporary "green card" or your immigration visa card.

2. When you give your completed application to the Admissions Office, please make an appointment to take the ESL Placement Test. The purpose of the placement test is to help the ESL staff place you in the best class for your skills.

3. Be on time for your placement test appointment. During this four-hour appointment you will receive a face-to-face interview, a written test and assistance with registration for classes. If you cannot keep your appointment, please call (408) 848-4735 so that we can help another student at this time and also re-schedule your appointment.

4. You will need to pay for your classes at the time you register. This is the only way you can reserve a seat in the class. The cost of 12 units (full time) plus other fees can cost approximately $200. Books for your ESL classes can cost an additional $50 - $75.

5. If you plan to apply for financial aid, you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office. Plan to apply at least three (3) months before you register. 

6. Most ESL students are full-time students. They take three (3) ESL classes for a total of 12 units. This requires about 18 hours a week in class and lab and another 18 hours or more a week outside of class for homework.

7. If you are interested in taking classes other than ESL, please speak with the Counseling Department secretary (Student Center 113, (408) 848-4723) who will help you make an appointment with a counselor.

8. It is very important to begin school on the first day of classes. It is your responsibility to know the dates for registration, the first day of classes, and when to add or drop a class. Students who do not attend classes may lose their places to those who are on the waiting list.

See the Spanish section for additional information.

A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO MAKE YOUR REGISTRATION AS EASY AS POSSIBLE (check things off as you do them)

1. You will benefit greatly from an education plan, which you develop with the help of a counselor or advisor. An education plan will help you plan your time at Gavilan College and will assist you when a class is closed and you have to substitute another. Most importantly, it will keep you focused on your goal, which may change during the time you’re here.

2. Be aware of the registration dates. Doing so is critical for a smooth enrollment and to avoid the dreaded last-minute anxiety. You will also have the advantage of getting into the classes you need or want while they are still open.

3. Make an appointment with a counselor before registration begins. You will have more time to talk about your major area of study and the requirements and deadlines you need to meet. During registration it is difficult to see a counselor without an appointment or to get the attention you deserve.

4. Plan ahead! You must pay for your classes when you register. If you have financial aid, you are responsible for your own paperwork. If you do not have the money to pay for classes, contact the Financial Aid Office. One of the worst feelings is to get to the front of the registration line and realize that you forgot your checkbook or any necessary papers. You may qualify for a Board of Governor’s Grant (BOG) that will cover your registration fees, except the Campus Center Use Fee ($1 per credit unit, to a maximum of $5), your ASB card ($6) and parking fees ($20-40).

5. Reminder: registration can be a high stress time. Plan ahead, read your schedule, identify alternatives, meet with your counselor, arrive early and keep your sense of humor.

Books

"I was shocked at the cost of books!"

Many students are surprised at the actual cost of attending college. The obvious cost is the tuition. For some students, books actually cost more than registering for classes. Although it may seem costly, California community colleges are some of the least expensive colleges in the United States and possibly in the galaxy.

1. Before you register, make a trip to the campus bookstore and look at the books for the courses in which you are interested. Having an estimate of the cost of books ahead of time gives you enough time to save or borrow money for the books.

2. You must have the books to be successful in the courses. Too many students postpone buying their books until they are far behind and then they drop or fail the course.

3. Check the bulletin boards outside the bookstore at the beginning of each semester. The ASB coordinates a "Books for Sale" board where students post notices to either buy or sell used books at great low prices.

4. Check the library to see if your textbook is on reserve. You can either use it there or check it out, depending on the arrangement the instructor has made with the library. Ask the instructor if a book can be placed on reserve in the library if one is not already there.

5. Check with the Financial Aid Office to see if "ASB Book Loans" are available. A certain amount of money for book loans is available through these programs each semester. The amount will not pay for all your books, but it may help you with one or two.

6. Books can be sold to the bookstore during "buy-back" periods. The amount you will receive depends upon several factors: Will the same edition of the book be used the following semester? Has the bookstore already purchased enough of your book to stock the shelves? Ask the bookstore when the best buy-back period is. This could make a significant difference in the amount of money you receive for your books. The price of books is not determined by college, but by the publishing companies, and whether the same book will be used at the college the following semester.

7. If you are an EOPS student, check to see if the textbook can be borrowed from the EOPS office.

8. Once you finally get your books, be sure that nobody can mistake theirs for yours. Put your name somewhere in them or on them. Most Gavilan students are honest, but desperation does funny things to some people.

Financial Aid

"I wish I had known about financial aid before I registered."

The cost of an education may not hit you until you actually have to come up with the money. Community college was once free. Then the cost became $5 per unit, then $6 per unit and now, $11 per unit. Despite the fact that the cost more than doubled, California’s community colleges are still the best buy in public education.

Financial aid helps you pay for your tuition, textbooks, supplies, transportation and any other educational expenses you may encounter that can keep you from attending school. Financial aid from outside sources is available in several forms.

• Scholarships (you do not have to repay)

• Grants (you do not have to repay)

• Work study (you earn the money through on-campus work)

• Loans (you do have to repay)

Loans from the college are not available to our students at this time. However, there are a few programs on campus that do provide small loans for books (ASB and Puente).

The Financial Aid Office will give you the most detailed information and assistance. The office is located across from Admissions and Records – (408) 848-4727.

"How do I apply for financial aid?"

Step 1
To apply for financial aid at Gavilan College you will be required to use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Federal Student Aid (FAAFSA).

#1 Complete all sections of the FAFSA in dark ink or a #2 pencil. You may also complete the FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

#2 Federal regulations require that you provide your social security number when applying for federal financial aid programs. Be sure to have the correct number on your application.

#3 In Step 5, 83-93 be sure to include the correct code for Gavilan College – 001202.

#4 Once completed, mail the FAFSA in the envelope provided. Obtain a certificate of mailing from the U.S. Postal Service.

Step 2
We recommend that you request official academic grade transcripts from any other college, university, vocational or trade school that you have attended, whether or not you received financial aid or completed any units. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Admission and Records Office at Gavilan College.

Step 3
Read and respond immediately to all correspondence that will be sent to you by the Gavilan College Financial Aid Office or the Federal Student Aid Program. Your financial aid file will not be considered complete and ready for awarding until all requested documents have been received. Approximately two to four weeks after your file is complete, you will receive your financial "award letter" from our office along with information about when your check(s) will be mailed.

Please call the Financial Aid Office at (408) 848-4727 if you have any questions.

Associated Student Body

The collective voice of students is an important and powerful component in the college’s shared governance process. The Associated Student Body (ASB) is the official student organization on campus and provides the majority of student input and recommendations on critical campus issues.

The Student Senate is a body that meets weekly to plan, implement and evaluate college activities, services and policies that directly impact students. The mission statement of this official student organization is:

"The Associated Student Body (ASB) of Gavilan College is dedicated to the representation of the Gavilan student body. The ASB is committed to the provision of services and activities that meet the educational, political, cultural and social needs of the Gavilan College student body."

Any student who collects 50 signatures of registered students, meets the GPA and unit requirements set forth in the ASB by-laws, and submits his/her name for nomination at a senate meeting may be confirmed as a voting member.

In addition to the direct experience and fun you will have as part of the ASB, the political and practical leadership skills you develop can be supplemented through a leadership course (Psychology 27/Political Science 27) that reflects well on your academic transcripts and employment resume.

For more information, drop by the ASB Office in the Student Center or call 408-848-4777.

"What does the ASB actually do?"

Some examples include: 

EDUCATIONAL: Women’s History Month, AIDS Awareness Month, support for different departmental activities, leadership awards, book loans for students, holiday food drives, health fairs, educational speakers;

POLITICAL: public forums for local and statewide candidates and issues, voter registration, statewide lobbying for community college issues and support of politically-oriented clubs;

CULTURAL: Black History Month, 16^th of September celebration, Dia de los Muertos displays, Cinco de Mayo;

SOCIAL: homecoming events, holiday bazaar, Valentine’s Day activities and balloon sale, graduation reception, dances, clubs, Halloween activities, Welcome to School events.

…and much more!
 
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