PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Priority Registration allows qualified students to register early for classes.
See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to learn more about Priority Registration and how you can improve your Priority Group Status
Download Winter/Spring 2026 Priority Registration Calendar
ATTENTION STUDENT PARENTS
Don't miss your opportunity for Priority 1 registration. If you are a parent of a child under the age of 18 and you provide more than half of the child's support, please complete this survey to be eligible for Priority Registration.
English Questionnaire Cuestionario en Español
California Community Colleges are required to provide priority registration for qualified students. The following priority levels have been adopted by Gavilan College:
Priority Groups
Priority 1
AEC, CalWORKS, EOPS, Foster Youth, Homeless Youth, Rising Scholars, Student Parents, Veterans
Priority 2
Student Athletes, MESA, Puente, Gavilan College Promise/CA College Promise (first time to college)
Priority 3
Continuing, first time to college students who have completed orientation/placement/ed plan, CCAP,m GECA, High Step
Priority 4
First time to college and continuing students who have not completed orientation/placement/ed plan
Priority 5
Returning, Transfer, Probation 2, Academically Dismissed, High School (except GECA)
Eligible Continuing Students during Priority 1, 2, or 3 registration must be in good academic standing e.g. not on probation for 2 consecutive semesters or dismissal and have less than 100 earned units excluding 30 units basic skills or ESL classes.
Priority Group level information for each semester is available in the student's myGav portal in the "Student Tab" under Student Checklist.
A student is considered a "First Time Student" if they have never attended college, never enrolled for credit courses at Gavilan College or were a high school concurrent student the last time of enrollment at Gavilan College.
A student is considered a "Returning Student" if they previously attended Gavilan College but missed one or more semesters (not including Summer).
Returning students must apply for admissions again before registering for classes.
A student is considered a "Continuing Student" if they are enrolled in classes at Gavilan College in consecutive semesters, one semester after the next. Basically, you must be enrolled in back to back semesters such as fall, spring, or spring, fall without breaking enrollment. If you sit out at least one semester, then you will re-enter as a "Returning Student."
A student is eligible for Priority 1 if they are in any of the Programs: AEC, CalWORKS, EOPS, Foster Youth, Homeless Youth, Rising Scholars, Student Parents, Veterans.
A student with a verified disability needing academic modifications or services can receive help from the Accessible Education Center (AEC). AEC provides programs, services, and support to help students with disabilities succeed at Gavilan College.
A student is considered a "High School Student" if they are simultaneously enrolled at both their high school and at Gavilan College.
A student is considered a "Student Parent" if the student has a child or children under 18 years of age who will receive more than half of their support from that student.
Students who complete the Orientation have an easier introduction to college, move toward their goal with more confidence and in a reasonable about of time. Completion of the Orientation and an education plan qualifies students for priority registration.
Orientation is available on the MyGav Student Portal - a Gav ID - G# (username) and password is required.
This is a semester-by-semester plan that will list all the courses you need to complete in order to reach your intended educational goal. An educational plan is a valuable planning tool that will help you understand what you must do to meet graduation, transfer, or certificate requirements. The plan is created by a counselor with your input. The plan will be accessible to you online, on your MyGav account, on myDegreeWorks. All new students will be required to have an educational plan to keep priority registration status.
Yes. Priority registration can be lost under certain conditions:
- Failing to maintain good academic /progress standing
- Earning 100 or more degree-applicable units
What Happens When You Lose Priority
You get moved to a later registration date; Priority group 5.
How to Appeal or Regain Priority
Students may petition for reinstatement by completing the Loss of Enrollment Priority Appeal Petition.
Petitions must be submitted to: prioritygroup@gavilan.edu at least 2 weeks before the start of priority registration.
Nov 12 - Priority 1
AEC, CalWorks, EOPS, Foster Youth, Homeless Youth, Rising Scholars, Student Parents, Veterans
Nov 17 - Priority 2
Student Athletes, MESA, Puente, Gavilan College Promise, CA College Promise,
Nov 18 - Priority 3
Continuing, CCAP, GECA, High Step, First Time to College Students (completed: orientation / placement / ed plan)
Nov 19 - Priority 4
Continuing and First Time to College Students — NOT completed orientation / placement / ed plan.
Nov 20 - Priority 5
Returning, Transfer, Probation 2, Academically Dismissed
Winter/Spring 2026 registration open to all. Opens at 8am November 20 — ends January 25, 2026.
Priority Registration Eligibility Requirements
Must Complete
- Orientation
- Placement (English and Math)
- Student Education Plan
- Must maintain good academic and progress standing
- Have not earned more than 100 degree-applicable units (excluding 30 units basic skills or ESL classes)
Loss of Priority Registration
- Failing to maintain good academic/progress standing
- Earning 100 or more degree-applicable units
Priority Registration Appeals Process
Students may petition for reinstatement by completing the Loss of Enrollment Priority Appeal Petition.
Petitions must be submitted to: prioritygroup@gavilan.edu at least 2 weeks before the start of priority registration.