Student Services

Division: Student Services
Contents

Student Support Services

Counseling Services
Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia Building | Hanford Campus - VOCED Building | Tulare Campus - Building A
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3715 | Hanford: (559) 585-2500 | Tulare: (559) 688-3000
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/counseling

Counselors at College of the Sequoias provide complete educational and career guidance services. They meet with students on an individual or small group basis for a range of purposes: interpreting assessment results related to ESL placement, determining specific courses for immediate and future registration, developing a Student Education Plan, identifying students’ concerns and making appropriate referrals for services, and supporting the progress and successful achievement of the student’s goal through follow-up services. Personal and social concerns are also addressed as they relate to college success. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these services offered at no cost.

The purpose of counseling is to help students succeed in their studies through self-evaluation, decision-making, careful planning, and commitment. Because accurate information is essential, our counselors are dedicated to ensuring that students receive current and correct information. This information is usually documented in a Student Education Plan which reflects the student’s current goal. Students wishing to change their goal should see a counselor to revise their Student Education Plan.

Counselors are available during the day either by appointment, on a walk-in basis, or through an online request. Evening counseling is available by appointment only. It is advised that students make appointments well in advance of registration periods because of the high demand for counseling. Walk-in students should be aware that they may have to wait to see an available counselor.

Degree Works

Degree Works is a web-based tool, accessible through Universal Login, which assists students and counselors in monitoring a student’s progress toward degree and certificate completion. All students have access to the Degree Works icon within their Universal Login. Counselors and other authorized staff have access to Degree Works for the purpose of supporting students’ progress through their academic career.

Degree Works performs an audit of completed and in-progress coursework and displays it in an easy-to-read format. The audit includes checkboxes, indicating both completed and in-progress coursework, as well as needed requirements to satisfy a degree or certificate. Please note that Degree Works may not apply all completed coursework via external transcripts or course substitutions while performing the audit. Please see a counselor regarding external transcripts and course substitutions. While Degree Works is a tremendous guidance tool, it is not a guarantee of graduation or completion.

Matriculation Policies

Matriculation is a process that assists students in planning, choosing, and achieving educational and career goals. It begins with applying for admission and ends when the student completes the expressed goal. The purpose of matriculation is to ensure access to appropriate programs and courses offered by the College and to facilitate the successful completion of student educational objectives. Through a coordinated program between instruction and support services, the College promotes and sustains efforts to help students achieve their goals.

Matriculation is a partnership between the student and the community college. It comprises mutual responsibilities and agreements for both partners. Any student who enrolls in credit classes for the purpose of realizing an educational or career goal is considered a matriculant.

Matriculation brings the student and the District into an agreement regarding the student’s educational goal through the District’s established programs, policies and requirements.

The agreement is implemented by means of the student educational plan.

  1. Each student, in entering into a student educational plan, will do all of the following:
    1. Express at least a broad educational intent upon admission;
    2. Declare a specific goal no later than the term after which the student completes 15-semester units of degree-applicable credit coursework;
    3. Diligently attend class and complete assigned coursework;
    4. Complete courses and maintain progress toward an educational goal;
    5. Complete a student educational plan;
    6. Participate in orientation;
    7. Discuss educational/vocational choices and class selections with a counselor prior to registration; and,
    8. Seek support services as needed and complete courses to maintain progress toward an educational goal.
  2. Matriculation services include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
    1. Processing of the application for admission;
    2. Orientation and pre-orientation services designed to provide to students, on a timely basis, information concerning campus procedures, academic expectations, financial assistance, and any other appropriate matters;
    3. Counseling upon enrollment, which shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
      1. Administration of placement results for English and math using multiple measures criteria to determine competency in computational and language skills;
      2. Administration of assessment instruments for English language learners to determine student competency in language skills;
      3. Assistance to students in the identification of aptitudes, interests, and educational objectives, including, but not limited to, associate degrees, transfer, and vocational certificates and licenses; and,
    4. Referral to specialized support services as needed.
    5. Advisement concerning course selection.

The District shall not use any assessment instrument except one specifically authorized by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges.

All students who are deemed matriculants are required to participate in the matriculation activities. Non-exempt students may request exemption status by completing a form and presenting their case to the Counseling Office. Students who are exempt based upon the Exemption Criteria listed below are welcome to request any services or activity from the respective departments.

At College of the Sequoias, we believe that a process of orientation and counseling/advisement, called matriculation, will help students plan and achieve the student’s goals in college. The student may choose not to participate in parts of this process if s/he meets any of the exemption criteria. In addition, if a class has a prerequisite or corequisite and the student has not taken the required class, the student may be blocked from enrollment or may be required to meet with a counselor.

Orientation

All new students are expected to participate in an orientation to COS services and educational programs. Orientation content will be determined and updated by findings from satisfaction surveys.

There will be two available options for students to fulfill their orientation requirement:

  1. Online Orientation
  2. Giant Days New Student Orientation (to be held prior to the beginning of the Fall semester and will consist of a campus tour, large group welcome, and small group breakout sessions).

Session Topics include:

  • Financial Aid at COS
    1. Receiving Aid
    2. Staying Eligible
    3. Keeping Aid
    4. Managing Aid
  • Getting Connected to Campus Resources
    1. General college information and site-specific information
    2. Campus Resources and Services at COS
    3. Learning Resource Center/Library and Tutorial Services
  • Campus Safety
    1. Title IX rights and information
    2. Campus Safety information, tips, and safe practices
    3. Bystander Intervention
    4. Reporting offenses
    5. Consent
  • Looking Ahead
    1. Educational options at COS; i.e. Certificates, Degrees, and Transfer information
    2. Student Education Plan explanation
    3. Registration: Priority Registration, Progress/Academic Probation
    4. Prerequisite and Corequisite
    5. Graduation Requirements
  • Student Activities and Affairs
    1. Student ID Cards
    2. Activity Benefits and Transit Stickers
    3. Club and Student Senate information

Exemption Criteria 

Any student who has completed an associate degree or higher is exempt from the orientation, and counseling requirements. However, all students are required to meet course prerequisites.

Additional exemption criteria are as follows:

Orientation Exemption

Students are exempt from the orientation requirement if:

  1. Previously participated in a COS orientation; or
  2. Transferring to COS from another college; or
  3. Enrolling in 6 units or less and have no plan to obtain a degree, certificate, or participate in a transfer program. It is highly recommended that students who qualify for an exemption participate in the online Orientation as a guest.

Counseling Exemption

Note: Students receiving Title IV Financial Aid and/or Veterans’ educational benefits are not exempt from counseling requirement

Students are exempt from the counseling requirement if:

  1. Enrolling in 6 units or less and have no plan to obtain a degree, certificate, or participate in a transfer program.

Exemption Procedures

Any student who is considered non-exempt from the matriculation services by District criteria (mentioned previously), yet wishes to be considered for exemption for one or more of the activities, shall be directed to the Dean of Student Services.

Contents

Resources

Welcome Center
Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 104
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3730
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/welcome-center

The Welcome Center provides services to help new students make a smooth transition into College of the Sequoias and helps continuing students locate resources and services they may need while attending the College. Additionally, the Welcome Center can help with questions regarding admissions, registration, financial aid, and more.

COS Bookstore
Location: Visalia Campus - Giant Forest Building
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3751
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/bookstores

The bookstore carries textbooks and supplies as well as emblematic clothing, gifts, and college memorabilia. The COS Bookstore encourages students to visit the bookstore before the semester begins. Textbooks are arranged by department, course, instructor, and section number. Textbook prices and formats/available options are listed on the shelf tags below the books. Different options for purchasing textbooks are available:

  • Online at cos.bncollege.com (have them delivered to your residence for a fee or pick up your order at the store).
  • Rental: a major credit card is required in order to secure textbook rentals. All rentals must be returned by the due date. If textbooks are not returned by the due date, the full price of the book plus processing fees will be charged.

Personal checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted for payment provided a driver’s license and student ID number are presented. All returned checks are turned over to CHECK AGAIN for collection and assessed a $30.00 service fee.

Refunds and Exchanges

Dates will be posted each semester.

Books purchased for short-term classes must be returned on or before the first day of class.

A COS Bookstore receipt must be presented for any refund or exchange; new books must be in perfect condition to return; a refund will not be issued if books are written in, unwrapped, soiled, or stickers are removed.

Buyback Policy

Students can sell their books back at the COS Bookstore. Wholesale prices may be offered during the semester. At the end of the semester, books may be worth up to 50 percent of the selling price IF they are being used again on campus AND the bookstore needs additional quantities. If the bookstore does not need the books, a wholesale price MAY be offered

Dates and times for the end-of-the-semester buyback will be posted at the bookstore and campus. The bookstore cannot guarantee the buyback of any book at any time.

The staff at the COS Bookstore is here to serve our campus. For questions or requests, contact the Bookstore by phone at (559) 730-3751.

COS District Police Department
Location: Visalia Campus - Blue Oak 903
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3726
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/police

The COS District Police Department functions for the protection of the school, students, staff, and facilities. Call 911 for emergencies only. Student parking permits can be ordered online at www.buymypermit.com/cos. Daily parking permits can be obtained from the parking permit machines located in the parking lots.

Early Alert

Early Alert will allow students to learn of their mid-term grades, any areas of concern, and to read comments written by their instructors for the classes they are taking at COS. Early Alerts are disbursed in two ways:

  1. An e-mail message will be sent to the student’s COS Giant e-mail account.
  2. Early Alerts will appear online on Banner Web.

Students are encouraged to ask their instructors to submit an Early Alert on their behalf and to seek assistance from the many student programs and services available at COS. 

Campus Parking

Parking facilities on campus are limited. Students are encouraged to participate in car pools or ride public transportation rather than drive their own vehicles because of the added safety, financial savings, and parking congestion. Purchase of a parking permit does not guarantee a space will be available. The District is not responsible for losses due to theft or damage. All parking lot users are urged to lock their vehicles and not leave valuables within view.

Those who do bring vehicles are required to purchase a permit and obey ALL parking regulations. Citations may be issued by the District Police to anyone who is in violation of the college parking policy or California Vehicle Code. A brochure containing parking policies is available at the District Police Office.

Students wishing to park on campus must pay a $25.00 fee for a semester parking permit and a $10.00 fee for a summer parking permit. Fall or spring semester permits are valid for the Summer semester. Permits may be purchased online at COS Parking. If you are wanting to purchase an additional parking permit for another vehicle at a discounted rate of $10.00 you will need to bring the registration of both vehicles to the District Police Department for approval. A grace period of two weeks is provided for the first two weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters. Permits are not required during this time. This does not apply to the Summer session. Students not wishing to purchase a semester parking permit may purchase one-day parking passes for $2.00 from the dispensers located at the following locations:

Visalia Parking Lots 1, 4, 6, 7, and 9
Tulare Lots 1, 2 and 3
Hanford Breezeway between the Education and Public Safety Buildings and Lot 2
  • Permits must be picked up as soon as purchased as a limited number will be issued.
  • Parking permits must be permanently affixed to the vehicle in the prescribed manner.
  • Parking refunds will be available to students withdrawing from school prior to the end of the second week of instruction. Students withdrawing from school after the second week will not receive refunds.

Refund Procedure

  1. Apply for parking refunds at the Cashier’s Office in the Sequoia Building.
  2. A $3.00 service fee will be deducted from all full-time and part-time permit refunds.
  3. Parking permits must be returned to the Cashier’s Office before refunds will be processed.
  4. A refund check will be mailed in 6-8 weeks.

Access and Ability Center
Location: Visalia Campus - Sequoia 10
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3805 | Hanford: (559) 583-2500 | Tulare: (559) 688-3000
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-support/access-ability

The Access and Ability Center (AAC) serves COS students with mental, physical, and/or sensory conditions that impact participation in academic programs. Qualifying conditions include (but are not limited to): anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mobility, vision, hearing and speech difficulties, health impairments (including migraines, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy and other health diagnoses), brain injuries and learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia) that affect acquiring, storing and/or retrieving information.

Student Health Center
Location: Visalia Campus - Giant Forest Building | Hanford Campus - Education Building | Tulare Campus - Building A 
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3880 | Hanford: (559) 583-2530 | Tulare: (559) 688-3060
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-life/health-services/

Registered students are eligible to receive confidential health care services supported by their Student Health Fee. Health services include mental health screening/counseling, injury and illness assessment, sexually transmitted disease testing/treatment, and nurse assessments. Health screenings include pregnancy testing, blood pressure measurement, vision/hearing screening, blood glucose, and TB testing. Several immunizations are available. Communicable disease control and health education are also available.

Housing Services
Location: Visalia Campus - Giant Forest 123
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3736
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-life/activities-and-affairs

The Housing Bulletin Board is in a glass case located in the Sequoia building breezeway.

The Student Activities and Affairs office provides a Housing Bulletin Board to assist students in locating apartments, rooms or houses in the local area. Anyone interested in obtaining a rental or posting a rental listing should stop by the Student Activities and Affairs office. Note: COS only provides information for rentals and does not provide housing or participate in the rental process.

Transfer & Career Services
Location: Visalia Campus - Giant Forrest 204
Phone: Visalia: (559) 737-6110
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/career/transfer-career-services

Transfer Services
California Community college students can begin their college studies at a community college and transfer to a four-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree. With the assistance of a community college counselor, students will complete their lower division requirements (freshman and sophomore years) at a community college and transfer into the university at their junior level. COS strives to ensure that all students have the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's degree by establishing degrees that promote transfer, courses that articulate to four-year universities, and articulation agreements that benefit the student by limiting the amount of time and money spent at four-year institutions. For more information, visit our Transfer and Career Center located in the Giant Forest building on the Visalia campus.

Career Services
Career Services are available to all College of the Sequoias students and alumni. Services include multiple self-assessments, major and career exploration, career counseling appointments, and career resources. Additionally, multiple career-related activities, events, and workshops are hosted each year. The Counseling Dept. also offers the course, Career and Life Planning, COUN 010. For more information, visit Transfer and Career Center located in Giant Forest building on the Visalia campus.

Insurance Coverage for Students

All students are covered by an accident insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents occurring during school-sponsored, supervised curricular and co-curricular activities. The policy coordinates with students’ personal insurance so duplicate benefits are not paid. STUDENTS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT that occurs on the college campus or at a college-related function MUST FILL OUT AN ACCIDENT FORM AND CLAIM IN THE HEALTH CENTER.

Students may also buy voluntary health insurance through COS during registration. Coverage may be extended to include spouse and children. Although the plan is a voluntary one, the College recommends that every student be covered by this policy or an equivalent one. Extreme financial hardship can result when a major illness or accident occurs and there is no insurance protection. More information is available in the Health Center located in the Giant Forest building on the Visalia campus.

Contents

Student Leadership

Student Senate

The Student Senate of College of the Sequoias is the official student body organization. Upon payment of the Student Activity Fee at registration, students become official members of the Associated Student Body and are represented by the Student Senate. Upon payment of the Activity Benefits Fee, students are issued an activity sticker that entitles them to participate in activities of the organization, as well as other benefits, as long as they remain in good standing. To see a full list of current benefits, view the Student Activities and Affairs website. Most activities that concern the student body as a whole are sponsored by the governing body, Student Senate.

The business of the Associated Students is carried out by the Student Senate. Elected members comprising the Student Senate Executive Board are Student Senate President, Vice-President, Student Trustee member, Student Body Ambassador, and five Commissioners (Activities, Clubs, Records, Finance, and Publicity).

Clubs and Organizations
Location: Visalia Campus - Student Activities and Affairs Office, Giant Forest 123
Phone: See specific program for more information 
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-life/activities-and-affairs/clubs-organizations

All clubs on campus are officially chartered by the Student Senate.

Students are encouraged to become active in one or more of the various clubs at COS to enrich their college experience. A list of clubs, with their advisors and meeting times, is posted online and on various bulletin boards.

Any group wanting to be organized as a club at COS must be chartered through the Student Senate. Forms are obtained in the Student Activities and Affairs Office located in the Giant Forest building. 

Student Activities & Affairs
Location: Visalia Campus - Student Activities and Affairs Office, Giant Forest 123
Phone: Visalia: (559) 730-3736
Website: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/student-life/activities-and-affairs

COS recognizes its responsibility for students’ emotional and social growth. The College, therefore, offers a variety of co-curricular programs, including student government, athletics, music groups, clubs, assembly programs, community service projects, and social activities.