Frequently Asked Questions

What is EOPS?
The Extended Opportunity Program and Services was established in 1969 by the California Legislature though Senate Bill 164. The focus is that of serving low-income and disadvantage community college students and providing "Over and Above and addition to" the regular educational support services offered to all students. The purpose of EOPS is to encourage the enrollment and retention of students who have been disadvantaged due to economic factors and low success with prior educational experience. EOPS will assist students in successfully completing a two-year educational program and aid students with transferring to a four-year college or university. Special counseling, grants, tutoring, outreach activities and other unique services will enable students to succeed. Only students who meet the program criteria as specified by the Title five guidelines shall be served.

How does EOPS Accomplish This?
By Providing such services as: College Orientation, Priority Registration, Financial Assistance, Book Vouchers, Peer Counseling, C.A.R.E. Program, Career Information, community Service Referrals, Transfer information, EOPS & CARE Clubs, Interpreting services (Spanish/English), and any other related services as needed.

How long may students receive EOPS?
Students entering the EOPS Program may receive services until they have been enrolled a maximum of six (6) semesters or earned a maximum of seventy (70) degree-applicable units. Revisitorsl courses such as ESL and revisitorsl courses in English and Math shall not be counted as part of the maximum number of units. A maximum of 30 revisitorsl units will be allowed.

Who is eligible for EOPS?
You must have reached 18 at the time of admission or has graduated from an accredited high school; your family's previous year's gross income shall not exceed $30,975 for a family of four with an additional $ 5,220 for each dependent thereafter, or the student (or family) is a recipient of public assistance (CalWORKs, SSI or General Assistance); You must not have completed more than 70 units total college degree-applicable course work; you must be educationally disadvantaged (defined by one of several factors); Must be enrolled in 12 units of college courses unless you are enrolled in the Disabled Students Program and Services; and you must be a California Resident.

What is CARE?
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education is an integral part of the EOPS program which offers CARE grants for child care expenses to qualified CalWORKs recipients. CARE also offers transportation grants and food vouchers to assist qualifying students. CARE also holds monthly meetings with support group and workshops designed to help the CARE student succeed in college. CARE students are eligible for all other services that EOPS offers.

Who is eligible for CARE?
Students may be eligible for CARE if they meet the following criteria; (1) Single head of household, (2) CalWORK's recipient receiving cash aid; and the student must also have a child under 14 years of age.

Can I receive both CARE and CalWORKs?
You are able to receive services from both programs on campus; however, you may not receive duplicated services (i.e. childcare, transportation grants, etc.). Students must meet the criteria for each program separately before deciding which services the student would like to utilize.

Why are students suspended from EOPS?
Students who do not meet all aspects of their Student Responsibility Contract will be suspended for one semester. Dropping all classes without a good medical or personal reason is a good reason for suspension. Working too many hours and general personal reasons are not considered adequate. If necessary, EOPS counselors will make a determined on the validity of the excuse. If the student is in good standing during the semester of suspension, the student may apply for the next semester. Each case will be handled individually by EOPS staff.

What financial services does EOPS offer?
Each student shall be eligible for fall and spring services in the form of textbooks. Funds are made available based on the availability. This is handled via a book voucher. If the student does not utilize the entire amount the remaining balance will be used for the following semester. The amount of the voucher may vary based on the availability of State funds. Dropping below nine units for the exception of DSPS students will put the student on probation. Two consecutive semesters will make the student in-eligible for all services in EOPS. DSPS students must show evidence of making progress. A completed educational plan must be on file before any funds are released. There will be financial assistance during the summer. Assistance is provided in the form of textbooks vouchers. Funds are based on availability of funds.

Are there any special services for transferring students?
EOPS student are eligible to receive application fee waivers for the University of California and the California State Universities.

What other services are available for EOPS Students?
Periodic newsletters are published and e-mailed to the students. Basic information such as dates, applications and deadlines are included. Although specific publication dates are not specifically identified, an average of about one newsletter per month is published. Academic Recognition Days are planned in the fall semester. Occasional fieldtrips are provided for students. Four-year campus visitations are the most common fieldtrips. Letters of recommendation for scholarships and admission are written upon request. The program will purchase ASB cards and for all eligible students.