Getting Started

Welcome to DVC!

DVC is proud to be among the top California community colleges in transferring students to the University of California, California State University and private four-year universities. In fact, DVC is one of the top transfer schools in the state.

Priority registration are assigned to all students who have completed the admissions application, online orientation, completed the assessment placement and completed an education plan.

Steps to Enroll -  Apply,  Online orientation,  Assessment Placement - Math, English and Chemistry, Educational Plan

New students who have completed fewer than 12 college units are strongly encouraged to register for Counseling 095. Classes meet once or twice for a total of six hours and after completing the course, students are given a priority registration appointment. Students must complete the math and English placement  before the Counseling 095 course begins.

Returning and new transfer students (with more than 12 college courses) may speak with a counselor to discuss their current educational goals or plans. Official transcripts must be on file in the Admissions and Records Office at least two weeks prior to scheduling a counseling appointment.

DVC accepts transcripts from institutions (e.g., colleges, universities, and high schools) currently recognized by regional accrediting organizations as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

 Transcripts

  •  Submit official transcripts - Send official high school and college transcripts to the DVC Admissions Office.  Once your transcript has been received, then schedule a counseling appointment.
    • Transcripts coming from outside the U.S.
      • There are credential/course evaluation services for students who have attended colleges/universities outside the U.S. Please note that some educational institutions will only accept credential/degree evaluations from specific agencies.
    • Contact a DVC counselor before you choose a credential/course evaluation service.

  To drop a class:

  • You must drop a class on or before the deadline date. See the academic calendar for drop dates for full-term classes or ask you instructor for the drop dates if you are enrolled in a short-term class.
  • You may drop a class on or before the deadline date as follows:
    • InSite
    • Admissions and Records Office

       NOTE: You must properly withdraw from a class before the refund deadline to avoid owing the registration fees. Non-attendance will not result in your withdrawal from the class. It is the student's responsibility to official drop their class.

 Counselor tips for choosing classes your first term - see the Video Library

Balance class and work hours

  • Don't over load yourself with too many units your first term

 Begin English and math classes your first term(whenever possible)

  • Good communication skills (reading, writing, speaking) and math are important foundation skills for succeeding in most college courses and careers
  • English and math are required for all associate and bachelor's degrees

 Enroll in classes that interest you

  • Read course descriptions online, in the class schedule, or the college catalog.
  • Talk to other students, counselors, and instructors about classes to match your interests.
  • Actively exploring your interests can lead to increased motivation and more satisfying educational and career choices.

 Take General Education courses toward one of the following general goals:

  • AA/AS degree General Education Requirements
  • California State University General Education Requirements ( for CSU transfer)
  • Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)

 Begin taking courses toward your major/AA/AS degree/certificate

  • Some ‘high unit' majors have many required courses that should be begun as soon as possible. ‘High unit' majors include engineering, sciences, computer science, architecture
  • Many transfer major requirements can be found at Assist.org
  • Certificate programs require courses in the major only (no general education)

 Enroll in college study skills and/or career classes

  • Counseling 120 - Student Success
  • Counseling 130 - Ensuring Transfer Success
  • Career 110 - Career and Life Planning
  • Career 120 - Career Assessment
  • Career 130 - Career and Major Exploration
  • Career 140 - Job Search Strategies