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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Matriculation Plan for Success?"
What are the benefits of "Plan for Success" activities?
Must I participate?
How do I postpone or appeal Matriculation activities?
What information will be covered in orientation?
When and where do I go for orientation?
What is assessment?
What assessment test do I take?
When and where do I go for assessment?
When and what is needed for advisement?

1. What is the Matriculation "Plan for Success?"

Matriculation "Plan for Success" activities include orientation, assessment and group counseling. This is a process that results in an agreement between Ventura College and the student for the purpose of defining and realizing the student's educational goal. This agreement includes responsibilities for both Ventura College and the individual student. This agreement results in a student educational plan.

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2. What are the benefits of "Plan for Success" activities?

Orientation, assessment and group counseling provide you with important information about the college and how you can best take advantage of our programs and services to reach your educational goal. Research indicates that students who participate in Matriculation "Plan for Success" activities consistently perform at a higher level than those who do not.

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3. Must I participate?

All students are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the college Matriculation program. You may be exempt from components of the program if you meet the criteria listed below:

1. If you hold an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, you may be
     exempt from orientation, assessment, and counseling.

2. If you have completed less than 15 units and your educational goal is either:

     a. To advance in current job/career (update job skills)
     b. To maintain a certificate or license (e.g., nursing, real estate)
     c. Educational development (intellectual, cultural)

3. If you are receiving matriculation services at another college and attending a VCCCD campus
     concurrently, you may be exempt from orientation and counseling.

4. If you provide scores from recently taken and VCCCD approved assessment tests, you may
     be exempt from the assessment portion.

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4. How do I postpone or appeal Matriculation activities?

You have the right to postpone or appeal one or more of these activities: assessment (including math, English and reading testing), orientation, and/or counseling. If you choose to postpone or appeal one or more of these activities, you may not take part in priority (early) registration. You may only register during the walk-in registration, which is scheduled after early registration. If you postpone any activities, you are required to complete them before registration for the following term begins or you will again be unable to register during early registration.

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5. What information will be covered in orientation?

The Ventura College Orientation will present the basic information you will need to get started as a student at Ventura College. Students participating in orientation sessions will learn how to use the Schedule of Classes and the College Catalog. Students will also learn about activities and student services which are available to assist them in achieving their goals at Ventura College. Services and activities discussed during orientation include the application process, assessment, the registration process, counseling, the Transfer and Career Center, and Financial Aid.

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6. When and where do I go for orientation?

Orientations are available on-line. Students can check the On-line Services tab on the home page to access on-line orientations. Orientations are also available in person by appointment. New students can contact Matriculation Specialist Margaret Chimalpopoca at (805) 654-6400 Extension 1302 to sign up for in-person orientation sessions. Students arriving on campus for orientation should meet in the Student Services Center in the Matriculation/Assessment area.

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7. What is assessment?

This process at Ventura College attempts to look at the whole person, therefore your English, reading, mathematics, study and learning skills may be assessed. In addition, a self-evaluation is completed. This lets you review your employment obligations, your motivational level, and your language readiness, to name a few. All together, this information, along with a review of your high school and college transcripts, should prove helpful to you when discussing course selections with a counselor.

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8. What assessment test do I take?

You will be taking math, English and reading assessment tests. There are four levels of math tests and you will choose which one to take based on your previous math background. You can request more information and/or obtain sample questions at the assessment office or at the counseling office.

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9. When and where do I go for assessment?

Assessment testing is conducted on campus in the Assessment Center as well as in other designated locations on campus. Students should check the Assessment Schedule on this website for dates, times and locations that assessment sessions will be held. The Assessment Center is located in the Student Services Center in the Matriculation/Assessment area. Testing is offered on a computerized format in the Assessment Center, however, students may opt to do their testing on a pencil/paper format if they prefer. Pencil/paper format is offered in locations other than the Assessment Center.

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10. When and what is needed for advisement?

A new student must attend orientation and complete their assessment testing before participating in a group counseling workshop. Students should bring copies of their high school transcripts, assessment results, orientation packets, college catalog and transcripts (if attended another college prior to attending Ventura College), and any other information that might be helpful.

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Last Updated 2/24/10