Academic Catalog

Admission Information

Address Change

A change of address and email address should be immediately reported to the Admissions and Records Office. You may change your address information online in Self-Service www.cuyamaca.edu or in the Admissions and Records Office.

For students receiving financial aid, please go to the Admissions and Records Office to change your address.

Admission Procedures

To enroll at Cuyamaca College students should observe the following admission procedures:

  1. Apply Online: Before you can register for classes, you must fill out an application to the college. This can be done online, and it is free! Please visit How to Apply on Cuyamaca's website to access the online application.
  2. Create Self-Service Account:
    Once your application is processed, please login to Self-Service account.
    • Your Username:
      • For continuing students, your username will be either
        • firstname(dot)lastname​(at)gcccd(dot)edu or
        • firstinitial(dot)lastname​(at)gcccd(dot)edu
          Note: If your username included numbers after your last name, this will be the same.
      • For new students applying to the college after 3/28/25, your username will be either
        • Firstinitial(dot)lastname(at)gcccd.edu or
        • Firstinitial(dot)lastname#(at)gcccd.edu
    • Your Password:
      • For first time students, your initial password will have been provided to you in the Welcome email.
      • For continuing students, use your existing password that you already use to access computers on campus, the campus Wi-Fi or your GCCCD email. Note your old Self-Service password will not work for this.
    • To enhance security, you will be asked to use an Authenticator app when logging in. This will be utilized when accessing any GCCCD resource while away from campus.
    • GCCCD utilizes the Microsoft Authenticator app for Two-Factor Authentication.
      • If you have not already set this up, follow these step-by-step instructions for setting up the Microsoft Authenticator can be found in this Tech Guide.
      • Log in to the GCCCD Microsoft login page from on-campus to ensure your authentication methods are current. You will need to enter a personal email address and/or phone number that you have access to. This will allow you to reset your password and complete multi-factor authentication.
    • You may be required to update your password periodically to maintain secure access.
    • If you forget your password, you can easily recover your credentials using Microsoft's password recovery tool.
    • Find quick answers to our top GCCCD Frequently Asked Questions.
    • See our Technology Guides for help with your login and passwords.
    • If you do not have a smartphone to install the Authenticator app, contact the Help Desk and they will get you set up with a different method for you to get authenticated when you log in.
  3. Submit Official Transcripts to Admissions and Records: If you have attended another college, please have your official transcripts sent to the Admissions and Records office to have your transcripts evaluated, and to award prior credit for degrees and certificates; this includes all AP, CLEP, or IB credit. Official transcripts and scores must still be in the sealed official envelope when submitted.
  4. Complete the Online Orientation: Complete the New Student Orientation on Self-Service. You may access the New Student Orientation by signing into Self-Service, clicking on Students and under Enrollment Checklist and under "To Do" clicking on New Student Orientation.
  5. Determine Math and English Placement: To determine placement for Math and English courses please take the questionnaire on Self-Service in the student Menu Enrollment Checklist, and click on Cuyamaca Placement Questionnaire and Abbreviated Educational Plan. For questions regarding your placement, please visit a counselor for guidance on which courses to take.
  6. Abbreviated Education Plan: Once you have completed the assessment test the next step is to complete the Abbreviated Educational Plan portion of the Placement Questionnaire and Abbreviated Educational Plan. To complete the Abbreviated Educational Plan please login to Self-Service and click on "Enrollment Checklist" then under "To Do" click "Cuyamaca Placement Questionnaire and Abbreviated Educational Plan."
  7. Register for Classes: You will receive an e-mail indicating your registration date and time; in April for Summer and Fall, and November for Spring. The college year is divided into three sessions: Fall and Spring semesters and a Summer session. You may register for classes online using Self-Service. Self-Service online tutorials are available to assist you.
  8. Pay Fees: Once you have registered for classes you must now pay your tuition and fees. You can pay your fees via Self-Service or on campus at the Cashier's office.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for Enrollment

Students may be admitted to Grossmont or Cuyamaca College if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Have earned a high school diploma from a recognized or accredited institution
  • Possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
  • Hold a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma as determined by state or local educational authorities
  • Are 18 years of age or older and can demonstrate the ability to benefit from college-level instruction

Students who are 17 years old or younger before the start of the semester must provide proof of high school graduation to the Admissions and Records Office.

While earning a high school diploma through a local adult school is recommended, non-graduates who are over 18 years of age may be admitted based on their ability to benefit.

Students transferring from accredited colleges or universities are also eligible for admission.

Verification of High School Completion

To ensure enrollment integrity and compliance with district policies and federal financial aid requirements, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) may verify high school completion using the following procedures:

1. Documentation Review

  • Students may be asked to submit official high school transcripts or records confirming completion of secondary education.
  • If there are concerns about the validity of a diploma, additional documentation may be requested, such as:
    • A description of coursework or graduation requirements
    • A signed statement from a school official verifying that the school meets academic standards

2. State, Tribal, or Local Oversight Confirmation

  • If the high school is overseen by a state, Tribal, or local education authority, GCCCD may seek verification directly from the relevant agency to confirm the school’s recognition and legitimacy.

3. Internal Reference Lists

  • GCCCD may consult internal records of schools previously identified as issuing non-recognized diplomas or requiring minimal academic instruction. These references help guide decisions about diploma acceptability.

Criteria for Invalid Diplomas

A diploma may be deemed invalid if it meets any of the following conditions:

  • Issued by a school that is not recognized or fails to meet applicable educational standards
  • Obtained from an institution requiring little or no academic coursework
  • Issued by an entity primarily operating to provide diplomas without proper academic rigor

Financial Aid Considerations

When completing the FAFSA, students must report their high school information, including the name, city, and state. Note: A school’s presence or absence from the FAFSA dropdown list does not guarantee the validity of the diploma.

Resolving Conflicting Information

If discrepancies arise between a student’s FAFSA responses and other records, GCCCD must resolve the conflict before awarding financial aid. Self-certification is not sufficient when a diploma’s validity is in question.

District Authority

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District reserves the right to determine the acceptability of high school diplomas or equivalents based on established district procedures. Final decisions regarding both enrollment eligibility and financial aid are made by the college.

Dual Enrollment: High school students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, who are at least 14 years of age, may attend upon approval of a high school counselor and parent or guardian of the student. Courses attempted and units earned will be recorded on a college permanent record. High school students are not eligible to receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid, and if classified as a non-resident of California, will be responsible to pay non-resident tuition. For more information on Dual Enrollment, visit www.cuyamaca.edu/admissions/high-school-students.php.

The Enrollment Checklist

As vital components of the Student Success and Support Program, completing the Enrollment Checklist is expected of all new students.

The Counseling Department and Placement Center will utilize various means of evaluation to place students into the appropriate Math, English, and English as a Second Language (ESL) level. Students should take the Cuyamaca Placement Questionnaire and Abbreviated Educational Plan on Self-Service, then meet with a counselor for proper Math and English placement guidance. Students may obtain clearance from the Math and English placement if they have:

  • taken an English and Math class at a college and received a grade of “Pass” or a minimum grade of “C”, or
  • earned an associate degree or higher, or
  • completed an acceptable external examination (see External Exams Credit)

The Counseling Department and Placement Center are located in G-200 in the Student Services Building. For questions regarding Math and English placement, visit the "Placement" page of the Cuyamaca website at www.cuyamaca.edu/placement. Accommodations are available to students with disabilities who plan on taking the Math and English placement.

Orientation and New Student Advising sessions provide important information to students about the programs and services available at the college as well as strategies for student success. New Student Advising sessions offer an opportunity for the new student to develop an Educational Plan, an important tool to assist students in attaining goals efficiently. New students must complete the Cuyamaca Placement Questionnaire and Abbreviated Educational Plan for timely registration.

New, returning, or transfer students may be exempt from the Enrollment Checklist process. For a list of exemptions, see Student Success and Support Program.

Enrollment Priorities

Changes to course registration policies throughout the California community colleges will help students get the courses they need to meet their educational goals. With this new registration system, students who are making progress toward their goals will be rewarded for their efforts. Enrollment priorities in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District are listed below:

Students will be placed in “groups” based on the criteria below. All new students are required to complete an orientation, assessment, and develop a student education plan in order to be eligible for priority enrollment.

  • Group 1:
    • A member or veteran of the Armed forces of the United states who is a resident of California California;
    • A foster youth or former foster youth, youth who is not older than 25 years of age at the commencement of the academic year;
    • A verified homeless youth, or former homeless youth who not older than 25 years of age at the commencement of the academic year;
    • Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) eligible students;
    • Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) eligible students;
    • CalWORKs eligible students;
    • A student who is a Tribal TANF recipient;
    • A student who has a child or children under the age of 18 who will receive more than half of their support from that student;
    • Receiving services from a program funded by Rising Scholars Network funds
  • Group 2:
    • First Year Experience (FYE) eligible students;
    • Freshman Academic eligible students;
    • UMOJA students
    • Puente students
    • AB540 eligible students
    • Student government executive board members
    • Eligible student athletes who have completed orientation, assessment, and developed student education plan, and have been identified as eligible to participate in the College's designated intercollegiate competitive athletic teams.
  • Group 3:
    • Continuing GCCCD district students with 45-90 GCCCD degree-applicable units.
  • Group 4:
    • Recently graduated high school students and first-time students to college students who have completed orientation, assessment, and developed student education plan.
  • Group 5:
    • Continuing GCCCD district students with 12 or more units (GCCCD degree-applicable and GCCCD non-degree applicable) but not more than 44.5 GCCCD degree-applicable units.
  • Group 6:
    • Middle College;
    • CCAP students;
    • Continuing GCCCD district students with 0-11.5 units (GCCCD degree-applicable and GCCCD non-degree applicable).
  • Group 7:
    • New students who have applied, but have not gone through the matriculation process

The following students will have priority for enrollment: 

  • First time students who have completed orientation, assessment, and developed student education plans. Students who fail to complete these requirements in a timely manner may result in the loss of their enrollment priority status.
  • Continuing students, who has not lost registration priority, as defined in these policies and procedures.

These registration priorities do apply to courses offered during summer or intersessions.

The District will ensure that these enrollment priorities shall be set forth in detail in college course catalogs and websites.

Loss of Enrollment Priority (Applies to all students including Veterans, CalWORKs, DSPS, and EOPS)

Enrollment priority specified above shall be lost at the first registration opportunity after a student:

The District shall notify students who are placed on academic or progress probation, of the potential for loss of priority enrollment. As per state regulations, foster youth and former foster youth are exempt from losing their enrollment priority status.

Petition of Loss of Enrollment Priority Status

Students may petition the loss of their enrollment priority based on one of the following criteria:

  • Students who have experienced extenuating circumstances (verified cases of accident, illnesses or other circumstances beyond the student’s control that affected their academic performance in the previous semester) and can provide documentation of such circumstances.
  • Students who have made significant academic improvement where they meet the minimum grade point average and/or progress standard to be removed from academic or progress probation.
  • Students who have exceeded 90 units of degree-applicable coursework at GCCCD and are enrolled in a high unit major.
  • Students with disabilities who applied for but did not receive reasonable accommodations in a timely manner.
  • Students who have other specific situations that warrant considerations (e.g., last term at GCCCD and needs a specific course to graduate or transfer).

Students who wish to submit a petition may find the form by clicking here: Enrollment Priority. 

Enrollment Verification

Each student who has an academic record on file at Cuyamaca College may request verification of enrollment (commonly used to verify enrollment for insurance purposes, scholarships, student worker eligibility, etc.) from the Admissions and Records Office. Verification of enrollment are processed within 5 working days, holidays and weekends are excluded. Exception: This charge will not be assessed for student loan deferments. Please note processing time does not include shipping.

Cuyamaca has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as its agent for verification of student enrollment status. Students can obtain an official Enrollment Verification Certificate at any time via the Clearinghouse website at: www.enrollmentverify.org for a $4.95 charge per certificate.

Fees

Cuyamaca College is part of the California Community College system and requires enrollment, student center construction, and health services fees for all students, payable at the time of registration. Students are dropped from classes for non-payment of fees. The California College Promise Grant provides methods to assist low income students pay these fees. Eligibility requirements are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Students may purchase daily or semester parking permits. See “Parking & Traffic Regulations” for more information.

Students are required to purchase their own textbooks and supplies and may be required to pay for equipment which is lost or broken after it has been issued.

All students are encouraged to purchase of a Student Benefit Card at the Cashiers office.

Registration Fees

Registration fees are expected at the time of registration. You will be held to all fees incurred. Students are dropped from classes for non-payment of fees. Registration is not complete until fees have been paid. Failure to pay will result in a hold on your records. Refund deadlines vary by class; refer to the Academic Calendar in the class schedule and https://www.cuyamaca.edu/academics/class-schedules-catalog-and-calendars/admission-deadlines.php. It is the student’s responsibility to drop any classes that they do not plan to attend.

Students attending both Cuyamaca and Grossmont Colleges pay parking fees and health fees on one campus only. Enrollment and health fees for these students are calculated on a district basis. 

Fee Amount
Enrollment Fee (Mandatory) $46 per unit (fees are subject to change)
Parking Permits:
Auto Parking Permit - Fall & Spring
 $40
Auto Parking Permit - Summer
 $18
One Day Permit
 $2
Student Benefit Sticker- Fall & Spring1 $12
Student Benefit Sticker - Summer1 $6
Health Fee (Mandatory) - Fall & Spring2 $22
Health Fee (Mandatory) - Summer & Intersession2 $17
Student Center Construction Fee (Mandatory)3 $1 per unit to a maximum of $5
Student Representation Fee (Optional) $2
Nonresident Students - above fees plus $363 per unit
International Students - above fees plus $363 per unit
1

Student Benefit Sticker: A Student Benefit Sticker may be purchased for $12. This sticker entitles students to free admission to all college-sponsored athletic events, 10% off all supplies from the College Bookstore (excluding textbooks), as well as special college and community discounts. The Student Benefit Sticker also helps the Associated Student Government of Cuyamaca College (ASGCC) to support various activities and programs on campus. The Student Benefit Sticker can be picked up in room I-121 starting the first day of the semester. For additional information, please call (619) 660-4612.

2

Health Fee: The mandatory health fee supports the Health and Wellness Center and provides for insurance coverage should a student be injured during a supervised, on-campus or college-related activity. Students who depend exclusively upon prayer for healing according to the teaching of a bona fide religious sect, denomination or organization may petition for an exemption from the health fee by submitting a written request to the Dean, Student Affairs. Requests for exemption will be reviewed by the Vice President of Student Services and the Dean for Student Affairs. For additional information, please contact the Vice President of Student Services at (619) 660-4301.

3

Student Center Construction Fee is not applicable for summer session.

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Promise Program: Free college for first year students! Go to www.MyCollegePromise.net to find out how!

Zero Textbook Cost sections are designated with the ZTC symbol in the PDF version of the class schedule, and Self-Service, do not require students to purchase a textbook. These sections may have recommended (but not required) books, or may use free, openly licensed teaching and learning resources, such as Open Educational Resources (OER). ZTC sections may have a fee for items such as lab supplies, calculator, test forms, etc. but no conventional textbook fees.

Low Textbook Cost sections are designated with the LTC symbol in the PDF version of the class schedule, and Self-Service. The total cost of books, textbooks, and/or other instructional resources for this section will not exceed $40.00.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license. OER are legally available and free of cost to students. Class sections using OER with no textbook costs are designated as “OER ” in the class schedule.

Title 38 Beneficiaries (VA Education Benefits) Fees and Expenses Hold

Hold Preventing Drop for Non-Payment
Cuyamaca College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to be provided by the Secretary under chapter 31 or 33 of this title.

Covered individual is any individual who is entitled to CH 31 or CH 33 VA Educational benefits. A covered individual must complete the following to not have any of the above penalties imposed:

  1. Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to the Veterans Center no later than the first day of a term.
  2. Submit a completed Semester Veterans Center Worksheet to the Veterans Center.
  3. Provide all additional information needed to Veterans Center to certify covered individual’s enrollment certification to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

High School Courses for College Credit

High School students may earn college credit through the Career Technical Education (CTE) College Credit program. CTE is an important school-to-work transition strategy, helping high school students make the connection between school, college and employment. To receive credit, high school students must enroll in an approved Career Technical Education (CTE) College Credit course at a participating high school. Students must complete the course with a “B” or better. After the end of the semester, students must submit the CTE college credit form to the Cuyamaca College Admissions and Records Office. Credit will be earned via successful credit by examination and appropriately noted on the college transcript. High schools that participate in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District CTE Program are:

  • Altus Schools
  • Central
  • Chaparral
  • El Cajon Valley
  • El Capitan
  • Escondido
  • Granite Hills
  • Grossmont
  • Helix
  • IDEA Center
  • Monte Vista
  • Mt. Miguel
  • Mountain Empire
  • Patrick Henry
  • Ramona 
  • Santana
  • Steele Canyon
  • Valhalla
  • West Hills

For more information, visit www.gcccd.edu/cte-college-credit/index.php

Instructional Materials

Students may be required to purchase instructional and other materials required for a credit or non-credit course, provided that such materials are of continuing value to a student outside of the classroom setting, and provided that such materials are not solely or exclusively available from the district.

International Student Program

Admission

  1. Applications for admission must be received by the following deadlines:
    1. Fall Semester – June 1
    2. Spring semester – November 1
      All application materials must be received by the above deadlines.
  2. TOEFL scores must be submitted in order to be considered for admission. The minimum score is 450 paper based or 45 internet-based. The TOEFL test must be completed by the application deadline.
  3. New students must enroll in the appropriate level English class.

Full-Time Status

An international student must maintain a minimum of 12 units with a 2.0 grade point average each fall and spring semester at Cuyamaca College.

Financial Resources

  1. Each international student must submit a complete financial statement. The financial statement must indicate the ability of the student to finance the year’s education to the satisfaction of the Admissions and Records Office (approximately $35,216 in U.S. dollars per year).
  2. An international student attending Cuyamaca College must pay international student tuition and other fees as required by the Governing Board.
  3. Financial aid is not available for international students.
  4. An international student may not work off-campus while attending college unless approval is granted by the Department of Homeland Security and the International Student Specialist in Admissions and Records. In some instances an international student may, after completing at least two semesters, work on campus for 20 hours per week.

Health

Cuyamaca College strongly recommends that international students obtain a health and accident insurance policy. The Health and Wellness Center has information on where to acquire such a policy.

Housing

Cuyamaca College does not have on-campus housing; however, we do work with a home family agency. Information is available in the Admissions and Records Office. The college assumes no responsibility for providing or supervising such housing facilities.

Grading Standards

International students are subject to all Cuyamaca College grading, probation and disqualification standards.

Notification of Admission

Students will be notified of their acceptance to Cuyamaca College as soon as their application materials are received and approved. Students need to be available for preregistration orientation and educational counseling approximately four weeks prior to the start of each semester.

Refund Schedule

The refund schedule for international student tuition, nonresident tuition, enrollment, student center construction and health services fees is as follows:

Non-resident Tuition Refund

Refunds after the refund deadline will be made for the following reasons only:

  1. Erroneous determination of nonresident status. If a student is erroneously determined to be a nonresident and, consequently, a tuition fee is paid, such fee is refundable in full, provided acceptable proof of state residence is presented within the period for which the fee was paid.
  2. Compulsory military service.

Residency Information

Each person enrolled or applying for admission to any California community college will provide such information and evidence of residence as deemed necessary by the District Governing Board to determine residence classification. Falsification of residency information may result in admission to the college being denied. Guidelines for determining residency are outlined in the California Administrative and Education Codes. The determination of a person’s classification will be made in accordance with the provisions of these policies and the residence determination date for the semester or session for which the person proposes to attend. The following is a summary of residency guidelines and is by no means complete. Changes may have been made in the statutes and regulations since the time this catalog was published. For more information, contact the Residency Specialist in the Admissions and Records Office.

  1. Residence Classification
    1. A “resident” is a person who has been both physically present, and has established intent to make California his/her residence for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date (Section 54020 of Title 5 of the California Administrative Code). The “residence determination date” is the day immediately preceding the first day of instruction of the semester or session to which the person seeks admission.
    2. A “nonresident” is a person who has not been both physically present and established intent to make California his/her residence for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date. Persons so classified, unless they qualify under one or more of the exceptions later specified, will be required to pay a tuition fee as established by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board.
  2. Determination of Residence
    1. Residence. To determine a person’s place of residence, the following rules are observed:
      1. Every person has, in law, a residence.
      2. Every person who is married or 18 years of age, or older, and not precluded from doing so, may establish residence.
      3. There can only be one residence.
      4. Residence is the place where one remains when not called elsewhere for labor or other special or temporary purposes, and to which one returns in seasons of repose.
      5. A residence cannot be lost until another is gained.
      6. Residence can be changed only by the union of act and intent.
      7. An individual may establish their residence. A person’s residence shall not be derived from that of their spouse.
    2. Adults. Persons 18 years of age or older may establish residence in accordance with Section A.
    3. Minors. Persons under 18 years of age may establish residence in accordance with the following:
      1. A married minor may establish their own residence.
      2. If the parents are permanently separated, the residence of the minor is the residence of the parent with whom the minor lives.
      3. If both parents are deceased, and there is no court-appointed guardian, the minor may establish their own residence.
      4. The residence of an unmarried minor who has a parent living cannot be changed by their own act, by the appointment of a legal guardian, or by relinquishment of a parent’s right of control, unless the minor qualifies for the two-year care and control or the self-support exception.
      5. A person who is a minor, and resides with either the father or mother (or both), may be classified as a resident of California if the parent (or parents) with whom the minor lives has established residence in California for more than one year prior to the residence determination date.
  3. Factors To Be Considered in Determining Residence
    1. Residence is established only by the union of both physical presence and intent. No one factor is decisive, however, the college may look for certain objective manifestations of subjective intent on the part of one asserting that residence status has been established, or has been maintained in spite of an absence from California.

      The following factors may be used to demonstrate evidence of maintaining physical presence:
      1. Carrying on of a business or employment in California.
      2. Maintaining active savings and checking accounts in California banks.
      3. Ownership of residential property or continuous occupancy of rented or leased property in California.
      4. Active resident membership in service or social clubs.

        The following factors may be used to demonstrate intent to reside in California:
        1. Filing California personal income taxes as a resident.
        2. Registering to vote and voting in California elections.
        3. Possession of a California Driver’s License or California Identification Card from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
        4. Possession of California resident vehicle license plates.
        5. Petitioning for a divorce or lawsuit as a resident of California.
        6. Carrying on of a business or employment in California.
        7. Possession of a California resident hunting or fishing license.
        8. Licensing from California for professional practice.
        9. California address on federal income tax forms and W-2 forms.
        10. Maintaining a California address as the home of record on military records and on the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) while in the armed forces.
    2. Factors that are inconsistent with a claim for California residence include, but are not limited to, the following:
      1. Filing California State income taxes as a nonresident or filing income taxes as a resident in another state.
      2. Maintaining a driver’s license in another state.
      3. Maintaining vehicle registration in another state.
      4. Maintaining voter registration and voting in another state.
      5. Attending an out-of-state institution as a resident of that state.
      6. Petitioning for a divorce or lawsuit as a resident in another state.
    3. The Cuyamaca College admissions/residency questionnaire shall contain a variety of questions directed at establishing the residency classification of a person.
    4. Exceptions.
      1. Persons who have attended a California high school for at least three years and have graduated from a California high school, or have attained the equivalent status, are exempt from paying nonresident tuition. This exemption applies to persons who would usually be classified as nonresidents, including undocumented immigrants. Nonimmigrant aliens, including persons on F and B visas, are not eligible for this exemption.
      2. A minor who remains in California after resident parents establish residence elsewhere (within one year immediately prior to the residence determination date), may retain resident status until the minor has attained the age of majority and has resided in California long enough to establish residence, so long as, once enrolled, continuous full-time attendance is maintained. Nothing in this section will require attendance during summer intersession or any session beyond the normal academic year.
      3. A minor who has been entirely self-supporting and actually present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date, with the intention of acquiring a residence therein, shall be entitled to resident classification until he/she has resided in California the minimum time necessary to become a resident. Certain requirements must be met.
      4. A student who currently resides in California and is 19 years of age or under at the time of enrollment, who is currently a dependent or ward of the state though California’s child welfare system, or was served by California’s child welfare system and is no longer being served either due to emancipation or aging out of the system, may be entitled to resident classification until he or she has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
      5. A minor shall be entitled to resident classification if, immediately prior to enrolling at a California community college, the minor has lived with and been under the continuous direct care and control of any adult or adults, other than a parent, for a period of not less than two years, provided that the adult or adults having such control have been domiciled in California for more than one year immediately prior to the residence determination date. This exception shall continue until the student has attained the age of majority and has resided in California the minimum time necessary to become a resident so long as continuous full-time attendance is maintained.
      6. An unmarried minor alien will be entitled to resident classification if the minor and the minor’s parents have not been precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing domicile in the United States, provided that the parents have established residence in California for more than one year prior to the residence determination date for the semester or session for which the minor proposes to attend. An exception is made to minors, for establishing residency, if the minor is a U.S. citizen and his/her parents are undocumented aliens.
      7. A person who is an adult alien will be entitled to resident classification if he/she is not precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing domicile in the United States, provided that he/she has established residence in California for more than one year prior to the residence determination date for the semester or session for which he/she proposes to attend.
      8. A person classified as a nonresident shall not obtain resident classification, as a result of maintaining continuous attendance at an institution, without meeting the other requirements of obtaining such classification.
      9. An undergraduate student who is a dependent (natural or adopted child, stepchild or spouse) of a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in California on active duty, is exempt from paying nonresident tuition for the duration of his/her enrollment at a California community college. Graduate dependents are exempt from paying nonresident tuition for one year from the date of his/her arrival in California. If the member of the armed forces, whose undergraduate dependent is in attendance at Cuyamaca College (1) is transferred, on military orders, to a place outside of California, or (2) retires from active duty, the dependent shall not lose his or her exemption status for the one year duration it takes to establish residency. After one year has elapsed, the dependent is subject to reclassification according to the policies stated in this section.
      10. An undergraduate student who is a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in California on active duty, except a member assigned for educational purposes to state-supported institutions of higher education, shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition for the duration of his/her enrollment at a California community college. Graduate active military students are exempt from paying nonresident tuition for one year from the date of his/her arrival in California. After one year has elapsed, the student is subject to reclassification according to the policies stated in this section.
      11. Absence due to Military Service; California Education Code 99130. Subject to applicable federal, state, and institutional refund and withdrawal policies, when a student is called to active military duty during an academic term, the student may choose one of the following options:
        1. The student may withdraw from the institution, retroactively to the beginning of the academic term, with a full refund of tuition and fees. 
        2. If at least 75% of the academic term has been completed, the student may request that the faculty member assign a grade for the course based on the work the student has completed.  The faculty member shall make the final decision as to whether to grant the student request.
        3. If the faculty member assigns a grade of Incomplete for the student’s course work, the student shall have a minimum of 4 weeks after returning to the institution to complete the course requirement.
        4. Readmission Procedures
          1. Any student whose absence from the institution is necessitated by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be entitled to readmission to the institution if:
            1. The cumulative length of absence does not exceed 5 years.
            2. No more than 3 years after the completion of the period of service has passed.
            3. No more than 2 years have passed since the end of the period that is necessary for recovery from illness or injury resulting from service.
          2. At the end of Active-duty Service, upon request, the student shall be readmitted with the same academic level and academic program, if possible.
      12. A person who is an apprentice, as defined in Section 3077 of the Labor Code, will be entitled to resident classification.
      13. A person holding a valid credential authorizing service in the public schools of California and who is employed by a school district in a full-time position requiring certification qualifications for the college year in which the person enrolls, shall be entitled to resident classification if such person meets any of the following requirements:
        1. Holding of a provisional public school credential and enrollment in courses necessary to obtain another type of credential authorizing service in the public schools.
        2. Holding a public school credential issued pursuant to Section 44250 and enrollment in courses necessary to fulfill credential requirements.
        3. Enrollment in courses necessary to fulfill the requirements for a fifth year of education prescribed by subdivision (b) of Section 44259.
      14. A person who is a full-time employee of a California community college, California State university or college, the University of California, or the California Maritime Academy; or the child or spouse of that person, may be entitled to resident classification until he/she has resided in California the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
      15. For purposes of the nonresident tuition fee, a community college district shall disregard the time during which a person living in the district resided outside of California if:
        1. The change of residence to a place outside of California was due to a job transfer and was made at the request of the person’s employer or the employer of the person’s spouse or, in the case of a person who resided with and was a dependent of the person’s parents, the change of residence was made at the request of an employer of either of the person’s parents.
        2. Such absence from California was for a period of not more than four years.
        3. At the time of application for admission to a college maintained by the district, the person would qualify as a resident if the period of the person’s absence from California was disregarded.

          A nonresident tuition fee shall not be charged to a person who meets each of the conditions specified in subdivisions a. to c., inclusive.
  4. Review and Appeal of Classification​  
    The appeal is to be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office, which must forward it to the College’s Petitions Committee within ten working days of receipt. Copies of the original application for admission, the residency questionnaire, and evidence or documentation provided by the student, with a cover statement indicating upon what basis the residence classification decision was made, must be forwarded with the appeal. The College’s Petitions Committee shall review all the records and have the right to request additional information from either the student or the Admissions and Records Office. Within 30 calendar days of receipt, the College’s Petitions Committee shall send a written determination to the student. The determination shall state specific facts on which the appeal decision was made.
  5. Reclassification and Financial Independence
    Students must complete reclassification forms, which are available in the Admissions and Records Office, for a change in classification from nonresident to resident status. Students will be requested to provide appropriate documentation to prove California residence, for more than one year prior to the residence determination date, for the semester or session which the student is claiming resident status. Education Code Section 68044 requires that the financial independence of a nonresident student seeking reclassification as a resident be included in the factors to be considered in the determination of residence.
  6. Nonresident Tuition
    1. A person classified as a nonresident will be required to pay nonresident tuition, in addition to other fees required by the college. Nonresident tuition must be paid at the time of registration.
    2. Students who would otherwise be charged nonresident tuition fees for credit English as a Second Language courses shall be exempt if they demonstrate they are a recent immigrant, a recent refugee, or a person who has been granted asylum by the United States. This exemption applies only to individuals who, upon entering the United States, settled in California and who have resided in California for less than one year.
  7. International Student Tuition
    A nonresident person who is a citizen and resident of a foreign country will be required to pay international student tuition, in addition to other fees required by the college. International student tuition must be paid at the time of registration.

Self-Service

Self-Service is our online student portal, where students can complete the orientation, placement and advising.  After completing the three items, the next step is to register (enroll) in classes via Self-Service. Students can pay their tuition/sign up for a payment plan, purchase a parking permit, order official transcripts, view grades by term and check the status of their financial aid and scholarships.

Transcripts

Each student who has an academic record on file at Cuyamaca College may request official transcripts from the Admissions and Records Office. The official transcript includes course work from both Cuyamaca and Grossmont College. Cuyamaca has retained Parchment to accept transcript orders over the Internet. Students may request official transcripts through Self-Service or by the Parchment link provided on our Cuyamaca Admissions web page. Two official transcripts of records are provided without charge; additional copies may be obtained at $3 per copy (processed within 5 business days). An emergency or rush transcript will be provided for $5 per copy (processed within 2 business days). Processing time does not include shipping. Please note there is an additional Parchment service charge of $2.95 per transcript and all fees must be paid by credit card.

Transfer Credit

Evaluation of U.S. Transcripts

Courses taken at a regionally accredited college or university and designated as appropriate for general education, Associate Degree, baccalaureate or graduate credit by that institution will be accepted by Cuyamaca College for credit. In support of general education reciprocity, courses used to meet general education requirements at another California community college will be applied towards general education Areas 1-7 at Cuyamaca College. English and Mathematics competency levels are governed by California Education Code Title 5, section 55063. The extent to which courses taken at other colleges satisfy specific certificate and degree requirements is determined by a review of comparability to courses in the Cuyamaca College curriculum.

Courses completed at institutions without regional accreditation are not generally accepted.

Evaluation of Foreign Transcripts

Transcripts (educational credentials) issued in foreign countries from non-American system institutions and those in languages other than English require special handling. Each foreign transcript must be translated into English and submitted to an approved agency.

Cuyamaca College accepts the evaluations of foreign transcripts from only those agencies that are current members of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluations Services). For a current list of agencies visit: www.naces.org.

Students will need to contact the evaluation credential company they select for their particular foreign transcript evaluation procedure and costs associated with a request. Once completed, have the detailed evaluation report mailed directly to the following address:

Admissions Office
Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway
El Cajon, CA 92019.

Cuyamaca College Procedure for the Evaluation of Foreign Transcripts

  1. Students must submit to Admissions and Records a detailed evaluation report from a NACES member agency with subject breakdowns and grades. The official evaluation credential report must be received by Cuyamaca College in a sealed envelope. Unofficial credential evaluation reports will not be accepted.
  2. The official report will be reviewed by the Cuyamaca College Evaluations Office regarding the possible clearing of general education for graduation.
  3. English and Communication courses on any evaluation report will be awarded elective credit only.
  4. Courses will only be used to satisfy major requirements with the approval of the department on a “Modification of Major” form.
  5. International coursework is not considered transferable. Check with the transfer institution.
  6. In some instances, additional documentation such as the course syllabus or detailed course description may be needed before an evaluation of foreign coursework can be completed.
  7. Official transcripts from foreign institutions are not required by Cuyamaca College.
  8. Foreign coursework is not used to clear prerequisites. See specific department for exceptions.

Veterans Services

Upon filling out an application for admission to Cuyamaca College, a veteran should immediately contact the Veterans Certifying Official in the Veterans Center (I-113). Military form DD-214 (member 4) must be presented to the Veterans Office in order to take advantage of veteran’s benefits.

Veterans must request official transcripts of all previous college work, including military transcripts of service (AART, CGIT, CCAF or JST), be sent to the Admissions and Records Office. All transcripts must be received and evaluated before enrollment will be submitted to Veterans Affairs for educational benefits. An official transcript is one that has been sent directly to Cuyamaca College from the issuing institution or one that is hand-carried in a sealed envelope. Students not taking advantage of the GI Bill® benefits who wish to receive credit should also submit official transcripts.

Credit may be granted for military service schools as recommended in the publication A Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces, published by the American Council on Education (ACE). Military credit will be counted toward graduation as general education for military courses substantially similar to coursework offered by Cuyamaca College, or elective credit, unless specifically accepted by a department for use within a student’s major. A maximum of 20 units of military credit (including up to 3 units of Exercise Science) will be allowed. Students should meet with the veterans’ counselor to request an Evaluation of Military Credit.

Veterans who have completed at least one year of honorable active service will receive up to 3 units of credit for Exercise Science activity that will meet the graduation requirement at Cuyamaca College.

Students planning to transfer should consult the catalog of the four-year institution for granting of military credit; award varies. Those planning to transfer to a CSU may be able to satisfy Area E, Lifelong Learning, on CSU GE Breadth. To receive this credit for military service, a DD-214 and appropriate military transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office.

A veteran may not repeat a course and receive veterans’ benefits where a “D” or “F” grade was received unless the course is required for graduation or a grade of “C” is required for the degree.

Veterans should pay special attention to add/drop deadlines and consult the campus Veterans Center when any change in enrollment is made. Failing to do so may result in a debt with the VA.

If any veteran or dependent receiving VA educational benefits has been on academic or lack of progress probation for two consecutive semesters, Cuyamaca College will not certify the student’s enrollment to the VA for payment of benefits until the cumulative GPA at the GCCCD has improved to a 2.0.

Any veteran who petitions for readmission to the college following disqualification must meet with the veterans’ counselor and have the counselor make a recommendation on the petition prior to being considered for readmission.

Veterans should be aware that short-term classes and other flexible schedules may affect benefits. Before registering, check with the veterans’ counselor or the Veterans Certifying Official in the Veterans Center in I-113 about the implications of taking short-term courses.

AB13 (VACA) Affidavit for Eligible Veterans & Dependents (Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act)

Veterans or dependents of an eligible Veteran who meet the following requirements shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at Cuyamaca College. A “covered individual” for purposes of compliance with the VACA Act and Education Code Section 68075.7 is defined as:

  1. A veteran eligible for educational assistance under either the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD) or Post[1]9/11 GI Bill education benefit programs who resides (lives) in California (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the community college within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  2. A spouse or child eligible for transferred education benefits under either the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD) or Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit programs who resides (lives) in California (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the community college within 3 years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  3. A spouse or child eligible for benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty) who resides (lives) in California (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the community college within three years of the Service member’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  4. After expiration of the three year period following discharge or death as described in 38 U.S.C. 3679(c), a student who qualifies under the applicable requirements above shall maintain “covered individual” status as long the student remains continuously enrolled at the community college, even if the student enrolls in multiple programs, and the student shall continue to be exempt from paying nonresident tuition and other fees that are exclusively applicable to nonresident students. “Continuously enrolled” means enrolled for at least the fall and spring semesters of an academic year (pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 5 Section 55701, the academic year does not include summer or other intersessions).

Under this exemption, students are not eligible to receive a CCCPG waiver. Students will still be classified as a non-resident but given an exemption from paying non-resident tuition.

California College Fee Waiver (CalVet)

The children and spouses of U.S. veterans with service-connected disabilities or veterans who have died in service or from service-connected disabilities may be eligible for waiver of College fees. The student must submit the VA letter of eligibility to the Financial Aid Office.

Servicemembers Opportunity Program (SOC)

As a Servicemember Opportunity College, Cuyamaca College provides academic assistance to active-duty personnel which includes program planning and guidance in understanding educational options, acceptance of traditional and nontraditional learning experiences, tutoring, or similar learning opportunities.

"GI Bill®’’ is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).