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“We are inviting everyone, from those who want to pursue a degree, to those who want a professional certificate to those who simply want to enrich themselves,” said IVC President Paul Pai. The fee reduction is the result of action by the state legislature that went into effect January 1.

Enrollment for the spring semester began in November and will continue through the first week of classes, which start Feb. 12. Gary Rodgers, acting vice president of Academic Services, said IVC, as the local community college, offers a multi-faceted educational experience meant to serve the needs of everyone in the Valley.  “We are not just providing services to students,” Rodgers said. “We meet the needs for vocational certification. We offer services to enhance job skills and we offer intellectual enhancement.” “We are just meeting the role of your local community college,” he added.

IVC last year was among the only community colleges in the state to experience growth in full-time equivalent students, and this year the college wants the community to know it has even more services for students, no matter their needs. Victor Jaime, vice president of student services, said IVC is offering even more classes on-line to improve access. Now every division has at least one class offered on-line and the selection of classes will continue to grow.

The registration process also is simpler than ever. Students can follow each step of the registration process online and if they do not have access to a computer they can visit any of the three external campuses, in El Centro, Calexico and Brawley or the main campus is Imperial and use computers at each location. And if they have questions, staff is ready to help. IVC also has carried its student recruitment effort to the Imperial Valley Mall. Under a new recruitment effort, the college has placed a kiosk at the mall and recruiters have been staffing it each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Margarita Ramirez, an IVC graduate, is among the recruiters. “If people have questions we are there to answer them,” she said. Ramirez said many of the questions people have is whether it is still possible to register for classes and when do classes start. The answer to the question of whether it is possible to register is ‘yes’, she said.

Unlike other colleges where the spring semester has already gotten underway, since IVC has a winter intersession, the spring semester doesn’t start until mid February, which means there is plenty of opportunity to still enroll. “It just enhances the opportunity to enroll for the spring,” Jaime said. Jaime said with the enrollment fee reduction and with more programs, now is the right time for those who haven’t taken advantage of what IVC has to offer to do so.  He said counselors are on hand to help students with decisions about their academic programs and students do not have to make appointments. He said if a student is on campus and has a question, there are counselors each day available to help walk-in questions. He added students also can take advantage of the financial aid program to help with the costs of classes and books. “We are here as a resource for the community,” Jaime said.

To register contact IVC at www.imperial.edu or call a counselor at (760) 355-6246