March 2021
In This Issue

Quick Links
Announcements
Make sure to submit your FAFSA and/or California Dream Act Application by the March 2nd  priority deadline. 
Complete your application today at the links below:
Have a question? The Virtual Welcome Center is your one-stop location to ask anything you need to know about SBVC. 
www.valleycollege.edu/welcome
The City of Colton is offering study spaces for college students who may not be able to access a quiet place during the campus closure. This study zone is free to use, has fast WiFi, and is a safe space to get your work done. More information >>
Valley College Connect App - Check out the Valley College Connect app to see upcoming events! Download on Google Play or App Store
Starfish Solutions is a retention solution program that helps to create an online student success environment, facilitating programs such as counseling and advising, tutoring, mentoring, and others-with the aim of improving student success and retention. More information >>
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. 
VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. More information >>
Find a VITA or TCE Site Near You: https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
The SBVC Arts, Lectures & Diversity Committee is charged with enriching the cultural & educational environment of the college and surrounding community. More information >>
CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program funded by the USDA that can help students buy the food they need to live healthy and active lifestyles.  
It's now easier than ever for eligible students to sign up and receive money every month to help buy groceries.
Students can pick up pre-packaged food and/or hygiene bags with their name and student ID number. Limit one (1) bag per week. Outside pick-up only. Students must wear face coverings and practice social distancing. More information >>
To access your 1098-T tax form, click here! 
Be sure to list San Bernardino Community College Distrct for school name.
March 22-27 Spring Recess
April 13 Faculty in-Service No Class
May 19-25 Final Exams
May 25 Spring Semester Ends
May 26 SBVC Graduation
May 31 Memorial Day

Want to keep up with campus news? Like us on Facebook 
SBVC, Crafton Hills College Receive the Highest Level of Accreditations 
received a vote of full confidence from education experts about the quality of the education provided to Inland Empire students.

We are among four colleges in California to receive a full seven-year reaccreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). This is a vote of full confidence from education experts about the quality of the education provided by both campuses part of the San Bernardino Community College District. Students can take pride that their diploma/certificate will be respected wherever they go. Read more >>
Ask a Counselor  
SBVC counselors can assist you in making informed decisions about your academic, career and life goals. You can meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan to reach these goals during drop-in hours or by scheduling an appointment. 

You can now talk with a Counselor anywhere you have internet. These sessions will take place via Cranium Café, our new web-based counseling platform. Use Chrome or Firefox as your browser and a desktop or laptop to get on Cranium Café as this works the best!  Now is the best time to speak to a Counselor to complete your educational plan. More information >>
 HACU 2021
HACU ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute
HACU ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute
Applications are now being accepted for students to attend the  HACU 35th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado (October 30-November 1, 2021). 

The HACU Conference (HACU! Adelante! Leadership Institute) is the biggest conference in the U.S. that brings together students and administrators from private colleges, UC, CSU and community college systems to share best practices and innovative programs that impact Hispanic Serving Institutions (H.S.I.) such as ours.
 
This free conference will help you reach your career, education, and leadership goals. All students regardless of your gender and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. Apply today and click here to complete and submit your application.  For additional information please contact Oscar Rodriguez: [email protected]
or 909-757-8260.
New Wolverine Telehealth Program
The Wolverine Telehealth program is a FREE program that allows all enrolled students to have unlimited access to medical doctors and mental health specialists 24 hours a day for the entire semester (holidays, winter break and summer break included for the semester enrolled).

Students can see a doctor or mental health specialist via video visits using their mobile device, tablet or computer or can just speak over the phone when appropriate.  The doctor will send a prescription to the student's pharmacy when needed. 

Students have to sign up into the program prior to being eligible to see the doctor or mental health specialist.  There is a one-time $25 sign-up fee at the start of the semester, however, the program is free to use for the entire semester on an unlimited basis. More information >>
COVID-19 Vacination 
Facts - Dr. Burke Harris
Facts - Dr. Burke Harris
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective
Top medical experts recommend the vaccine because it is 95% effective at protecting you from the virus. Getting the vaccine will help keep you, your family, and our community healthy and safe.

Where can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Stop the Spread - As COVID-19 continues its spread, we all must remain vigilant. The changes we have had to make to routines and daily life are extremely hard, but we must stop the spread with all the steps we have learned over the last year - wearing a mask; distancing; washing our hands and getting tested.
 Blue the Wolverine Goes Virtual through Animation
Just as the SBVC campus has gone mostly virtual during the pandemic, so has its mascot. 

Blue the Wolverine, whose physical appearance on campus debuted in 2019 by San Bernardino Valley College's Associated Student Government (ASG), was recently unveiled in animated form to deliver messages to students on social media and encourage prospective students to register for the Spring 2021 semester because San Bernardino Valley College is here to get you closer to your career goals without even needing to step foot on campus. Check it out on YouTube >>
SBVC Ranked #3 Most Affordable Out-of-State Online College
San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) has been ranked among the most affordable online out-of-state colleges in the United States. CollegeStats.org, a higher education data collection and analysis website, recently released its annual ranking of the least-expensive online out-of-state colleges, ranking SBVC third in the country.
In a typical academic year, most SBVC students receive financial aid grants and scholarships, and over 97% avoid taking on any student loan debt while attending. With nearly $33 million in grants, scholarships, and other financial aid distributed annually, SBVC students can access high-quality, affordable education that propels them into high-paying careers. SBVC President Diana Z. Rodriguez said the college has prioritized providing an affordable and accessible education for students of San Bernardino and the Inland Empire.
 CARES Act
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the U.S. Department of Education has made funding available to institutions of higher education to provide direct financial aid relief to students and to offset the costs incurred by colleges and universities as they transition to the fully online learning environments made necessary by COVID-19.
The latest stimulus package from the federal government includes $290 million of direct emergency assistance to California community college students facing challenges due to the pandemic. Funds are being distributed to the colleges directly and are now available to students who qualify. Read more >>
SBVC Spotlight
Ryan Anderson - SBVC graduate and a successful Aviation career in Maui, Hawaii 
Ryan Anderson, began his SBVC aircraft maintenance journey when he was 21 years old. "I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school, but after learning about the program while taking a tour, I made the decision to further my career opportunities." During his time at SBVC, Anderson earned Airframe and Powerplant certifications and an Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technician, which landed him a job shortly after graduation at Aloha Tech Ops. 

This company, which is the maintenance branch for Aloha Air Cargo, performs contract maintenance on major Hawaiian islands for airlines such as Southwest, American, Alaska, and West Jet. As an airframe and powerplant mechanic, it is Anderson's responsibility to ensure that aircrafts are able to fly safely to their destinations. "I work and live on the Island of Maui... while doing what I love, and starting my career."
Valley Pathways Board Game Featured in National Community College Journal

SBVC was recently featured in the national Community College Journal, where the campus was acknowledged for its innovative board game encouraging student success. The game board is made of SBVC's Catalog and Schedule covers, and the goal is simple: be the first person to reach Commencement. To play "Valley Pathways" players roll the dice and grab a card depending on the 'semester' you land on.
The cards display situations the typical SBVC student might find themselves in, ranging from missing the bus to winning a scholarship. Prospective students can explore life as a college student through this game, and learn a little more about campus along the way.
The game can also be downloaded and played online at www.valleycollege.edu/valleypathways 
New Flash !!!

Gov. Newsom's proposal would create "dual admission" program for community college transfer students

The dual admission program proposed by Newsom would allow students to select a specific CSU campus within that 23-university system or a specific campus in the nine undergraduate UC system.

Students in the program would have access to libraries, counseling and other student services at the CSU or UC campus nearest to them and their community college campus simultaneously before making the transfer, according to the bill.
A simpler FAFSA could increase applicants

Financial aid officers have been asking for years for a simplified federal financial aid form, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After much work by financial aid advocates and, in particular, by outgoing Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), an overhaul was included in the COVID relief and government funding bill signed into law in December.

The changes - which will start July 2023 for the 2023-2024 academic year - and the new form is much simpler than the old one. The number of questions was cut from more than 100 to 30 something. (The exact number depends on the student's financial situation.)  Read more >>
 
San Bernardino Valley College maintains a culture of continuous improvement and a commitment to provide high-quality education, innovative instruction, and services to a diverse community of learners. Its mission is to prepare students for transfer to four-year universities, to enter the workforce by earning applied degrees and certificates, to foster economic growth and global competitiveness through workforce development, and to improve the quality of life in the Inland Empire and beyond.