January 2025

Happy New Year!  

As we begin this new year, we do so with heavy hearts, mourning alongside those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

We hope the year ahead brings you boundless energy, sharper focus, and the determination to turn your dreams into reality here at SBVC. Get ready to kick off an incredible Spring 2025 semester, starting on January 21st! Don't miss out—explore the class schedule now by clicking this link.

Welcome Ms. Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, our new Vice President of Student Services

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval has been appointed as the new Vice President of Student Services at San Bernardino Valley College. 

With over twenty years of experience in higher education administration, Ms. Gutierrez-Sandoval has held leadership positions at Long Beach City College, Rio Hondo College, and the University of La Verne. As the Dean of Enrollment Services at Long Beach City College, she implemented successful initiatives that improved enrollment, collaboration with academic areas, and student success rates. A strong advocate for equity, she began her educational journey at a community college and had local ties to the Inland Empire. Her expertise includes financial aid, scholarships, veterans' services, and strategic enrollment planning. Ms. Gutierrez-Sandoval holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s in sociology from Pitzer College. Her dedication to student achievement and collaborative leadership will greatly benefit our diverse student body.

Please join us in welcoming her as she brings her passion for student achievement and collaborative leadership to our college!

10 New Year’s Resolutions for College Students Ready to Crush It in 2025 

1. Show Up Ready to Shine: Bring your A-game and your supplies to every class!  

2. Master the Magic of Routine: Find your groove and stick with it.  

3. Claim Your Study Kingdom: Discover your perfect spot to conquer assignments.  

4. Juggle Like a Pro: Turn multitasking into your new superpower.  

5. Power Up with Healthy Eats: Sneak at least one good-for-you snack into your day.  

6. Boss Your Bank Account: Keep tabs on your cash and save smart.  

7. Dream Big About Your Career: Start thinking about the future you want to create.  

8. Be a Classmate Connector: Make a new buddy in every class!  

9. Build Bridges with Professors: Get to know at least one professor—they’re amazing mentors.  

10. Live It Up: Don’t forget to have a blast and enjoy every moment!  

Make this year your most memorable yet—2025 is yours to own!  

San Bernardino Valley College Named College of the Year for Credit for Prior Learning Initiative

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) has been named College of the Year by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) for its leadership in Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), supporting non-traditional students like veterans and adult learners.

“This recognition as MAP College of the Year is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our MAP/CPL team,” said SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras. “We are committed to meeting students where they are and helping them reach their full potential.”

Part of the California MAP Initiative, SBVC’s CPL program awards college credit for prior experiences such as military service or industry credentials, saving students time and money. SBVC leads in CPL metrics like Potential Savings and Overall College Impact.

Learn more at www.valleycollege.edu/cpl.

BookSaver Program - Affordable and Convenient Textbooks  

Get your textbooks and school materials for just $20 per class unit with BookSaver—saving you up to $300 each semester! Fees are added to your student account and must be paid before accessing materials. The Campus Bookstore handles everything, from preparing textbooks to notifying you when they’re ready for pick-up, including digital materials, lab coats, and goggles. BookSaver is automatically available to all Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College students.

Prefer to buy your own books? Simply opt-out when registering for classes. Save money, reduce stress, and focus on your studies with BookSaver! More 

See What SBCCD Achieved in 2024—and Why It Matters

This 2-minute video highlights what SBCCD, Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, and KVCR Public Media accomplished in 2024 and why it matters.From celebrating hard-working graduates to opening new career training spaces and making historic investments, these five moments show how we’re shaping brighter futures for our community and you.

EDUCATE. ELEVATE. Podcast Episode 5: California College Corps

A paid, statewide service program, College Corps offers students up to $10,000 for completing 450 hours of supporting and learning from community-based organizations working in three priority areas: K-12 education, climate action, and food insecurity. This podcast explains how College Corps works and can be a game changer for those struggling to make ends meet. More

Financial Aid Deadlines Are coming up!

Get ahead on your journey to success! Submit your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by March 2 for priority consideration. Plus, don’t forget—the SBVC Foundation scholarship deadline is January 31. Applying early gives you the best chance to secure funding, so don’t miss out!  Check out the details below and take that next step toward your dreams. Start your application today!

The financial aid office provides workshops to help students complete their applications. Get assistance with your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application! Submit your application before March 2, 2025.

Click here for upcoming application workshops.

The priority deadline for the 2025-2026 FAFSA and Dream Act application is March 2, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to secure your financial aid!

Be sure to use SBVC’s school ID #001272 when submitting your application.

www.fafsa.gov

CA Dream Act

Discover opportunities at the SBVC Foundation Office, offering over $300,000 in scholarships annually for SBVC students!  

The deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is January 31. With one easy form, you can apply for 100+ scholarships at once. Don’t miss out apply now!

Numbers to Know

27% Employers are planning to increase their hiring for the Class of 2025, while 57% expect to maintain their hiring: salary increases for bachelor's degree graduates are anticipated by 40% of employers. Source

81% Business leaders say recent college graduates need workplace etiquette training, with half of their employers either currently offering or planning to offer such training to improve professionalism and productivity. Source

Quick Takes

• How are college students using AI tools like ChatGPT? More
• How will colleges fare financially in 2025? It depends. More
• SBVC Upcoming events. More

San Bernardino Valley College | (909) 384-4400 | studentsuccess@valleycollege.edu 

San Bernardino Valley College provides innovative instructional programs and cohesive student services to support the educational goals of a culturally diverse community of learners by engaging in continuous improvement and actively working towards an antiracist culture to foster an environment of meaningful learning and belonging for our students, employees, and the community.