Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to being admitted to the EOPS program?
How and when will I receive a book grant?
Why do I have to make three (3) appointments each semester?
Does EOPS offer any additional benefits other than book grants?
What is Priority Registration?
Does EOPS offer evening counseling?
Why do I need to apply for Financial Aid to apply for the EOPS program?
Are there any exceptions to the 12 unit requirement?
Are there any exceptions to the 70 unit limit at the time of application?
If I am an EOPS student, but I miss a semester, am I still in the EOPS program?
If I am denied a book grant, does it mean I'm no longer in the EOPS program?
What are the three (3) required contacts, and when do I need to schedule them?
Is it true that EOPS has a library that I can borrow books from?
Why am I asked to give my Social Security Number to EOPS?

Q: What are the steps to being admitted to the EOPS program?
A: If a student meets all of the Eligibility requirements, they can submit an online application to the EOPS office. An intake counselor will screen the application and schedule potentially eligible students for an orientation. During orientation, all of the program's services and benefits will be explained. Eligible students who agree to adhere to the program's guidelines will be admitted to the program at this time. Back to top ]

Q: How and when will I receive a book grant?
A: EOPS book grants are issued to EOPS students who have followed all of the Mutual Responsibility Contract (MRC) guidelines during the previous semester. EOPS book grants are issued the first day of the fall and spring semesters. A list of students eligible for the book grant is usually posted one week before each semester. EOPS students are required to sign up for a book grant each semester they wish to receive one. The EOPS Newsletter or any EOPS staff person can provide the dates for sign-up. Back to top

Q: Why do I have to make three (3) appointments each semester?
A: EOPS is a state-funded program, and one of the requirements the state has implemented is that EOPS students meet with a counselor a minimum of three (3) times each semester. This is in order to ensure their positive academic progress. Even if a student has no immediate issues that require counseling, they are still required to keep three (3) appointments each semester to be eligible for all EOPS benefits. Back to top

Q: Does EOPS offer any additional benefits other than book grants?
A: Yes. The CARE program (which is a sub-program of EOPS) offers cash grants to eligible students. EOPS offers cash grants to nursing students to help offset the costs of participating in that program. Also, EOPS students receive priority registration. And, EOPS counselors will write letters of recommendations for students, and help them find and apply for scholarships. Please click here for a more complete list of EOPS program services and benefits. Back to top

Q: What is Priority Registration?
A: Priority registration enables EOPS students to be among the first students allowed to register for classes each semester. Using priority registration gives EOPS students a much greater chance of enrolling in all of their desired courses. Back to top

Q: Does EOPS offer evening counseling?
A: Due to budget cuts, EOPS has had to significantly reduce the number of hours counselors are available to see students. This has meant a significant reduction in evening counseling hours. Generally, we only offer evening counseling at the beginning and end of the semester. Back to top

Q: Why do I need to apply for Financial Aid to apply for the EOPS program?
A: One of the EOPS eligibility requirements is that a student demonstrate financial need. To determine financial need, the state requires that each prospective EOPS student be eligible to receive a Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGFW), which they must apply for through Financial Aid. We strongly recommend that a student complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which includes the BOGFW, to maximize the amount of financial assistance available to the student. Back to top

Q: Are there any exceptions to the 12 unit requirement?
A: Yes. Students who have been determined by Special Programs and Services (SPS) to be unable to complete a full-time schedule can be admitted to EOPS with less than 12 units. EOPS requires a unit override letter from SPS before a student can be admitted. Back to top

Q: Are there any exceptions to the 70 unit limit at the time of application?
A: No. The state requires that a student have completed less than 70 degree-applicable units in order to be eligible for the EOPS program.
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Q: If I am an EOPS student, but I miss a semester, am I still in the EOPS program?
A: If an EOPS student does not make contact with the office for one whole semester, that student will need to reapply to the program. This rule applies whether or not the student was enrolled in classes during the semester. The student will have to meet all eligibility requirements again to be readmitted to the program. Back to top

Q: If I am denied a book grant, does it mean I'm no longer in the EOPS program?
A: No. Being denied a book grant does not automatically disqualify you from the EOPS program. You will only be exited from the program if you exceed 70 degree-applicable units and aren't eligible for an extension, complete your educational goal, participate in EOPS for six (6) consecutive semesters, or are exited by the director for repeated violations of the Mutual Responsibility Contract (MRC). Back to top

Q: What are the three (3) required contacts, and when do I need to schedule them?
A: EOPS students are required by the state to meet with an EOPS counselor three (3) times each semester. A schedule has been created that EOPS students must follow when making their contacts. The first contact period usually falls between the 2nd and 6th weeks of the semester and is used for academic planning and review. The second contact period usually falls between the 7th and 12th weeks of the semester and is for students to turn in progress reports for the current semester. The last contact period usually occurs between the 11th and 15th weeks of the semester and is for assessing a student's current program status and for planning for the following semester. Please consult the current newsletter or the 'Latest News' section of this website for the current semester's counseling contact schedule. Back to top

Q: Is it true that EOPS has a library that I can borrow books from?
A: EOPS does have a limited number of books that we make available for EOPS students to borrow for a semester. For more information, please contact the EOPS office. Back to top

Q: Why am I asked to give my Social Security Number to EOPS?
A: EOPS respects your privacy and understands your reluctance to use your S.S.N. Some of the program's benefits (like book and cash grants) require a student to have sufficient unmet need as determined by the Financial Aid office. Financial Aid still processes students with their S.S.N. In order to determine your amount of need and provide you with benefits, we must submit your information (including your S.S.N.) to the financial aid office. Back to top