Frequently Asked Questions

Complete requirements by February 11 for Spring 2019

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Eligibility & Requirements

As a first-time college student, you'll need to take these steps to receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise:

Be a first-time college student (includes dual enrollment or concurrent high school students) and a California resident or AB540 eligible

Review and sign the Promise Pledge

Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA or California Dream Act application

Complete the college onboarding process at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College: Application, Orientation, Assessment, and Education Plan.

For additional assistance, watch this video to help you complete the online orientation and abbreviated education plan.

Attend as a full-time student at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College (At least 12 credit units per semester)

Maintain a 2.0 college grade point average or higher to remain eligible for spring semester

Disclaimers

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise covers tuition (enrollment) fees and mandatory fees (student health, representation, and Cuyamaca construction fee). Books, supplies, parking permits, and other class fees are not included, although additional financial support may be available through financial aid for eligible students. If you start in the spring semester, only spring fees will be covered.

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The Pledge

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise

OUR Pledge

Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges pledge to ...

SUPPORT you in understanding and navigating your college and career journey
PROVIDE FREE TUITION for your first academic year of college
ASSIST you in preparing for college and career training:
- College and financial aid applications
- Orientation, education plans, and choosing classes
- Clear pathways to jobs and university transfer, as well as career advancement
COMMIT to help you succeed in meeting your goals

YOUR Pledge

I pledge to ...

TAKE CHARGE of my future with the college’s help
ATTEND Grossmont or Cuyamaca College full-time (at least 12 college units per semester)
GET READY to attend college and do the following:
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application
- Complete the college onboarding process:
  - Application
  - Assessment
  - Orientation
  - Education Plan
COMMIT to my college success:
- Maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher to remain eligible
- Actively participate in college events
- Make steady progress on my education plan
- Ask for the help I need to fulfill my goals

I pledge to be successful to the best of my abilities and understand the expectations of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise. I will ultimately earn and complete an associate degree, workforce certificate, and/or meet university transfer requirements. I will seek help from the college when I need support with my college and career pathway. By providing my contact information, I authorize Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District representatives to contact me using the information I have provided by any means of communications as I marked in my preferred contact.

BENEFITS

What is the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
The Promise is an opportunity that provides first-time students access to college, tuition-free. The Promise helps students become college and career ready and guides them through a successful education and career with seamless financial support.
What are the benefits of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
The Promise covers enrollment (tuition) fees and mandatory fees (student health, representation, and Cuyamaca construction fee) at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges! The colleges pledge to provide support and assistance throughout the required onboarding process, which includes application, college orientation, assessments, and a personalized education plan. In addition, help is available for assessments and applying for financial aid.
What exactly is covered under the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
The program covers tuition (enrollment fees) of $46 per unit and mandatory student health and representation fees. If the student is attending Cuyamaca College, the construction fees will also be covered. Books, supplies, parking permits, and other class fees are not included, although additional financial support may be available through financial aid for eligible students.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

What are the requirements of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
· Be a first-time college student
· Review and sign the Promise Pledge
· Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA or California Dream Act application
· Complete the college onboarding process at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College: Application, Orientation, Assessment, & Education Plan
· Attend as a full-time student at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College (At least 12 credit units per semester)
· Maintain a 2.0 college grade point average or higher to remain eligible for spring semester
Who is eligible to receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
First-time students, including students who earned college units while still in high school; and those who are California Residents or AB540 eligible.
Do I need to apply for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Yes, students will need to complete and sign the Promise Pledge electronically. You can submit the Promise pledge electronically online OR download the Promise Pledge and drop off the completed pledge to either Grossmont or Cuyamaca College Admissions and Records Department.
Is there a deadline for students to apply for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Yes, please check MyCollegePromise.net website for deadlines, announcements and program updates.
I’ve been taking college classes while in high school. Am I still considered a first-time student?
YES! Great job getting a head start on your college education.
Can a student begin in spring and receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Yes, though we highly recommend students start in the fall immediately after high school graduation. Studies show high school graduates who enter college immediately are far more likely to complete their education. If you choose to enroll only for the spring, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise will only cover the tuition for the spring semester.
Do I need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application to be eligible for the Promise?
Yes, everyone must complete and submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act application to qualify for the Promise. You can still receive the first-year tuition free, even if you are not eligible to receive other financial aid.Cuyamaca College FAFSA & Dream Act Workshops Grossmont College FAFSA & Dream Act Workshops FAFSA CA Dream Act application
Are students with disabilities required to take 12 units?
Students with disabilities must be in 12 units to be considered full-time to be eligible for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise. Students should meet with a Disabled Students Programs and Services counselor (at Cuyamaca College) or Accessibility Resource Center counselor (at Grossmont College) to determine what other assistance or support can be provided.

PROCESS AND TIMELINE

How and when will I know that I’m eligible to receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Students will be sent an email confirmation by the end of September (for fall) and beginning of March (for spring) informing of their eligibility and next steps.
I just registered for my courses, Why do I see a balance due for enrollment fees (tuition)?
You see a balance because you have registered for courses and invoices are sent immediately upon registration. At this time, your eligibility for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise has not yet been determined. Eligibility will be determined in September for the fall semester and March for the spring semester.
I just registered for my courses, Do I have to pay the bill?
For your bill, there are two options:

1. Pay your bill in full or schedule a payment plan.
• If you are eligible for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise, your fees will be refunded to you later in the semester after you receive the email confirmation of your eligibility. If you scheduled a payment plan, please note the $25 establishment fee is non-refundable.
2. Don’t pay your bill now, courses will not be dropped for non-payment, and wait to find out if you are eligible for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise.
• If you are eligible, your enrollment fees will be paid. NOTE: You are still responsible for paying any other fees charged to your enrollment.
• If you are not eligible, you will be responsible for paying your entire remaining balance.
I did not pay my bill and I see there is a deadline date to pay for classes or they will be dropped. Do I need to pay my bill by that date so my classes won’t get dropped for non-payment?
As a potential Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise student, you do not have to pay your bill by the drop for non-payment deadline. Your classes will not be dropped due to non-payment.
Where can I find out more information about the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
If you have more questions, please contact the Promise team at 619-644-7033 or mycollegepromise@gcccd.edu.Grossmont College Campus Resources Cuyamaca College Campus Resources