Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Irvine Valley Promise program?

Irvine Valley Promise program provides two years of free tuition for eligible first-time, full-time IVC students. Along with two years of tuition coverage, Irvine Valley Promise program provides bookstore vouchers, designated counseling services, and other academic/career resources for Promise students to help them be successful.

How do I apply?

There is no application. Students who meet eligibility criteria and complete steps to becoming IVC student will be accepted into the program. The IVC Promise program acceptance is based on a first-come, first-served basis until program funding is exhausted.

When is the deadline to be considered for Fall 2023?

There is no deadline for the program. Eligible first year students are encouraged to complete all eligibility steps as soon as possible to secure a place in the program.

How do I know if I’m eligible for the program?

Eligible students will receive communication about the program via email to their IVC student email address. Please visit the Eligibility webpage for more information. Students can also email ivcpromise@ivc.edu to inquire about their eligibility for the Promise program.

What does “first-time student” mean?

First-time student means no prior attendance at IVC or any other undergraduate institution. Dual/concurrent enrollment students, special admit students, and other high school students who took college classes while still in high school are eligible for the Promise program.

When will I know if I have been accepted into the Promise program?

Students are notified by email when they are conditionally accepted into the program as early as April. Official acceptance into the program is sent in June, after students have successfully enrolled in 12 units of Fall course work.

I missed the deadline. Can I still participate in the Promise program?

No. We highly encourage students to explore other financial aid options through our Financial Aid Office.

What if I was not accepted into the program due to funding being exhausted?

We highly encourage students to explore other financial aid options through our Financial Aid Office.

Is there a GPA requirement for the program?

There is no GPA requirement for incoming new students; however, continuing Promise students will need to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to maintain eligibility.

How is the Irvine Valley Promise program funded?

The Irvine Valley Promise program is supported by California Assembly Bill 19 (AB-19) and Assembly Bill 2 (AB-2).

Can I apply to the program as a second year student?

Unfortunately, no. Students must be first-time students when being accepted to the Promise program. We highly encourage second year students to explore other financial aid options through our Financial Aid Office. 

I am a high school senior and want to take summer classes. Am I still considered a first-time freshman in the Fall at IVC?

Yes, you would still be considered a first-time freshman in the Fall.

If I earned a certificate or almost attained an associates degree while I was in high school; am I still considered a first-time student?

Yes! Even if you had advanced standing (college credits or earned a postsecondary formal award) before graduating from high school, you are still considered a first-time student.

I am receiving emails about my residency status. Will this affect my admissions to the program?

Yes! Promise students must be a CA resident or AB-540 eligible. If you are encountering residency issues please call Admissions and Records at 949-451-5220.

Can I take classes at a different community college to maintain my 12 units?

IVC Promise students can take additional classes at Saddleback College — which is a part of the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD). The majority of units attempted each semester must be at IVC and students must have IVC listed as college of record on their admissions application.

How many students is the Promise program accepting?

The IVC Promise program acceptance is based on a first-come, first-served basis until program funding is exhausted. Visit the Promise website for the most up to date information.

How do I maintain eligibility for the program?

Please visit the Eligibility webpage for specific guidelines.

Can I take less than 12 units and be in the program?

All Promise students are required to take 12 units unless they submit an approved reduced course load letter from DSPS. DSPS students can email a copy of their accommodation letter to ivcpromise@ivc.edu. Make sure to include your student ID number. For more information about DSPS services please visit the DSPS website.

Who do I speak to if I have other questions?

For more information regarding Irvine Valley Promise program, please email ivcpromise@ivc.edu.

When is the deadline to register for fall semester classes?

Incoming students should refer to their Promise program acceptance email. Current Promise students should refer to the Promise Canvas module for their registration deadlines.

When can I register for classes?

Students can check their registration appointment on their MySite student account. Students will also receive reminders via email to their IVC student email address.

Does Irvine Valley Promise give me priority registration?

Priority registration is not a direct benefit of the Promise program, however students attain priority by completing the Freshman Advantage program by the advertised deadline.

What happens if I don’t register for classes before the registration deadline?

Accepted students who do not register in 12 or more units by the registration deadline (sent via IVC student email) will have their acceptance rescinded.

What if I register for 12 units but then drop below 12 units during the semester; will I be removed from the program?

Continuous enrollment in 12 units is required to maintain eligibility for the program. Enrollment in less than 12 units means a student is ineligible. Waitlisted courses do not count towards unit requirements.

What if I am waitlisted for a class? Does that count for my 12 units?

No; waitlisted classes do not count towards unit requirement. If you are having trouble finding classes, please schedule an appointment with a Counselor.

What if I registered in at least 12 units for the semester but some of my classes are short-term and are completed in the first 8 weeks? Am I still eligible?

Yes, short term courses and 8-week classes count towards the 12 unit requirement.

Are summer semester courses covered by the Promise program?

Students should contact the Promise program staff to verify eligibility. Please email ivcpromise@ivc.edu.

When will my tuition and fees get paid?

• Fall semester: mid-October
• Spring semester: mid-April
• Summer semester: mid-July

I was admitted to the Irvine Valley Promise Program but already paid my fall fees, will I be refunded?

Yes, as long as you’re enrolled in 12 units, the Promise program will reimburse your fees. Please email ivcbursars@ivc.edu to request reimbursement and mention Promise.

What is the difference between the Promise program and FAFSA/CADAA?

The Promise program is designed to provide academic and financial support to first-time college students enrolling at IVC. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), are financial aid applications used to determine students’ eligibility for federal and/or state aid. Completion of a financial aid application is required to be eligible for the IVC Promise program. Students can also be eligible for other financial aid through the financial aid application.

What is the difference between the Irvine Valley Promise program and the California College Promise Grant (CCPG)?

The CA College Promise Grant (CCPG) is a fee waiver offered to eligible students who have completed a financial aid application. Visit IVC’s Financial Aid website to learn more. The CCPG is not administered by the Promise program, though some Promise students qualify for the CCPG. The CCPG does not have a full-time enrollment requirement.

What does payment deferral mean?

A payment deferral is a postponement of the payment date. Payment deferral does two things:

• Prevents Promise program eligible students from being dropped from courses due to non-payment.
• Provides Promise program eligible students with the ability to add additional courses without making a payment.

What payment option do I select when registering for classes?

From the payment section, click "Pay Later" and then select “Other”.

Please DO NOT pay for Fall/Spring classes or input credit card information. Once the Promise program confirms enrollment in 12 units, your tuition will be paid during the timeframes listed above. 

If you have questions regarding payment, please email the IVC Bursar’s Office at ivcbursars@ivc.edu.

Does Irvine Valley Promise cover my second year tuition and fees at IVC?

Yes! Promise students who maintained eligibility in their first year are eligible for a second year of funding. 

Will I need to pay my fees after my deferral expires?

So long as students remain enrolled in a minimum of 12 units, the Promise program will pay the outstanding balance prior to the expiration of the deferral (payment due date) published in MySite.

Can I receive a third year of Promise funding?

No. The legislation only allows for two financial aid award years of funding per student. However, students may still be eligible for other financial aid. Please make sure to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) each year you plan to enroll in college classes.

Does Irvine Valley Promise Program cover my parking permit or bus pass?

No, the Irvine Valley Promise program does not cover parking permit costs. ASIVC is now supporting a free bus pass program for IVC students. 

What fees are covered besides enrollment fees?

Currently, the health fee, ASIVC access fee, and a bookstore voucher are covered by the program. This is subject to change based on funding availability.

How can I make a payment for my summer semester classes if I want to take less than 12 units after the end of my first year at IVC?

Students can email ivcbursars@ivc.edu to request their total summer fees and make a payment for the exact amount via Mysite. Reminder: Do not pay the total balance as the Promise program will be covering fall and spring fees for eligible students.

Do I need to return any books I purchased with the Promise program bookstore voucher at the end of the semester?

No.

If I sell my books at the end of the semester, do I need to return the money from the voucher?

No.

How do I use my Promise program bookstore voucher?

Students can use the bookstore voucher online or in-person. To make purchases online, please click on the following link: https://www.bkstr.com/irvinevalleystore/home.

For a step-by-step video guide on how to use the voucher, see the Promise program bookstore voucher YouTube video.

Tip: Go to the bookstore early, don’t wait! One big mistake that first year students often make is waiting until the last minute to buy books. This means long lines, limited or no book availability, and not having cheaper options (used or rental books) to stretch out voucher funds.

When is the deadline to use my bookstore voucher?

You will receive important bookstore voucher information sent to your IVC student email two weeks prior to the start of each semester. 

Will my unused bookstore voucher funds roll over?

No, so make sure to use them up completely before the deadline. 

I can’t find the materials (including ebooks) I need for my class on the bookstore website. Who can I contact?

Please contact Dora Pineda, Assistant Bookstore Manager, at 0895asm@follet.com or call (949) 451-5258. Please mention that you are a Promise program student. 

What if I am taking a class at Saddleback which requires a textbook?

Please email a copy of your class schedule to the IVC Bookstore at ivc@bkstr.com and let them know which book is needed. Please mention that you are an IVC Promise program student. They will request the book so that you can use the voucher funds. 

What can I purchase with my bookstore voucher?

Eligible purchases include books, small classroom electronics (such as calculators and flash drives) and school supplies. Vouchers cannot be used towards the purchase of clothing, giftcards, gifts, food, cosmetics, or consumer electronics (such as laptops or tablets). 

What if I don’t complete my one 30-minute counseling appointment requirement?

This may affect your eligibility for future Promise benefits, including second-year funding.

Can I see other counselors that aren’t Promise counselors?

Absolutely! However, keep in mind that it must be a 30-min counseling appointment to fulfill the program requirement.

How can I appeal if I was dropped from the Promise program?

There are two types of appeals for the program, a progress appeal and an emergency appeal. For more information, please visit our Appeal Process webpage. 

If I am an early HS graduate, can I join the Promise program in spring?

You may submit a progress appeal to be considered for the spring. Students must have met the Spring Freshman Advantage Program advertised deadline to be eligible to appeal. Please keep in mind that early graduates must comply with the state's policy of two award years, therefore, you can attend for spring of your first award year, and then only for summer, fall and spring of your second award year.

I am a current Promise student but decided to take a gap year for personal reasons. Will I still be eligible for the Promise program if I withdraw from my classes?

You will need to submit an appeal to determine future eligibility. Please visit our appeals website to see appeal criteria.

When is the last day in the semester to drop from the Promise program and maintain future benefits eligibility?

Promise students must withdraw from classes and return books/items purchased by the refund date for the current semester. To review refund dates please refer to the important dates in the class schedule.

Students should also email ivcpromise@ivc.edu to be removed from the program (include IVC student ID number).