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 will be contacted at their IVC student email about completing the steps to participate. The IVC Promise Program acceptance is first-come, first-served until program funding is exhausted.

When is the deadline to participate in the Promise Program?

As of 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?

Eligible students will receive an email from ivcpromise@ivc.edu in their IVC student Outlook email inbox. Please click here to visit the eligibility webpage for more information. Students can also contact ivcpromise@ivc.edu to inquire about their eligibility for the promise program.

What does “first-time student” mean?

First-time student means no prior enrollment 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 Irvine Valley Promise.

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

Students are notified by email when they are officially accepted into the program as early as May once eligible 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 for the program.

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 post secondary 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. Coursework attempted at institutions outside of SOCCCD will not be considered towards eligibility.

How many students is Irvine Valley Promise accepting?

The IVC Promise Program acceptance is based on a first-come, first-served basis until program funding is exhausted.

How do I maintain eligibility for Irvine Valley Promise?

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 be enrolled in at least 12 units unless they have an approved accommodation. A copy of an approved accommodation letter should be sent to ivcpromise@ivc.edu. Make sure to include your IVC student ID number.

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 program emails sent to IVC student email inbox. 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 benefit of the promise program, however students attain priority by qualifying for Freshman Advantage 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 not be officially accepted into the program.

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. Unit checks are conducted periodically to verify enrollment. Students that are not enrolled in 12 units may be removed from the program. 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 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?

Irvine Valley Promise Program students can have their summer tuition and enrollment fees paid if they enroll in at least 12 units. Bookstore vouchers are not provided for summer semesters. Summer tuition and fees are paid by the program, mid-July.

When will my tuition and fees be paid?

• Fall semester: mid-November
• 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, Irvine Valley Promise will reimburse your fees. Please contact Student Payment Services via email at ivcsps@ivc.edu to request reimbursement. Make sure to mention you are a Promise Program student and provide your IVC student ID number.

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, full-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 be eligible for additional financial aid on top of Irvine Valley Promise funding.

What is the difference between the 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 Irvine Valley Promise, 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/drop courses without making a payment.

What payment option do I select when registering for classes?

Most eligible students have their fees automatically deferred to a later date and do not need further action. However, if you do not see a payment deferral, 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 time frames listed above. 

If you have questions regarding payment, please contact Student Payment Services via email at ivcsps@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 academic years (July 1st to June 30th) 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, 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,registration fee, student activity 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 ivcsps@ivc.edu to request 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 cover fall and spring fees for eligible students.

Does the program provide a bookstore voucher for the summer?

No. The program only covers tuition and fees for the summer semester.

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?

Students that are maintaining eligibility will receive important bookstore voucher information sent to your IVC student email 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 Irvine Valley Promise student. They will request the book so that you can use the voucher funds.

What can I purchase with my bookstore voucher?

A: Eligible purchases include textbooks, access codes, 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. Please visit our appeals website for more information: Appeal Process webpage. 

If I am an early HS graduate, can I join the Promise Program in Spring?

Incoming students that meet Irvine Valley Promise eligibility may submit a progress appeal to be considered as an early start for the spring. It’s important to note that state policy limits promise participation to two award years. Therefore, if you begin early in the spring of your first award year, you will forfeit one semester of benefits.

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?

Students that withdraw from IVC are only eligible for readmission to the Promise Program if they meet the criteria of the Emergency Appeal. Please visit our appeals webpage to see appeal criteria.

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

Promise students must withdraw from classes and return books/items purchased with the Bookstore voucher by the refund date of 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).