FAQ
EOPS/CARE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
*Yellow highlight denotes new/updated information
Program-Specific Inquires
What are my options for meeting with an EOPS/CARE Counselor while the campus is closed?
Student appointments/contacts will be provided via telephone and/or video-conferencing using Zoom. Zoom is a video conference platform and can be found here. (Zoom.us). If you are going to participate in a Zoom video conference counseling appointment, your Counselor will provide you with a link to join the meeting via email, prior to the start of your session. You will want to ensure that you access this link, as this will be how you participate. If you prefer to meet with your counselor via telephone, please request this option when you schedule your appointment.
How can I schedule an appointment/contact with an EOPS/CARE Counselor?
For students that have existing appointments scheduled, no further action is required. For students that would like to schedule a new appointment, there are two options: 1) contact our Program Office via telephone or email or 2) contact your assigned counselor directly via telephone or email.
Program Office – 760.355-5727 or 760.355-6511 (t) / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (e)
Am I still requested to meet the minimum requirement of 3 appointments/contacts per (fall/spring) semester?
Yes. Students are requested to complete all appointments/contacts in Spring 2020.
Am I still requested to complete my appointments/contacts by the published deadlines?
Not for appointment/contact #1. Given the recent transition to online modalities, and campus closure, the March 20th deadline for the first appointment/contact will be waived. Although students are still requested to complete their first appointment/contact, it does not need to be completed by March 20th. However, the Program still requests that appointment/contact #2 and #3 be completed by the published deadlines, April 24th and June 12th respectively.
Am I still requested to meet the minimum requirement of 12 units or more per (fall/spring) semester?
Yes. Students are requested to meet the minimum number of enrolled units in Spring 2020.
Will I have access to EOPS/CARE services while the campus is closed?
Yes – but services will be limited to individualized counseling and online tutoring. Transportation assistance in the form of bus passes and supplies (i.e., school and snacks) will not be available.
Will I have access to future EOPS/CARE services such as Priority Registration, Book Grants, and Transportation Assistance in Fall 2020?
Yes – but all eligibility criteria should be met including completing a minimum of 3 appointments/contacts in Spring 2020 and being enrolled in a minimum of 12 units in Fall 2020.
Will I be reimbursed for purchasing my Spring 2020 IVC parking permit given the campus closure?
While IVC continues to consider modifications to campus programming and services in response to the campus closure, no formal decision regarding reimbursement has been made at this time.
When will students be permitted to return to campus?
IVC is adhering to institutional, county, State, and federal guidance and recommendations in response to COVID-19, and continues to monitor the situation closely. A return date is contingent upon various factors and will be determined and communicated by the Superintendent/President. No return date has been announced at this time.
General Inquires
Will the campus closure impact my ability to complete my Program of Study?
No (though this may be subject to change). Students are currently able to continue to work towards the completion of their Program of Study by completing course and institutional requirements. Program of Study completion refers to completing requirements leading to the earning of a Certificate or Associates degree. Please note that Program of Study completion is not the same participating in the commencement or graduation ceremony.
Will the campus closure impact my ability to participate in the commencement/graduation ceremony?
No (though this may be subject to change). For the time being, the campus has not cancelled the commencement/graduation ceremony.
*Any specific questions related to graduation, financial aid, or other campus services should be directed to the respective department. Please note, each department will also be providing written communication via email and available via telephone.
I don't own a computer, how will this impact me if we go virtual?
A limited supply of loaner laptops will be issued out to students with barriers to accessing technology off-campus. If you are in need of a laptop, you may contact the Student Equity & Achievement Program at 760-355-5733 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If computers are not available, you may request services via telephone.
I am homeless, will I still have access to sleeping in my car on campus property?
Yes, students will still be able to sleep in their cars in our IVC parking lot.
I am homeless, for hygienic purposes, will I still have access to campus showers?
Yes, Students will still have access to showers during selected times. We will notify you as soon as possible with those dates and times. In the event that we cannot provide access to showers, please contact the Salvation Army at 760-352-4528.
I'm new to technology, if I have problems navigating Canvas, student email, and, Webstar, who do I contact for support?
Students will be provided with information via e-mail of list of contacts to get support navigating online tools.
I'm still learning to navigate technology; will I be penalized if I have problems submitting my assignments and test on time?
Students will be provided with information via-email regarding this update.
I have a late start class, where can I go to get textbook support?
You may contact the Student Equity & Achievement Program at 760-355-5733 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
I rely on the IVC Kitchen for food support, where can I find access to food when my food emergency bag runs out?
The IVC Kitchen will provide an emergency food bag to assist with food needs. For now, the USDA Federal Commodities program is not taking place at IVC. Please contact the Imperial Valley Food Bank at 760-370-0966 for USDA federal assistance. If you are unable to access emergency food, please contact the Student Equity & Achievement Program at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 760-355-5733.
When I feel overwhelmed and stressed I turn to a Student Success Specialist and a Counselor for support to talk things through and to gain coping mechanisms, where can I go or who can I speak with when I start to feel overwhelmed and stressed?
You are still able to virtually contact a student success specialist, counselor, and mental health services. Contacts will be available via phone, e-mail, and through zoom for appointment meetings.
I'm a homeless student, where can I go for housing support services?
Please contact Camila Collado at 760-355-5733 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Alexis Villa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. who can assist in connecting you to community resources and services via phone, e-mail and zoom meetings.
If we go virtual, will I receive a directory of contact numbers, so I know who to call for different concerns?
Our campus community will be notifying you all updates, changes, and contact information via e-mail.
I'm a single working parent with little to no support, what options do I have for childcare if our campus pre-school closes?
Our campus community will be notifying you all updates, changes, and contact information via e-mail.
I struggle to study at home with my children and family posing as a distraction, and I utilize the Library services to focus and study, what options would I have to find a quiet place to study and receive tutoring?
You will be able to contact our online tutoring services. You are also able to contact a student success specialist who can refer you to community resources.
Can I still enroll if I want to attend summer classes?
Yes, please refer to www.imperial.edu/apply-now and complete an admission application for Summer/Fall 2020.
How can I contact instructors?
If you need to contact your instructor, we are encouraging you to do so via email. Follow the steps below to obtain instructor's email information.
Log on to: imperial.edu
Click: Faculty & Staff
Click: Faculty & Staff Directory
Search Directory: type instructor's name (first & last)
Additional Resources & Information
Community resources that offer basic needs assistance
Food assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, etc.
Articles that offer strategies for coping with COVID-19
Isolation and Depression: Intertwined and Mutually Reinforcing: How to get out of a negative cycle
Controlling Coronavirus Anxiety
Coping with Coronavirus Stress
COVID-19 and Relationship Coping
Sheltering a Teen In Place without Losing Your Mind
12 Ways to Effectively Parent During Crisis- Part I
12 Ways to Effectively Parent During Crisis- Part II
Guided Meditations to Help Reduce Stress, Anxiety & Depression Symptoms
Several Mindful-Based Self-Compassion Guided Meditations
Three-Minute Breathing Space Meditation for Anxiety
Emergency Mental Health Assistance
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat
Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)
Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
NAMI HelpLine—1-800-950-6264 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Trained crises workers are available to offer you support and to provide you information about resources in your community.