Las Positas College (LPC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Las Positas College began in 1963 as one of Chabot College’s extension centers. It operated out of a local high school, and slowly expanded into three other high schools and additional sites. Las Positas became an independent institution in 1988, and in 1991 was accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Today, Las Positas services more than 9,000 students with dozens of associate degrees and certificate programs. Its 147-acre campus is 40 miles southeast of San Francisco, and services all residents of the Tri-Valley area. The area around Las Positas is notable as one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation for science and technology. The campus is accessible by bus and by car from nearby BART stations.

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Information Summary

Ranks 136th in California and 1893rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	65.4
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,051
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	24 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	79% / 53%
Enrollment Total (all students)	8,978

Academics

Las Positas offers more than 35 associate degrees and 40 certificate programs. More than 15 of the associate tracks are designed to help students transfer to a four-year university after graduation, specifically into the University of California and California State University systems.

Students can take classes across 11 different academic disciplines, including social science, language arts, mathematics, business, and health sciences. Students who are pursuing an associate degree can access specific program options on the department websites. Transfer degree programs are designed to lead directly into a four-year university, so students do not receive an associate degree on completing these programs.

All students have access to a number of on-campus resources that will help them succeed academically. The Las Politas library has books, scholarly articles, audio-visual materials, and more that are free for student use. Students can also seek help from staff members at Student Services and the Counseling Center or get assistance with challenging courses from peer tutoring programs.

High School Articulation Programs

Las Politas offers credit for articulate courses, which can be taken at the high school level either through an articulated high school curriculum or a concurrently enrolled curriculum. Students who have taken an articulated course can earn credits or exemptions for that class at Las Politas. To participate in this program, print out the Articulation Application from the Las Politas website and talk to your high school advisor about course options.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Las Positas has an open admissions process, which means that any student with a high school diploma or GED certificate is eligible to enroll and attend classes. Begin your registration by filling out the online application form. New students should request transcripts or certification forms from all previous institutions and send them to the Admissions & Records Office. Students should also submit the online FAFSA form to be eligible for financial aid.

Once the application has been submitted, students can complete an online orientation, which explains the registration and assessment process and introduces different student services and campus amenities. Before registering for classes, students must also complete an assessment testing session. Results from this session are forwarded to academic advisors, who help students plan their college career. Registration and payment can be completed online.

Financial Aid

Students are recommended to apply for financial aid through the FAFSA form, which is available for free at www.fafsa.gov. This form determines eligibility for federal aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. It is also often required as a supplementary application material for third-party aid sources and scholarship competitions.

Students can also search for and apply for merit-based awards, which are often offered by sponsoring organizations or school departments. The Financial Aid Office has a number of online resources for finding these scholarship competitions and writing competitive entries.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

Students at Las Positas enjoy a rapidly growing student life that incorporates clubs, organizations, athletics, arts, student publications, and more. Most student events and activities are managed by the ASLPC, the student governing body, which also lobbies for student interests in campus policy and regulations.

There are more than 20 student clubs and organizations at Las Positas, ranging from the Poetry Club to the Gay/Straight Alliance to the Danzan Ryu Jujitsu Club and more. Clubs can participate in Club Days, which give each student organization a chance to compete for cash prizes that are deposited directly into the club’s treasury. Club Day Competitions get the whole student body involved in activities, events, and giveaways as different organizations promote their causes for a chance to win.

Student Newspaper

The Express, the student-run school newspaper, keeps the campus up-to-date on the most groundbreaking news, sports, and entertainment. The newspaper is available in print and online, and offers features like live blogs and Facebook connect. Students can even get involved by answering survey questions, responding to polls, or guest writing articles.

Radio Station

Las Politas also has its own online radio station at RadioLasPolitas.com, which is produced by the Intermediate Radio Production class. Students in this class can become DJs on the show and develop their radio personalities. However, any student can request airtime for a club or organization, and student bands are welcome submit their music for promotion.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

Las Politas is a member of the Community College League of Califonia’s Commission on Athletics (COA). It has seven men’s and women’s sports teams that participate in the Coast Conference, including cross-country, basketball, soccer, and swimming and diving.

Students who are interested in sports but not ready to commit to an intercollegiate team can participate in one of the many intramural and club sports available on campus. These casual teams are good ways to get involved, stay fit, and have fun with other students.

Las Politas also has a full-scale gymnasium, aquatics center, and soccer field. A brand-new track and a multi-use field will be completed in Fall 2011.

Additional School Information

Las Politas has recently launched a comprehensive going-green initiative. The new Center of the Arts is completely LEED certified with solar panels, water-efficient bathrooms, and recycling and composting. Students can learn more about the LEED features of the new Center by going online, where they can even watch live updates on the energy produced by the building’s solar panels.

Las Politas is also encouraging environmental awareness through its effort to educate students on eco-friendly transportation. The school has designated more than 15 of the best parking spots on campus as reserved for fuel-efficient vehicles only, and actively promotes the use of bus systems on and off campus.

Bibliography

“Las Positas College Admission Application Introduction.” CCCApply – Home. Web. 31 July 2011.

Las Positas College. Club Day Competition Guidelines. Print.

Las Positas College. Web. 31 July 2011.

Radio Las Positas – Radio Las Positas – FA SHO! – Free Format Student Radio from Las Positas College. Web. 31 July 2011.

Las Positas College