ACADEMIC COUNSELING & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (ACES)
The ACES Program at College of the Desert is a counseling program designed to assist you in meeting the challenges of graduating from COD and transferring to a four-year university of your choice. The ACES Program is a Student Support Services Program under the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO Programs.
Listed below is a description of Services available through ACES and Eligibility Requirements. (Click on ACES Brochure for more info)
ACES Mission Statement
To assist the first generation, low-income student in the graduation and transfer process from College of the Desert and to strengthen their preparation for the successful completion of the Bachelor's Degree goal.
Read the ACES Newsletter (requires the free Adobe Acrobat reader)
SERVICES PROVIDED BY ACES
- COUNSELING:
- One-on-One Counseling will be provided to help with: career and educational goal setting, written plans for completing goals, plans and steps for transfer, financial aid and assistance with life management issues.
- TUTORING:
- Help will be provided on a regular basis and when students need additional help with their assignments.
- COMPUTER SUPPORT:
- Students will be able to use a computer located in the ASC to keep an electronic record of their goal completion progress.
- TRANSFER ASSISTANCE:
- Students will be given help selecting a college and completing college applications. We will also help them learn about scholarships and other financial aid. Trips to visit colleges and universities will also be included.
- CAREER DEVELOPMENT COURSE:
- Designed to help you choose the right major and career.
- PRIORITY I REGISTRATION:
- ACES students are eligible to register for classes during the priority I period.
- CULTURAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES:
- ACES students will go to one or more museums, performances and cultural events each semester
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- ACADEMIC NEEDS:
- Assessment results and/or enrollment in academic skill development classes (Eng. 51 proficiency).
- FINANCIAL NEED:
- Receiving Pell/BOGG or meet Federal low-income guidelines.
- FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE ATTENDEE:
- Parents did not earn a four-year college degree.
- ENROLLED AS FULL-TIME STUDENT:
- Defined as 12 units per semester.
- FRESHMAN STATUS:
- Defined as 30 or less units completed.
- DISABLED STUDENT:
- A limited number may be served without meeting the academic or financial need factors.
- STUDENT SUCCESS LEARNING CONTRACT:
- The student is expected to sign and take the actions stated in the contract.
- DECLARED PLAN TO TRANSFER TO EARN A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY DEGREE
ACES APPLICATION
Clink on the links below for the ACES Program Application.
Questions regarding these requirements and their interpretation may be directed to:
ACES Project Director
Telephone: (760) 862-1349
E-Mail:
Adell Bynum, ACES Counselor
Telephone: (760) 776-7204
E-Mail: abynum@collegeofthedesert.edu
Betty Esparza, ACES Secretary
Telephone: (760) 776-7347
E-Mail: besparza@collegeofthedesert.edu
