Student Life
Academic Honors
The Honors List distinctions are automatically added to a student's transcript when GPA (grade point average) criteria (see below) are fulfilled within a specific semester. There are no applications to fill out and no fees to pay for these honors. These semester distinctions are not, however, sufficient to entitle students the privilege of wearing honors regalia at graduation (see Eligibility for Graduation with Honors), which are based on cumulative GPA at graduation.
- President's List Notation: The student completes 12 or more units of GWC coursework with letter grades and earns a semester GPA of 4.0.
- Dean's List Notation: The student completes 12 or more units of GWC coursework with letter grades and earns a semester GPA of 3.50-3.99.
- Honors List Notation: The student completes 6 - 11.9 units of GWC coursework with letter grades and earns a semester GPA of 3.75-4.0.
Associated Students of Golden West College (ASGWC)
(See Campus Life)
Athletic Programs
The athletics program at Golden West College is coordinated by the Director of Athletics. Included in the Physical Education complex are the Gymnasium, Cardiovascular/Strength Training Fitness Center, and the Yoga/Pilates Center.
Outdoor facilities feature a rubberized all-weather track, football field, baseball stadium, softball stadium, pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, and soccer fields. The total complex is complemented by an Olympic-sized 50-meter pool and a rehabilitation pool.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Golden West College sponsors a full program of intercollegiate athletics competition. The college is a member of the Orange Empire Conference and a member institution within the California Community College Athletic Association. Other member colleges in the conference are Cypress, Fullerton, Irvine Valley, Orange Coast, Santa Ana, Santiago Canyon, Riverside, and Saddleback.
In football, the college is a member of the Southern California Football Association comprised of Southern California Community Colleges.
Men’s fall sports include cross country, football, soccer, and water polo; spring sports include baseball, swimming, track and field, and volleyball.
Women’s fall sports include cross country, soccer, volleyball, and water polo; spring sports include beach volleyball, flag football, swimming, softball, and track and field.
Athletics Eligibility
To be eligible for intercollegiate athletics participation at Golden West College, student athletes must be enrolled in 12 units of coursework. To remain eligible in subsequent semesters, they must satisfactorily complete 24 units between seasons of competition (of which 18 units must be academic, vocational or remedial) and maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade-point average since the start of the semester/quarter of the first participation. Questions regarding athletics eligibility should be referred to the Director of Athletics.
For additional information about athletics teams and eligibility for competition, please contact athletics@gwc.cccd.edu or call (714) 895-8282.
Physical Education and Fitness Programs
Golden West College offers a variety of cardiovascular conditioning and strength training classes. A basketball gym, swimming pool, running track, outdoor sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts, as well as yoga and weight training facilities are available for use when enrolled in Physical Education courses. Please refer to the available course offerings listed in the class schedule located on the college website.
For additional information regarding physical education courses and programs, please contact physicaleducation@gwc.cccd.edu or call (714) 895-8282.
Campus Life
First Floor, Student Services Center
http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/campus-life/
714-895-8261
Campus Life provides a variety of opportunities for involvement, service, and leadership in co-curricular activities. In response to the varying needs of the student population, we recognize diversity as a core value of our campus community. We strive to create experiential learning opportunities outside of the classroom and encourage all students to actively participate in the greater campus community.
Programs and Services include:
Associated Students of Golden West College (ASGWC)
Mission Statement: Associated Students of Golden West College (ASGWC) advocates for the personal and academic needs of GWC's diverse student body. We will pursue initiatives that create a more sustainable campus, grow students' understanding of college resources, expand leadership opportunities, and promote active engagement in campus activities, programs, and organizations. Most of all, as an organization led by students for students, we pledge to foster an equitable and inclusive college experience.
Members of ASGWC share active and vital roles in the governance process at Golden West College. Executive Student Council members are elected by the general student body or appointed when vacancies occur.
ASGWC consists of four Standing Committees, two Standing Commissions, and the Student Senate that assist in the organization and operation of campus programs and events. Any Golden West College student who is enrolled in five (5) units at GWC, or in an adult education program offered by Golden West College, or has a documented disability filed with DSPS, and meets and maintains the minimum standards of scholarship prescribed for community college students by the community college district, may apply online to serve on an ASGWC Standing Committee or Commission as a Student Delegate. Applications are available online and are accepted throughout the year.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Campus Engagement Committee
The Campus Engagement Committee is comprised of students who plan and implement ASGWC programs and events throughout the year. The Campus Engagement Committee is chaired by the Director of Campus Engagement and meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters.
Publicity Committee
The Publicity Committee creates marketing and publicity campaigns to promote ASGWC events and initiatives throughout the year. The Publicity Committee is chaired by the Director of Publicity and meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters.
Legislative Affairs Committee
The Legislative Affairs Committee provides an opportunity for students to advocate for changes that positively impact student success. Students on this committee recommend policy changes and suggest solutions for student issues. The Legislative Affairs Committee is chaired by the Director of Legislative Affairs and meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters.
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee aims to make Golden West College a more eco-friendly campus by advocating for more sustainable practices. The committee strives to educate, engage, and involve the campus community in sustainability efforts. The Sustainability Committee is chaired by the Director of Sustainability and meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters.
STANDING COMMISSIONS
Election Commission
The Election Commission publishes, monitors, and supervises all elections for ASGWC. The Election Commission Chairperson is designated by the Student Body President with majority approval from the Executive Student Council.
Fiscal Affairs Commission
The Fiscal Affairs Commission is responsible for approving and recommending the ASGWC annual budget to the Executive Student Council. The Fiscal Affairs Commission is chaired by the Director of Fiscal Affairs and meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters.
Student Senate
The Student Senate regularly reviews, updates, and maintains the ASGWC governing documents. The group serves as a recommending body to the ASGWC Executive Council and is chaired by the Executive Vice President. The Student Senate meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters.
Campus Life
Provides a variety of on-campus and off-campus programs, activities, and events for Golden West College students. The office also assists students, faculty, and staff with planning co-curricular campus activities.
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is when communities and individuals engage with pressing issues of public concerns within the local, city, or state governments. Civic engagement is community collaboration in taking both political and nonpolitical actions to protect the values of the community and make improvements of significant impact for the betterment of community interests. Being involved in public concerns within the state and federal level means you are making your voice heard. To learn more, please visit goldenwestcollege.edu/campus-life/civic-engagement.
College Service Charge & Student Representation Fee
The College Services Charge is $20 per semester for fall and spring and $12 for the summer session. The College Service Charge provides funding for ASGWC to provide students with a variety of programs and services. Students also receive discounts at local businesses and free entry to athletics and Campus Life events. The Student Representation Fee is $2 per semester for fall and spring with one dollar going to the Student Senate for California Community Colleges and one dollar staying at Golden West College to fund student advocacy and representation.
GWC Student Discounts Program
Discounts are available to students, faculty, and staff from shops, restaurants, cafes, and local attractions. An extensive list of student discounts can be found on the GWC App.
Publicity
Free printer services are available to ASGWC and Student Clubs and Organizations. The GWC App is also available to advertise on-campus events.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Joining a student club is a great way to enrich a student's academic experience and meet people with similar interests. GWC has clubs of all types that focus on a variety of topics and interests. To join a club, please attend a meeting, contact the Club Advisor, join through a current member, or attend Club Expo during the fall or spring semester. Club meeting times and contact information can be found on the GWC App, and are also listed online at goldenwestcollege.edu/campus-life/clubs.
Student Participation on College Committees
Students are encouraged to serve as student representatives in the participatory governance process at Golden West College. To learn more, please visit goldenwestcollege.edu/campus-life/student-government.
Student Union
The Student Union offers a variety of amenities to students, including the GWC Cafeteria, a lounge area with a large HDTV, a game room, wireless internet access, and computers. The Student Union is available for student forums, community presentations, and small productions.
Volunteer Program
Campus Life provides volunteer opportunities to promote civic engagement for all students and staff. Throughout the year, Campus Life sponsors group activities and maintains a list of both on and off campus volunteer opportunities for students. To learn more, please visit goldenwestcollege.edu/campus-life/volunteer.
Swap Meet
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/swapmeet/index.html
The Golden West College Swap Meet takes pride in its many accomplishments. Beginning in 1979 with a turnout of 100 vendors, the Swap Meet now features over 670 vendor spaces per day and is open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year (closed Easter Sunday) and provides a safe, family-friendly environment for the community to shop and sell a variety of new and used items, fresh produce, food options, flowers, antiques, and collectibles. Admission and parking are free to the public.
Arts and Culture Engagement for Students
Fine Art Gallery
http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/art-gallery/
The Fine Art Gallery at Golden West College exhibits regional, national, and international art. Gallery exhibits include our annual juried student exhibit and several traditional and contemporary art exhibits throughout the year.
Dance
(714) 895-8772
The annual dance concerts feature GWC students and invited guest artists. There are additional performances and master classes offered in the GWC studio dance theater and in the community.
Music
(714) 895-8772
Concerts are performed each year by the Chamber Choir and Symphonic Band.
Theater Productions
The Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents a diverse theater season in the Mainstage and Stage West Theaters. Drama, comedy, and musical productions are offered, with themes from the classical to the contemporary.
For more information about Golden West College’s outstanding Fine and Performing Arts programs, call (714) 895-8772 (Arts and Letters Division Office) or go online to www.gwctheater.com (Performing Arts).