Student Resources
“As a classroom community, our capacity to generate excitement is deeply affected by our interest in one another, in hearing one another’s voices, in recognizing one another’s presence.” - bell hooks, Teaching to Transgress
Student Communities
You’ll be learning a lot each semester, but you don’t have to do it alone! The following are some awesome organizations and clubs our department supports:
ASE Programs
Academic Success and Equity (ASE) Programs intentionally center communities that have been historically marginalized in traditional higher education settings: students who are Black & African-American, Latinx & Chicanx, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander, Undocumented, DACAmented, mixed status, former foster youth, formerly incarcerated, justice/system impacted, and LGBTQIA+ students.
MESA Program
The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program was established in California in 1970 to support students from underrepresented and underserved communities successfully transfer to 4-year institutions in calculus based STEM majors through services like one-on-one counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and internship opportunities. The MESA program is open to all students who meet the eligibility criteria: 1st gen college student, intent to transfer to a 4-year institution, declared in a calculus-based STEM field, have no previous Bachelor’s degree in any field, demonstrate financial need (such as qualifying for a PELL grant, Cal Grant, CA DREAM Act, GI Bill, Federal Work Study, Cal Fresh, or other need-based/subsidized Financial Aid).
CSCG Club
The Computer Science for Common Good (CSCG) Club, formerly known as the Computer Science and Women in Computer Science Clubs, is a student organization whose purpose is to empower disenfranchised members in the Computer Science field such as —but not limited to— Women, Black, PoC, Undocumented, LGBTQIA+ and Disabled students in order to help them succeed and thrive as future Computer Scientists, Software Engineers, Data Scientists or any other related occupation.
Game Design Club
The Game Design Club wants to connect students in collaborating, sharing community resources, participating in game jams, and learning from projects and tutorials. Story writers, musicians, visual artists, or programmers, students from all backgrounds and interests are encouraged to join. Games capture such a variety of skills and experience we would love to help all students on the steps to making the games they have dreamed of. You can join their Discord Server for announcements and meetings.
CS-Specific Support Services
Having trouble with a CS concept or homework? We have lots of services to support CS students, here’s a flowchart to help you find what might work best for you:
STEM Learning Center
The STEM Learning Center provides free and superior student support to all MiraCosta students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses utilizing a friendly, inviting environment with qualified instructors, professional subject matter experts, and trained tutors and staff. All CS courses are supported, with in-person dropin hours/appointments Mon-Fri and online Zoom hours Sun-Fri!
MESA Student Tutoring
Are you a MESA student? Then you qualify for additional free peer tutoring in the MESA Center to support you in your STEM courses!
Internships
Internship information and more in our CS Department site.
Student Support Services
Support doesn’t just come in the form of clubs/tutoring, here are just a few you can find links to in the full Student Support guide:
Technology Needs
If you are in need of a laptop and/or mobile hotspot for fall, the library will be loaning equipment for the fall semester for enrolled credit students (that’s you!). Please fill out a CARE Referral form. Equipment will be loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you’ve completed the form, the library will contact you with further information and pickup options. If you currently have equipment from the library, it must be returned before you can apply to borrow equipment again. If you have further questions, please contact Michelle Ohnstad, Library Operations Manager.
Academic Accommodations
If you have a disability or medical condition impacting learning and have not yet been authorized to receive academic accommodations, you’re encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office (formerly known as Disabled Students Programs and Services or DSPS). They can be reached at (760) 795-6658, or sas@miracosta.edu, and will help determine accommodations that are available for you.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
MiraCosta is committed to equity and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual. The district employs a Campus Liaison for LGBTQIA+ needs, offers LGBTQIA Safe Space training, and has multiple student scholarships.
Undocumented/Mixed-Status Students (UPRISE)
I am an unapologetic and unafraid Ally Educator to undocumented students and their families. I will not inquire about your status, and it is entirely at your discretion to disclose the information if you feel comfortable doing so. You can always contact me if you have questions or concerns about your status or would like guidance toward resources to ensure your success while at MiraCosta College. Did you know we have a program dedicated to Undocumented and Mixed Status Students? UPRISE (Undocumented Student Rise in Solidarity and Empowerment) provides legal consultations, mental health counseling, academic and career counseling, entrepreneurship trainings, peer network events, and more for students and loved ones!
EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services)
The EOPS program’s mission is to encourage the enrollment, retention, graduation and transfer of students disadvantaged by language barriers and/or social, economic and educational circumstances. EOPS services are designed to give students individualized attention and support as they work to achieve their academic goals. EOPS provides specialized counseling, education planning, priority registration, textbook vouchers and loans, and CalWORKs program. Check the EOPS website for eligibility requirements and to chat with a program counselor.
CARE Resource Guide for Basic Needs
It can be difficult to be present and maintain focus if you have challenges meeting basic needs such as a place to live, access to food, consistent transportation, and more. These challenges may impact your personal and academic success and we are here to help. Our Campus Assessment, Resources, and Education (CARE) program provides assistance with locating resources on- and off-campus to meet those basic needs. I urge you to speak with me so that I may submit a CARE referral on your behalf. You may also visit the CARE website or contact care@miracosta.edu for further support, resources, or information.
Counseling Resources
As a student, there may be times when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and/or negatively impact your daily life. If you or someone you know is having difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, housing, or transportation, or experiencing other personal and academic challenges, MiraCosta’s CARE Team is here to provide support and/ or help you get connected to appropriate resources. You may fill out a CARE referral form to request assistance, or schedule free mental health counseling sessions at Health Services or by calling 760-795-6675. For after hours crisis management, you may call 1-888-724-7240. As a faculty member, I also may refer students about whom I am concerned to the CARE Team. This is part of who we are as a caring, proactive community where we all look out for one another. Also note this semester there are weekly group sessions for: students with autism, Black students, recovery support, LGBTQIA+ students, single parents, chronic illness, and undocumented students. Check their blog for more workshop series.
Transportation Assistance Request Form
Our CARE team is migrating all transportation requests for Bus Passes, Gas Cards, and Uber Discount Program to be completed through the Transportation Assistance Request form. This form will help cut down communication time in gathering key information to process these requests. You may review these instructions on how to complete if assistance is needed to navigate this new form. Please utilize this form to request transportation support from us INSTEAD of the CARE referral form.
Lactation Room
Students may also use the facilities as scheduling permits. Located at T305C on the Oceanside Campus (north of the 3500/3600 rooms), the room has a posted schedule. There is a sign that can be posted on the door when the room is in use. The lactation room is equipped with a recliner chair and a table. Lactation room does not have a refrigerator. Contact Human Resources for authorization: Carolyn Sneary 760.795.6855
Veteran Services
Veterans Services consists of the Veterans Education Office and the Veterans Information Center, the staff is committed to helping you achieve our academic goals.