Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.
Support Imperial Valley College students through the new California Community Colleges enrollment experience using approved messaging, practical guidance, and outreach resources.
Beginning Sept. 1, Imperial Valley College is transitioning to CCCStart, California Community Colleges’ new enrollment experience designed to make getting started at IVC simpler, clearer and more student-friendly.
As part of this transition, employees will notice “Apply” being replaced with “Start” across the IVC website and enrollment communications. As an open-access California Community College, this shift better reflects the experience we want to create for prospective students. Rather than asking students to “apply” and potentially creating uncertainty about whether they will be accepted, we are encouraging them to simply Start their enrollment journey at IVC.
For outreach staff and employees who work directly with students, please begin using “Start” and “Get Started” when directing prospective students to IVC’s enrollment process. Currently enrolled students do not need to complete a new application or take any action as a result of this transition.
Our goal is to provide students with consistent, welcoming language at every point of contact and make their first step toward IVC as easy to understand as possible.
CCCStart is the updated student starting experience for California Community Colleges, designed to make it clearer where students begin and what they do next. For IVC employees, the goal is simple: help students get started. Use clear, action-oriented language such as “Start Here” or “Get Started” and focus on guiding students to their next step.
You do not need to know every detail of CCCStart. Currently enrolled students generally do not need to take any action. Your focus is helping new and returning students:
Keep it simple: help students get started and guide them to the right place.
Resources for counselors, outreach specialists, adult schools, community organizations, and partner agencies supporting prospective students.
Admission Outreach ChecklistStudent Viewbook - Condensed Edition
FEATURED VIDEO
A short informational video explaining why CCCStart was created, what's changing, what students may experience, what outreach staff should know, and how IVC can support students during the transition.
Yes, in spirit. CCCStart is the updated starting experience that sits in front of the application process.
Students who begin through CCCStart are still applying through the same underlying California Community Colleges system.
CCCStart was redesigned based on direct student feedback asking for a clearer place to begin, a clear next step, and an easier path to follow.
CCCStart is the updated student enrollment starting experience for the California Community Colleges system, including Imperial Valley College.
No. A student's existing OpenCCC account still works with CCCStart.
Help the student identify their next concrete step — selecting a college, starting an application, or submitting enrollment — rather than explaining the full system.
Generally no — direct students to check their OpenCCC account status, and escalate to Admissions & Records if they're unsure whether a prior application transfers.
Colleges are transitioning to CCCStart on different timelines, so a student may see CCCStart at one college and CCCApply at another during the rollout period.
Point students to IVC's Welcome Center or the appropriate escalation contact listed in the Support & Escalations section of this page.