Undocumented Resource Center
We are Here for You!
If you are an undocumented or mixed-status student, make the URC your First Stop! We will guide you through admission, tuition, financial aid, classes, career goals, and much more!
We encourage all faculty to include the following statement in their syllabi:
San Diego City College is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. We recognize and value the diverse experiences, identities, and contributions of our students, including those from undocumented and mixed-status families.
If you are seeking support or information, the Undocumented Resource Center (URC) is here to assist you. We invite you to visit us in L-116 to learn more about the resources available to you.
You are a valued and essential part of our academic community. You belong here.
The URC has designated counselors and staff offering personalized one-on-one support and guidance to prospective undocumented students and currently enrolled UndocuScholars. We offer both, in-person and virtual appointments.
***Please read carefully before you book an appointment.***
Book with a Counselor for:
- Education plan - update major (academic goal), course plan on MySDCCD, expected graduation
date, catalog year
- Abbreviated educational plan - schedule a 30 minute appointment
- Comprehensive educational plan - schedule a 1-hour appointment
- Assistance with SAP Appeal (Satisfactory Academic Progress)
- Career - interpreting personality assessments, developing a career plan, income-generating opportunities (e.g., starting a business, entrepreneurship)
- Lifting Academic Disqualification registration hold
- Prerequisite clearances
- Unit limit override (to enroll in over 19 units in Fall/Spring)
- Unofficial transcript evaluation of previously completed courses (while the official transcript evaluation by District is processing)
- Updating academic milestones (Math, Writing, Reading)
- Transfer guidance - major preparation and general education pathways
- Other petitions on MySDCCD (e.g., Academic Renewal, Modification of Graduation Requirements)
Book with Magaly for:
- Continuing Education or high school students transitioning to credit college
- Cost of attendance (e.g., AB 540 general guidance)
- Financial aid guidance (e.g., California Dream Act Application, scholarships)
- General support navigating the college
- Information on resources for undocumented students (e.g., free immigration legal services, EAT program)
- Paid olunteer opportunities and questions (e.g., Dream Act Service Incentive Grant)
- UndocuScholar orientation
Book an Appointment with Magaly
NOTE: These appointments are exclusively for undocumented or mixed-status students. Other
students should refer to the Counseling and Personal Growth Department for general counseling related to academic and career goals.
*Citas pueden ser en español.
Please consider confidentiality statements below when speaking with the URC team:
I understand that California is a 'two-party consent' state. It is a crime in California to record a telephone call or videoconference, among other types of private conversations, without the express consent of all participants.
I understand that I may not record my scheduled online session with my counselor without their consent. I may not record the meeting or any portion of it unless I ask the counselor and they specifically give you permission.
The UndocuScholar Program is intended for students who may benefit from the resources and support offered through the Undocumented Resource Center, including undocumented, mixed-status, AB 540, DACA, TPS, and other students navigating immigration-related barriers.
Through the UndocuScholar Program students at San Diego City College receive holistic support through personalized services, meaningful connections, and high-impact educational practices designed to promote their academic, personal, and professional sucess.
Benefits of being an UndocuScholar:
- Enter an opportunity drawing for a $100 bookstore gift card each semester.
- Get a welcome bag with Undocumented Resource Center swag!
- Meet with an Undocumented Resource Center academic and career counselor with extensive experience with the undocumented and mixed-immigration status communities.
- California Dreamer Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) case management. The DSIG program allows eligible undocumented students to volunteer on campus or at an approved service organization in exchange for a $2,250 grant per semester (Applicable to eligible California Dream Act Application applicants only).
- Access personalized support, guidance, and resources from our team and allies on campus.
To be part of the program, students must:
- Be enrolled in at least three units at San Diego City College.
- Submit the UndocuScholar Program Application.
- Schedule and attend a program orientation with the Undocumented Resource Center coordinator, Magaly Corro Flores.
*Please note that we do not willingly share your information with other departments
or outside entities. Your information is strictly confidential and will only be reviewed
by the Undocumented Resource Center team.
Students may stop at the URC to get connected to different on and off campus resources. Some resources include:
- Access to the Emergency Satellite Pantry inside the URC for currently registered students.
- Ensuring All Thrive (E.A.T.) Program
To support undocumented students facing food insecurity, San Diego City College Basic Needs and the URC partnered up to provide grocery gift cards to eligible currently enrolled undocumented students. Please note that this program is not considered a public charge. The information collected will only be used to determine eligibility and will not be shared with outside organizations.
To learn about these resources and more, visit the URC or make an appointment to meet with us.Community Resources
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office - Resources for Undocumented Students
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD) Nonprofit organization webinars and workshops
Mental Health Resources
Catholic Charities: 619-231-2828
East County Mental Health Clinic: 619-401-5500
First Avenue Counseling Center: 619-685-0041
La Maestra Counseling Center: 619-564-8765
Logan Heights Counseling Center: 619-515-2355
Operation Samahan: 619-474-2284
SDSU Center for Community Counseling: 619-594-4918
The LGBT Center: 619- 692-2077 x208
YMCA Low-Cost Individual Counseling: 619-239-0355 x 252
Crisis or Help Lines
Call 2-1-1: For referrals (24 hours a day/7 days a week)
Crisis Text Line: Text COURAGE to 741741 (24 hours a day/ 7 days a week)
Domestic Violence Hot Line & Resources: (888) 385-4657
Family Support Line: (877) 450-5463
NAMI San Diego Help Line: (619) 543-1434 (Monday through Friday, 9 am-5pm)
San Diego Access & Crisis Line: (888) 724-7240 (24 hours a day/ 7 days a week)
San Diego Sexual Assault & Rape Hot Line: (888) 724-7240
Can I go to college?
AB 540 is a California law passed in 2001 which created Education Code Section 68130.5. This was later modified in 2014 with the passage of AB 2000 (Gomez); in 2017 with the passage of SB 68 (Lara); and most recently in 2022 with the passage of SB 1141 (Limon).
This law allows certain eligible students, including those who are undocumented, to pay in-state tuition fees at a California Community College (CCC), California State University (CSU), and University of California (UC).
Students who qualify for AB 540 may also be eligible to apply for state and institutional financial aid through the California Dream Act Application.
Eligibility Criteria
The San Diego City College Office of Admissions processes the AB 540 Affidavit. To review the elegibility criteria and to submit the AB540 Affidavit, please visit their website.
If you have general questions about the AB 540 process or financial aid opportunities, the Undocumented Resource Center is here to help. Book an appointment to speak with us, today!
The URC provides guidance and support throughout the enrollment process, including financial aid opportunities available to undocumented students.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The California Dream Act Application allows eligible undocumented students to apply for state and institutional financial aid. By submitting the CADAA, students may be considered for programs such as Cal Grants, the Student Success Completion Grant, California College Promise Grant, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance available through the state and their college.
The URC can help students navigate the CADAA process and connect them with a Financial Aid liaison for additional support.
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
Students who are eligible to submit the CADAA, may also qualify for the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) program.
Through the DSIG program, eligible students can receive up to $4,500 per academic year in financial aid by completing 300 volunteer hours at San Diego City College, or another approved off-campus organization.
To see if you meet the eligibility criteria, please submit the DSIG Interest Form.
Financial Aid Resources:
California Dream Act Application Link
Applying for Financial Aid as a Mixed-Status Family in California- A Guide (Part 1)
San Diego Community College District students are eligible to receive free immigration legal services from Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) accredited representatives. They can assist you with DACA renewals, naturalization applications, exploring possible immigration relief options, and much more.
Virtual and in-person appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, please click on the link below:
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
Resources:
- Know Your Rights tutorial video in seven languages
- Know-your-rights handout in eight languages to help families prepare for a possible interaction with ICE
- Downloadable, fillable, and printable Family Preparedness Plan
The URC aims to provide a safe and brave space for undocumented and mixed status students to hang out, study, and create a supportive community. The URC team also facilitates unodou-specific student engagement activities, information sessions, and workshops.
Examples of events:
- UndocuChats & Crafts
- Income Generating Opportunities for the Undocu-Community
- CA Dream Act FAQ
- Know Your Rights
We advertise our events through Instagram.
Follow us at @sdcityurc
Non Participation In Immigration Enforcement Activities
All San Diego Community College District employees must adhere to the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and AP 3415 - Non-Participation in Immigration Enforcement Activities; Immigration Status
Security.
FERPA protects the privacy of student educational records and all personally identifiable
information in those records. The district and its employees cannot disclose information
about students without the student's written consent, even to federal authorities.
We will comply with the California Value Act (SB 54) and not expend any SDCCD law
enforcement resources on immigration enforcement or immigration information-gathering
activities.
Download PDF of the protocol:
The URC team is proud to offer UndocuAdvocate trainings to all San Diego City College employees every semester. Registration information will be sent to employees' work emails.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion after the session.
To learn more about UndocuAdvocate Trainings, please email the Undocumented Resource Center Coordinator, Magaly Corro Flores at [email protected].
By engaging with the Undocumented Resource Center students will:
- Identify key programs, services, and resources available to support their academic and person pursuits.
- Recognize how their multiple identities and roles intersect and influence their college experience and daily lives.
