WHAT IS FERPA (FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT)?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (also sometimes referred to as the Buckley Amendment), is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records and the obligations of the institution, primarily in the areas of release of the records and the access provided to these records. Any educational institution that receives funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education is bound by FERPA requirements. Institutions that fail to comply with FERPA may have funds administered by the Secretary of Education withheld.
 
WHAT ARE EDUCATION RECORDS?
Under FERPA, education records are defined as records that are directly related to a student and are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. Education records can exist in any medium, including: typed, computer-generated, videotape, audiotape, film, microfilm, microfiche and email, among others.
Education records DO NOT INCLUDE such things as:

• Sole possession records, i.e., records/notes in sole possession of the maker, used only as a personal memory aid and not revealed or accessible to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record (this might include notes an instructor makes while providing career/professional guidance to a student).
• Medical treatment records that include but are not limited to records maintained by physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists. These records are usually protected under another law—Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPA).
• Employment records when employment is not contingent on being a student, provided the record is used only in relation to the individual's employment.
• Records created and maintained by a law enforcement unit (campus safety) used for only that purpose, that are revealed only to law enforcement agencies of the same jurisdiction, and the enforcement unit does not have access to education records.

ACCESS TO STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS:
College officials (defined as any person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position, or a person employed by or under contract to the College to perform a specific task) are permitted to access FERPA protected information IF they have a "legitimate educational interest". A “legitimate educational interest” is one that is specified in the college official’s position, description, or by a contract agreement, performing a task related to a student's education, performing a task related to the discipline of a student, providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student's family (such as health care, counseling, job placement or financial aid) or disclosure of information in response to a judicial order or legally issued subpoena.
 
According to FERPA, personally identifiable information in an education record may not be released to anyone but a college official without prior written consent from the student. Listed below are examples of information that MAY NOT BE RELEASED without prior written consent of the student:
- Citizenship
- Disciplinary status
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Grade-point average (GPA)
- Number of units completed
-SSN/student I.D.
- Grades/exam scores
- Test scores (e.g., placement tests,CLEP, AP, SAT, etc.)
- Progress reports

 

WHAT IF THE STUDENT IS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)-
Under this Act, students attending an institution of higher learning become an adult when it comes to their educational records at that institution. It is the policy of the Coast Community College District, in accordance with FERPA, to not release/discuss a student’s records without the signed release from the student, regardless of age, authorizing the release of that information to anyone except the student.


Golden West College will not release personally identifiable information from a student's education record without the student's prior consent. Regardless of the student’s age, parents are not permitted access to their child’s education records unless the student has provided a FERPA Release Form.

 
STUDENT'S RIGHT TO REVIEW AND CORRECT HIS/HER RECORDS:
Any currently enrolled or former student shall have access to any and all of their records on file at the college. Such access will be granted within 15 working days of a written request and shall be subject to procedures established by the Director of Admissions, Records, the Director of Financial Aid for financial aid records, the Dean of Counseling Services for counseling records, and the Vice President of Student Services for other records.

Students, by written request to the above administrator, may challenge the content of their records pursuant to the Education Code, Section 76232. Such challenges will be processed according to procedures established by those responsible administrators.

TYPES, LOCATIONS, AND CUSTODIANS OF EDUCATION RECORDS

Custodian Academic Records = Enrollment Services Office:Director of Admissions, Records and Enrollment

Services Financial Aid Records = Financial Aid: Director of Financial Aid Student 

Conduct Records = Office of the Dean of Students: Dean of Students

Counseling Records = Counseling Division: Dean of Counseling

Submitting Official Transcripts

Electronically
If the sending institution sends official transcripts electronically via PDF, electronic transcripts can be emailed to gwctranscripts@gwc.cccd.edu. The transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institutions authorized agent. GWC cannot accept forwarded transcripts from the student.

By Mail
Students that have completed classes at another accredited College or University, and wish to submit the transcripts for prerequisite clearance or for meeting degree/certificate requirements, may send official transcripts to:

Golden West College
ATTN: ADMISSIONS & RECORDS
15744 Golden West Street
Huntington Beach CA 92647

Important Update (Effective July 1, 2026)

Official transcripts will now include records from all three Coast Community College District colleges (Coastline, Golden West, Orange Coast). Separate transcript orders are no longer needed.

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Ordering Official Transcripts

All official transcripts must be ordered through Parchment Transcript Services.

Create an account and select your preferred delivery method:

• Electronic delivery
• Mailed paper copy

If you do not know your Student ID, you may use your Social Security Number instead.

 

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Things to Know

• In-person transcript pickup is not available.
• PDF transcripts sent directly to/from students are unofficial.
• Mailed transcripts are considered official only if the sealed envelope remains unopened.
• GE Certification requests require additional processing time for manual review.
• Holds (Academic Renewal, AA/Certificate Posting, Grade Changes, etc.) will cause processing times to vary depending on the circumstance.

 

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CVC Students

• CVC transcripts are automatically sent via Parchment to your home campus within 30 days after the end of the term/session.
• If you need a transcript sent to another institution, you must submit a separate order through Parchment.
• For more information, visit the CVC information page.  

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Transcript Fees (as of December 2025)

No Charge	The first two transcript and/or enrollment verification requests (lifetime) are free. If eligible, select this option under “Special Order Condition(s)” on the “Order Options” tab in Parchment when placing your order.
$8.00 each (Regular Processing)	$8.00 per transcript. Electronic: 1–2 business days.* Hard copy: 3–5 business days + mailing time.*
Additional Mailing Fees (Hard Copies Only)	USPS Domestic: $2.95 USPS International: $6.00
$35.00 per recipient	FedEx Domestic Overnight
$65.00 per recipient	FedEx International

*REMINDER: Selecting GE Certification or Holds may delay processing times.

 

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Processing Times & Policies

• Final grades are typically available about 10 days after the term ends.
• You may place a transcript order up to two weeks before the end of the term and select “Hold for Final Grades” to include them.
• Orders are processed in the order received once grades are posted.
• GWC does not offer rush processing for end-of-term transcript requests.

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Student Responsibility & Delivery

• You are responsible for entering the correct mailing address when placing your order. Incorrect/incomplete addresses may require a new transcript order and fee.
• GWC is not responsible for postal delays or delivery issues caused by external agencies.
• In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, records may not be released to a third party without the student's written authorization.
• If you do not receive your transcript within 30 days, contact Admissions & Records at 714-895-8306 or gwctranscripts@cccd.edu   

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Need Help?

For assistance placing a transcript order, please contact Parchment support: www.parchment.com/chat-support

 

Unofficial Transcripts

Current Students

1. Log in to your MyGWC portal
2. Select the "My Account" Tab
3. Locate the "Transcript" card
4. Under "View Unofficial Transcripts", click "All Colleges" 

Former students
Former students who no longer have access to their MyGWC portal will need to order a PDF copy of their Official Transcript. For instructions, please refer to the Official Transcript ordering directions.

Students may use high school transcripts to:

•  Satisfy the Math competency requirement for AA (Option 1: no Transfer)
•  Satisfy the Language Other Than English for completion of Area 6 IGETC requirement to transfer to UC
•  Place into second or third level language courses

You can use the Parchment Digital Credential Service to order your official transcripts to be sent to Golden West College.  Most transcripts are sent digitally, and you will receive a confirmation email when they have been received by our Admissions/Records office.

Paper Transcripts:
Golden West College
Attn: Admissions & Records
15744 Goldenwest Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Electronic Transcripts:
Official transcripts may be submitted electronically to Admissions and Records from your sending institution via PDF. The transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institutions authorized agent to gwctranscripts@cccd.edu. GWC will not accept forwarded transcripts from the student.

www.parchment.com

Students requesting credit for prior learning using Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) may receive credit for earning a satisfactory score in the following circumstances:

• Official AP, IB, and/or CLEP transcripts are on file in the Admissions and Records Office
• The student achieved a minimum acceptable score on the examination as specified in the college catalog

Even if you had your exam scores sent to a previous college, the scores won't transfer to GWC with your official transcript from the college you attended.  If you want the exam scores to be applied toward credit at Golden West College, you will need to order official scores from the College Board or the International Baccalaureate to be sent to GWC.

 

Duplicate Credit

Duplicate credit will not be awarded in the same area for Advanced Placement Exams, the International Baccalaureate and the CLEP subject exams. In order to receive credit students must have official test results from the testing service sent to Golden West College. Credits are posted to the transcript upon completion of all other graduation requirements.

Course credit and units granted at Golden West College may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

Students may earn credit for the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement (AP) Tests with scores of 3, 4, or 5. AP credit can be used to meet IGETC, CSU/GE and A.A. general education (GE) and/or major requirements. [Local/Non-transfer Degree Exceptions to the minimum AP score are the PHYS G120 Algebra Based Physics: Mechanics and PHYS G125 Algebra Based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism courses (AP Physics 1 and 2) which require a score of 5 for GWC unit and subject credit. Also, students who score 5 in Calculus BC can earn 10 units and subject credit for MATH G180 + G185].

Students must have the College Board send AP exam results to Admissions and Records (hand carried copies will not be accepted) for use on the A.A. or GE patterns. Course credit and units granted at Golden West College may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. See a GWC counselor for more information.

The AP Chart is based on the most current information available

 

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)

Students can earn GWC credit for International Baccalaureate examinations with a minimum score of 5. Exam results can be used to satisfy CSU General Education Breadth and IGETC requirements but may require a score of 4 in some of the areas.

Students can earn IB credit with a minimum score of 5 except where noted.

The IB Chart is based on the most current Information available.

 

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

CLEP credit can be used to satisfy CSU General Education Breadth requirements. It cannot be used to meet IGETC requirements. CSU grants CLEP credit, UC does not. It is up to the receiving institution to evaluate and grant CLEP credit. CLEP credit awarded at GWC may not transfer to other colleges. See a GWC counselor for more information.  

College Board CLEP information. 

Historical CSU CLEP exam credit and changes.

The CSU CLEP Chart is based on the most current information available. 

 

 

GWC grants credit for courses taken at regionally accredited institutions outside of the United States.

Students seeking credit for foreign coursework must provide a transcript evaluated by an accredited evaluation and translation service (see the Counseling Center or International Student Center for referrals). Students must turn in the official evaluation to Admissions and Records for inclusion in their record and then schedule an appointment with Counseling. Coursework from foreign institutions cannot be used for CSU GE Breadth or IGETC certification except to validate the foreign language requirement. Credit can be granted for GWC AA General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Lifelong Learning and Self Development, or Math Competency areas only. 

Transfer to a University

We cannot apply international coursework to CSU General Education Certification or IGETC Certification for transfer purposes. Although some courses may be accepted by the institution to which the student transfers, it is up to the destination institution to evaluate and determine what coursework will be accepted and how it will apply to the degree. For more information consult directly with the 4-year college that is the transfer destination.

A Maximum of 40 units in the following categories will be awarded.

Students will be mailed an evaluation after the required documents have been submitted. Awarded credit is not transferable to other colleges and universities; it is subject to the individual policies of the respective institutions.

If you are transferring to Golden West from another college or university, welcome! There are some things you may need to do before registering for classes.

1. Apply to the college – Once you have received your Welcome Email with your Username and Password:
   • You will be able to log in to the MyGWC Portal.
   • Counselors will be able to update your Major/Program of Study in DegreeWorks.
   • You will be issued a registration date/time.
   • You will have access to your Financial Aid file within the MyGWC Portal.
2. Speak with a Counselor
   • Review/Evaluate transcripts, English/Math scores.
   • Discuss your academic/career goals and create your Student Education Plan (SEP).
   • Please have copies of unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to share with the Counselor.
3. Order official transcripts
   • Students who have completed coursework at a college or university before coming to Golden West will need to have official transcripts sent to GWC before an official evaluation can take place.
     
     Students may have the following types of records:
     • Community College, CSU, UC, Private College/University, Out-of-State
     • Advanced Placement (AP) Scores
     • High School Transcripts
     • International Records (Coursework completed at a college or university outside of the United States)
     • Completion of a prior Associate or Baccalaureate Degree
4. Clearing Prerequisites
   • If you are attempting to enroll into a class that has prerequisites and you have completed those prerequisites at another college/university, use the Prerequisite Clearance form to upload unofficial transcripts. If you have questions about whether or not you have met the prerequisites with prior coursework, please contact Counseling.
5. Apply for Financial Aid

TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION

When students make an appointment with a Counselor and it prompts an official evaluation on the transcripts on file for the meeting. This is beneficial as you can work with a Counselor to apply your previous credit as you develop your Student Education Plan (SEP). Please contact Counseling and request an appointment.

Contact Counseling for appointment

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Transcripts submitted to Golden West College are evaluated for every lower division, degree applicable course completed with a grade of A, B, C, D, F, CR or P. These courses, units, and grades earned are applied as appropriate to the student's GWC goal and used for educational planning purposes. Courses with W, NC or NP notations are not reviewed or applied. Students must request copies of official sealed transcripts be sent to Admissions and Records from each college attended before an evaluation can be performed.

GWC does not accept coursework completed at any institution that is not regionally accredited by one of the following agencies:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

• Higher Learning Commission

• New England Commission of Higher Education

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges - Western Association of Schools and Colleges

• WASC Senior College and University Commission

Please note that some courses have similar titles, and appear to be equivalent to courses offered by GWC. However, the elements of the course may not be congruent with the GWC course.

Please review the Policies and Regulations for more details.

Students with an earned bachelor’s degree from an institution regionally accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) will be exempt from General Education requirements under the AA Option 1 GE pattern.

Students will need to complete the following for an Associate of Arts Degree:

• 12 units of residency at Golden West College
• Completion of major coursework as stated in catalog

Submission of official transcripts is required. This does not apply to Associate Degree for Transfer options, the CSU-GE Breadth or CALGETC/IGETC requirements. Please see a counselor for further details on this process and remaining requirements for the degree.

Note: Students pursuing a nursing degree must still undergo a full transcript evaluation for equivalent coursework and complete any deficiencies for the nursing degree.

If you have completed a degree (Associate degree, Baccalaureate degree, etc.) and intend to use coursework toward a degree here at Golden West, have your official transcripts sent to Golden West College.  Once you receive confirmation that they have been received, contact Counseling for an official evaluation.

www.parchment.com

Many non-traditional students (adults age 25+) come to California community colleges with skills gained through military, workplace, and civic experiences. They hold industry credentials, are graduates of public service academies, and were trained for military occupations. Credit for prior learning (CPL) is a strategy to help students get credit for what they already know and can do, saving them time and money on their educational path.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) college credit is awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Credit for prior learning may be earned for eligible courses approved by the faculty for students who satisfactorily pass an authorized assessment.

Authorized assessments may include the evaluation of approved external standardized examinations, military service/training, the evaluation of industry or State/Federal Government recognized credentials, student-created portfolios, and credit by examination.

Governor Brown signed two bills in 2018 that mandate CPL in California Community Colleges (SB1071, AB1786). From that time until the start of the Fall 2022 semester, community colleges across the state have been implementing policies and practices to ensure equity, quality, and integrity in the assessment process

Please visit the CPL page for more information.

What is General Education (GE) Certification?
General Education (GE) Certification is an official notation on your California Community College transcript that tells a CSU or UC you have completed your lower-division general education (GE) requirements. This means the university will accept those GE courses, so you won't have to repeat them after you transfer. It also ensures your GE requirements are based on the catalog and transfer pattern in effect when you completed your coursework. After you transfer, you will still need to complete any upper-division GE and major requirements at your university.

How do I request GE certification?
Students who need GE Certification must request it when ordering an official transcript through Parchment (select CSU-GE, IGETC, or CalGETC as applicable). Depending on the receiving institution, certification may be noted directly on the transcript or included as a separate form attachment within the transcript order. 

What are the different GE pathways? 
To find your GE pathway, visit the GWC Catalog and check out the links below

• CSU-GE

• IGETC 

• CalGETC 

What if I’m not sure which GE pattern I completed?  
Please contact GWC Counseling if you have any questions before requesting GE Certification on an official transcript order. 

How to Request a Verification of Enrollment

Third parties wishing to verify attendance and degrees must contact the Parchment directly. 

If you are a current or former student, there are three ways to request a verification of your enrollment, attendance, and/or GPA at Golden West College:

 OPTION 1: ONLINE VIA PARCHMENT

The quickest way to obtain a verification is by using Enrollment Verify through Parchment. 

Current students (Students with MyCoast Portal Access)

Enrollment Verifications can be requested beginning the 4th week of each term.

Log in to the MyCoast portal. Click on the "Registration" tab. Under the "Important Resources" table, click on the "Verify Enrollment" link. You will be redirected to the Parchment website. There is no charge for use of this service!

You will be able to select the following:

• Obtain an Enrollment Certificate (Choose "Current Enrollment" or "All Enrollment" before clicking on the link)
• Print Enrollment Verification Certificate.
• View Enrollment Information on File
• View Student Loan Deferment Notifications
• View Proofs of Enrollment

Former Students (Students without MyCoast Portal Access)

Former students who would like to request verifications online can do so via Parchment. Please note that they will charge for the request based on the information provided, and the amount may vary. Request an Enrollment Verification Online 

OPTION 2: ONLINE REQUEST (Preferred Method)

You can request your verification of current enrollment by completing the online form here: Verification of Enrollment.

OPTION 3: EMAIL REQUEST

If you are unable to submit an online Verification of Enrollment or are a past student, you may request your verification by emailing arinfo@gwc.cccd.edu. Subject line: Verification of Enrollment. You must specify what type of verification is needed and include your student ID number, your date of birth, a copy of a government-issued ID, and any forms that need to be completed. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format.

• Transcripts: New name will appear on GWC transcript (OCC or CCC transcript if applicable).
• Course Roster(s): New name will appear on the instructor's online class roster(s).
• Financial Aid recipients: Notify the Financial Aid Office of a name change.

In accordance with the Coast Community College District policy, name changes can only be completed by submitting:

1. Change of Name Form
2. Your court-ordered name change, marriage license, or certificate of citizenship.
3. Your state-issued identification card reflecting the new name. (e.g) driver's license or identification card)

You may submit your Change of Name form and documentation to arinfo@gwc.cccd.edu. Subject line: Change of Name Form.

Note: If you have ever worked within the Coast Community College District, name changes must be made with the human resources department.