Admissions and Records
Welcome to Fullerton College
Special Admit Students — You’re on your way! Here’s everything you need to get enrolled and get started.
Term Dates
Winter/Spring 2026
Winter Session: Wed, Dec 17, 2025 – Wed, Jan 28, 2026
Spring Semester: Mon, Feb 2, 2026 – Sat, May 30, 2026
Summer 2026
Mon, Jun 8, 2026 – Fri, Aug 14, 2026
Fall 2026
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 – Sat, Dec 12, 2026
- 🌐 myGateway Portal (opens in new tab)
- 📋 Special Admit Form (opens in new tab)
- 📹 How to Register (opens in new tab)
- 📖 Canvas Login (opens in new tab)
- 📚 Class Schedule (opens in new tab)
- 📅 Campus Calendar (opens in new tab)
Your Next Steps
Select your grade level to see the steps that apply to you:
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Check your Student/Banner ID
Your 8-digit Banner ID was emailed to you within 7 business days of your application. You’ll need it for the Special Admit form and to access myGateway.
Can’t find it? Go to myGateway (opens in new tab) → Forgot Username to retrieve it using your email and date of birth.
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Complete the Online Special Admit Form
Fill out the online form completely. Your high school counselor will receive an automatic notification to approve it digitally. A new form is required every semester.
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Follow Up with Your School Counselor
Your form cannot be processed until your school counselor approves it. If you haven’t heard anything after a few days, check in with your counselor directly.
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Wait for Your Email Confirmation
Once A&R processes your approved form (up to 10 business days), you’ll receive an email confirmation. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it.
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Check for Holds & Your Registration Date
Log in to myGateway (opens in new tab), go to Registration Tools, and check for any holds and your registration appointment time. Holds must be cleared before you can register.
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Register for Approved Classes
On or after your registration appointment date, log in to myGateway and register for the courses listed on your approved Special Admit form. You may only enroll in those approved courses.
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Pay Remaining Fees & Get Your ID Card
Enrollment fees are waived for CA residents (grades 9–12, up to 11 units). You are still responsible for the health fee, parking permit, and course materials.
Fee schedule → (opens in new tab) • Get your Campus ID card → (opens in new tab)
Ready to Start Your College Journey?
Your Special Admit form is the most important first step. Complete it early to ensure your registration isn’t delayed.
What to Expect in a College Course
College classes are different from high school. Here’s a quick look at what’s ahead so you’re not caught off guard.
📋 Read the Syllabus First
Your instructor will provide a syllabus on day one. It lists all deadlines, grading policies, and attendance expectations — treat it as your contract for the course.
⏱️ Faster Pace
College courses cover more material in less time than high school. A typical 3-unit course expects about 6–9 hours of work per week outside of class.
📧 Check Email & Canvas Weekly
Instructors post announcements and assignments on Canvas and communicate through your college email. Missing these is the most common reason students fall behind.
🙋 Ask for Help Early
Don’t wait until the week before finals. Visit tutoring, go to instructor office hours, and use campus resources from week one — not week ten.
📅 Know Your Deadlines
Add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines vary by class. Missing the drop deadline can result in a permanent “W” on your transcript — know the dates for each course.
🏫 You Belong Here
College students come from all backgrounds and ages. Special Admit students succeed every semester. The campus is welcoming — explore it, use its resources, and introduce yourself to your instructor.
Special Admit Form Processing Times
Processing takes up to 10 business days once A&R receives your completed form. Submit before the deadline below to ensure processing by your registration appointment.
Winter / Spring 2026
Forms submitted after January 12 will be processed in 7–10 business days.
Email confirmation sent once processed.
Summer 2026
Forms submitted after May 18 will be processed in 7–10 business days.
Email confirmation sent once processed.
Fall 2026
Forms submitted after August 10 will be processed in 7–10 business days.
Email confirmation sent once processed.
Key Information
myGateway is your online student portal. Use it to register for classes, pay fees, check your registration appointment date, view holds, and access financial aid information.
Your Banner ID is an 8-digit number assigned when you’re admitted. It arrives by email within 7 business days of your application.
Forgot it? Go to myGateway and click Forgot Username (opens in new tab). Enter your email and date of birth to retrieve it.
Campus ID card production is located at the Admissions & Records Office. You need it for library access, computer labs, and other campus services. You must be enrolled in at least one course to obtain one.
Enrollment fees are waived for California residents in grades K–12 taking up to 11 units per semester.
You are still responsible for:
- Health Fee: $27 per semester
- Transportation Fee: $5–$5.75 per semester (includes free OC Bus pass)
- Parking Permit: Required if driving to campus (purchase via myGateway)
- Course Fees: Vary by class — see the class schedule
- Textbooks & Supplies: Varies by course
Students taking 12 or more units are considered full-time and are responsible for all enrollment fees.
Parking permits are required in all campus lots at all times. Purchase your semester parking permit through myGateway (opens in new tab).
Special Admit students may enroll in up to 11 units per semester as a part-time student with enrollment fees waived (CA residents).
Students wishing to take 12 or more units (full-time) must sign the full-time Special Admit form, available at the A&R office, and will be responsible for all enrollment fees.
Some courses have restrictions — students may not enroll in ESL, English, or Reading below the 100 level, or Math below the 40 level. Art classes involving nude models and Cosmetology courses (requires age 17+) are also restricted.
- May not enroll in ESL, English, or Reading below the 100 level, or Math below the 40 level
- Art classes involving nude models (life drawing) are restricted
- Cosmetology (COSMO) courses require students to be at least 17 years old
- Enrollment in any course not listed on your approved Special Admit form will result in an administrative drop
Fullerton College uses Canvas as its learning management system. Once you are registered for a course, you can log in to Canvas to access your syllabus, assignments, announcements, and grades.
Your Canvas course typically becomes available on or after the first day of the term. If you don’t see your course right away, wait until the semester start date.
Log in with your myGateway username and password.
Canvas Login → (opens in new tab) • Canvas Help & FAQs → (opens in new tab)
These deadlines matter — missing them can result in a failing grade on your permanent college transcript and fees you cannot recover.
- Add deadline: Varies by class length. Check the class schedule or your Schedule Bill for the exact date.
- Drop with refund: Drop before this date to receive a fee refund and have the course removed from your record entirely.
- Withdrawal (W grade): After the drop deadline you can still withdraw, but a “W” will appear permanently on your college transcript. Excessive W’s can affect future enrollment priority.
- No-show drop: If you don’t attend the first class meeting and don’t notify your instructor, you may be dropped automatically.
How to find your deadlines:
- Searchable Class Schedule: Look up any course to see its specific add, drop, and withdrawal dates.
- Your Schedule Bill: Log in to myGateway and view your Schedule Bill — it lists the exact deadlines for every course you are enrolled in.
Search the Class Schedule for deadlines → (opens in new tab) • Log in to myGateway for your Schedule Bill → (opens in new tab)
Prerequisites are courses or preparation levels you must complete before enrolling in certain classes. If you completed prerequisites at Fullerton or Cypress College, they clear automatically. Completed elsewhere? Contact the Counseling Office to have them cleared.
Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No one — including parents and high school officials — may access your college records without your written permission, even if you are a minor.
If you have previously attended Cypress or Fullerton College, check myGateway for any outstanding holds. Holds prevent you from registering on your scheduled date.
Log in to myGateway → Registration Tools → Check for Holds.
Through the Adult School Special Admit Program (ASSAP), students enrolled in an adult school like North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) can take community college courses while working toward their high school diploma or equivalency (HiSET/GED). Thanks to SB554 (opens in new tab), eligible students earn college credit without paying tuition, though parking, books, and other fees still apply.
Special Admit: You come to the Fullerton College campus (or take online classes) independently, through the process on this page.
Dual Enrollment: Your high school has a formal partnership with Fullerton College where a college instructor teaches classes at your high school campus. If you’re unsure which applies to you, ask your school counselor.
Support Programs & Services
Your success matters to us. Take advantage of these resources early — don’t wait until you’re struggling!
🎓 Counseling
Student-centered counseling to help you select courses, clear prerequisites, and develop your education plan.
Visit Counseling (opens in new tab)✍️ Academic Support (Tutoring)
Free tutoring through the Skills Center, Tutoring Center, and Writing Center — open to all enrolled students.
Get Tutoring Help (opens in new tab)📖 Library
Research resources, study spaces, and academic support. Your campus ID card grants you access.
Visit Library (opens in new tab)🏥 Health Center
Physical and mental health services for all enrolled students. Located in Student Support Center, Room 108.
Visit Health Center (opens in new tab)🍎 Food Bank
Open to all currently enrolled students. Visit once a week for groceries, once a week for snacks. Located in SSC Room 102.
Visit Food Bank (opens in new tab)📚 Online / Canvas
Taking a hybrid or online course? Fullerton College uses Canvas. Find FAQs, support, and the laptop lending program.
Distance Education Resources (opens in new tab)📖 Bookstore
Textbooks, course materials, school supplies, and Hornet gear. Located in the Student Services Building facing Chapman Ave.
Visit Bookstore (opens in new tab)Information for Parents & Guardians
Your involvement helps your student succeed. Here’s what you need to know.
Your Signature Is Required
The Special Admit form requires a parent or guardian signature. For K–8 students, your signature is one of several required before the packet can be submitted to A&R.
For 9–12 students using the online form, you should review the request with your student before their school counselor is notified for digital approval.
FERPA & Privacy Rights
Once your student enrolls in college courses, their educational records are protected under FERPA. Unlike K-12 schools, colleges cannot share grades, attendance, or academic records with parents — even if the student is a minor — without the student’s written consent.
How You Can Support Your Student
- Help plan transportation to and from campus
- Encourage regular check-ins on college email and Canvas
- Connect with the high school counselor about how college credit fits graduation requirements
- Remind your student that college courses move faster than high school — early use of tutoring and campus resources makes a big difference
- Review the campus calendar (opens in new tab) together for add/drop and withdrawal deadlines
Questions? We’re Here to Help
The Admissions & Records office is ready to assist you with your Special Admit enrollment.