children. Services provided include academic, personal and career counseling; work-study
opportunities; and referrals; design of individualized student education plans; job placement;
employment readiness skills workshops/classes; supervised study time; life skills and special interest
workshops; and information and referrals to other student services, support services and agencies.
The Department of Social Services provides transportation vouchers and checks for student supplies
and books on a limited basis. For more information, contact the MERRITTWorks Office in Building R,
Room 128, or call (510) 436-2469 / 436-2449.
Orientation
All new students at Merritt College are required to attend an Orientation to College session. This
session lets you know what to expect at college, how often to see your counselor, information
about planning your schedule, and where to find the resources that you need to succeed. See the
Assessment and Orientation Schedule for times and locations. Contact us at (510) 436-2582 or (510)
436-2475 or visit us in Building R-Room 109
Safety and Police Services
Safety and Police Services is located in Building D, Room 117, and is available 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Monday through Friday. Emergency Line: (510) 465-3456, or on campus at ext. 7236. Non-Emergency
Line: (510) 465-3514, or on campus at ext. 2668.
Next UP (formerly CAFYES) Program Homepage
Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support Program (CAFYES now called Next Up) is
a supplemental component of the existing Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
program. The purpose of CAFYES is to strengthen the capacity of community college districts to
support the higher education success, health and well-being of some of the nearly 13,000 current
and former foster youth who are enrolled in California’s community colleges. Stop by R-113H or call
(510) 434-3980.
Puente Program
The goal of the Puente Community College Program is to increase the number of educationally
under-served students who transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Puente students are
provided with accelerated English writing instruction, sustained academic counseling, and mentoring
from the professional community. Students must meet the following criteria to participate in the
Puente Program:
• Must be interested in transferring to a four-year college or university.
• Must be eligible for English 201A/201B (determined by assessment or completion of
prerequisites).
• Must make a commitment to work with the Puente counselor; and make a commitment to
work with their mentors as designated by the Project Coordinator. For further information,
please contact the Puente Office in Building P, Room 108, or call (510) 436-2637 or (510)
436-2563.
Safety Aides
Safety Aides assist Polices Services by patrolling the campus and its parking lots. Aides are available
for escort services to and from parking lots. To receive assistance, please call (510) 436-2546.
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