Counseling’s primary goal is to provide academic support services necessary for students to succeed at the College of Alameda. Counselors are an integral part of the education process, recognizing the needs of each student with whom they come into contact. Counselors provide current and valid information, using many resources, so that students are prepared to investigate alternatives, establish priorities, and develop an Educational Plan.
Appointments
Quick Question
Developing a Student Education Plan
Degree Petitions
Financial Aid Appeals
Major Exploration
Academic or Progress Notice/Pause Hold
Transcript Evaluation
Degree/Transfer Requirements
Progress check
Academic Advice
Excess Units
General Questions (i.e., program/transfer information)
Prerequisite Clearance
English, ESOL, and math placement
New student process
College policy and procedures
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact Information
Cynthia Haro Department Co-Chair charo@peralta.edu Building A, Rm A-315
The Counseling Department offers in-person, online, and telephone appointments. To schedule a counseling appointment by phone, please call our CoA Counseling Department (510) 748-5207.
You can also request an appointment by emailing coacounseling@peralta.edu
In your email, please include:
Your full name
Peralta Student ID number
Callback phone number
A brief reason for your appointment
If you are affiliated with EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next-Up, Salaam, Veterans, Promise, Umoja, C2C, MESA, or another specialized program, please contact that program directly for counseling support.
Umoja
Umoja serves as a critical resource for enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African, African American and other students.
MESA offers academic support and career exploration to qualifying students who are pursuing degrees in mathematics, engineering, science, and technology
Betty Frias, M.S. Tenured General Counselor E: BFrias@peralta.edu P: (925) 289-8482 Bilingual Spanish
Cynthia Haro, M.S. Co-Chair of Counseling Department/College Promise/High School Transition Tenured General Counselor E: CHaro@peralta.edu P: (510) 543-2687 Bilingual Spanish
Cynthia Lopez, M.A. Dual Enrollment/General Counselor Tenured General Counselor E: CLopez@peralta.edu P: 510-748-5274
Jamar Mears, M.A. Veteran’s Counselor/Professor E: JMears@peralta.edu P: 510-748-5283
Julie Saechao, M.S. Co-Chair of Counseling Department/Tenured General Counselor E:JSaechao@peralta.edu P: (510) 629-1310
Maha Elaidy, M.S. Tenured General Counselor/Professor E: melaidy@peralta.edu P: (510) 698-2292
Vivian Virkkila, M.A. Tenured General Counselor/Professor E: vvirkkila@peralta.edu P: (510) 257-1597
