Ready, set, fall! MVC Begins the Fall 2026 Semester
A new semester is underway at Moreno Valley College, and Mountain Lions are taking their next steps with excitement!
MVC begins fall 2026 on the heels of being named the No. 1 community college in the Inland Empire for student return on investment by WalletHub for the third consecutive year. The 2026 ranking evaluated 613 community colleges nationwide across measures including cost and financing, education outcomes and career outcomes. MVC also ranked No. 7 in California and No. 35 nationally.
The College also welcomed students and community members onto campus on Aug. 22 for the second annual Super Saturday resource fair. The event brought together students, college teams and community partners for a day focused on getting ready for college—from learning more about MVC and connecting with support programs to meeting community service providers and completing important start-of-college tasks.
Now, with fall classes underway, here's what Mountain Lions need to know to start the semester strong.
A welcome from President Besikof
Welcome to fall 2026, Mountain Lions! In his fall welcome, MVC President Rudy Besikof, Ed.D., shares a message for students as the new semester begins.
Your Fall 2026 Resource Guide
Whether you're joining us for your first college semester or returning for your next semester, a few simple steps can help you get settled and ready to learn.
- Check your student account: Log in to MyPortal and make sure you can access your student email, EduNav and other college services.
- Review your class schedule: Check the days, times, locations and instructional formats for your classes. Some courses have different start and end dates, so make sure you're looking at the details for each class.
- Find your classrooms: MVC offers classes at two campuses. Use our campus maps to find your classrooms, parking areas, and other campus locations before your first visit.
- Connect with support: MVC offers academic counseling, tutoring, financial aid, special support programs and other services designed to help you stay on track. Choose the resource that will help you meet your college goals.
- Need help figuring out what's next? Start with our new student information, or visit an Engagement Center to connect with the right people and resources.
A new semester is also a chance to reset, reconnect and make sure you're set up for success.
- Check your MVC email: Important messages from your instructors and the college will be sent to your student email.
- Log in to Canvas: Check your courses, instructor messages, assignments and course materials. If you're taking a fully online class, it's important to log in as soon as possible so instructors know you're active in the course.
- Review your financial aid: Check your financial aid status in MyPortal and make sure you've completed any outstanding requirements.
- Know your deadlines: Add, drop, and refund deadlines can vary by course. Check MyPortal for the deadlines that apply to your classes.
- Ask for help early: If a class is challenging or you aren't sure where to go for support, reach out. Tutoring, academic counseling, educational advising, and other services are available year-round.
Find Your Way Around MVC
Several programs and services moved to new locations over the summer. If you're looking for a familiar office, check its current location before you head across campus.
Campus Maps and Directions Parking Information
Your Next Steps
- August 24 - Start of Term: This marks the start of full-term 16-week classes and the first session of 8-week classes.
- September 2 - Cal Grant deadline: Sept. 2 is the final filing deadline for the Community College Entitlement Cal Grant. If you are applying for Cal Grant aid, make sure you've submitted the required financial aid application and completed any required steps by the deadline.
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September 4 - Refund Deadline: Sept. 4 is the refund deadline for most fall 2026 classes. Course-specific deadlines may vary, so check MyPortal for each class you're seeking to refund.
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September 7 - Labor Day: College closed
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September 7 - Drop Deadline: Sept. 7 is the fall 2026 deadline to add a class or drop a class without a "W" for most courses. Check your individual course deadlines before making changes to your schedule.
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November 11 - Veterans Day: College closed
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November 23–29 - Thanksgiving Break: Classes out of session. College closure on November 26 and 27.
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December 18 - End of Term
Sept. 2 is the final filing deadline for the 2026-27 Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Grant.
If you're a California community college student who wants to be considered for a Cal Grant, you must submit your 2026-27 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by Sept. 2.
Cal Grants are state financial aid that can help eligible students pay for college. If you haven't submitted your FAFSA or CADAA yet, don't wait! If you need help, MVC's Student Financial Services team runs workshops, provides drop-in support, and is available to chat online and in-person in the Welcome Center.
If you're planning to transfer to a four-year university in fall 2027, now is the time to start planning. UC and CSU applications open this fall, with application deadlines in November.
- Sept. 1: UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) application period opens for fall 2027.
- Sept. 30: UC TAG application deadline.
- Oct. 1: UC and CSU fall 2027 application submission period opens.
- Nov. 30: UC fall 2027 application deadline.
- Nov. 30: CSU fall 2027 priority application deadline.
Deadlines can vary by university, campus and major, so check the requirements for the schools you're considering. Start planning now with MVC's transfer resources and connect with a counselor to make sure you're on track.