Student Services and Resources

The El Monte Educational Center (EMEC) staff is here to provide as many Student Services and Resources as possible.  We offer potential and continuing students assistance with:

Application

In the Administration Office, we have eight computers to assist with completing the Río Hondo College online application.  You will need a personal email address to receive emails from CCCApply and Río Hondo College. If you do not have a personal email address, our staff members are available to assist you in creating a free email address.

Bike Rack

A bike rack is located in front of the Administration Building, to the right of the entrance door.

Bookstore

We do not have a bookstore at our location, but we do maintain a supply of pens and pencils.

Bus Lines

  • Foothill 486 runs approximately every 10 minutes and has a bus stop on the corner of Garvey and Tyler, just a few steps away from EMEC.
  • Norwalk 7  picks up in front of Río Hondo College and takes you to the corner of Peck and Garvey. You can either walk down to Tyler transfer to get on the Foothill 486 and get off on Tyler and Garvey then walk to EMEC.
  • The City of El Monte’s Orange Line runs approximately every 40 minutes and has a stop on Garvey and Tyler, just a few steps away from EMEC.

Computer Lab

Are you looking for a quiet place to study? EMEC has a computer lab where you can type and print your papers, research for projects, and study for a test.

A state-of-the-art computer lab is available to students throughout the semester.  It is located in EM 102 and the hours vary each semester. Check the class schedule for the computer lab hours for the current semester.

Students must have a Río Hondo College ID card to sign in to use the lab.

Disable Students Programs and Services (DSPS)

Accommodations can be made for students in need of extra time and/or a quiet space to take exams on-site. Other services are available by arrangement with DSPS at the main campus.

Emergency Blue Light

There is an emergency intercom that serves as a direct link to the main campus. It is located in the parking lot near the southwest corner of the campus.

Financial Aid

EMEC staff is available to assist you with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  To apply for financial aid, you must bring with you your last year’s income tax forms (e.g. 2025 – 2026 FAFSA requires 2023 tax forms).  Apply at studentaid.gov/. The Río Hondo College code is #001269. This application also informs Río Hondo College and the State of California about your qualifications for state financial aid.

Food and Snacks

There are many fast-food restaurants within quick walking distance or approximately a five-minute drive.

Orientation

New and continuing students may use the EMEC computer lab or Administrative Office computers to access My Online Orientation by logging in to AccessRío. Select the Student tab, and then My Online Orientation.

Parking

Free parking is available to everyone attending EMEC. Disabled parking spaces are directly in front of the campus, but you must have a current disabled parking placard to park in these spaces.

Registration

Our staff members are here to assist you with the registration process, including accessing and using AccessRío. We can help you look for open classes, help you develop a schedule, and assist you with registering for your classes.

Smoking/Vaping Area

Smoking or vaping is prohibited within 20 feet of classrooms and the Administration Office. There is a designated smoking and vaping area located behind classrooms EM 101 and EM 102, next to the parking area adjacent to Church’s Chicken.

Transfer Information

Transfer information is available in the main office. Students may also access assist.org or csumentor.edu and utilize the Eureka College program.

WiFi

EMEC offers Wi-Fi access to all Río Hondo students.  The Administration Office has the Computer and Network Use form needed for assigning your username and password.