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Welcome to the Center for Military-Connected Students (CMCS)

At Cal Poly, we honor the dedication of our veterans, service members, and military families. We’ve built a supportive environment where your unique experiences are valued and your academic goals are realized. The CMCS is more than just a resource office—it is your dedicated hub for navigating university life with confidence.

From specialized academic advising and maximizing your military education benefits to fostering a vibrant community of fellow Mustangs, our team is committed to your success. Whether you are transitioning to campus or preparing for your next career move, we are here to provide the tools and the community you need to thrive.

Connect with us anywhere! We’re making it easier than ever to access the support you deserve. Our Virtual Center allows you to drop in and chat with our team in real-time from anywhere. Whether you are a current student, a prospective applicant, or a supporter, we invite you to connect with us during our open hours.

Visit the Center: On-Campus & Online

We provide multiple ways for you to connect with our team and your fellow military-connected students. Whether you need a place to study, help with benefits, or a quick answer to a question, we are here for you.

San Luis Obispo (SLO) Campus:

Our primary hub is a welcoming space for studying, relaxing, and meeting with our staff.

Location: Building 58, Room 109A (The Welding Building), located directly in front of the Police Department.

Academic Term Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Find Us: [Click Here for the SLO Campus Map]

Solano – Maritime Academy Campus:

A dedicated space for our students at the Solano location to gather and access resources.

Location: Mayo Hall, Room 113.

Staffed Hours: Our Help Desk is managed by student assistants and hours vary based on their academic schedules. Current weekly hours are posted on the center door.

24/7 Access: The center is available to veterans and service members at any time via key card access.

Virtual Center (Drop-In & Scheduled Appointments):

Can’t make it to campus? Connect with us from anywhere during our virtual hours.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on holidays).

Get in Touch: [Enter the Virtual Center]

 

A Note on Student Breaks: During academic breaks, physical center hours may be reduced. However, our team remains available to support you via email and through the Virtual Center.

About Us: Our Mission & Commitment

Who We Are

The Center for Military-Connected Students (CMCS) at Cal Poly is a dedicated space designed to support the success of veterans, active-duty service members, and military dependents. We recognize that the transition from military service to academia—or balancing life as a military family member—comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Our mission is to bridge that gap by providing a centralized "home base" where our students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Our Commitment

We believe that military-connected students bring invaluable leadership, discipline, and global perspectives to the Cal Poly community. Our commitment is to honor your service by ensuring you have streamlined access to your earned benefits, specialized academic support, and a network of peers who understand your journey. At the CMCS, you aren't just a student; you are part of a legacy of service and excellence.

Our Services: Supporting Your Journey

The CMCS provides comprehensive resources to help you navigate Cal Poly from your first application to your walk across the graduation stage.

Military Education Benefits

We help you maximize the benefits you’ve earned. Our team provides guidance on:

VA benefits, & CalVet Fee Waivers: Navigating the certification process and ensuring timely payments.

Tuition Assistance: Assistance for active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard members.

Financial Aid Coordination: Ensuring your military benefits work seamlessly with other forms of financial aid.

Academic & Career Success

Your academic goals are our priority. We offer:

Specialized Advising: Academic planning that respects your timeline and unique circumstances.

Priority Registration: Helping you build a schedule that balances your education with life’s other commitments.

Career Readiness: Connecting you with veteran-friendly employers and resources for transitioning into the civilian workforce.

Community & Connection

Success at Cal Poly is better when you have a squad. We foster a strong community through:

The Veteran Success Center: A dedicated physical space on campus to study, relax, and connect with fellow military-connected students.

Peer Networking: Opportunities to meet others who share your background and experiences.

Campus Advocacy: We serve as your voice on campus, ensuring university policies and programs are inclusive of the military-connected experience.

     

 

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Request a verification of enrollment (Military ID Card's, Insurance...)	CLICK HERE
Review the cost of attending Cal Poly	CLICK HERE
Schedule a virtual appointment with our team	CLICK HERE
Military leave of absence	CLICK HERE
Out-of-state student fee waivers (VACAA)	CLICK HERE
Veteran: Credit for prior learning	CLICK HERE
Veteran: Request priority registration	CLICK HERE
Study abroad	CLICK HERE
Outside Scholarships for military-connected students	CLICK HERE
RSVP to our CMCS events	CLICK HERE
Military Tuition Assistance (TA)	CLICK HERE
VA Work Study	CLICK HERE
Other Important On Campus Resources	CLICK HERE
Parking Pass Information	CLICK HERE

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