Cal Poly’s military-friendly campus offers an enthusiastic and supportive community for all veterans, service members, and our large group of military-dependent students. The Center for Military-Connected Students (CMCS) is a central hub of information and support. We strive to provide comprehensive assistance to all military-connected students. The CMCS is dedicated to offering a range of services tailored to your specific needs, including academic advising, resources, and a supportive community of fellow military-connected students who understand the military lifestyle. Our dedicated team supports students in accessing all military education benefits and is your connection to a multitude of campus and community resources. Start by checking out our helpful website pages, drop by our virtual center (see hours below), email us, or stop in our terrific space in Bldg 58, Room 109A (the Welding Building), in front of the Police Department. 

Click here for a map to locate us! 

New, incoming students for the 2025-26 academic year

• Find information about the process for newly admitted students here

Applying for the 2025-26 academic year?

• Find information about the admissions process here

• Applicants with an approved Cal Vet College Fee Waiver can request a refund of their application fee here

Continuing Students with New Benefits 

1. Fill out this form
2. Students using VA educational benefits (GI Bill, VR&E, Fry Scholarship, Ch 35 DEA) - visit the VA Benefits Page and watch "Using VA benefits at Cal Poly" and "Using the Veterans Benefit Module". 
3. Students using a Cal Vet College Fee Waiver - watch "Using the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver" and review the information on our Cal Vet College Fee Waiver Page 
4. Current military members using their branch Tuition Assistance or the CMD GI Bill - visit this page for more information on these benefits
5. Veterans and current military members - upload a copy of your DD214 or CAC to get Priority Registration in the future. This is not a benefit available to the dependents of veterans or military members. 
6. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with our team or email us if you have any questions about your benefits or the services that the the CMCS offers
7. Connect with us on social media @calpolyveterans to stay updated on important announcements and events. Don't forget! Our club and the center have lots of activities they want you to join in on during the academic year
8. Students who have been deemed to be out-of-state students who are using VA educational benefits are eligible for in-state tuition under VACAA.  Submit your request here

We are committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all military-connected students. We understand the unique needs and challenges that you may face, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. 

New Military Mustang Workshop (Note: Our last presentation of this workshop was 8/15/2024. To watch the recorded presentation, click here)

RSVP to our upcoming events:

All Virtual Workshops will happen in the CMCS Virtual Center via Zoom. The student MUST attend. 

We are committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all military-connected students. We understand the unique needs and challenges that you may face, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. Visit our "applying to Cal Poly" page here to learn about being the best applicant you can be. 

Click this link to join our VIRTUAL CENTER for drop-in questions and appointments 

The CMCS is closed during our Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks. If you need assistance, please email military@calpoly.edu.

We are located in Bldg 58, Room 109A (the Welding Building, in front of the Police Department.  

Click here for a map to locate us! 

Submit after hours questions here

Become an integral part of our mission by donating to crucial veteran services. Your contribution, regardless of size, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the services we provide and enriching the overall experience of our military-connected students. 

The high cost of living in San Luis Obispo often creates financial challenges for military-affiliated students. Additionally, our students often experience significant delays in funding and accessing their VA and state military education benefits leaving them without income or at a severely decreased income while pursuing the educational goals. This can lead to significant difficulties in meeting their most basic needs. Housing and food insecurity are the largest issues we see in military-connected students currently. 

• Free Food Pantry: We actively address these challenges through our center’s free food pantry. Students can easily come by and grab a snack or quick meal, no questions asked, reducing the chance that military-connected students avoid using the available services due to stigma. Our free food pantry stands as a vital resource, recognized as the most active satellite pantry on campus.
• Meals & Resources: We also provide many opportunities for a meal during our resource workshops and other events designed to provide students with information about campus and community support while  for their well-being.
• New Initiatives: As we have seen the level of need grow tremendously post-COVID, we hope to expand our efforts by providing meal vouchers, grocery cards and emergency grants. With homelessness among students on the rise, your support ensures we bridge this gap effectively.