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. 

The CMCS offers 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. Start by checking out our helpful website pages, drop by our virtual center (see hours below), email us, or stop in our beautiful new space in Bldg 58, Room 109A (the Welding Building, in front of the Police Department. 

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.

Upon accepting an offer of admission, all prospective military-connected students must:  *(follow links in each step) 

 


**Connect with the staff of the CMCS. This connection is crucial to ensure that you receive the guidance and support you need throughout your academic journey.


**Join our Newly Admitted Military Mustang Google Classroom. We'll use this tool to keep you up-to-date throughout the time leading up to school starting. 


**Apply for your VA military education benefits (VA Certificate of Eligibility) once you accept your offer of admission. Cal Vet College Fee Waivers for the children and spouses of disabled veterans can apply after the 2023 tax season ends in April. 


**Veterans and service members turn in your DD214 or CAC to the CMCS  for Priority Registration. Remember to request a copy of your official military transcripts be sent to the Office of the Registrar at Cal Poly.  


**Submit your military education benefits documents to the CMCS before August 15th to have them in place for Fall. VA benefits documents are submitted through your Cal Poly Student Portal in the Veterans Benefit Module after July 1st. Cal Vet College Fee Waiver approval codes are submitted here.  


**Out-of-state students who are eligible for VA educational benefits are eligible for an out-of-state fees waiver once they have been assigned their new CA address (often a dorm address). Students - change one of the addresses in your Cal Poly Student Portal to reflect your CA address. Then email a copy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility to the CMCS requesting a VACAA Waiver. The CMCS will apply for you and notify you via your Cal Poly email when it is approved. 


**VA Students only: Request certification of your classes each quarter as soon as you are registered through your Cal Poly Student Portal in the Veterans Benefit Module. Cal Vet College Fee Waiver (CVCFW) students who are only using this state benefit and not a VA benefit will never use the Veterans Benefit Module in their student portal - class certification is not required for the CVCFW. 


**In addition to connecting with the Center for Military-Connected Students, service members are required to obtain approval from their respective Education Services Officer (ESO), military counselor, or Service before enrollment. This step is vital to ensure that your educational pursuits align with your military service commitments and responsibilities. Your ESO or military counselor will provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your education and will provide you with the necessary documentation required to use any military education benefits that are available to you. 


Every student who is newly activating any type of military educational benefit at Cal Poly must schedule a date to join us for our New Military Mustang Workshops held virtually. RSVP required. If the student is a dependent, parents are invited to join in the Zoom conference with their student. The student must be in attendance. 

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

Thursday 3/28/2024 6-7pm
Friday 4/5/2024 12-1pm
Monday 4/8/2024 6-7pm
Thursday 4/18/2024 6-7pm
Friday 4/26/2024 12-1pm
Monday 4/29/2024 6-7pm
Thursday 5/9/2024 6-7pm
Friday 5/17/2024 12-1pm
Monday 5/20/2024 6-7pm
Thursday 5/30/2024 6-7pm
Friday 6/7/2024 12-1pm
Monday 6/10/2024 6-7pm
     

  


NOTE: Cal Poly email accounts and the Veterans Benefit Module are not accessible to new students until July. 

Looking to Apply to Cal Poly?

Find information on applying to Cal Poly as a military-affiliated student here!

All centers will be closed during Spring Break March 25 - April 1

Click this link to join our VIRTUAL CENTER  - Open 8 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday for walk-in questions and appointments.

The CMCS is located in Bldg 58, Room 109A (the Welding Building, in front of the Police Department, open 8 am to 7pm Monday -Friday. 

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.

Link to our: Amazon Wish List 

Link to: Other ways to give 

Link to: Our Crowdfunding Campaign

 


‘‘GI Bill®’’ is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/223015036 (Meeting ID: 223 015 036)


 

@calpolyveterans

         

Our Latest Newsletter can be found here

 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR EVENTS - RSVP not required for most events

Virtual Center - https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/223015036 (Meeting ID: 223 015 036)

Join the CLUB - Click HERE



‘‘GI Bill®’’ is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs