New to Cal Poly?

Dear New Student,

Welcome to Cal Poly! As you embark on this exciting journey towards higher education, we are here to support you every step of the way. The Center for Military-Connected Students (CMCS) has developed a comprehensive process to ensure a smooth transition into college life. First and foremost, we want to emphasize the importance of attending one of our specialized New Military Mustang virtual sessions. This is mandatory for all newly admitted military-connected students utilizing military education benefits. At this workshop we will cover the basics of benefits and resources at Cal Poly but will also be able to answer individualized questions. You can conveniently schedule this 1.5-hour session below. While parents are encouraged to attend and ask questions during this process, it is essential for the student to actively participate in this process to gain a thorough understanding of their benefits.

We understand that navigating military benefits can be complex, and misconceptions may lead to confusion and frustration. Therefore, we urge you to utilize the resources available on our website, which is regularly updated with crucial information. Additionally, follow-up appointments are available to address any questions or concerns you may have as you prepare for your transition to Cal Poly.

As you prepare for your journey at Cal Poly, here are some essential steps to take:

• Accept your offer of admission and then - Fill out this form
• Stay in the know and up-to-date. Sign up for our newsletter!
• Sign up for our New Military Mustang Google Classroom. This course will become active after National Signing Day - May 15th. 
• Connect with us on social media @calpolyveterans to stay updated on important announcements and events.
• Watch the videos on our website to learn about utilizing your specific benefits at Cal Poly.
• RSVP and attend a New Military Mustang Workshop. (Note: our last workshop was presented 8/15/2024 - please watch a recording of this by clicking here)
• Apply for any VA military education benefits from the VA by requesting a Certificate of Eligibility immediately after accepting your offer of admission. You will upload it to the Veterans Benefit Module in the Cal Poly Student Portal between July 1st and August 15^th (directions, applications and helpful links are available on our website).
• Apply for the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver for eligible dependents of disabled veterans through either your local county veterans service office or the SLO County VSO.
• If you are eligible for military tuition assistance or scholarships, we can assist you with the necessary paperwork.
• If you are a veteran, reservist, or active-duty member, take advantage of priority registration and ensure your DD214 or current CAC is uploaded through our website.
• If you are a student who has served in the U.S. Military, provide Joint Service Transcripts or equivalent military transcripts to Cal Poly for review of credit.
• Out of state students who are using VA educational benefits are eligible for in-state tuition under VACAA. Submit your request here.

Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. The CMCS is here to support you in your academic journey. Our new location in Building 58, adjacent to the University Police Department, offers various amenities, including student workspaces, a free food pantry, and virtual hours for your convenience. In addition to these services, we host many resource and career workshops as well as community building events. Check out the leadership opportunities available by becoming a member of our leadership Advisory Board or become a member of our Student Veterans & Dependents Club!

Note: During student breaks, our team works remotely. For assistance, please use email, schedule a virtual appointment or log into our Virtual Center via Zoom during our open office hours.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cal Poly and assisting you in achieving your academic and personal goals. Congratulations once again on your admission.

 

Warm regards,

Kari Leslie

Program Lead, Center for Military-Connected Students

 

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

  

Applying to Cal Poly?

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

**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. 

New Military-Connected Mustang To-Do List

 

(A student who has served in the US Military or the child/spouse of someone who has served in the US Military)

1. Accept your offer of admission
2. Fill out this form
3. RSVP and attend a New Military Mustang Workshop
4. Follow us on social media - @calpolyveterans
5. Join our New Military Mustang Google Classroom
6. Watch the video guide for your benefit and visit the pages (linked above) for each of the benefits you’ll be using. VA beneficiaries should watch "Using VA benefits at Cal Poly" and "Using the Veterans Benefit Module". "Using the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver" is for students using that benefit. 
7. Join us for Open House in April
   1. Friday - Resource Fair Booth
   2. Friday & Saturday afternoon - Meet and Greet Social in the CMCS
   3. Saturday – Campus Showcase Booth
8. Apply for your military education benefits from the VA or from the State of California (see below)

Proof of eligibility for benefits that pay for state tuition or campus-based fee costs should be submitted to Cal Poly in the correct venue between July 1 and August 15. Submissions after that date could require students to pay their balance and request a refund after the benefit is applied. 

 

STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR STATE OF CALIFORNIA’S CAL VET COLLEGE FEE WAIVER

(Child/spouse of a service-connected disabled veteran)

Cal Poly CMCS is not the approving agency for this benefit. Apply through your local county Veterans Service Office (VSO) or the San Luis Obispo County VSO. This is NOT a VA benefit, financial aid, grant, or scholarship. It is a waiver in which your state tuition costs each quarter are written off by the university. In most cases, the (students’ taxable earnings) + (parental contribution to the student’s annual support) for the calendar year will be used to qualify. This total amount must be under the state poverty level ($21,561) to qualify. To substantiate the student’s income, they will need to turn in their 2023 filed taxes or a statement from the California Franchise Tax Board stating that they did not file taxes. This is available in June each year. Turn in these documents to the VSO for approval (helpful links provided on our website):

1. Academic Year 2024-25 Application
2. Birth/Adoption paperwork and parents’ marriage certificate if veteran is a step-parent
3. Veterans DD214
4. Current VA Disability Rating paperwork
5. Taxes or statement of non-filing

The VSO will issue an approval code. Return to our website with the information below to have the waiver applied to the student's account. This must be uploaded by 8/15/2024 to have the waiver applied before Fall tuition is due. The waiver is for the value of state tuition each quarter ($2028 - full-time undergraduate) and does not cover the full academic cost of classes at Cal Poly. Students will still be responsible for campus-based fees, housing, dining, and supplies. Visit the Cost of Attending page for actual costs.

1. Approval Code
2. Students Social Security Number
3. Student ID Number - at Cal Poly we call that their EMPLID

 

 

STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) BENEFITS

(As determined by the VA)

Post 9/11 GI Bill  

VR&E

Fry Scholarship

Ch 35 Dependents Educational Assistance

1606 – Select Reserve GI Bill           

Montgomery GI Bill

Our website has full details about each VA program and it’s benefits. Also visit the Cost of Attending page for actual costs.  

1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from VA.gov after the student has accepted their offer of admission.
2. Between 7/1 - 8/15, upload your COE to the Veterans Benefit Module in the Cal Poly Student Portal
3. Immediately after registering for classes, request certification of classes each quarter in the Veterans Benefit Module
4. Update the certification request within 7 days of making any changes to the student’s class schedule

The Veterans Benefit Module becomes available to incoming students after conditional status is dropped on or about 7/1. It is only used for VA benefits. Do not enter any Cal Vet College Fee Waiver or Tuition Assistance information in the module.

To access the Veterans Benefit Module through the Cal Poly student portal:

1. Log into the Cal Poly portal and navigate to Student Center
2. Select "Veterans Benefit" from the drop-down menu on the left, under Student Records
3. Select "Certification Request"
4. Complete the form, choosing to "Initiate Request"
5. Attach the student's (this will have the students name, not the sponsors/veterans name) Certificate of Eligibility or NOBE for their benefit. Do not attach any other paperwork to the module.
6. Choose the "Select Classes to Certify" button at the bottom of the page
7. Click the check boxes next to the enrolled, degree-applicable classes
8. Submit request, select "Ok" and "Return"
9. Adjust for any classes that are added, dropped or withdrawn within 7 days of making the change

 

 

MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE

(Active Duty and Reserve members)

Military tuition assistance is initially approved through the military members service branch.

1. Get permission from your unit
2. Make an account in your service education portal
3. Notify the CMCS that you will be using your TA for the upcoming quarter at militaryconnected.calpoly.edu

 

 

PRIORITY REGISTRATION

(Veterans, Active Duty, and Reserve members)

Priority registration is available to all students who have been honorably discharged from the US Military or are currently serving. Submit your DD214 or Common Access Card through our website to be placed on the list for upcoming terms.

 

 

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

(Veterans, Active Duty, and Reserve members)

Cal Poly strives to ensure that veterans and military members receive credit for service and prior learning accomplished through their service. Upon acceptance of your offer of admission to Cal Poly, you will be directed to submit official transcripts for all colleges you have attended. Your Joint Service Transcript is considered a college transcript and must be included. JST’s can be requested from the National Archives. Send official military education transcripts to: Registrar - Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

 

 

OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS

A waiver of out-of-state fees is available to eligible military-connected students. Students who are eligible for federal VA benefits and students who meet military service requirements can apply for a VACAA Waiver with the assistance of the CMCS team.

Students who are eligible for a VACAA Waiver will make this request as soon as they have their dorm address or have moved to California.

1. Change one address in the students Cal Poly portal to reflect their new California address
2. Submit your request here.