Maritime

  

Welcome, Maritime Academy Military-Connected Students!

 

Dedicated to supporting our veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families at Cal Poly's Maritime Academy.

We're honored to support your academic journey. As we work through the integration of our campuses, we're expanding the resources available to you. This year is a time of transition, and our commitment is to provide you with seamless, comprehensive support. Whether you're a new student or continuing your studies, we're here to help you succeed.

ALL NEW - INCOMING STUDENTS   1. (REQUIRED) Fill out this form to be added to the Cal Poly database of current military-connected students. (Students only need to fill out this form once, even if their benefits change)     CLICK HERE 2. Connect with us on Instagram to stay updated on important announcements and events.  CLICK HERE   NEWLY ADMITTED - INCOMING STUDENTS WITH VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS (GI Bill, VR&E, Fry, and CH 35 DEA)   1. Visit the VA Benefits Page  CLICK HERE Out-of-State Students Only: Students who have been deemed to be out-of-state students and who are eligible for a VA educational benefit, are eligible for in-state tuition under VACAA.  Submit your request here CLICK HERE    NEWLY ADMITTED - INCOMING STUDENTS USING A CAL VET COLLEGE FEE WAIVER:   1. Visit the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver Page  CLICK HERE 2. Watch "Using the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver"  CLICK HERE STUDENT VETERANS AND STUDENT SERVICE MEMBERS   1. Request Priority Registration status  by uploading a copy of your DD214 or CAC CLICK HERE 2. MANDATORY!  Turn in your Joint Service Transcripts or equivalent. Have an official transcript sent to Cal Poly SLO or Maritime Office of the Registrar JST: CLICK HERE   AIR FORCE/SPACE FORCE: CLICK HERE Current military members using Tuition Assistance or the CMD GI Bill: Review information on these benefits CLICK HERE

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1. If eligible, apply for VA educational benefits on va.gov and submit your Certificate of Eligibility through the Veterans Benefit Module in the Student Portal. This portal is not fully functional for newly admitted students. It becomes functional in mid-July.  
2. If eligible, apply for the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver, through your local Veterans Services Office after May 1st. Waiver approval codes are then turned in via the CMCS website. 
3. Take advantage of priority registration (veterans and active-duty members) by uploading your DD214 or CAC.
4. Submit military transcripts (e.g., Joint Service Transcripts) for review of credit.
5. Out-of-state students using VA benefits: Submit your VACAA in-state tuition request here.

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• Now: Review the CMCS website 
• Now: Apply for any VA educational benefits on va.gov
• Now: Submit military transcripts (e.g., Joint Service Transcripts) for review of credit.
• May 1^st: Start applying for Cal Vet College Fee Waivers (CVCFW) and requesting any supporting tax documents you’ll need to apply. Contact your county Veterans Service Office (VSO) to ask how their office prefers to have CVCFW applications submitted. Links are on our website.
• Spring - Summer: Turn in any VA proof of eligibility (Certificate of Eligibility - COE) documents through the Veterans Benefit Module in your student portal. Cal Vet College Fee Waiver (CVCFW) and Tuition Assistance (TA) students do not use the Veterans Benefit Module for their state or DoD benefits. Turn in the 16-digit Cal Vet College Fee Waiver approval code for 2025-26 academic year through the form on our website. There is also a form on our website for service members using Tuition Assistance.
• Summer: VA beneficiaries request certification of those classes in the Veterans Benefit Module in your student portal. Student using VA benefits (not the CVCFW or TA) - if you do not certify your classes each quarter as soon as you are registered for classes, the VA will not know to make your payments. Always request certification as soon as you are enrolled in any classes. Come back and make changes as often as you need if you add or drop classes. CVCFW students do not have to request certification of their classes each quarter – this step is only for students using VA benefits.
• Summer: Once you get your dorm assignment, out-of-state students using VA benefits can submit your VACAA in-state tuition request Make sure one of the addresses in your student portal reflects your new California address, then fill out the VACAA waiver request on our website.

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*The Veterans Benefit Module in your student portal is ONLY for VA benefits. Please do not report or upload any Tuition Assistance or Cal Vet College Fee Waiver information there. The Cal Vet College Fee Waiver is NOT a VA benefit.

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We encourage you to stay updated and engaged by:

• Following us on social media: @calpolyveterans
• Scheduling a one-on-one appointment or contacting us via email for additional questions.
• Exploring leadership opportunities through our Advisory Board or Student Veterans & Dependents Club.

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This is a transition year, and we're here for you! We will be posting updates and announcements here as they become available.

 

For any immediate questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

We are available 8-5pm, Monday - Friday.  All spaces closed: 9/1/2025 (Labor Day Holiday)

We're excited to have you here and look forward to a fantastic academic year!

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We are looking for Maritime campus student leaders to:

• participate in and lead our Student Veterans & Dependents Club 
• work in the CMCS under our VA Work Study program (must be using a VA benefit and enrolled in classes at 3/4 time or above)
• lead the way on the combined campus CMCS Leadership Advisory Board

Email Kari Leslie at kaleslie@csum.edu if you would like more information!     

 

Schedule a virtual appointment with our team	CLICK HERE
Out-of-state student fee waivers (VACAA)	CLICK HERE
Veteran: Credit for prior learning	CLICK HERE
Veteran: Request priority registration	CLICK HERE
Outside Scholarships for military-connected students	CLICK HERE
Military Tuition Assistance (TA)	CLICK HERE
Proof of Enrollment	CLICK HERE
Cost of Attending Maritime Academy	CLICK HERE