Veteran Affairs

Welcome to College of the Canyons Veteran Affairs Office.

I am Lieutenant Renard Ovon Thomas, United States Army, California National Guard.  I currently serve as the assistant S-1 in the 746 Quartermaster Battalion.   I have 15 years of combined military service to include Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard.  I have been the VA Certifying Official at College of the Canyons for 7 years.  I have also been a college student for the last 10 years in some shape or form.  I have used many different resources to fund my education and I hope that by sharing my experience it will assist you on your journey.

Information on Becoming a Student at C.O.C.:

1. Complete our Online Application for Admission

• You can fill out the online application using the CCCApply website.
• After 2 business days your application data will be entered into our system and you can follow through with the rest of the steps.

2. Submit all Transcripts

• Send all military and college transcripts for all schools you have attended. We use these transcripts to determine prerequisite eligibility prior to your registration date. Ensure that the transcripts are official copies in sealed envelopes. We also need these to report to the VA. We cannot certify you until we have all transcripts.

3. Complete Assessment Requirements and Complete Online Orientation

4. Meet with the VA Representative

• Lt. Thomas is available for appointments in the Admissions and Records office. To make an online appointment, you must have a College of the Canyons student ID number. If you do not know your Student ID number, please visit the online services page to retrieve the number. Please click here to make an appointment with Lt. Thomas.

5. Meet with a Counselor

• You will need to get an Student Educational Plan to turn into Lt. Thomas. Please make a counseling appointment and let the Counseling office know you are a VA student. You will need to provide Lt. Thomas a copy of your Student Educational Plan. Please have all your transcripts here prior to your counseling appointment.

6. Turn in an AR 20 to the VA Office

• The AR 20 form is due to the VA office each term you want to be certified for. All classes you want to be certified for must be on that form. We cannot certify you for any classes on that form that are not on your Educational Plan. This can be turned in without an appointment.

7. Verify your enrollment each month on the GI Bill Website

• You will need to update the GI Bill Website (WAVES) at the end of each month to ensure consistent payment. If you change your schedule, you will need to let Lt. Thomas know as well. For example, if you drop 3 units from your course load, you will need to let Lt. Thomas know to adjust the classes you are certified for. Failure to do this will result in an overpayment in which you will owe money back.

Additional Information

Types of Programs

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Vocational Rehabilitation

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for benefits?

• If you are on Active Duty, recently released from Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, recently returning from deployment, recently deployed, and Dependants of Service Members with a service connected disability or deceased. 

2. How much money will I get?

• This answer depends on what category you fall in above. Please visit the website www.gibill.gov to determine your benefit rates.

3. How many classes do I have to take?

• You can take as many or as little amount of units as you would like. However, the amount you will be paid is dependent on the amount of units you take. For example, you will be paid more money the more units you take. Someone with the same benefits as you will be paid more than you if they have more units than you.

4. How long does it take to receive benefits?

• If you are a new student, it can take 60-90 days before you see your first check. Be sure to submit your paperwork in a timely manner. The longer you wait, the longer it will take to get your check.

• If you are a transfer student, new to our college, but you are in the VA system, it can take 30-45 days.

• If you are a continuing student, you will not see a break in your benefits. This is only true if you turn in your paperwork on time and report to the VA website each month.

5. Can I take any classes I want?

• You can receive benefits for classes that are required for an approved program. These classes must be on your Student Educational Plan and on your AR 20 form.

6. Is there a GPA requirement?

• You are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for benefits.

Additional Services for VA Students

Financial Aid

Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS)

Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS)

TLC Lab

Career Center