Veterans Resource Center

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Gavilan College provides resources and services for student veterans. The center is staffed by student veterans who are committed to helping other veterans manage the transition from military service to the college campus setting.

The VRC provides a warm and welcoming place for veterans to connect with one another and learn about available campus services. Come by and see us in Library 109. We are here to help you succeed!

Veterans Resource Center Services

Financial Aid and Scholarship information
VA benefits and certification help
Veteran mentors and academic tutoring
Readjustment counseling
Peer-to-peer student support
Mental health counseling
Veterans Club activities

Checklist for Veterans and Dependents

	Complete VA Application	Complete VA Application for Education Benefits, VA Form 22.1990 at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Veterans: Keep a copy of your DD-214 on hand to enter correct service dates. Dependents: Have the Social Security number of the parent who served time in the Armed Forces.
	Complete transfer form	If you are transferring from another school, complete VA Form 22-1995 at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. This form is only used if you are transferring from another school where your educational benefits were used.
	Apply to Gavilan College	Apply to Gavilan College at www.gavilan.edu/admit. If you are flagged for non-residency, please talk to a Veteran Counselor as you may be eligible for a waiver. IMPORTANT – Once you have applied to college, you will receive an email with your G00-number and password. DO NOT LOSE this email.
	Take Assessment Tests	Take assessment tests for Math, English, and Reading. Make an appointment at www.gavilan.edu/admit/assess.html. If you meet either of the following requirements you DO NOT have to take the assessment test: Can provide assessment scores dated within the last 5 years from another college. Can provide transcripts w/ English and Math classes completed with a “C” or better.
	Order transcripts	Order official transcripts from all colleges you have attended. Include any colleges you attended before, during, or after your military service. You may bring in official transcripts with you as long as they remain in a sealed envelope.
	Submit DD-214	Submit copy of DD-214, Member 4 Copy. This is required to receive 5 units toward your degree
	Submit Certificate of Eligibility (COE)	Once approved for VA educational benefits the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Bring this letter to the financial aid office.
	Attend Orientation	Attend Orientation, either online or in person. Go to www.gavilan.edu/orientation for more information. This is required before you can see a counselor.
	Meet with a Counselor	Schedule an appointment with a Counselor at www.gavilan.edu/counseling. You may also schedule an in-person counseling appointment by calling 408-848-4767. Once the above steps have been completed, a counselor will evaluate your course work and assist you in mapping out an Education Plan that will clearly define your education goals. You must have an Education Plan to receive VA education benefits.
	Register for classes	Go to my.gavilan.edu and sign in with your G00 number and password.
	Submit "Request for Certification"	Submit your Request for Certification to VA Certifying Official. Submit request each semester. Ensure your Education Plan is up to date.
	Complete the FAFSA	Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. Veterans may be entitled to financial aid and fee waivers in addition to their GI Bill. Stop by the Financial Aid office for assistance.

Gavilan College adheres to Presidential Executive Order 13607: Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Veterans, and implements the 8 Keys to Success for Veterans recently announced by the White House. These principles ensure that Gavilan is providing meaningful information to service members, veterans, spouses, and other family members about the financial cost and quality of education, to assist prospective students in making choices about how to use their Federal educational benefits

First time on campus? Be sure to visit the veterans in the Veterans Resource Center in Library 109 to fast-track a path to success!

Meet other student veterans - join the Gavilan Student Veterans Club. The club is dedicated to helping our veterans find fellowship, understanding, direction and support services during their academic career.

Other Student Support Programs and Services

If your family is on public assistance, you may qualify for CalWORKS.
If you face both economic and education challenges, you may qualify for EOPS.
If you are a current or former foster youth, you may qualify for Foster Youth Services.