Veterans Resource Center

COVID-19 UPDATES

3/19/2020: S.3503 has passed both the House and Senate, and is awaiting approval from POTUS. Once approved, it will allow VA to continue to pay benefits regardless of the fact that the program has changed from resident training to online training. Also, students will continue to receive the same monthly housing allowance payments that they received for resident training until January 1, 2021, or until the school resumes normal operations of resident training. With this bill, there is no action required from our students at this time.

3/18/2020: Legislation is still pending regarding COVID 19 and how it may impact GI Bill students. At the moment, no changes to your GI Bill certification will be submitted with the transition to online classes.

Online Tutoring is available and info can be found here.

Dewitt and Molly are both working remotely and can be reached via e-mail (dstuckey@gavilan.edu or mhowe@gavilan.edu) or Cranium Cafe listed below.

Video chat on Cranium Cafe with Molly Howe Video chat on Cranium Cafe with Dewitt Stuckey

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 or Transfer Form	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 veteran who served in the Armed Forces. 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	Go to www.gavilan.edu/admit. Math & English Placement: Use CCCApply to report high school GPA, highest level of Math & English courses you've completed, and grades received in those high school courses. Within 24-hours of submitting your application on CCCApply, you will receive an email with your Gavilan ID number (G-number) and instructions on how to access your MyGav student account. If we have questions about your application, we will send a message to the email address you provided on your application. If you are flagged for non-residency, please talk to a Veteran Counselor as you may be eligible for a waiver.
	Open Your MyGav Account	To log in to your MyGav account, go to www.gavilan.edu click on MyGav/Login. Follow the instructions for NEW STUDENT to set up your student account password. Note: If you did not include a Social Security Number on your application, visit Admissions and Records Office for assistance in logging in for the first time.
	Apply for Financial Aid	To file your FAFSA online go to: www.fafsa.gov AB 540 students may submit California Dream Act applications at: https://dream.csac.ca.gov Stop by the Financial Aid office for assistance.
	Placement	To view placement results for Math and English, go to: Gavilan Self-Service Banner, student tab, placement info OR My Degree Works, Unofficial Audit, Test Scores If placement results are not listed: Review placement website www.gavilan.edu/admit/assess.html for instructions, English videos, and math tools.
	Online Orientation	Log in to your MyGav portal using your Gavilan ID# and PIN. Click on the Student tab to access the online Orientation session (available 24/7).
	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.
	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.

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.