Veteran's Assistance
FAQ's for Veterans Using VA Educational Benefits
If all other steps for certification are complete, once a student submits his/her Blue Sheet the processing time is 1-2 weeks. However, during peak registration processing time can take up to 3 weeks.
How often do I turn in the Blue Sheet (Veteran’s Statement of Responsibility), and why?
You have to turn in a Blue Sheet every term that you plan to collect benefits. Turning in a Blue Sheet allows RCC to certify you for your classes and keeps you from being dropped for non-payment.
What do I do if I drop or add classes after I turn in my Blue Sheet?
You will need to notify the Veterans’ Office at RCC immediately! Failure to do so can affect your monthly payments.
Note: If you drop and add in courses with the same title and the dates the courses meet differ you still need to notify the Veterans’ Office!
How will I know when I am certified for classes?
If you provide your email address, an email will be sent to you once your certification is done. However, the best way to check on your certification status is on the WAVE website at www.gibill.va.gov/wave (except Chapter 35).
Why do I need to turn in all my transcripts from other schools and the military?
All prior credit must be evaluated before a Veteran can collect educational benefits at RCC. Veterans cannot be paid more than once for a class nor are they able to receive payment for a class that is not required on their VA Student Educational Plan (SEP). A VA SEP cannot be prepared until all transcripts are turned in.
Do I need to have my High School transcripts turned in?
The only reasons HS transcripts must be submitted are if you plan to transfer to a UC or plan to be in the Nursing Program.
How do I make an appointment to talk to a Counselor?
If you want to talk to a Counselor about choosing a Program of Study you can make an appointment at the Counseling counter. Veterans’ Services staff can also give you a Counselor Referral form to take to the Counseling counter to schedule an appointment.
However, in order to make an appointment with a Counselor to develop your Student Education Plan you must first be sure that all your transcripts have been received by RCC. You can log into WebAdvisor at www.rcc.edu to check the status of incoming transcripts.
What is a VA SEP and why do I have to have one made before I am certified?
A VA SEP is a Student Educational Plan that is prepared by a Veterans’ Counselor. This form lists the classes that are needed, in progress, or have already been completed for a VA approved program. The VA will only pay a Veteran to take classes listed on the SEP.
How do I get a VA Student Education Plan (SEP)?
Call RCC Veterans’ Services at (951)222-8607 as soon as all transcripts are received at RCC and request a transcript evaluation. Be prepared to tell Veterans Services your intended “program of study”. You will then be referred to Counseling to schedule an appointment two weeks out to meet with a Counselor to develop your VA SEP.
What do I do if I want to change my Major?
You will need to submit a 22-1995/5495 form to RCC Veterans’ Services.
Does RCC have a VA Work Study Program?
Yes, and occasionally RCC has positions open for VA work study; please contact Veterans’ Services at 951-222-8607 for more information.
Can I apply for any other type of Financial Assistance in addition to GIBILL?
Yes, you can also apply for financial aid via http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. For more information contact Student Financial Services at 951-222-8710.
How do I know if I qualify for priority registration?
Veterans are eligible for priority registration for two years after being discharged from active duty. In order to be eligible Veterans must take a copy of their DD214 discharge papers to the Veterans’ Services office at Riverside or to Student Services offices at the Norco and Moreno Valley College. Staff there will tell eligible Veterans their priority registration dates. Priority registration dates are also available on the Veterans’ Website.
Do I have to notify the Veterans’ Office if I fail a course?
Yes. If you fail a course, you will receive a letter from RCC Veterans’ Services that must be completed and returned promptly. If you do not receive this form it is important that you contact Veterans’ Services immediately.
I am an RCC student and am interested in taking classes required on my VA SEP at a different institution, what would I need to do to get those courses certified?
If you plan to maintain RCC as your primary school, RCC Veterans’ Services can create a Parent School Letter for the school you are concurrently enrolled in. To have this form sent to the other school so you can be certified, you will need to provide our office with the course descriptions, amount of units, and the fees paid for each course you are registered for. Once this information has been received we can provide that school with the Parent School Letter and they can certify you for your class/classes.
If I am called to Active Duty and am unable to finish my courses, what should I do and what will happen to my record at RCC?
Students called to active duty can drop their classes, get refunds for fees and books, and receive an MW on their transcript. The MW symbol is not counted as punitive in probation and dismissal. Documentation is required – You will need to submit your active duty or reserve duty orders with an ECP to Admissions to start this process.
If I change my address with RCC will I also need to notify the VA?
Yes, please also contact them online through the GI Bill website, through WAVE, or by phone at (888) 442-4551.
