I'm a retired veteran who served in two branches of service, the Marine Corps and the Army. When I transitioned to civilian status, I realized quickly I would need a college degree if I wanted to enter a profession. Ultimately, I earned my degree at California State University San Marcos and went on to work as a Military Outreach Representative for Columbia Southern University. Today, I am a Military Alliance Manager at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), where I oversee academic-related initiatives and partnerships within the Military Alliance. Also, I facilitate engagement with military personnel to ensure their success in higher education.
As someone who once stood in your shoes, I encourage you to earn a college degree. Not only can it open doors to new opportunities, but you will also enhance your skills and empower yourself with even greater knowledge. I know starting your college education may seem overwhelming, but at UAGC, there are support systems in place to assist and help guide students to make the process more manageable.
Here, I have created a guide with a step-by-step overview for Veterans who choose to pursue their college degree. Read on for the steps you should take to get started.
Step 1: Apply for GI Bill Benefits
When you transition into the civilian world, your benefits can transfer into the education sector. Veterans who were honorably discharged from active service can use their GI Bill to help fund a college degree program.
Previously, there was a 15-year time limit for using GI Bill benefits. However, the original Post 9/11 GI Bill was updated to the Forever GI Bill, so GI Bill benefits do not expire for any soldier who was discharged after January 1, 2013.
In order to apply for your benefits, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Step 2: Find a School of Choice
If you are thinking about going back to school, you have already taken the first important step in your academic journey. The next is finding an institution that will work for your unique needs.
Be sure to look for a military-focused school like UAGC. Beyond the courses, be sure the institution offers a structure and resources for veterans, such as financial support, communities for veterans, and career and academic assistance. You can find all this and more at UAGC.
Step 3: Speak to an Advisor
Once you decide on a school, reach out to a representative. To connect with a UAGC advisor, visit the UAGC website and fill out the “Request Info” form to get started.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
Before you begin your college application process, it helps to have your paperwork in order. Documents you will need often include the following:
- DD214: A DD form 214, or DD214, is a certificate of release or discharge from active duty. This document is a form of eligibility and status, and it will tell schools and employers what kind of benefits you have. The document contains a lot of information, like specializations, education from the military, and service credits. This document doesn’t exist online. Instead, the branch will put it on disc or flash drive when you are released.
- VA Education Benefits: For future students applying for veteran benefits with certain programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill or the post 9/11 GI Bill®, you can apply for VA benefits* at VA.gov.
- Joint Services Transcript (JST): For schools, a joint services transcript helps colleges and universities understand the kind of potentially transferable courses you completed during your time serving.
- Verification of Military Experience (VMET): The VMET is helpful for jobs and employment but can also be useful for applying to universities as another important document for resumes.
- Letters of recommendation: Different military members can write a recommendation letter, like commanding officers, supervisors, or fellow veterans.
- High school transcript: Just like the military, a high school transcript is always required for college applications.
Speak to an advisor about any other required documents you may need.
Step 5: Move Through the Application Process
There are different credit amounts required for different degrees. For an associate degree at UAGC, students need to complete 67 credits, and for a bachelor’s degree, you have to complete 120 credits. Regardless of what a program requires, the documents you gather will help move the process along.
To start the process, prospective students can go to uagc.edu and create an account through the admission portal.
Step 6: Apply for Financial Aid
Before starting class, knowing the right financial information may reduce stress and could even alleviate some of the costs. Be sure to speak to an advisor about military tuition assistance (TA) and other options, including the UAGC Patriot Grant, which provides a cost-saving opportunity for eligible Veterans.
Step 7: Research Resources
At UAGC, we recognize veterans for their service, hard work, and dedication, and we offer assistance at every stage of your academic journey. UAGC has a dedicated Military Support Team with advisors and advocates who will guide you through the process and assist with any questions you may have. In addition, you can access external resources for additional support.
For example, the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program helps as a rehabilitation program for veterans seeking a bachelor's degree.
Step 8: Form a Supportive Network
Many students will be the first in their family to go to college and will need additional resources to help them along their journey. In addition to our dedicated team of military advisors, UAGC has a variety of programs designed specifically for servicemembers and veterans. The CHAMPS Peer Mentoring Program, for example, has programs tailored specifically for military-affiliated students. UAGC students can also talk to their peers and form connections through organizations like the UAGC Student Veterans of America chapter, the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, and the UAGC Military and Veterans Facebook group.
Step 9: Register for Classes and Prepare for Your First Course
At UAGC, we offer over 50 online degree programs. You can speak with your advisor who will walk you through the process of selecting your major and starting your first course.
The process for veterans going to college is similar to regular civilian students in many ways. You will go through an orientation, which includes learning about the student portals and watching videos about how to navigate through it. Some of the tools a new UAGC student will need to learn and understand include:
- Constellation: This is the online textbook portal, and one that includes notes and audio files of important materials.
- Waypoint: This is how students can talk to their professors and turn in assignments.
- Office 365: All students receive access to a Microsoft 365 account.
Step 10: Start Your Journey
As a 100% remote learning institution, UAGC has a strong student population of veteran military members. No matter what program you choose, you will receive support every step of the way. Academic advisors check in on you periodically throughout your degree program to make sure you’re on track, and our faculty are also excellent resources for support and mentorship.
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By Timothy Smart, UAGC military alliance manager
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.