Veterans Education Transition Services (V.E.T.S.)
Cuyamaca College enrolls over 550 veterans with approximately 300 completing the certification process in order to begin receiving their VA benefits.
Cuyamaca consistently sees more than 500 applications from Veterans to Cuyamaca College from new and continuing students. Through Cuyamaca’s V.E.T.S.
program (Veterans Education Transition Services), veterans are provided a roadmap for student success at Cuyamaca College geared towards meeting the
needs of military veterans by assisting them with making the transition from the military to college life. The comprehensive program provides a
variety of services to the veteran student such as:
Veterans Affairs
This is the starting point most veterans pass through when applying to Cuyamaca College.
Veterans submit their DD-214 (discharge papers), have their coursework and current class schedules reviewed by an evaluator
and complete the necessary forms to process their application to receive benefits. The VA office at Admissions and Records
provides certification on pay ability of educational benefits under chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606 and 1607, or via TA (Tuition Assistance).
Counseling
Nicole Jones is the designated counselor to serve all veterans and understand the particular issues associated with this
population who are pursuing an associate’s degree, certificate or transfer to a four year university. After meeting with a counselor,
veterans will have an education plan and assistance with identification of an educational goal. Counseling services continuously participates
in on-going training and activities to support the veteran student’s needs at Cuyamaca College including:
- Troops to College
- Veterans Success Jam Sessions
- Post 9/11 GI Bill Eligibility and Benefits
- CAMFT workshop
- Veteran Success Jam Session on Working with Veterans with PTSD
Priority Registration
Veterans and active duty personnel are currently granted priority registration.
State law requires community college districts to grant a two-year window after the date of discharge.
Disabled Students Programs & Services
On a case by case basis DSPS provides linkage for veteran students to
community based resources for assistance with PTSD counseling or other community resources as needed. DSPS also
provides accommodations to Veterans who need special resources and satisfy the needs of the student.
Military to Student Life
Cuyamaca provides COUN (Counseling) courses specifically for veteran students and workshops including
campus wide cultural sensitivity events such as Veterans Day during College Hour.