www.smc.edu/counseling
Counseling Complex 434-8205
Santa Monica College is approved as an institution for higher learning for veterans and veterans’ dependents entitled to educational assistance from the Veterans Administration (VA). The College cooperates with the VA in helping veterans. SMC’s mission to support veterans in achieving their educational goals includes academic, career, and transfer counseling, as well as tutoring and other services.
Students wishing to attend SMC under one of the veterans’ assistance bills must submit the following information to the Veterans’ Counselor for review and evaluation:
• Report of Separation from Active Duty (DD214) or Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE),
• Official transcripts for all colleges attended, and
• Any changes in units, address, marital status, or dependents.
Failure to submit this information may result in temporary suspension of benefits.
Once you have submitted an application for admission to SMC, met with the Veterans’ Counselor, and enrolled in classes, you will need to fill out forms to start VA educational benefits. Please see the Veterans’ Counselor for details.
To secure full VA educational assistance benefits under Title 38, United States Code, students must comply with Veteran Regulations Section 21.4135, 21.4235, and 21.4277 regarding the attendance and progress requirements they must meet. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 units, and repeat courses (unless required) may not be counted as units for benefits.
VA regulations not only require students to meet the same academic standards as all other students at SMC, but also place certain restrictions on students receiving VA educational benefits. Students who fail to achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 (C) will be placed on academic probation. After two semesters on academic probation, students will lose their VA educational benefits.
Veterans are urged to take advantage of the counseling services and educational programs offered by Santa Monica College. While SMC does not provide answers to veterans’ problems that are not related to the College’s programs, efforts will be made whenever possible to direct students to resources where answers may be found.