Veterans’ Services
www.smc.edu/apps/Comm.asp?Q=7
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:
• File an application for admission to Santa Monica College (to do so online, go to
www.smc.edu/admissions.html), and follow all of the College’s admissions procedures;
• File an application with the VA for educational benefits at
www.gibill.va.gov
(be sure to print the document BEFORE submitting it online);
• Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended to be sent to the SMC Admissions Office (failure to do so may result in temporary suspension of your benefits); and
• Bring the printout of your application for VA educational benefits, a copy of your Report of Separation from Active Duty (DD214), and unofficial copies of your transcripts to the Veterans’ Office.
The Veterans’ Counselor will review your documents and assist you in creating an educational plan. Once you have enrolled in classes, you will need to return to the Veterans’ Office and complete paperwork for your benefits. Please see the Veterans’ Counselor for details.
To secure full VA educational assistance benefits under Title 38 USC, students must comply with Veteran Regulations Section 21.4135, 21.4235, and 21.4277 regarding the attendance and progress requirements they must meet. 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.