Veterans Student Services

Veteran Resource and Opportunity Center (V-ROC)

Building 9, Room 151
Phone: (650) 381-3250
Email: canveterans@smccd.edu
Web: canadacollege.edu/veterans

The Veterans Resource and Opportunity Center (VROC) is a dedicated space for student veterans, active duty service members, reservists, dependents, and supporters. VROC is an ideal space to meet other military affiliated students, meet with staff, study, conduct study groups, and to learn about additional resources. The office provides computers, free printing, a silent study room, TV, and weekly refreshments. Workshops and activities with Cañada’s Veterans Services Team and veteran community partners are held on Tuesdays in VROC between 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. to assist student veterans with understanding and accessing their benefits and other resources. For additional information about VROC and its services, please contact (650)381-3250 or email canveterans@my.smccd.edu.

Veterans Services

Student Support Services: (650) 306-3250
Email: canveterans@smccd.edu
Web: canadacollege.edu/veterans

Veterans Advising, Nicholas Martin: (650) 306-3419
Email: martinn@smccd.edu

Cañada College is approved to certify veteran students under the GI Bill® who are pursuing: 1) an AA/AS degree, or 2) an approved transfer program. Those interested in attending Cañada College under any chapter should contact the Veterans Administration Office to determine eligibility for benefits. College Policy regarding Academic Probation (explained on pg. 31) applies to all students. Veteran students placed on Academic Probation for failure to maintain a 2.0 grade point average must improve their GPA within the following two semesters or the college is required to report a termination of veteran’s benefits due to an unsatisfactory academic progress (as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs). More information is available from the Veteran’s Assistant. The VA Regional Office maintains a toll-free number (1-800-827-1000) from 0800 to 1600, Monday – Friday. Interested veterans can visit the VROC Center or call (650) 306-3250 for more information.

For information on the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 please visit: https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/isaksonroe.asp

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407) was signed into law on December 31, 2018. This law has five sections pertinent to the administration of Veterans' educational or training benefits with two of the provisions directly affecting schools. The first of these provisions will be implemented in August. 

Beginning on August 1, 2019, educational institutions must have a policy in place allowing GI Bill® and VR&E beneficiaries (Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 beneficiaries) to attend a course of education or training for up to 90 days from the date the beneficiary provides a certificate of eligibility, or valid VAF 28-1905. This allows a student to attend the course until VA provides payment to the institution. The educational institution must also have a policy to not impose a penalty, or require the beneficiary to borrow additional funds to cover tuition and fees due to late payments from VA. Section 103 requires a State Approving Agency (SAA), or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when acting in the role of the SAA, to disapprove certain courses of education. VA can grant a waiver to these requirements. 

(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 www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.)

Military Service Credit

For academic credit purposes, a veteran is defined as an honorably discharged member of the United States Armed Forces who was on active duty for one year or longer. Upon presentation of separation or discharge papers, veterans are exempted from the Physical Education requirement for the AA/AS degree. They are also granted six units of elective credit toward the AA/AS degree.
In addition, veterans who qualify may receive credit for military service schools toward the Associate in Arts/Science degree upon presentation of proof to the Office of Admissions and Records. They must have completed a minimum of 12 units with a grade-point average of 2.0 at Cañada College. Units of credit for military service (six units) and military service schools will be recorded on the student’s academic record. For further information contact the Office of Admissions and Records (306-3226).