Resources

Community Resources

Additional Services and Information

For assistance with disability claims please call 1-800-827-1000

For assistance in setting up VA Health Benefits please call 877-222-8387 (IMPORTANT: You do not need to be receiving disability to qualify for VA Health Benefits. The only requirement for VA Health Benefits is that you are a veteran with a discharge or separation under conditions other than dishonorable.)

Military Veterans and Dependents of Veterans

You may be eligible for Scholarship and Grant programs. Below are some links where you can find the various programs available to you. Please read carefully before applying to ensure the program you are applying to is applicable to you.

FAFSA - CA Promise Grant
(eligible for most students, not just military, by completing a FAFSA Application)
Scholarships.com - Military Affiliated Scholarships
Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship Program
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

The Women Veteran Alliance's has connected over two million women veterans and supporters, globally, with the purpose of sharing talents, tools, and experience. They are committed to creating a community that Equips, Empowers, and Encourages women who have served our country with knowledge, mentorship, and career opportunities to achieve their greatest potential.

For more information please visit Women Veterans Alliance.

Your Community. Your Resources. Your Success.

The Moorpark College Veterans Resource Center provides a welcoming and supportive environment for veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected students as they pursue their educational and career goals. Whether you are transitioning to college, exploring educational opportunities, or connecting with fellow veterans, the VRC is here to help you make the most of your college experience.

A Community of Support

The VRC offers a space where military-connected students can connect with fellow veterans, share experiences, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging within the Moorpark College community. Our staff and veteran student workers understand the unique experiences of military-connected students and are committed to creating a welcoming environment built on trust, mutual respect, and shared understanding.

Supporting Your Educational Success

The VRC connects students with educational guidance, campus resources, and support services to help them successfully navigate their college experience. From academic planning and VA educational benefits to transitioning into civilian life and preparing for future careers, our team is here to help students identify resources that support their individual needs and goals.

Connecting You with Moorpark College

Community college provides opportunities for veterans and military-connected students to pursue their education while building connections with faculty, staff, and fellow students. Through the VRC, students can develop relationships, explore academic and career pathways, and become active members of the Moorpark College community.

Getting Started with VRC Services

To access VRC services, new veteran and dependent students must complete the required Veteran Student Intake Form and provide their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or applicable benefit authorization documentation. Once your intake process is complete, our team can assist you with accessing available VRC services and scheduling an educational counseling appointment.

Moorpark College Veterans Resource Center Glossary
Understanding VA Educational Benefits and College Terminology

Welcome to the Moorpark College Veterans Resource Center (VRC) Glossary! This guide explains common terms and abbreviations related to college enrollment, academic planning, financial aid, and VA educational benefits.

Terms are organized by category and listed alphabetically to help you quickly find the information you need.

1. VA Educational Benefits and Eligibility

CalVet College Fee Waiver
A California program that waives qualifying tuition and mandatory systemwide fees at California public colleges and universities for eligible spouses and children of qualifying veterans. Students apply through a County Veterans Service Office.

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
A VA educational benefit program that provides monthly educational assistance payments to eligible veterans and service members.

Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
A VA program that helps eligible veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment. Approved services may include college education, training, career counseling, and employment assistance.

Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill®
A VA educational benefit program that may provide eligible students with tuition and fee payments, a monthly housing allowance, and money for books and supplies.

Chapter 35 – Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
A VA educational benefit program that provides educational assistance to eligible spouses and children of qualifying veterans and service members.

Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
An educational benefit program for eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including qualifying National Guard members.

COE – Certificate of Eligibility
An official VA document confirming a student's eligibility for educational benefits. Students using VA educational benefits must provide their COE or applicable benefit authorization documentation as part of the Moorpark College VRC intake process.

GI Bill®
A group of VA educational benefit programs that help eligible veterans, service members, and qualifying dependents pay for education and training.

TA – Military Tuition Assistance
A military education program that may help eligible active-duty service members pay for approved college courses. Tuition Assistance is administered through the service member's military branch and is separate from VA educational benefits.

VA – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The federal agency responsible for administering veterans' benefits, including educational benefits, disability compensation, and health care services.

2. VRC Services and Benefit Certification

Enrollment Certification
The process through which a college reports a student's eligible enrollment information to the VA so that applicable educational benefits can be processed.

MC GI Authorization Form
A Moorpark College form used by students to confirm their enrollment and request VA educational benefit certification. Students complete this form after satisfying the applicable VRC intake and educational planning requirements and registering for their classes.

Parent School Letter
A document used to coordinate VA educational benefit certification when a student takes approved courses at another college that apply toward their primary school's educational program.

PO – Purchase Order
An authorization number associated with approved Chapter 31 educational expenses. The college uses the applicable authorization and PO information when coordinating payment for approved tuition, fees, books, or supplies.

SCO – School Certifying Official
A college representative authorized to certify eligible student enrollment information to the VA for educational benefit processing.

Tungsten Authorization
An electronic authorization issued through the VA's Tungsten system for students using Chapter 31 benefits. It identifies authorized educational services and expenses and allows the college to coordinate billing for approved costs.

Veteran Student Intake Form
A required Moorpark College form used to establish a student's VRC record and collect the information and documentation needed to access VRC services. Students using VA educational benefits must provide their COE or applicable benefit authorization documentation as part of the intake process.

VRC – Veterans Resource Center
The Moorpark College office that provides educational guidance, assistance with veterans' educational benefits, and resources for eligible military-connected students.

3. Housing Allowances and VA Benefit Payments

BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing
A military housing allowance used as a reference for certain VA educational benefit payments. The E-5 with dependents BAH rate is generally used to calculate the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Monthly Housing Allowance for eligible students attending qualifying in-person classes.

E-5 with Dependents
A military pay-grade and dependent-status category used as a reference for calculating the Post-9/11 GI Bill® housing allowance. Students do not need to have held the rank of E-5 or have dependents to qualify for the applicable rate.

MHA – Monthly Housing Allowance
A housing payment available to eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill® students. Payment amounts depend on factors such as benefit eligibility percentage, enrollment level, course dates, and instructional format.

Rate of Pursuit
A VA calculation used to determine a student's enrollment level relative to full-time enrollment. It may affect the amount of educational benefits and housing allowance a student receives.

4. College Admissions and Registration

Add/Drop Deadline
The published date by which a student must add or drop a class under the applicable enrollment and refund rules. Deadlines may vary by course.

CCCApply – California Community Colleges Application
The online application system used to apply for admission to Moorpark College and other California community colleges.

Census Date
An official enrollment reporting date used by the college to determine enrollment for certain state reporting purposes. Census dates vary by the length and scheduling of a course.

CRN – Course Reference Number
A unique number assigned to a specific class section. Students use the CRN to locate and register for individual classes through the Registration Planner.

MyVCCCD – Student Portal
The online portal where students access registration, class schedules, financial aid information, grades, and other college services.

Priority Registration
An opportunity for eligible students, including qualifying veterans, to register earlier than students assigned to later registration groups. Students must meet applicable college eligibility requirements.

Registration Appointment
The assigned date and time when a student may begin registering for classes for an upcoming semester.

Registration Hold
A restriction placed on a student's account that may prevent registration or other enrollment activities until a required action is completed.

Waitlist
A list of students waiting for an available seat in a class that has reached its enrollment capacity. Being on a waitlist does not mean a student is officially enrolled.

5. Academic Planning and Degree Requirements

AA-T / AS-T – Associate Degrees for Transfer
Associate in Arts for Transfer and Associate in Science for Transfer degrees designed to support transfer to the California State University system, subject to applicable admission and program requirements.

Articulation Agreement
An agreement identifying how courses completed at one college may satisfy course or program requirements at another institution.

CCAF – Community College of the Air Force
An institution that provides academic programs and official transcripts documenting applicable Air Force and Space Force education and training.

Corequisite
A course or requirement that must be taken at the same time as another course, unless the requirement has already been satisfied.

Degree Audit
A review of a student's completed and remaining academic requirements for a declared degree or certificate program.

DegreeWorks
An online academic planning and degree-audit tool that helps students and counselors review completed coursework, remaining degree requirements, and progress toward an educational goal.

General Education (GE)
Courses designed to provide a broad educational foundation across subjects such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, and social sciences.

JST – Joint Services Transcript
An official record of military training and experience that may be evaluated for applicable college credit.

Major / Program of Study
The primary academic subject or educational program a student chooses to pursue, such as Business Administration, Engineering, or Psychology.

Prerequisite
A course or other requirement a student must successfully complete before enrolling in another course.

SEP – Comprehensive Student Education Plan
An individualized academic plan developed with a counselor that identifies the courses needed to complete a student's educational goal. For students using VA educational benefits, the educational plan helps identify courses that meet their declared program requirements and are eligible for VA enrollment certification. Students using VA educational benefits must review and update their plan with a VRC Counselor each semester.

Transcript Evaluation
The process of reviewing official transcripts from previous colleges or military education programs to determine whether prior coursework or training may satisfy applicable college requirements.

6. Course Formats, Units, and Learning Resources

Canvas – Learning Management System (LMS)
The online platform used by instructors to provide course materials, assignments, announcements, grades, and other instructional resources.

Full-Time Student
A student enrolled in at least 12 units during a standard-length fall or spring semester for general college enrollment purposes. VA benefit calculations may differ for summer sessions, accelerated courses, and other nonstandard enrollment periods.

Hybrid Course
A course combining online instruction with required in-person instructional activities.

HyFlex Course
A course that may offer students flexibility in how they attend, such as participating in person or remotely, according to the course's approved instructional format.

In-Person / On-Ground Course
A course requiring students to attend scheduled instruction at a physical campus or approved instructional location.

Late-Start / Short-Term Course
A course that begins after the regular semester start date or takes place over a shorter instructional period. For students using VA educational benefits, different start and end dates may affect enrollment calculations and payment amounts.

Online / Distance Education Course
A course delivered through an online learning environment rather than requiring regular attendance in a physical classroom.

Part-Time Student
A student enrolled in fewer than 12 units during a standard-length fall or spring semester. For students receiving VA educational benefits, reduced enrollment may affect benefit payments.

Units / Credit Hours
A measure of the academic credit assigned to a course. Units contribute toward degree or certificate requirements and are used in determining a student's enrollment level.

Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)
A course designation indicating that students are not required to purchase a textbook or other qualifying instructional materials. Some courses may use free online textbooks or Open Educational Resources.

Important for students using VA educational benefits

Before changing your number of units or selecting courses based on instructional format, consult your VRC Counselor. Course scheduling and enrollment changes may affect your eligibility for certain educational benefits and housing payments.

7. Financial Aid and College Costs

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
A California financial aid program that waives qualifying community college enrollment fees for eligible students. Students typically establish eligibility through the FAFSA, California Dream Act Application, or a separate CCPG application.

This program is separate from the CalVet College Fee Waiver and has different eligibility requirements.

COA – Cost of Attendance
An estimate of the total cost of attending college for an academic year, including tuition and fees, books, supplies, transportation, housing, food, and other applicable educational expenses.

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The application used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and certain state and college financial assistance programs. Eligible veteran students may qualify for financial aid in addition to their VA educational benefits.

Financial Aid Award Letter / Financial Aid Offer
A notification identifying the types and amounts of financial assistance a student may be eligible to receive for an academic year.

Financial Aid Disbursement
The process of releasing approved financial aid funds to a student's college account or issuing any remaining eligible funds to the student.

Pell Grant
A federal grant that provides financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Unlike a student loan, a Pell Grant generally does not need to be repaid.

SAI – Student Aid Index
A number calculated from FAFSA information that colleges use when determining eligibility for certain need-based financial aid programs. It is not the amount a student is expected to pay.

Student Account Balance
The amount a student owes the college for tuition, fees, and other applicable charges, after any posted payments or credits.

Understanding the Two College Fee Waiver Programs
California College Promise Grant vs. CalVet College Fee Waiver

Both programs may help eligible students reduce the cost of attending Moorpark College, but they have different eligibility requirements and application processes.

Feature	California College Promise Grant (CCPG)	CalVet College Fee Waiver
Who may qualify?	Eligible California community college students who meet applicable financial aid or other qualifying criteria.	Eligible spouses and children of qualifying veterans who meet the requirements of an applicable CalVet fee waiver plan.
What does it cover?	Qualifying California community college enrollment fees.	Qualifying tuition and mandatory systemwide fees at California public colleges and universities.
Where do I apply?	Through FAFSA, the California Dream Act Application, or the applicable college CCPG application.	Through a County Veterans Service Office.
Who can assist me?	Moorpark College Financial Aid Office	County Veterans Service Office for applications and eligibility; Moorpark College for questions about applying an approved waiver to your student account.

Helpful Resources

Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
CalVet College Fee Waiver Information
Ventura County College Fee Waiver Program

Receiving a fee waiver does not automatically cover textbooks, housing, transportation, or other educational expenses. Students are encouraged to explore additional financial aid opportunities.

8. Academic Progress and Student Support

Academic Probation / Academic Notice
A college academic-standing status indicating that a student has not met certain academic performance or progress standards and may need to complete additional requirements to return to good standing.

DSPS – Disabled Student Programs and Services / Accessibility Services (ACCESS)
College services that provide accommodations and academic support for eligible students with disabilities. Students may qualify for academic accommodations regardless of whether they have a VA service-connected disability rating. Accessibility Coordination Center and Educational Support Services (ACCESS)

EW – Excused Withdrawal
A withdrawal designation that may be granted when a student cannot complete a course because of qualifying circumstances beyond their control, subject to college policy.

GPA – Grade Point Average
A numerical measure of a student's academic performance based on the grades received in applicable courses.

MW – Military Withdrawal
A withdrawal designation available to students who must withdraw from classes because of qualifying military obligations.

SAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress
Academic progress requirements used to determine a student's continued eligibility for financial aid. SAP commonly considers GPA, completion of attempted coursework, and the maximum timeframe for completing an educational program.

VA educational benefit requirements are separate and may differ from federal financial aid SAP requirements.

Starfish
A student support platform used to connect students with academic counseling, appointments, and other available college support services.

W – Withdrawal
A transcript notation indicating that a student officially withdrew from a course after the applicable drop deadline.

Students using VA educational benefits should contact the VRC before withdrawing because enrollment changes may affect benefit payments.

Veteran and Dependent Resources

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As part of the law, all telephone service providers in the U.S. had to activate the number no later than July 16, 2022.

Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).

HAS-HSP@ventura.org 805-385-1800

Espy Durazo esperanz.durazo@ventura.org

Abbie Mittel Abigail.mittel@ventura.org

The Housing Support Program is a Ventura County program that assists people in finding housing, this program is for anyone in need of housing assistance not just veterans.

To get assistance from this program an individual has to have received an official eviction notice or has to be actively homeless.

If a veteran reaches out to them who is on the verge of homeless but hasn’t received an eviction notice and is not actively homeless then they will refer the veteran to other veteran related programs who should be able to assist them with their specific situation.

Jesse Gomez, Mobile Veteran Outreach Project Manager

JesseG@GCVF.org Office (805) 482-6550 Mobile (805) 703-0315

Don Irelan Volunteer

Don.Irelan@gcvf.org Office (805) 482-6550 Mobile (805) 427-2239

The Gold Coast Veterans Foundation is an organization dedicated to assisting the Veteran community of California. They help veterans with homelessness, finding jobs, running small businesses, and connecting veteran to various additional resources.

Richard F. Camacho, Life Member

Camacho4@roadrunner.com 805-630-7657

Debra Ehrich, Sr. Vice Commander, CSO

Debora.ehrich079@myci.csuci.edu 805-775-9987

Robert I. Cruz, Adjutant, Chaplain, CSO II

Robert.cruz805@gmail.com 805-320-6896

This is an organization that is devoted to assisting disabled military veterans. They set up fundraisers, organize support groups, they can direct disabled veterans to resource that can assist them.

Kristopher Davis, Case Manager

Office (805) 496-4948 EXT. 404 Cell (424) 354-0704

kristopherD@manymansions.org

Many Mansions is a non-profit affordable housing and service provider. They assist people in finding places to live or reaching to organizations that can assist in housing.

Mitzi Huddleston, Career Development Specialist

310-592-5309 mitzi.huddleston@usw.salvationarmy.org

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Marilyn Darling SSVF Program Coordinator

Cell (310) 948-0611 Office (805) 483-9235 EXT 1204

Marilyn.Darling@usw.salvationarmy.org

The Salvation Army provides numerous programs to assist military veteran ranging from employment services, job training, and education.

Rena Rhine, Client Services Supervisor

Rena.rhine@teamSTEPusa.org (805) 695-6810

A non-profit organization that is devoted to providing assistance to military veterans. They provide services such as emergency financial assistance, warehouse distributions, cammies to college, etc.

https://recoveryshot.org/recovery-shots-for-vets/

Cricket Wheeler, Consultant

(805) 620-0958 cricketwheeler@recoveryshot.org

This organization sets up free golf lessons and allow veterans to golf for free as a means of healing, physically and emotionally, from injuries sustained in service. They can provide free sets of golf clubs to veterans through various donations they have receive. If veterans do not know how to golf, they have free golf lessons held by a professional golfer Mark Wilson.

laudia Gonzalez, ARPA Outreach Coordinator

(805) 889-6760 cgonzalez@ca-vc.org

They provide community assistance such as home weatherization, food assistance, utility bill assistance, homelessness, etc. Good resource for veteran assistance if needed.

Wendy Menoza – Military Veteran/Community Care VA Liaison

650-770-8517 wendy@summitestates.com

Mia Clark – Director, Veteran Services – Specialty Track

650-770-8517 mia@summitestate.com

The provide care and services to disabled military veterans. Can assist in handling the VA processes of getting assistance.

Laurette Chapman – Dog Trainer

805-551-1168 rescuegal26@gmailcom

Claudia Steele-Major – Therapy Dog Coordinator

805-551-1168 claudiagab0922@gmail.com

This is a group who specialize in assisting veterans in getting service animals and provide animal therapy services.

Community Resources

CalVet Resources

Department of Veteran Affairs

Veteran Peer Access Network

Vet Center

Additional Services and Information

VA Disability and Health Benefits

Local VA Health Clinics

Scholarship and Grant Opportunities

College Exemption Forms

Women's Veteran Alliance

Using the Veteran's Resource Center (VRC)

VRC Glossary – VA Educational Benefits and College Terminology

Veteran and Dependent Resources

Veteran Crisis Line

HSP-Housing Support Program

Gold Coast Veterans Foundation

Disabled American Veterans Ventura Chapter 24

Many Mansions

The Salvation Army - Veteran Employment Services

STEP: Support The Enlisted Project

ASA: America Supporting Americans, Greater Conejo Valley Chapter

US Small Business Administration

Oxnard Family Circle, Adult Day Health Care Center

EDD: Employment Development Department

Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County

Recovery Shot: Healing Through Golf

Ventura County Department of Child Support Services

Community Action – Ventura County

Fortitude Recovery

Sabot Foundation

Military Animal Project

VFA Post 10049-7

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