Veteran Services

Earn College Credit for Prior Learning

It is required for VA education benefits and military tuition assistance that all of the student’s prior education be evaluated for transfer credit.

-    Joint Services Transcripts (JSTs)
Starting Fall 2023, if military and veteran students are using VA education benefits, RRCC will automatically obtain and evaluate their JSTs (covering all branches except Air Force/Space Force) during their first semester. Students who began at RRCC before Fall 2023 will follow the standard transcript evaluation process (link is external).

-    Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and all other previous college transcripts will need to follow the standard transcript evaluation process.

Did you know that you could receive additional college credit for knowledge gained through your work and life experiences?   Click here (link is external) to learn more about Prior Learning Assessment.

• MyCAA is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses.
• As part of the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, coaches are available to assist military spouses with:
  • Learning about career paths
  • Pursuing education
  • Building your resume, finding a job, or owning a business
  • Access to a network of resources
• For more information on eligibility and what is covered, visit the MyCAA Website (link is external) or call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647.

Key Deadlines:

• Education and Training Plans (ETPs) should be requested 5 business days before needed.
• ETPs should be requested at least 21 days prior to the start of your class(es) to ensure MyCAA. Steps 1-6 should be completed before requesting an ETP. Be sure to allow enough time to complete everything.

Additional Steps

Take the steps first to become an RRCC Student.

Request a MyCAA Education and Training Plan (ETP)

Email veteran.services@rrcc.edu to request an ETP. Be sure to include:

• Your student ID number
• The program you would like to complete using MyCAA
• Your career goal
• When you need the ETP returned to you by. Standard processing is 5 business days.

Appointment with SECO Career Coach

• Call the SECO Career Center at 800-342-9647 to schedule your MyCAA coaching session with a SECO Career Coach.
• The ETP will be needed for this appointment.

Submit ETP to SECO Career Coach

• They will provide you instructions with submitting the ETP.
• Plans are reviewed and approved in the order received. The process can take up to 14 business days.

Leave of Absence and Readmission of Military Service Member Students

RRCC complies with the Department of Education regulations regarding readmission for Service members and reservists under 34 C.F.R. 668.18 and Title 38 U.S.C. 3691A regulations regarding withdrawal or leave of absence. Service members who believe they meet the criterion should contact Veteran Services (303-914-6127 or veteran.services@rrcc.edu) to begin the readmission, leave of absence, or withdrawal process.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces (including reserve components) and you receive orders “to perform a period of service” (i.e. active duty, inactive duty training, or state service) that will affect your attendance and/or participation in class, you may have several options. The effectiveness of each option is dependent on how far into the semester we are and what education benefit type you are using.

Email us at veteran.services@rrcc.edu with a copy of your orders attached and we’ll provide next steps. Providing a copy of the applicable orders is required. It’s important that we get everything in place before you leave.

Failure to notify Veteran Services of the orders effecting your enrollment will limit the options available to you.

Colorado HB 20-1275, provides in-state tuition rates for military-affiliated students at all Colorado Community Colleges. In addition, active-duty service members online tuition rate is capped at the TA maximum rate.

Military-affiliated includes US Military Veterans, Service Members, and their dependents plus Canadian Military stationed in Colorado and their dependents if they are a full-time student under the age of 23.  

If you are military-affiliated and your RRCC acceptance letter indicates you have been classified as a Non-Resident for Tuition Classification Purposes, email us at veteran.services@rrcc.edu. Additional information may be needed, but in most circumstances your using military education benefits is all we need.

Leave of Absence and Readmission of Military Service Member Students

RRCC complies with the Department of Education regulations regarding readmission for Service members and reservists under 34 C.F.R. 668.18 and Title 38 U.S.C. 3691A regulations regarding withdrawal or leave of absence. Service members who believe they meet the criterion should contact Veteran Services (303-914-6127 or veteran.services@rrcc.edu to begin the readmission, leave of absence, or withdrawal process.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces (including reserve components) and you receive orders “to perform a period of service” (i.e. active duty, inactive duty training, or state service) that will affect your attendance and/or participation in class, you may have several options. The effectiveness of each option is dependent on how far into the semester we are and what education benefit type you are using.

Email us at veteran.services@rrcc.edu with a copy of your orders attached and we’ll provide next steps. Providing a copy of the applicable orders is required. It’s important that we get everything in place before you leave.

Failure to notify Veteran Services of the orders effecting your enrollment will limit the options available to you.

Student Veterans of America - RRCC Chapter

The RRCC Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter is a voice for student veterans on-campus and is active in helping veterans integrate into academic and civilian life. The club also connects students to RRCC and community resources.

RRCC SVA Vision: Empowering student veterans to lead and live their best lives.

RRCC SVA Mission: Act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.

SVA meets monthly while classes are in-session. Meeting dates and times will be posted on the Veteran Services Events page.

Email veteran.services@rrcc.edu with questions or for the contact information of current SVA officers.

The Veteran’s Lounge is a dedicated place that veteran students and service members with common backgrounds, experiences, and goals can call their own. It is a place to study, connect, and support each other. The lounge is outfitted with a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, computers, and a sitting area.
    
The Veteran’s Lounge is in Room 1007 near the East end of the RRCC Lakewood campus. It’s right next door to the Military & Veteran Services Office in Room 1005.
    
Stop by any time plus watch for lounge events including the monthly Student Veterans of America meeting. Let the Military and Veterans Staff know if you have accessibility needs or any issues with the lounge.

We are dedicated to your educational needs.

The Veteran Advisory Council (VAC) advises the Veteran Services Office, inputs on Veteran-related decision making, and supports Veteran student initiatives. Please use our contact information below if you'd like to get in touch!

Council Members

Dr. Merri Mattison
Student Veterans Association Advisor
Sociology Professor
Merri.Mattison@rrcc.edu
303.914.6635

Paul Gallagher
Student Veteran Association Advisor
English Professor
Paul.Gallagher@rrcc.edu
303.914.6123

A list of all council members and their contact information can be provided by emailing veteran.services@rrcc.edu