A student who is a veteran, active duty military or a dependent of a veteran seeking to utilize a VA Educational Entitlement (GI Bill) or Active Duty Military Tuition Assistance. As a veteran student, you will have access to support from the Veteran Services office, with dedicated staff to help you discover opportunities.
STEP 1: Apply to RRCC
- Get started by completing the free online application. Use the Create Account option on the Welcome page and continue to complete the full application.
- After applying, check out the Veterans Student Checklist at Veterans Student Checklist for a complete list of steps to get started.
STEP 2: Complete the Required College Overview (Online)
Online: Learn at your own pace by completing the Required College Overivew! Follow the steps below for instructions on how to access the online information:
- Log on to The Rock with your S#
- Your temporary password is Student followed by your date of birth: StudentMMDDYYYY
- Click on “Required College Overview” at the bottom of the page
Need help? We are here to support you! Learn how to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor by Watching this Video or following these Step-by-step instructions.
STEP 3: Complete your Self-Assessments
- You can find out which assessment(s) you’ll need to take by filling out a questionnaire here. You may need to submit additional documentation or take the Accuplacer Test.
STEP 4: Meet with your Pathway Advisor
- Meeting with your Pathway Advisor is recommended prior to registration. An Advisor will help you select courses, identify course prerequisites, obtain program information, evaluate placement results, assist with transfer planning to a four-year college or university, and prepare you for graduation.
- Log into Navigate or call the Advising Front Desk at (303) 914-6275 to schedule an appointment.
- Watch this short video on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate or Click here for step-by-step instructions.
- Accessibility Services works with students who have disabilities and learning differences to provide access to courses, programs and activities through accommodations and supports.
STEP 5: Register for classes
- Use Navigate to plan out your entire time at RRCC! Explore academic programs with Major Explorer, find important to-do’s, and drag and drop courses into different semesters to see your exact path to graduation.
- Watch this short video on how to register for classes in Navigate.
- Once registered, visit the bookstore. Click Textbooks at the top of the page to see what books you may need for your specific classes. You can also call the bookstore for more information and price matching at 303-914-6232.
STEP 6: Attend New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO) is your official introduction to our college community. This essential program is designed to help you transition smoothly into college life, providing you with all the tools, resources, and connections you need to start your academic journey on the right foot.
Register for an upcoming New Student Orientation
STEP 7: Activate your student email account in The Rock
- Your student email address will end in @student.cccs.edu. You will be issued a student email address after you register for classes.
STEP 8: Paying for College
- You may qualify to receive both financial aid and VA education benefits at the same time. Apply for financial aid at www.fafsa.gov, and speak with Veteran Services if you have any questions about your benefits.
- Complete the College Opportunity Fund (COF) process which saves $116 per credit for students classified as Colorado residents for tuition purposes. It is important to complete this step for third-party billing.
- Check out Payment Plans and Payment Deadlines to avoid late fees.
STEP 9: Get your RRCC student ID card (if all of your courses are online, you will not be issued a student ID card.)
- Get your student ID from the Student Life offices at both the Lakewood and Arvada Campuses: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Appointments are encouraged and walk-ins may be accommodated. For evening hours, please make an appointment request through Navigate.
- Watch this short video on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate (link is external)or Click here for step-by-step instructions.