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Military Base Programs Student Checklist

Getting Started: Apply Online & Orientation Information 

Priority registration is offered to all active duty military and veterans in good standing attending Copper Mountain College.  Proof of military status must be provided to the Military Base Office or Admissions and Records before receiving this service.

Registration Priority shall be lost at the first registration opportunity after a student:

• Is placed on academic or progress probation or any combination thereof; or

• Has earned one hundred (100) or more degree-applicable semester or quarter equivalent units at the district or other higher education institutions.

For purposes of this section a unit is earned when a student receives a grade of A, B, C, D, or P. The 100-unit limit does not include units for non-degree applicable English as a Second Language or basic skills. The 100-unit limit does not include units earned through credit by examination, advanced placement, or International Baccalaureate.

Residency

Active-duty military members are considered California residents for tuition purposes. The dependent of an active-duty military person stationed in California is considered a resident for tuition purposes during his/her first year in California. The son or daughter of an active-duty military member will be determined to be a resident of California for tuition purposes.

Fees and Tuition

California Resident: ……………….$46/unit
Non-Resident: ……………………….$332/unit
Parking:
Car………………………….. $20/semester
Motorcycle……………….. $10/semester
Summer session……….. $5/all vehicles
Student Government & Clubs: $4/semester

APPLY FOR AN ENROLLMENT FEE WAIVER

California Promise Grant::
This state program waives the payment of enrollment fees for California residents or eligible AB 540 students who qualify based on financial need, public assistance, or who meet specific income standards. The most effective way to apply for the waiver is to file the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, early enough for the student to be assured of waiver eligibility prior to registration.

Apply for an Enrollment Fee Waiver

California Promise Grant: This state program waives the payment of enrollment fees for California residents or eligible AB 540 students who qualify based on financial need, public assistance, or who meet specific income standards. The most effective way to apply for the waiver is to file the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, early enough for the student to be assured of waiver eligibility prior to registration.

Financial Aid Timeline

How to Apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)

a. Student needs an FSA ID (user name and password) — https://fafsa.ed.gov/ Please apply 3 (three) days before you want to file the FAFSA.

Submit your application as soon as possible to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Some aid is first come first served. The application is free and you can apply before you’re registered in any classes. As a California resident, your tuition cost is $46 per unit + $5 student government fee.

If you qualify for the California Promise grant, your tuition cost will be covered.

For a detailed Financial Aid checklist, please visit our website here: Financial Aid | CMC (cmccd.edu)

• CMC school code: 035424
• Please complete the 2022-23 FAFSA
• If you need assistance with your financial aid application, our Financial Aid office can be reached at: (760) 366-5201 ext. 4235.

Student needs an FSA ID (user name and password) — https://fafsa.ed.gov/ If the student is a dependent, then the parent who signs the FAFSA also needs an FSA ID. Please apply for an FSA ID 3 (three) days before you want to file the FAFSA. You will need the following:

• Student’s official name
• Student’s Social Security number
• Birth date

When to Apply

• Earliest date to apply is October 1st.
• March 2nd deadline for California grants.
• Early Action is needed for early award letters.

For more information click here.    

Tuition Assistance (TA) for Active Duty

1. Servicemembers seeking to use Tuition Assistance for the first time must complete the Higher Education Preparation Course (HEP) https://jkodirect.jten.mil/
2. Once HEP is complete, request TA online (Web TA) https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil/.

Please visit the on-base Education Center for more information (760) 830-6881.

Using Tuition Assistance at CMC

1. Active Duty students intending to use TA should notify the CMC Military Base Office to be placed on sponsorship billing.
2. Once registered, the student needs to process his/her Tuition Assistance and submit the Tuition Assistance Authorization to the CMC Military Base Office prior to the first day of the semester.

MyCAA

The MyCAA Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. The scholarship helps military spouses pursue licenses, certificates, certifications or associate degrees necessary to gain employment in high demand, high growth portable career fields and occupations. Spouses may use their MyCAA funds at any academic institution approved for participation in the MyCAA Scholarship.

For more information, visit https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa or call 800-342-9647.

Using MyCAA at CMC

Military Spouses intending to use MyCAA should notify the CMC Military Base Office.

Copper Mountain College has a policy that returns any unearned tuition assistance (TA) funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided to the military Service Branch. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. Instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.
Schedule for the return of unearned TA funds to the government from Copper Mountain College:

5-Week Course Withdraw Submitted

8-Week Course Withdraw Submitted

16-Week Course Withdraw Submitted

8-Week Online Class:

• 100% of Tuition Assistance (TA) received will be returned if the student withdraws within the first week of class, but before submission of the first assignment. The student’s request will be processed as a drop for the purpose of returning TA funds only, not for Financial Aid attendance or recalculating of aid.
• 75% of TA received of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after submitting the first assignment and through the end of the second week of classes.
• 50% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the second week of classes, but before the end of the fourth week of classes.
• 25% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the fourth week of classes, but before the end of the sixth week of classes. (60% of course is completed)
• No TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the sixth week of classes.

16-Week Online Class:

• 100% of Tuition Assistance (TA) received will be returned if the student withdraws within the first week of class, but before submission of the first assignment. The student’s request will be processed as a drop for the purpose of returning TA funds only, not for Financial Aid attendance or recalculating of aid.
• 75% of TA received of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after submitting the first assignment and through the end of the fourth week of classes.
• 50% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the fourth week of classes, but before the end of the eighth week of classes.
• 25% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the eighth week of classes, but before the end of the twelfth week of classes. (60% of course is completed).
• No TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the twelfth week of classes.

Official CMC Transcripts

CMC in partnership with National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) now has electronic transcript ordering online through a secured site by clicking on the following link: CLICK HERE

Benefits of Electronic Transcripts with NSC:

• Submit your request 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Very fast turnaround – usually within an hour or two.
• Provides detailed email or text communication regarding transcript status.

Official Transcript Request Options:

• Electronic PDF option: available online through NSC for $7.00 plus $3.00 (NSC processing and e-trans fee).

Transcript Policies:

Picture ID is required to pick up transcripts in person.

• We will hold Official transcripts for pickup in Admissions and Records for a maximum of 60 days. The official transcript will be destroyed after 60 days and the student will not be refunded.
• FREE first two lifetime transcripts are available to students. However, free transcripts are not available through National Student Clearinghouse. Complete the fillable PDF form at: Official Transcript Request.
• Print the PDF form and scan or take a picture of the completed form with your signature and email back as an attachment to: officialtranscripts@cmccd.edu .
• Allow 7-10 business days for processing.

For questions or additional information, please contact Admissions & Records: 760-366-5201 ext. 4232; admissions&records@cmccd.edu.

PLEASE NOTE: Transcripts from other institutions become a part of the student’s permanent file and are not duplicated and forwarded with the Copper Mountain College transcript. For questions pertaining to OFFICIAL transcripts ONLY, please contact Admissions & Records: 760-366-5201 ext. 4232 or email: admissions&records@cmccd.edu.

Submitting Official Transcripts to CMC

If you are sending official transcripts to CMC, please give the following address to your college/university:

Copper Mountain College Attn: Transcripts PO Box 1398 Joshua Tree, CA 92252

If you are sending electronic official transcripts to CMC, please give the following email address to your college/university:

officialtranscripts@cmccd.edu

Once official transcripts have been received, enrolled students who have completed 12 or more units may request an official evaluation and acceptance of transfer units by completing a “Request for Evaluation of Credit” form available in Admissions & Records on the Main Campus or at the Base Program office.

Please note that all official transcripts must be on file before an evaluation may be processed. Once the evaluation is completed, students will be notified by email to their CMC campus email address. A follow-up appointment with a counselor is recommended. This process can take several weeks, please plan accordingly. Students who do not have a completed evaluation may find it necessary to register in person at either location (Main Campus or Base Programs) and may not be able to register through the MyCMC portal.

Should you have any questions, please contact Admissions and Records at (760) 366-3791, ext. 4232. Thank you.

Submitting Military Transcripts to CMC

Navy and Marine Corps Active duty Sailors and Marines have access to and may request a copy of their Joint Service Transcript (JST). PDF Form: Joint Service Transcript Request Online: Joint Service Transcript E-mail: ncc@cnet.navy.mil

Unofficial Transcripts and Grades

CMC will provide you with a copy of your unofficial transcript, which contains your most recent grades. Please fax a copy of the following form to Unofficial Transcripts at 760-830-4157. Or you can email: unofficialtranscriptrequest@cmccd.edu. Unofficial Transcripts for CMC Grades are Free. Please note processing time can take 3-5 business days. Unofficial transcript requests MUST have an actual signature for processing. Unofficial transcript requests without an actual signature WILL NOT be processed. Unofficial Transcript (Grades) Request Form (Adobe PDF) Unofficial Transcript (Grades) Request Form (MSWord) For questions pertaining to UNOFFICIAL transcripts ONLY, please call the Base Programs Office at 760-830-6133.

Foreign Transcript Policy

Students entering CMC who have earned university/college credits in foreign countries and believe the courses are comparable to those offered at Copper Mountain College, can obtain information about foreign transcript evaluation and application forms for foreign transcript/credential evaluation services from the Associate Dean of Student Services.

Military Veterans or active duty personnel who have served on active duty for a period of one year or longer and who have received other than a dishonorable discharge may be granted college credit. The military units are designated as ‘‘Military Credit’’ on the transcript. Students electing to follow the CSU General Education Certification Course Pattern may also satisfy Area E- Life Long Learning and Self-Development through completion of basic military education. Completed military courses and the schools at which the work was completed must be documented on forms DD214, DD295 or other official documents such as the Army/ACE Registry Transcript System (AARTS), Sailor/Marine/ACE Registry Transcripts (SMART), Community College of the Air Force, and/or the United States Coast Guard transcript.
To have formal military education credit accepted, the student must complete 6 units in residence and present the Office of Student Services or Base Programs Office (MCAGCC) his/her DD214 or an official copy of his/her military transcripts. The CMC counselor determines the units applied to the associate degree.

How do I become eligible for GI Bill® Education Benefits?

CMC does not determine a student’s eligibility for GI Bill® Education benefits.

You may visit the VA website at https://www.va.gov or https://www.gibill.va.gov/

What GI Bill® Education benefits does CMC offer? CMC is authorized to certify for Chapter 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, and 1607.

Who do I contact for GI Bill® Education Benefits? Please visit the CMC Veterans Services webpage or your Veterans Services representative at CMC is Summer Grenzow. Feel free to contact her with any questions at sgrenzow@cmccd.edu or 1-866-366-5201 ext. 5803.

Copper Mountain College is dedicated to behavior consistent with regulations issued by the Department of Education (34 C.F.R.  668.71 – 668.75, and 668.14) related to the recruitment of military students.  Therefore, the college does not engage and expressly prohibits inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having monetary value more than a de minimis amount, to any individual or entity, or its agents, including third-party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for purposes of securing enrollments of Service Members or obtaining access to TA funds.  Educational institution sponsored scholarships or grants and tuition reductions are excluded from this rule.

Copper Mountain College refrains from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admissions activity, or decision making regarding the award of student financial assistance.  Further, the college prohibits high-pressure recruitment tactics such as multiple unsolicited contacts by phone, email, or in person, or engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service Member enrollments.

If you are taking classes aboard the MCAGCC Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base, you must adhere to the Marine Corps Base Dress Code. If you do not adhere to the dress code, you will be in violation of the Marine Corps Base and CMC’s Standards of Conduct and may result in your suspension from attending classes aboard the Marine Corps Base and CMC.

Examples of inappropriate civilian attire worn in public are beach or swim wear, gym or sweat gear, tank tops, short shorts, ripped or torn clothing, garments designed as underwear, clothing with designs of an obscene or suggestive nature, and shower shoes/flip flops. Wearing headgear indoors is never permitted.

Deployment and Readmission Policy: Military Service members and Dependents Authority Cited: 34 CFR §668.18

Copper Mountain College is committed to being in full compliance with Executive Order 13607, “The Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Servicemembers, Veterans, Spouses, and Other Family Members,” regulations listed in the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, and all applicable financial aid regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education

Definitions

Military service (or service in the uniformed services) for the purposes of readmission is defined as service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under Federal authority (but not State authority), for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days.

A service member is someone who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform, service in the uniformed services on the basis of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation to perform service.

Notification of Military Service

Copper Mountain College will promptly readmit a service member with the same academic status as s/he had when last attending or accepted for admission. The student must notify the Office of Student Services of his or her military service and intention to return to school, as follows:

The student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) must give written notice of such service to the Copper Mountain College Office of Student Services as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances. This notice does not have to indicate whether the student intends to return to Copper Mountain College. No notice is required if precluded by military necessity such as service in operations that are classified or would be compromised by such notice.

Any service member in a U.S. military reserve unit should provide a copy of all training orders to the Office of Student Services at least 30 days in advance, or as far in advance as is possible under the circumstances.

Course Withdrawals and Tuition and Fee Adjustment

Once sufficient documentation is received, the Office of Student Services will work with the student to complete the necessary documents for course withdrawals and a full adjustment of all tuition and fees for the term. All financial aid funds, tuition assistance, and veteran education benefit payments will be returned to the agencies that provided them in accordance with all federal laws and regulations

Notification of Intent to Return to School

The student must also give oral or written notice of his or her intent to return to the school within three years after the completion of the period of service. A student who is hospitalized or convalescing due to an illness or injury incurred or aggravated during the performance of service must notify the Office of Student Services within two years after the end of the period needed for recovery from the illness or injury. A student who fails to apply for readmission within these periods does not automatically forfeit eligibility for readmission, but is subject to the Copper Mountain College general readmission policies

Readmission

The student will be readmitted with the same academic status. This status is defined as being admitted to the same program to which the student was last admitted, or if that exact program is no longer offered, the program that is most similar to that program, unless the student chooses a different program. The student will be readmitted at the same enrollment status, unless the student wants to re-enroll at a different enrollment status. The student will be enrolled with the same number of credit hours previously completed, unless the student is readmitted to a different program to which the completed credit hours are not transferable. The student will be readmitted with the same academic standing. The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from the school for military service must not exceed five years. Only the time the student spends actually performing service is counted.

Copper Mountain College [CMC] is not required to readmit a servicemember if it determines, after reasonable efforts, that the servicemember is not prepared to resume the program at the point where he or she left off, or is unable to complete the program. In addition, CMC is not required to readmit a servicemember if it determines that there are no reasonable efforts it can take to prepare the servicemember to resume at the point where he or she left off, or to enable the servicemember to complete the program.

Please note that readmission requirements do not apply to servicemembers who will be absent from class due to planned training/field exercises. These instances must be worked out on an individual basis with the course instructor.

Tuition and Fees

If the student is readmitted to the same academic program, for the first academic year, Copper Mountain College will assess the same tuition and fee charges as when the servicemember left, unless military benefits will pay the increase, but not more than what is being charged to other students; and for subsequent academic years or for a different program, Copper Mountain College will assess tuition and fee charges that are no more than the institution is charging other students.