Veteran services faq
Q: I am a Veteran/dependent of a Veteran/current military service member/reservist, how do I become a student?
Answer:
- Go to the PC application page if you are a new student. At the end of the application please make sure you click step 3 to activate your student ID# and email.
- If you are a returning student, go to the Continuing or Returning Students Admissions page
- Click InsidePC. This will take you to the Password manager.
- Click Forgot Password/forgot password again. It will then ask for your Last name, last four of your Social Security Number, and date of Birth/Get security Question as long as you can answer the question you can change the password. This will give you your ID number and email.
- Once you receive your student ID# and student email please email a copy of your DD 214 member 4 form or military ID to pcar@portervillecollege.edu from your PC student email account. Be sure to type Veteran in the subject line.
- Then contact the Veterans Resource Center 559-791-2222 to schedule a virtual appointment with a Veterans counselor.
- Please have these forms completed before your counselor appointment.
- VRC intake form: Click here for the intake form
- Veteran Education Benefits Student Agreement (if using G.I. Bill®): Click here for the agreement form
Q: I need to be tagged for priority registration and/or to not be dropped for non-payment.
Answer: Please email a copy of your DD-214 or active military ID to pcar@portervillecollege.edu from your PC student email account. Be sure to type Veteran to the subject line. Please include your student ID#.
Q: How do I know I am eligible for the G.I. Bill®?
Answer: You must request your G.I. Bill® benefits on the VA website. Once the VA reviews your request you will receive a certificate of eligibility in the mail which will provide you with information regarding your eligibility.
Q: What do I do once I have received my certificate of eligibility from the VA?
Answer: Once you receive your certificate of eligibility from the VA please email a copy to pcar@portervillecollege.edu from your PC student email account. Be sure to type Veteran in the subject line.
You will then need to call the Veterans Resource Center 559-791-2222 to schedule a virtual appointment with a Veterans counselor to complete an education plan.
Once you are registered for classes complete the Request for Certification and Veteran Education Benefits Student Agreement forms:
Email the completed forms to katherine.figueroa@portervillecollege.edu and type Request for Certification in the subject line.
Q: How do I transfer my G.I Bill® benefits to Porterville College from another college?
Answer: You must request what is called a “Parent Letter” from the college you were previously attending. Have your former college email the letter to pcar@portervillecollege.edu. Be sure they type Veteran in the subject line.
Q: I have registered for courses and need to certify for the VA. How do I fill out my Veteran Certification Form while the campus is closed?
Answer: Complete the Request for Certification form
Email the completed form to the veterans counselor Katherine Figueroa katherine.figueroa@portervillecollege.edu and type Request for Certification in the subject line. She will sign and submit a copy to the VA certifying official.
Q: I am a Veteran/Dependent, how do I know if I've been certified for the current semester?
Answer: You should have received an auto-generated email to your PC student email account when the certification was submitted. You may also reach out to the VA directly to follow up on any past or current certifications. Their number is 855-225-1159.
Q: I am a Veteran/Dependent receiving education benefits from the VA, I dropped/added a course to my current schedule. What next?
Answer: Please email pcar@portervillecollege.edu be sure to type Veteran in the subject line. Include the course information and date this was completed. We should be able to update the certification for you. Which would then generate an auto-generated email to your PC student email with the updates/changes made. Be sure to email from your PC student email account.
Q: I haven't received any payments from the VA for the current semester.
Answer: If you have emailed a request for certification to admissions and records you need to contact the VA at 855-225-1159 for any questions related to payments. If you have not submitted a request for certification to admissions and records you need to do so ASAP. Refer to question #6 above ("I have registered for courses and need to certify for the VA. How do I fill out my Veteran Certification Form while the campus is closed?").
Q: The VA isn't paying me full-time. Why?
Answer: It's likely you are not enrolled as a full-time student. Which is 12 or more units during spring and fall and 4 during summer. Be sure if you add or drop any courses, you notify us immediately so we can make the proper adjustments to your certification in a timely manner. In this case, you'd need to email pcar@portervillecollege.edu and add Veteran to the subject line. Be sure to email from your PC student email account.
Q: I'm trying to register and my registration date is wrong.
Answer: Please be sure you've completed any updates via your student account. If you're still getting a later date reach out to us via email at pcar@portervillecollege.edu be sure to add Veteran to the subject line and email from your PC student email account so we may verify the reason for late registration.
Q: Why do I still have a balance on my PC account? Shouldn't the VA have paid by now?
Answer: The process for VA payments takes additional time. If you are concerned, please reach out via email at pcar@portervillecollege.edu and be sure to add Veteran to the subject line. We should be able to verify how much we billed them for and if payment has been received already.
Q: Can I apply for financial aid if I am receiving G.I Bill® benefits?
Answer: Yes, you may apply for financial aid. Visit FAFSA.gov to apply. If you don't qualify due to previous military pay you may appeal by requesting a special circumstance. Contact financial aid for further instructions 559-791-2301.
Q: Who can use the Veteran Resource Center?
Answer: Veterans, active service members, reservist, and dependents/spouses of veterans.
Q: What services does the VRC provide:
Answer: All services include: Personalized Full-Time Counselor, Program Technician, Peer Mentors, free printing, computer lab, lending library, free drinks and snacks, camaraderie, and Netflix.
Q: Can I still use the Veteran Resource Center if I am not using my G.I. Bill®?
Answer: Yes, you may still use the Veteran Resource Center.
Q: Can I still qualify for G.I. Bill® benefits if I have an “other than honorable discharge”?
Answer: In some instances yes. You would need to contact the VA 1-855-225-1159 to review your eligibility.
Q. I am a dependent of a Veteran who is still in high school. Do I get the first day of priority registration?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. High school students are designated a different date for registration.
Q. I am a dependent of a Veteran, how do I apply for a CALVET fee waiver?
Answer: To download a CALVET waiver, click here. Once your waiver is approved, email supporting documents to pcar@portervillecollege.edu and be sure to type Dependent of a Veteran to the subject line. The waiver must be renewed every academic year.
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 Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
