BCC’s Veteran Services Weekly ZOOM Check-in’s will be Thursdays from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. beginning on January 28th, 2021
ZOOM Connection is https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/8328419897
Thank you for choosing Berkeley City College (BCC) to pursue your education! Berkeley City College is committed to assisting Veterans, their dependents, and reservists in obtaining their VA educational benefits and in achieving their educational and career goals. BCC is approved to offer programs that lead to a certificate, an associate degree (for transfer), and transfer to a four-year college/university program.
To get started with our program, we recommend that you read through this webpage thoroughly and download the forms below to learn more about our programs. Also, please read our program brochure and outline of steps and ensure that you’ve completed all steps before meeting with the VA Counselor and/or the Certifying Official. In addition to applying for certification at BCC, you will need to apply with the Department of Veteran Affairs first in order to determine your educational benefits. Click me for the online application. After receiving your eligibility letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs, you will then need to meet with our VA Counselor to determine your program of study and to review all of your documentation.
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Effective August 1, 2019: Section 103, PL 115-407
Attendance and Participation While Awaiting VA Tuition and Fee Payments
Effective August 1, 2019, any student using Ch. 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits) or Ch. 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) is protected from any penalties imposed by the College while waiting for the VA to make tuition and fee payments.
Under this policy, the College:
- Cannot deny a student access to classrooms, libraries, or other institutional facilities
- Cannot make a student borrow money to cover costs while waiting for payment
- Cannot charge a student a late fee or penalty
Protection begins when the student provides the school with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a Statement of Benefits. The College can require the student to submit: The COE or Statement of Benefits no later than the first day of the program written request to use the benefits or other necessary certifications. The coverage period ends when the VA makes payment or 90 days after the date the College certifies tuition and fees.
For more information regarding this policy, contact your School Certifying Official (SCO) Jennifer Lenahan at jlenahan@peralta.edu
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Berkeley City College complies with S.2248-Veterans unfits and Transition Act of 2018 section 103. Berkeley City College will not assess or implement any late fees for at least 90 days from the date of certification, for any covered individuals which are using Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 VA Educational Benefits.
Covered individuals must provide Berkeley City College with the following: A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) letter A print out of the student’s summary of benefits page from eBenefits.va.gov is enough to let this requirement as well.
Veterans’ Resource Center (VRC)
LocationRoom 347 (3rd Floor) behind the EOPS/CARE area |
The Berkeley City College Veteran’s Resource Center will be physically closed through the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, but online assistance is available. |
Please send an email to BCC-VeteransAffairs@peralta.edu for immediate assistance.
You can also reach us at our phone numbers below and receive a reply within 24 to 48 hours to your request. |
VRC Contact InformationJennifer Lenahan, Certifying Official Jennifer is available on ZOOM at https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/8328419897 Amy Herrera, Veteran Counselor Amy’s fall 2020 hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
During your consultation with the VA Counselor or the Certifying Official, you will be given all the information and documents needed in order to complete your file requirements as required by the Department of Veteran Affairs to be eligible for BCC’s VA Program. For questions pertaining to your eligibility or your benefits, you must call the VA as we don’t have access to such information.
Berkeley City College serves as a liaison with Department of Veteran Affairs and only provides course certifications. Other resources, services, or benefits relating to the VA are not offered through BCC. Visit or contact your local county Veterans’ Office or browse through the website of the Department of Veteran Affairs to learn more about available services for you and your family. Copies of the Annual California Veterans’ Resource Book are available on campus that you may have. Finally, visit their website at calvet.ca.gov/vetservices
Other Program Info & Documents
Below are links available for download such as other program information and required documents that are supplemental upon entry into the program.
** – denotes required documentation.
^^ – Required only if applicable. This form is necessary only when a dependent is transferring here from another college and has already been receiving their benefits. This is not intended for new students initiating their VA benefits for the first time.
- BCC Veterans Services | Information and Checklist of required documents
- Enrollment Certification Request Form**
- Berkeley City College Statement of Understanding & Responsibilities**
- For Veterans: Form 22-1995 Change of Program/Place of Training^^
- California Residency Questionnaire
- For non-California Residents who will be attending college at BCC. Submit the form with a copy of your DD-214 and a photo ID. This needs to be turned into the Admissions and Records Office.
- California Veteran Dependent College Fee Waiver Description
- California Veteran Dependents Fee Waiver Form and Instructions
- Our program does not handle the dependent fee waivers. This is only placed here for informational purposes as a courtesy and all dependent fee waivers are handled by your local county VA office.
- For Dependents: Form 22-5495 Change of Program/Place of Training^^
Our Commitment
We are committed to assisting you in maintaining your program requirements so that you do not have any interruptions in your monthly benefits; however, in order for us to assist you with this, we need you to also keep us informed of any changes immediately. If you need help with this or have questions about this process, please contact our office.
As a veteran or dependent, you will be expected to comply with certain regulations established by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and PCCD/Berkeley City College. Please read our college catalog for college policies and procedures to find out more information.
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