UC IRVINE Veterans Resource Guide
Accommodations: Upon request, this publication will be made available in alternative formats for people with disabilities. Contact the UCI Disability Services Center; telephone 949-824-7494, TDD 824-6272. The campus and all buildings are accessible by wheelchair. Campus Safety: Pursuant to the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, UCI annually makes available to the public statistics on reported occurrences of criminal activity on and off campus and at UCI Medical Center at http://www.police.uci.edu/awareness/jca.html. Nondiscrimination Policy: The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and university policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The university also prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities. For more information, call 949-824-5594.
Table of Contents Message from the Vice Chancellor Student Affairs... 2 Veteran Services... 3 Living on Campus... 4 Priority Registration... 6 Education Benefits... 6 Transfer Student Center... 8 Anteater Recreation Center... 8 Disability Services Center... 9 Student Organizations... 9 Transfer Admissions... 10 Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)... 12 Campus Map & Directions... 13 Veteran Services Center University of California, Irvine G304 Student Center Irvine, CA 92697-5125 veteran.uci.edu veteran@uci.edu
veteran.uci.edu Message from the Vice Chancellor Student Affairs Greetings from the University of California, Irvine. It is my pleasure to share our excitement about the opportunities that make University of California, Irvine the place for you. UCI is proud to honor those who have served their country so faithfully, and proud that we are military friendly. Veterans and active service members receive priority enrollment and guaranteed housing. Our Veteran Services Center provides a gateway to balancing college life with career, family and personal responsibilities, and your military service. Veteran staff and faculty are on hand to facilitate your success by providing support, and resources that meet your unique needs. Why UCI? Internationally, we are ranked among the top 50 research universities, and yet we are known for our small college feel. Leadership opportunities and quality services abound. Close to 75% of our undergraduates participate in research opportunities. UCI graduates rank 17th nationally in salary earnings among U.S. public universities. Close to 73% secure employment in their field or related to their field upon graduation. And, you simply cannot beat a university that is the 16th Happiest Campus and is in the top five in the nation for the most loveable mascot the Anteater. We are honored to have veterans and military service members at UCI, and deeply appreciate the sacrifices you have made for our nation. You have many choices after and during your military service, and we hope that you will make UC Irvine a part of your life. Go Eaters! Thomas A. Parham, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor Student Affairs 2
Veteran Services veteran.uci.edu Veteran Services is a resource center at UC Irvine dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for veterans, reservists and their dependents, along with assistance in obtaining educational benefits. The office is responsible for submitting entitlement requests for new and continuing students to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), answering questions veteran students or dependents may have concerning their educational benefits, and providing resources to assist in navigating the transition to civilian and student life. Programs VetNet Ally Program VetNet Ally is a four-hour education program increasing campus awareness among UCI faculty and staff about veterans, military culture, and the challenges of transitioning to college and civilian life. Participants learn about the value added to UC Irvine by the veteran population. If you see a VetNet Ally sticker in an office, the faculty or staff member has participated in the program and is committed to being a VetNet Ally. The center offers workshops, programs and social events to help veterans access local services and meet other military students. Key programs are the VetNet Ally Program, the Mentorship Program and annual Veteran Appreciation Dinner. Mentorship Program Contact Veteran Services to be paired with a UCI faculty or staff member who is either a veteran or actively involved in the military community. 3
veteran.uci.edu Veteran Appreciation Dinner UCI s annual Veteran Appreciation Dinner held in May recognizes graduating seniors and welcomes newly admitted military students to UCI. The dinner also serves as an avenue to fundraise for the Bridging the Gap Military Student Scholarship and Programs Fund. Living On Campus housing.uci.edu UCI is a great place for you and your family: the City of Irvine is one of the safest cities in the USA, and UCI guarantees an offer of oncampus housing for eligible military service members. On-campus childcare services are available, visit childcare.uci.edu. UCI Housing Guarantee For Veterans, Reservists including National Guard, and Active Duty Service Members* UC Irvine guarantees an offer of on-campus housing for four years or normal time to degree (whichever is greater) for both full-time students who are single and to those with families. The housing guarantee remains in place if a degree program is interrupted by deployment. Service members should register *This policy does not apply to students enrolled in ROTC. The 3rd Annual Veteran Appreciation Dinner was held in May 2012. 4 Palo Verde housing is a graduate and family community with unfurnished apartments.
with the UCI Veterans Services Office once they are an admitted student in order for eligibility status to be confirmed. There are various housing options for veterans and veterans with families. For more information, contact Student Housing at housing@uci.edu or call 949-824-6811. Deployment If you are deployed while a student living on campus, UCI provides options: 1) Students and/or significant others may remain in UCI Housing until the end of the lease/contract. 2) Students and/or significant others may terminate the lease/contract early with no penalty. Proof of deployment and housing paperwork are required for both options. Contact the associate director of Residential Life in your housing community for assistance. Student Profile Tanishia Santana Alpha Psi Omega Secretary 2012-2013 Electric Dance Union 2011-2013 B.A. Sociology anticipated 13 Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Transferred From: Chaffey College Military Service: U.S. Army for 8 years of active duty Major: Sociology, School of Social Sciences What would you like prospective students to know about UCI? Although there will be tough times throughout your academic career here at UCI, the payoff of working with such prestigious professors will be worth it in the end. What is something wonderful you learned about UCI? Aldrich Park, in the middle of the campus, provides a serene escape. 5
veteran.uci.edu Priority Registration By official policy, all veterans, reservists and active duty service members are eligible for class priority registration during their academic careers at UCI, as well as any term in which they are readmitted from active duty. Requirements for Priority Registration Once you are admitted and have submitted your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), previously indicating your military status on your UC Application, you will be contacted in May to submit verification. If you did not indicate your military status on your application, contact Veteran Services and be prepared to submit your DD214 as proof to veteran@uci.edu, or call UCI Veteran Services at 949-824-3500. Education Benefits The GI Bill provides benefits to veterans, service members and some dependents of disabled or deceased veterans wishing to pursue an education. The length of time spent on active duty will determine the amount of benefits unless you are currently serving in the reserves or National Guard and have NOT been deployed. In that case, an allotted benefit amount will be issued. Veteran Education Benefit Programs Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty/Discharged) Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill (includes some dependents) Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve) Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP) Panel discussions are part of the VetNet Ally Program. 6
After choosing to attend UCI, veterans who wish to use their VA education benefits for the first time should apply online at www.gibill.gov and complete a Form 22-1990 to receive a Certificate of Eligibility. If education benefits have been used previously, complete Form 22-1995. After registering for courses, submit the following items to UCI Veteran Services: Certificate of Eligibility (COE, mailed to you from the VA), or copy of 22-1990 if you have not received the COE Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) UCI Veteran Intake Form UCI Quarterly Course Enrollment Form Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program For in-state undergraduate and graduate studies, all fees would be covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill since UCI is a public institution, and the Yellow Ribbon Program would not be needed. Professional School Yellow Ribbon Participants: UCI Law School UCI Paul Merage School of Business Student Profile Jack Williams Founder, Alpha Psi Omega Veterans Fraternity ASUCI Veteran Liaison 2011-2012 B.A. History 12 Juris Doctor anticipated 15 Hometown: Waycross, Georgia Transferred From: Saddleback College Military Service: Marine Corps, 2006-2010 Major: Middle Eastern History, School of Humanities Minor: Political Science, School of Social Science What would you like prospective students to know about UCI? The veteran initiatives Veteran Services Center and the veteran housing policy make UCI one of the most veteran friendly four-year institutions in the country! What is something wonderful you learned about UCI? It is home to one of the founding chapters of the Alpha Psi Omega Veterans Fraternity. 7
veteran.uci.edu Transfer Student Center www.transfercenter.uci.edu The UCI Transfer Student Center (TSC) helps transfer students transition and succeed at UCI. The TSC provides access to important campus resources, facilitates opportunities for personal growth and creates a sense of community. TSC has study rooms, a computer lab, a refrigerator, microwave, water, coffee, couches and workspaces to use FREE OF CHARGE! TSC is your home away from home. Transfer Summer Start & Transfer Summer Bridge Military students transferring into UC Irvine are invited to take part in the Transfer Summer Start Program, an opportunity that provides a rich academic, social and personal foundation. You can become familiar with the academic rigor of the university and campus social scene under ideal conditions of maximum opportunity and support. First generation and low-income students are encouraged to apply to Transfer Summer Bridge. Visit summer.uci.edu/transfer. Anteater Recreation Center Campus Recreation and the Anteater Recreation Center (ARC) provide programs and facilities to maintain physical fitness and enhance the university experience through wellness. For a complete list of programs and to discover all that Campus Rec and the ARC have to offer, visit www.campusrec.uci.edu. By beginning your transfer experience during the summer, you will be part of a smaller, more relaxed community of students. Veterans opportunities and programs include spouse and caregiver membership opportunities and summer youth programs and camps. Contact Veterans Liaison Staci DeLuca at 949-824-3738 or sdeluca@uci.edu for information. Global Viewpoint Lounge 8 Anteater Recreation Center
Disability Services Center disability.uci.edu UC Irvine demonstrates its core values of individual growth, development, civility and diversity by recognizing wounded veterans as an important part of its student body. Our mission is to empower students to reach their potential in every aspect of their lives by moving beyond success to significance through education, service, and support. At UCI, providing equal opportunities for wounded veterans is a campus-wide responsibility and commitment. Wounds include, but are not limited to, orthopedic, visual, hearing, learning, chronic health and psychological diagnoses. Veterans are encouraged to meet with Disability Services Center (DSC) staff early to review documentation and coordinate resources. Student Organizations campusorgs.uci.edu With more than 600 campus organizations academic, international, multicultural, political, social, service, recreational, religious and performance oriented UCI is a hub of energy. Alpha Psi Omega Veterans is UC Irvine s first veterans fraternity and one of the three original chapters of the organization. Its mission is to create an environment that guarantees satisfactory integration of veterans with the general student body, and promote peaceful understanding of this nation s veterans and their sacrifices. Student Profile Shane Brubaker B.A. History anticipated 13 Hometown: Tustin, California Transferred From: CSU Fullerton Military Service: U.S. Army, 1st Special Forces Group (A) Major: History, School of Humanities & Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences What would you like prospective students to know about UCI? UCI is a little more fast paced, so if it s a challenge you are looking for this is the place. What is something wonderful you learned about UCI? I learned that when problems arose there were over a dozen people at the university who were willing to help me at any given moment. UCI really makes a person feel welcome and at home. 9
veteran.uci.edu Transfer Admissions www.admissions.uci.edu UCI is committed to providing educational excellence and a vibrant campus life for transfer students. Priority is given to juniorlevel students transferring from California community colleges. Basic UC Transfer Requirements 60 semester or 90 quarter UC transferable units with a minimum 2.4 GPA; however, a competitive UC Irvine transfer applicant should have a UC transferable GPA of 3.0 or above. All 60 semester or 90 quarter UC transferable units must be completed by spring of the transferring year. Complete the following seven transferable college courses (with a grade of a C or better in each course): Two UC transferable courses in English composition One UC transferable course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning Four UC transferable courses chosen from at least two of the following areas: the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, or the physical and biological sciences Note: If you are a non-california resident, you must have a minimum 2.8 GPA in order to be eligible for the UC System. See www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/transfer/requirements/ index.html for additional information regarding Transfer Admission requirements. Unit Limitations The maximum number of community college units that can be transferred and applied to UCI graduation credit is 70 transferable semester or 105 transferable quarter units. No more than 14 semester (21 quarter) units may be taken for Pass/No Pass credit (not major prerequisites). You may receive subject credit for courses taken in excess of the maximum. Grades earned in all UC transferable coursework are used in calculating the UC transferable GPA. 10 UCI s Veteran Services Center
UC Irvine Transfer Major Requirements In addition to meeting UC transfer eligibility requirements, students applying to UC Irvine must also meet the requirements for their specific major. Visit www. admissions.uci.edu/resources/transfer_selection. Transfer Resources Be sure to visit ASSIST assist.org the California statewide site that provides the most accurate and up-to-date information to help you transfer from a community college to a four-year university. California Community College Advising UCI offers walk-in counseling on most Fridays, 1-3 p.m., in the Undergraduate Admissions Office, 260 Aldrich Hall. To ensure a counselor will be available, call 949-824-6703 before visiting campus. Bring your unofficial transcripts to the advising session. UCI s Veteran Services Center proudly welcomes visitors, provides information and offers assistance. Faculty Profile William (Bill) J. Cooper, Ph.D. Director of the Urban Water Research Center (UWRC) and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Military Service U.S. Army, Medical Services What do you teach here at UCI? Environmental Engineering, The Henry Samueli School of Engineering. What would you like prospective students to know about UCI? Talking to faculty and students is important. They are all friends here. What piece of advice would you give a veteran considering UCI? Work hard and play hard to lead a balanced life at the university. 11
veteran.uci.edu Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) www.admissions.uci.edu/tag UC Irvine s TAG program guarantees admission to highly-qualified students from all California community colleges. Admission to most majors at UC Irvine can be guaranteed through TAG for transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements and complete the online TAG application. For GPA and course requirements for UC Irvine s TAG program, visit www.admissions.uci.edu/tag. How to Apply for TAG If you are applying to TAG for the upcoming fall term*, you must submit an online TAG Application September 1-30 of the previous year. To submit a TAG Application visit uctag.universityofcalifornia.edu You must also submit a UC Application at www. universityofcalifornia.edu/apply to UC Irvine during the application filing period, November 1-30. *UC Irvine does not accept applications for winter or spring quarters. The Veteran Services Center is located in the south building of UCI s Student Center. 12 The Veteran Services Center grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting.
Campus Map & Directions Driving directions: http://uci.edu/campus_maps.php Interactive campus map: http://uci.edu/campusmap/index.php We look forward to meeting and serving you! Faculty Profile Donald (Don) R. Blake, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry and of Earth System Science Military Service U.S. Navy, Naval Intelligence What do you teach here at UCI? Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences What would you like prospective students to know about UCI? UCI is a friendly campus to veterans. What piece of advice would you give a veteran considering UCI? You need to choose a major that you are good in and find interesting. There will be times when things get tough and it is easier to get through tough times if you enjoy the work. What UCI resource should veterans know about? I strongly urge all students to get involved in undergraduate research. Look into the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). 13
Veteran Services Center University of California, Irvine G304 Student Center Irvine, CA 92697-5125 veteran.uci.edu June 2012