Veterans

Admissions

• When are the application deadlines?

  To apply to UCR, complete the UC application by the deadlines below.

  • Fall Admission (First Years and Transfers) – Submit Oct. 1-Dec. 2.
  • Winter Admission (Transfers only) – Submit July 1-31.

  For more dates and deadlines, visit:
  • First Year
  • Transfer
  • Out-of-State

• Does UCR have an ROTC program?

  While UCR does not have its own ROTC program, opportunities are available through cooperative agreements with other universities whose ROTC programs welcome our students. You may enroll in ROTC courses at another institution while completing your degree program at UCR with:

  • Army ROTC: UCR students have participated in Army ROTC since 1995 under an affiliate relationship through Claremont McKenna College. UCR is one of six universities in the Inland Empire that make up the Golden Lions Battalion. Other partner institutions include California Baptist University, California State University San Bernardino, Azusa Pacific University, and California State Polytechnic University. For more information, contact armyrotc@ucr.edu, armyrotc@ucr.edu, or (951) 827-2764.
  • Airforce ROTC: AFROTC offers two-, three-, and four-year programs leading to a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Freshmen and sophomores take one hour of academics and two hours of leadership laboratory a week; juniors and seniors take three hours of academics and two hours of leadership laboratory a week. Scholarships covering up to 100% annual tuition for one to four years along with a nontaxable monthly stipend are available. For admission questions, get answers at admissions.ucr.edu/ask or Frequently Asked Questions.
• What happens if I get called up to active duty while enrolled at UCR?

  UCR wants to make it as easy as possible for you to leave without worrying about your education and return. Below are policies and resources to help you during this transition.

  • If you’re an incoming student who is called to active duty, you may be able to obtain a waiver of the $60 University Application Processing Fee. The fee can be credited toward admission for another quarter during the same academic year. To see if you qualify or to get answers, submit an inquiry at admissions.ucr.edu/ask.
  • The U.S. Department of Education has modified the withdrawal requirements of colleges for the "Return of Title IV Funds" for students called to active duty. Typically, when a student totally withdraws from classes, colleges have 30 days to return a portion of federal student aid the student has received. For more information, contact Financial Aid at (951) 827-3878.
  • The U.S. Department of Education has issued special guidance to lenders regarding Reservists who have Perkins, Stafford, or PLUS loans. If you are a member of the National Guard or Reserves, and are ordered to active military duty, you should notify your lenders to request extended loan deferments and/or forbearance while on active duty.
  • If you think you might be called to active service, learn how you can Set Up Authorized Users to access your records and student account. This permits designated users such as your parent(s), spouse, or friend to take actions, such as withdrawal from the university on your behalf.
  • Military.com's Deployment Guides and Resources will help you through deployment.
  • Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND) details the VA benefits available to returning Veterans: employment, housing, health and dental care, life insurance, and more! 
  • DoD Deployment Health Clinical Center helps Veterans get mental health treatment and support. 
• How do I apply for priority enrollment?

  UCR offers priority enrollment to all Veterans and members of the military beginning with the second quarter of enrollment. This will happen automatically if you have visited the Office of Financial Aid to request U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. Otherwise, contact Financial Aid at VASCO@ucr.edu or (951) 827-4921 to discuss the documentation needed to initiate priority enrollment. Then, watch your R’Mail for notification of the course enrollment date.

• I have some college, but I want to go to UCR. What is my next step?

  Your next step is to complete the Transfer Admissions Planner (TAP). This is where you enter all of your transcripts for evaluation. For questions, get answers at admissions.ucr.edu/ask. 

• Can I guarantee admission to UCR?

  Transfer students can secure their place at UCR through the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.

• How do I apply for priority enrollment?

  UCR offers priority enrollment to all Veterans and members of the military beginning with the second quarter of enrollment. This will happen automatically if you have visited the Office of Financial Aid to request U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. Otherwise, contact Financial Aid at VASCO@ucr.edu or (951) 827-4921 to discuss the documentation needed to initiate priority enrollment. Then, watch your R’Mail for notification of the course enrollment date.

• As a transfer student, when and where do I submit a TAG?

  To complete the TAG application, use the Transfer Admission Planner (TAP). Frequently review your TAP with your community college counselor and a UCR transfer counselor. If you miss the TAG deadline, you can still apply to UCR during the regular application period (Oct. 1-Dec. 2).

  Deadlines for Fall Admission:
  • Aug. 1 – Access the UC application
  • Sept. 1-30 – Submit your TAG application 
  • Oct. 1-Dec. 2 – Submit your UC application

  Deadlines for Winter Admission:
  • May 1-31 – Submit your TAG application 
  • July 1 – Access the UC application
  • July 1-31 – Submit your UC application

Admitted Students

• I just got accepted to UCR — now what?

  If you’ve been admitted at UCR, Undergraduate Admissions will notify you of important next steps via email and My.UCR.EDU, the student portal. Included in those next steps are these very important tasks: 

  1. Submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by May 15 for first years, June 1 for fall transfer admission, and Oct. 15 for winter transfer admission.
  2. Submit the Housing application or contract right away, as campus housing is in high demand and fills up quickly. Visit Housing to choose a community and see dates and deadlines. For virtual tours, visit UC Riverside Housing Tour and the Housing 360 Virtual Tour. For inquiries, contact the Housing office at housinginfo@ucr.edu or (951) 827-6350.
  3. Once you’ve submitted the housing application or contract by the deadline, contact Tami Thacker, Director of Veteran Services at tamarat@ucr.edu or (951) 827-2099 for Veteran placement. Veterans can have priority placement in campus housing or be housed with another student Veteran. 
• Can the Application, SIR, and/or Orientation fees be waived?

  Maybe. See the information below and if you have questions, visit admissions.ucr.edu/ask in advance of any fee deadlines.

  • UC Application Fee – Within the UC application, you’ll be able to see if you automatically qualify for a fee waiver. Visit Apply Now for more information. 
  • Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) Fee – To waive the SIR fee, contact UCR’s Office of the Registrar reghelpdesk@ucr.edu.
  • Highlander Orientation Fee – This must be paid out of pocket, but it will be absorbed into your dynamic bill which is your total bill including all charges and deposits. 
• Do I get priority registration, as a Veteran, Active Duty, Reservist, or National Guard member?

  Yes, if you submit your DD214 to VASCO@ucr.edu by the March 2 priority deadline. The DD214 form is a document issued by the Department of Defense upon a military service member's retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty.

• Can I get priority housing as a Veteran, Active Duty, Reservist, or National Guard member?

  Yes, but you must first submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and fill out a housing application or contract by the designated deadlines. Then contact Tami Thacker, Director of Veteran Services, at tamarat@ucr.edu or (951) 827-2099 for Veteran placement. Veterans can have priority placement in campus housing or be housed with another student Veteran.

• Who do I contact for an educational plan for my VA counselor?

  Contact Tami Thacker, Director of Veteran Services, at tamarat@ucr.edu or (951) 827-2099. She will act as your advisor for Chapter 31 VR&E until your Highlander Orientation day. 

• Where do I send my official transcripts?

  UCR must receive all transcripts and test scores from every institution you attended and/or are attending. For deadlines, details, and mailing instructions, visit Transcripts and Test Scores. 

• If I’m using VA benefits, can I participate in a VA work study?

  Yes, but you’ll need to apply and complete the hiring process, which includes an interview. You’ll also need to use VA benefits three-fourths of the time to full time. 

• I’ve been admitted. When do I register?

  Visit the academic calendar for registration dates, the first day of class, holidays, and more.

• Which Highlander Orientation session should I attend?

  Highlander Orientation is a mandatory program with various sessions offered.

  • Fall Highlander Orientation – Veterans are a Priority Registration Population. If admitted for fall quarter, they should register for Session 1: for Priority Registration Populations. Session 1 takes place in July. Military-connected students can attend any orientation session that aligns with their student status and admitting UCR college or school.
  • Winter Highlander Orientation – There is only one session, and admitted transfer students must register by Dec. 1. 
• Is there a Veteran-specific workshop I can attend for new students?

  UCR’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) offers breakout sessions at Highlander Orientation for information and questions.

  The VRC also offers an optional New Student Veteran Onboarding Session before classes begin in September for fall admission and in January for winter admission. Incoming Veterans and military-connected students are welcome. Topics include financial benefits, disability benefits, career preparation opportunities, and research tips. Evites are sent in advance, but you can get event notifications by following us @ucrstudentvets, joining our Facebook Group, and engaging on the UCRVRCSVO Discord channel.

• How do I find out about advising for my major?

  Every college and school at UCR has its own academic advisor. To find yours, visit Academic Advising. 

• I’m getting deployed or put on orders. Who do I reach out to for assistance?

  Connect with Tami Thacker, Director of Veteran Services, at tamarat@ucr.edu or (951) 827-2099. The VRC will contact your professors and help you with arrangements to leave. 

• Are there any employment programs for veterans?

  Visit Career Resources to learn how the UCR Career Center will help you successfully prepare for and transition to a career in your desired field.

Financial Aid

• What does it mean to be a Yellow Ribbon School?

  UCR is a Yellow Ribbon School. It, in conjunction with the VA, will pay any remaining tuition for a program that’s cost is over the VA cap. It will also pay non-residency fees.

• How do I apply for Tuition Assistance?

  The Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance to Service members for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and are part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. Tuition Assistance is a source of financial aid for active military duty. In general, eligible active-duty Service members can receive TA at a rate of $250 per semester hour cap with an annual ceiling of $4,500. The Services are authorized to establish Service specific eligibility criteria to manage TA funds.

  Tuition Assistance funds are a unique, distinct source of financial aid available to eligible Service members, and UCR processes TA as a first payer. Service members identified as eligible DoD TA recipients will have their TA benefits applied to their educational institution’s account prior to the application of their Pell Grant funds to their account.

  There is a 3-step process to apply for TA:

  Step 1: Reach out to your Education Services Officer, or military counselor, prior to enrollment to learn about the service specific TA policies and procedures at the appropriate voluntary education websites below:

  • Air Force Tuition Assistance 
  • Army Tuition Assistance
  • Army National Guard Tuition Assistance
  • Coast Guard Tuition Assistance 
  • Marine Corps Tuition Assistance
  • Navy Tuition Assistance

  Step 2: Contact the Financial Aid Office programs to learn how TA may affect your financial aid package. Reach out to us at VASCO@ucr.edu to discuss your eligibility.

  Step 3: Email a copy of the Tuition Assistance Authorization Letter to University of California, Riverside Student Business Services at sbsofc@ucr.edu for processing. After receiving the authorization, Student Business Services will credit your student account with the funds.

  Tuition Assistance (TA) Top Up: Using Top-Up benefits may be an option if you plan to use tuition assistance (TA) to complete a degree program while on active duty, and don't plan to continue your education after service. Top-up can also be helpful for just taking a few courses with TA while on active duty; then you can save most of your GI Bill benefits for after service to complete your education program. Learn more about TA Top Up.

  Tip: Request your TA Authorization Form as early as possible before the quarter begins, so the payment can be posted on time to your student account before the term Fee Payment Deadline.

• How do I apply for the GI Bill and related benefits?

  Apply for VA educational benefits if you haven't already done so. You will need the following to complete the application:

  • Social Security number
  • Bank account direct deposit information
  • Education and military history
  • Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now

  Contact Financial Aid when you are enrolled in classes to certify your enrollment to VA. VA certifying officials process your paperwork proving to the VA that you are enrolled in classes that meet requirements for your degree objective.

• How do I apply for VA Vocational Rehab & Employment (Chapter 31) benefits?

  If you already have a VA disability rating:

  • Sign in to your eBenefits account.
  • Select Apply.
  • Click Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.
  • Select the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefit you’re applying for.
  • If you’re eligible, the VA invite you to an orientation session at your nearest VA regional benefit office.

  If you haven’t yet received a service-connected disability rating:

  • Fill out VA Vocational Rehabilitation – Getting Ahead After You Get Out (VA Form 28-0588). Download VA Form 28-0588.
  • After you apply, the VA will schedule a meeting for you with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to find out if you have an employment handicap and if you’re eligible for VR&E benefits and services.
• Once I’m a student here, am I eligible for a deferred payment plan fee exemption?

  As a student Veteran or service member, you may be eligible for exemption from the Deferred Payment Plan (DPP) $25 processing fee and the first late fee ($50) each quarter. Through DPP, you can pay your tuition and fees in three installments each quarter with no interest. Waiver of the application fee and first late fee will happen automatically if you were certified for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits through Financial Aid. For questions, please contact VASCO@ucr.edu.

• Who can apply for the California College Fee Waiver?

  Under the California Education Code, dependents of Veterans whose death or disability was service connected may be eligible for exemption from many university fees.

  Contact your local county veterans service office to obtain applications, information, and to apply for benefits under this program. The Riverside County Veterans’ Services Office is located at 4360 Orange St., Riverside, CA 92501 and can be reached at (951) 276-3060. Always try to apply for these benefits prior to attending school. Benefits are awarded on an academic-year basis and students are required to reapply each year for ongoing benefits.

• Do I qualify for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)?

  You may qualify for VA educational benefits under Chapter 35 if your parent or spouse died or is permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. Call the VA's toll-free number (888) 442-4551 to determine if you are eligible for assistance. Be sure to have your parent's or spouse's VA file number available when you call.

• Return of Tuition Assistance Upon Withdrawal

  Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded.

  To comply with the new Department of Defense policy, UC Riverside will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. These funds are returned to the military Service branch.

  In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, UCR will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.

  • Before or during week 1: 100% return 
  • During weeks 2-3: 75% return
  • During weeks 4-5: 50% return
  • During week 6: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
  • During weeks 7-10: 0% return