VA Counseling For Community Colleges

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VA Counseling For Community Colleges

• Gary Sedgwick
• Lemoore, California
• garysedgwick_at_westhillscollege.com

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Organization

• Counselor/Advisor
• Veterans Clerk
• Registrar/Records
• VA Director/Administrator

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COUNSELING/ADVISINGNew Veteran

• Forms (Handouts)
• 1, 2, 3, 4
• Forms 1 and 2 are Back-to-Back for this
  presentation
• Forms 3 and 4 are Back-to-Back for this
  presentation

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I review and complete the forms with the student
student signs, and keeps copy of each form.
Step 1
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COUNSELING/ADVISINGNew Veteran- Goal AA/AS

• Forms (Handouts) Pink and Blue

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COUNSELING/ADVISINGNew Veteran
Step 2

• AA/AS DEGREE MAJOR. 
• Student is given a pink general ed sheet plus a
  blue major sheet showing classes which can be
  certified.

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COUNSELING/ADVISINGNew Veteran- Goal BA/BS

• Forms (Handouts) Golden Rod (2 sides) and
  Yellow

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COUNSELING/ADVISINGNew Veteran- Goal BA/BS
Step 2

• BA/BS DEGREE MAJOR Student is given a Goldenrod
  Transfer/General Ed sheet, plus a Yellow Lower
  Division Major sheet applicable to the specific
  degree at transfer university. 

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Steps 1 and 2

• STEPS 1 2 ARE VERY IMPORTANT
• in presenting information regarding how VA
  functions, and preventing potential overpayments.

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TEST SCORES OTHER TRANSCRIPTSMILITARY
SCHOOLSPRIOR CREDIT

• Explain test scores for class placement,
  prerequisites, and other requirements.
• Time when student can attend classes due to work
  schedule.
• Classroom classes or online or combination.
• I try to discuss computer skills for online
  classes or talk with our Help Desk.
• Prior credit was discussed in SEP, earlier

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COUNSELING FOR REGISTRATION

• Top priority is to evaluate other transcripts
• When they are presented or unofficial grades for
  an indication of classes completed. 
• Smart Transcripts help with prior classes
  completed
• But NO units are submitted to our registrar
  without an official transcript. 

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COUNSELING FOR REGISTRATION

• English classes are recommended as a start based
  on test scores or transcripts. 
• Other classes are based on major or interest. 
• Transfer majors with math emphasisstart with
  English and Math. 

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COUNSELING FOR REGISTRATION

• The AA/AS degree forms or the BA/BS degree forms
  are demonstrated  to the student to help with
  class selection. 
• Less chance of overpayment. 

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826  FORM ( approved schedule form)Handout
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826  FORM

• This form must be completed each semester plus
  summer school.
• Current address at the top
• Students complete the top half showing classes
  selected for the semester.  We do this together
  during counseling session.  I ask them to come
  with a list of classes they wish to take.  New
  students usually depend of the two of us doing
  this together.  

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826  FORM

• Bottom half is completed by me with the units
  placed in the appropriate column where each
  class.  The box on the right is used for comments
  such as transcript reminder, low GPA for
  returning student, deadline for petition to
  graduate, career/transfer center help, roundout.
• Signature of counselor and student at the bottom
  with NCR copy to the student.
• This is not registration.  The student is
  expected to take the information and register on
  one of our computers or can do so at home.  

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REGISTRATION----VETERANS HAVE PRIORITY

•  If the student registers for the same classes..
• Monique, Veterans Clerk, will send certification
  to Oklahoma a copy is placed in their Veterans
  Folder. 
• Class is changedMonique places the folder with a
  copy of registered classes.  I check and if the
  new class fits their major.I will sign off and
  they are certified. 

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Problem?

• I check and if the class cannot be certified.
  Email, phone call
• Or copy of 826 is mailed indicating the problem. 
  Select new class using the sep sheets or call for
  another counseling appointment.  
• Major major problem.Student registers for the
  incorrect class during our second week of
  classes need permission of instructors and
  student may have reduced units for the semester
  or wait and sign up for a second nine week class.

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Registration, etc

• Online registration process.
• Computer program tracks W during the semester
  and Monique reports the change. 
•  Transcripts of all veterans are checked at the
  end of the semester by me.

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Additional Counseling as TIME allows

• Deadlines for applications to four year
  universities
•  FAFSA/Cal Grant a deadlines
• Transfer majorare all lower division
  requirements completed
• Academic problems---change of major or college
• Tutorial

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Additional Counseling as TIME allows

• Possible obstacles at four year collegesi used
  to do several transfer workshops per semester
• Out of state universities
• Personal problemsnumber 8 does not mean it is
  the least important. This is applicable as a
  problem arises at anytime during the semester.

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Additional Counseling as TIME allows

• 9.  CHICAGO CUBS fans have priority (or free)
  rentals in Hawaii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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VA Counseling For Community Colleges

• Gary Sedgwick
• Lemoore, California
• garysedgwick_at_westhillscollege.com