Frequently Asked Questions
Veterans Services
We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions; however, if there are any questions about appointments, benefits, or any concerns that are not addressed below, please contact us via email at veterans@cuesta.edu
If you are utilizing your veterans or dependent of a veteran education benefits for the first time, you must submit your application for benefits to the VA. You will receive a certificate of eligibility in the mail from the VA once your application has been processed (approximately 30 days).
For more information about completing all the steps for certification and registration at Cuesta College, visit our Veterans Services Home Page.
Appointments are required for new student certifications. Once your paperwork is submitted you will get an appointment link via email.
HOW TO CONTACT VETERANS SERVICES
Email: veterans@cuesta.edu
The best way to contact us is through email. Please leave us a detailed message, including
your name, student ID#, contact information and details regarding the inquiry.
If you have immediate questions about certification or benefits, please direct them to Michelle Evans via e-mail: michelle_evans@cuesta.edu
Phone: (805) 546-3142
You can leave a voicemail with a detailed message, including your name, student ID#,
contact information and details regarding inquiry. Due to limited staffing during
this time we will return your call as soon as possible.
Answer: In order to receive your full monthly housing stipend at the resident rate you need to take at least one class on campus.
- If you choose to take all online (synchronous or asynchronous) courses you will be paid about half of your MHA.
If due to the circumstances of your course or due to COVID-19, you need to drop your course, you have three options:
- Withdrawal: You can use myCuesta to withdraw from your course. This will put a W on your transcript and will calculate towards probation or dismissal status. This will also affect financial aid.
- Excused Withdrawal: You will need to show documentation that you cannot continue with the course based on the COVID 19 pandemic. Right now, the law states you must have documentation. The Excused Withdrawal (EW) will affect your financial aid the same way a W does; however, you can petition through Financial Aid to not have it count in your Satisfactory Academic Progress. You will need to complete the COVID-19 Withdrawal Petition. Please ask for an EW on this petition if you opt for this option.
- Withdrawal with Refund: This option is available when there is a natural disaster beyond the control of the student. You can petition to have the withdrawal (from option 1 above) removed from your record and receive a refund. You would need to show documentation to have the W removed. This can be a letter from you showing you are too ill to continue the course, cannot access Internet, or cannot continue in the remote format of your course. This would affect your financial aid and will not be on your transcript. It will be as if you were never enrolled in the course. That means you may need to pay back financial aid. If this petition is approved, you will receive a refund for the course. You will need to complete the COVID-19 Spring 2020 Withdrawal Petition. On the petition, please ask for the W to be removed and for a refund if you opt for this option.
Before you make your decision, please contact your school certifying official via email veterans@cuesta.edu to discuss the potential impact on VA Education Benefits.
Through a grant we have ordered a number of chrome books and hotspots for you to check out. Please contact us via email veterans@cuesta.edu
For information specific to coronavirus, please visit the Cuesta’s COVID-19 webpage. Here you will find updated information about the operations of the college and specific health information and resources.
For well-being and health education, explore the digital tools promoted in our Educational Repository and have fun exploring our wellness module available on CANVAS. Wellness Central is a free online health and wellness resource that is available 24/7
in your space at your pace.
*Health Center will be available to meet via zoom/phone Monday through Thursday. studenthealthcenter@cuesta.edu
For more information about Student Health Services, check out their home page.
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 website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill