Mt. SAC VRC Weekly Update
October 5th - October 9th
VA Announces Special COVID Rules Extended to December 21, 2021!
H.R. 8337 (complete text) - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act was signed into law on October 1st. This act, among other items, extends the provisions of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-140) to December 21, 2021.
Relevant provisions of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act:
- Allows Post 9/11 GI Bill ® students who pursue resident courses converted to online modality solely due to COVID-19 to continue to receive the same monthly housing allowance for resident training.
- Allows student Veterans that are in work-study programs to continue to receive payments during this time even if they are unable to work due to COVID-19.
- Provisions to allow Veterans to receive additional housing allowance payments if their institution closes due to COVID-19.
For specific questions, please contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mt. SAC Student Veteran Jason Katayama Advocates at the Federal Level for Fellow Veterans
Jason Katayama is a California native and veteran of the U.S. Army with 14 years of service. His wife and 2 of his 5 children are also U.S. Army Veterans. He is currently enrolled in the Airframe and Powerplant program and his hobbies include aircraft, motorcycles, and cars. He enjoys helping other Veterans which led him to partner with Cal Poly Pomona's VRC and its alumni to get the message to legislators that VA education benefits were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. He says, "I want to thank Congressman Gil Cisneros and Jack Bergman for fighting for Veterans and their benefits. Their efforts will help to ensure that my dream of being a pilot can still be achieved."
Excerpt from recent press release:
“When the state of California announced higher education institutions must close due to COVID-19, the school decided my program was too lab intensive and therefore unable to continue virtually. The shutdown of in-person schooling has impacted me financially by causing an overpayment debt of BAH and has hindered my ability to finish my program in the intended time frame. My goal was to take my major courses to allow me to obtain an Airframe and Powerplant License and save the remainder of my GI Bill to take pilot lessons. Now that I have lost 4 months of my GI Bill, my career goals may not be obtainable,” said Jason Katayama, U.S. Army Veteran and student at Mount San Antonio College. “I’m grateful for the work of Congressmen Cisneros and Bergman for addressing this serious issue and helping student veterans. I want to finish my degree with the GI Bill benefits I earned and enter the workforce to continue serving my community.”
To read the entirety of Congressman Gil Cisneros' Press release, click here.
Mountie Fresh Food Pantry
Wednesday, October 7th
From 10am-1pm
(while supplies last)
New Location: Parking Lot A
Registration is necessary
Please register here before visiting us next week:
If you need disability-related accommodations please contact calfresh@mtsac.edu at least 5 days in advance of event.
FREE Tutoring for Veterans Through December 31st!
“All of us at Study Edge have enjoyed working with VA over the past few years. We are happy to continue to offer Veterans across the country free access to Study Edge through the end of the year as a token of our appreciation for their tremendous sacrifice for this country. We are grateful for the dedication of these brave men and women and want to do our part in recognizing their commitment,” said Ethan Fieldman, Founder and President.
Study Edge provides:
- A supplemental online resource to help student Veterans make the most of their study time with Exam Prep videos and study guides.
- A tutoring service for those that prefer a more individualized approach, with the attention that comes from a private tutor but without the high price of one-on-one tutoring sessions.
- A convenient, easy-to-access study tool for Veterans to access anytime, from anywhere.
For more information visit: VAntage Point
When you’re ready to get started, select your school and subject. To unlock your free access through December 31, 2020, email veterans@studyedge.com to set up a membership.
All service members are eligible, including those from the National Guard.
The Mission Continues Accepting Applications for Women Veterans Leadership Program
If you identify as a woman with military experience under your belt, are motivated to grow your leadership skillset, and want to tackle your next challenge - APPLY TODAY!
Applications for the next class of the Women Veterans Leadership Program are open now to October 11th.
Want to learn more about the program?
Visit: missioncontinues.org/wvlp
VA Debt Relief
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced its commitment to extend debt relief to Veterans adversely impacted by COVID-19 to the end of 2020 by suspending certain debt collection actions.
The department recognizes Veterans and beneficiaries are still being greatly impacted by the coronavirus prompting the extension of financial relief.
“Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the pandemic,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA is taking action to give those with pending debts greater flexibility during these challenging times.”
VA is suspending all actions on Veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Treasury Department. This includes the suspension of collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, whichever the Veteran prefers.
For benefit debts, Veterans should contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648.
For health care debts, Veterans should contact the Health Resource Center at 1-866-400-1238 or www.pay.gov for payments.
Virtual Bulletin Board
Important Upcoming Dates
October 1st-November 30th
California State University (CSU) Transfer Application window
October 16th
Academic Progress Report Deadline
(for students on probation, you MUST meet with a Counselor with a completed Academic Progress Report by eight week of semester)
October 23rd
100-unit Appeals – Winter 2021 request deadline
November 1st-November 30th
University of California (UC) Transfer Application window
Helpful VRC Links
VRC On-Line Events This Week
$$ MONEY MONDAYS!!!!!!!!!!! VRC WALK-INS W/FINANCIAL AID LIAISON VIA ZOOM
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/99345538875
Meeting ID: 993 4553 8875
Monday, Oct 5, 2020, 02:00 PM
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Virtual Drop-Ins w/VRC ACCESS Counselor
- Establish ACCESS services
- Accommodations (extended test time, shared notes, etc.) Support
- Quick Questions
https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/2183655594
Zoom Meeting ID: 218 365 5594
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2020, 02:00 PM
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Virtual Walk-in Hours w/VA Representative (VSOC-Maura Kazden)
Meeting number (access code): 199 694 0881
Meeting password: 3gpYvhJ33f@
Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+14043971596,,1996940881## USA Toll Number
Wednesday, Oct 7, 2020, 08:00 AM
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Afternoon Chat w/Certifying Officials via Zoom
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/94100976272
Meeting ID: 941 0097 6272
Call-In Number: (669) 900-6833
Thursday, Oct 8, 2020, 02:00 PM
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VRC VIRTUAL FRONT DESK WALK-INS
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/93762231156
Zoom Meeting ID: 937 6223 1156
Call-In Number: (669) 900-6833
Friday, Oct 9, 2020, 08:00 AM
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Contact Us
Email: veterans@mtsac.edu
Website: https://www.mtsac.edu/veterans/
Phone: (909) 274-4520