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Step by Step Guide

Step by Step Guide

Required Documents

  • DD214 Member 4 copy
    • If you do not have a copy of your DD214 Member 4 copy, one can be requested by filling out a Standard Form 180.
    • If still in the service you can begin the admissions process using your ID card or Service 2 Copy.
  • Proof of MMR Immunization (Measles, Mumps, Rubella shots)
    • Check your military medical records for a shot record.
    • If you do not have your military medical records do one of the following:
      • Get a Titers blood test, which proves immunizations.
      • If applicable, visit your childhood pediatrician and inquire if a copy of your childhood immunizations is still available OR A copy of your medical records can be requested using the Standard Form 180.  This can take a minimum of three months to process.
  • Official High School transcript (required for admission if under 30 college credits and financial aid)
    • Must be an official transcript in an unopened/sealed envelope.
  • Official College Transcript
    • Must be an official transcript in an unopened/sealed envelope.
  • Military Transcript
    *Submit to the Veterans Educational Transition Services (VETS) during your initial registration.

The College of Staten Island gives up to 90 credits for military service.

Admissions Process

Step 1: Apply for VA benefits

  • Complete, print and mail VA Form 22-1990. Directions begin on page 7 of the form.

OR

Step 2: Apply for Admissions

  • Undergraduate applicants who are veterans of the United States Military Service, currently on Active Duty or members of the National Guard or Reserves can apply to CUNY.
    • Undergraduate applicants who are Veterans of the United States Military Service, currently on Active Duty or members of the National Guard or Reserves may obtain an application fee waiver by answering the US Military Status question on the CUNY application and submitting proof of their Veteran/Military status (ie., DD-214, Current Military ID Card, or Deployment or Pre-separation orders). Veterans are also exempt from paying the commitment deposit. Dependents are not eligible for a fee waiver
    • Note: Applicants who are veterans of the United States Military Service, currently on Active Duty or members of the National Guard or Reserves may apply for admission up until a day before classes begin.

* For more information, please refer to CUNY’s Quick Guide to Apply for Veterans.

  • Once you have submitted an Admission Application to CUNY, please read the instructions below to find out what is needed to complete your admission review. Click here for details.

Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid

  • File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    • CSI’s Federal Code is 002698
    • Income Taxes (Income and Tax data from the prior year can be linked directly to FAFSA from the IRS)
    • Value of assets (bank accounts, business, investment property, etc.)

Step 4: English and Mathematics Placement/Proficiency

 

Step 5: Registration

All documents must be submitted to the Veterans Educational Transition Services (VETS) located in the Office of the Registrar at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.

Certification Process

  • To request enrollment certification for Department of Veterans’ Affairs educational benefits, you must complete the Veterans Benefit Certification Form and submit the completed form to the VETS in building 2A Room 110 or as an email attachment to VETS at vets@csi.cuny.edu
    • Once your certification has been received, you will receive an email confirmation when it has been processed.  If you have not received a confirmation within seven business days, please contact the VETS at 718-982-2140 or email vets@csi.cuny.edu
  • Please note that you should submit a Veterans Benefits Certification Form for each semester you wish to have your enrollment certified.  Take advantage of Veteran Priority Registration to ensure there is no delay in receipt of your benefits.
  • Course adds, drops, withdrawals, class cancellations and changes of program made after or during the semester must be reported as soon as possible in-person to the VETS in the Registrar’s office, 2A-107. Failure to due so may lead to interruption in receipt of benefits. 

*Remember: No Certification Request = No Certification = No Money!*

Step 6: Get Your Student I.D. Card

  • DolphinCards are issued in the Office of Parking & DolphinCard Services, located in West Administration Building 3A Room 106 during regularly scheduled business hours.  Student Veterans/Dependents receiving educational benefits must obtain a memorandum from Veterans Support Services office in 1C-219 or Veterans Educational Transition Services office in 2A-110 to obtain their DolphinCard and/or Parking Decal.

Step 7: Access Your Student Email

VA Student Responsibilities

We highly encourage all students to stay up-to-date on changes or modifications to your benefits by monitoring the GI Bill/VA (www.gibill.va.gov) website or by contacting the VA directly at 1-888-GIBILL-1. The information on this website is not meant to be all inclusive; it remains the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are in compliance with the Department of Veterans Affairs policies by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visiting www.va.gov.

For VA education assistance please call 1-888-GIBILL-1

Current students are required to submit their class schedule for certification and review each term. If you are unable to come to campus to drop off a copy of your schedule, please call 718-982-2140 for fax/email options. Chapt. 30, 1606, and 1607 students also need to verify their monthly attendance through the VA at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do

This list has been created to assist you while you utilize VA educational benefits at College of Staten Island. We highly encourage you to stay up-to-date on changes or modifications to your benefits by monitoring the GI Bill/VA (www.gibill.va.gov) website or by contacting the VA directly at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

To avoid any issues regarding debt to the school or the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to ensure maximum utilization of your educational benefits please review the list of student responsibilities below.

  • Report any change (drop/add) in your schedule or reduction/addition of credit hours as soon as possible to the Veterans Educational Transition Services,718-982-2140
  • Report a change in program/major as soon as possible to the Office of Veterans Educational Transition Services,718-982-2140
  • Ensure that each class that you take is a course within your curriculum/area of study here at College of Staten Island
  • Provide the Office of Veterans Educational Transition Services,718-982-2140 with a copy of your schedule for certification before the start of each semester
  • As a student at College of Staten Island you acknowledge your responsibility to pay any remaining portions of your tuition/fees before the end of each term (if applicable) should there be any remaining balance on your student account
  • As a student at College of Staten Island you understand that if you do not attend, or stop attending a class your VA benefit certification may be adjusted, meaning that you, the student, may incur a debt from the school, Department of Veterans Affairs, or both agencies