Veterans Resource Center (VRC) / Veterans Services
College of Alameda welcomes veterans to our campus community. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) provides assistance to veterans and their dependents in their pursuit of an education at College of Alameda while utilizing veterans' and /or dependents' benefits. We are a liaison of the Veterans Administration to verify enrollment for students claiming veteran / dependent benefits.
At the VRC, you can receive academic counseling, speak with a certifying official, utilize computer workstations, and use our study space. You may also attend various workshops, receive Priority Registration, receive Certification of Benefits, and access various community college resources.
Starting Your VA Benefits at College of Alameda
Completing the following items will ensure the proper processing of your VA benefits. Turn in all documents to the CoA VA Certifying Official, La Shawn Brumfield, at (510) 748-5284.
- Apply to the College of Alameda.
- Fill out the application at the VA website. Print out your completed application. Return a copy to COA’s certifying official.
- After completing your VA Application, the VA will send by mail a Certificate of Eligibility outlining the terms of your benefits in 2-8 weeks.
- Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges.
- Submit a copy of DD214 (Discharge from Service Document).
- Complete necessary Placement/Self Assessment Tests in L-226. Call (510) 748-5267 to schedule an appointment.
- Meet with Jamar Mears, your Veterans Counselor, to complete a Student Education Plan. Call (510) 748-5283 to make an academic counseling appointment.
- Enroll in current semester classes 24-48 hours after applying.
For more information contact VA Certifying Official, La Shawn Brumfield, at (510) 748-5284.
Location, Hours, and Contact
G-Building 2nd Floor
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday-Sunday: CLOSED
LaShawn Brumfield
Coordinator/ Certifying Official
lbrumfield@peralta.edu
(510) 748-5284
Jamar Mears
Counselor
jmears@peralta.edu
(510)748-5283
Continuing Students
To receive timely payment, each semester you are enrolled at the College of Alameda, you must submit your Schedule of Classes to VA Certifying Official La Shawn Brumfield in the Welcome Center.
Don’t forget, to be certified for VA payment, all classes must be on your Student Education Plan. To revise your Education Plan, please meet with your VA counselor.
Standards for Progress
A Veteran student who is on academic probation for two consecutive semesters shall be subject to discontinuance of benefits if the student earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 (“C” grade). This directive is separate and apart from the college’s standards for academic dismissal.
Credit for Military Experience
How:
Completion of a minimum of one year’s active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, including completion of a basic or recruit training program and receipt of an honorable discharge, along with 12 completed units from the Peralta District, will provide six semester units toward the Associate degree if this credit has not previously been applied toward a high school diploma.
Who:
The VA Office will submit the DD214 to the District Office of Admissions & Records to obtain the credit. If the veteran has completed courses taken during military service, the VA Office will request evaluation of the ACE or SMART transcripts from the Office of Admissions and Records.
Check with your VA academic counselor for more details.
Veterans Student Group
The VSG is open to College of Alameda students who are Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Auxiliary membership is available to students who are Dependents of Veterans or members of the uniformed services.
We meet on the last Thursday of the month. For time & location, contact VSG President Gabriel Flesher at coa.vsg@gmail.com.