Military & Veteran Students

Veteran Services

Benjamin Fries
Director of Advising & VA Academic Advisor
 bfries@glenoaks.edu
 269-294-4271

Your Next Mission: College Starts at Glen Oaks

Whether you’re transitioning out of active duty, serving in the reserves, or supporting a military family member, Glen Oaks Community College makes it simple to start—or continue—your education.

We’re proud to be a Veteran-Friendly School and part of the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP), supporting military students from enlistment through graduation. Our admissions process is designed to maximize your military experience and minimize red tape.

Who Should Use This Page?

You should follow these steps if you are:

  • A veteran using VA education benefits for the first time
  • An active-duty service member starting or continuing your education
  • A reservist or National Guard member eligible for military education benefits
  • A military-dependent using transferred benefits
  • A student enrolling through the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP)

How to Apply as a Military-Affiliated Student

Step 1: Apply to Glen Oaks

Complete the GOCC Application for Admission. Choose your program of interest and indicate your military status on the form.

Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits

Submit the appropriate form at VA.gov:

You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA—send it to our School Certifying Official.

Step 3: Submit Your Military & College Transcripts

  • Military Transcripts:

  • Prior College Transcripts:
    Send official transcripts to:
    Registrar’s Office
    Glen Oaks Community College
    62249 Shimmel Rd, Centreville, MI 49032

Step 4: Meet with Your VA Academic Advisor

Schedule an advising appointment to:

  • Plan your classes
  • Understand how to use your benefits
  • Ensure your schedule meets VA requirements

Tip: Do this before registering for classes to avoid delays in certification.

Note: Classes that are not required for your program of study cannot be certified.

Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP)

If you're enlisting in the U.S. Army or Army Reserve, you can apply to Glen Oaks at the same time through ConAP. Your admission will remain active for up to two years after active duty service ends.

Talk to your recruiter or contact our admissions office for help getting started.

What Counts Toward Your Degree?

You may be eligible for credit for prior military training, CLEP exams, or previous college coursework. We evaluate all official transcripts to help you save time and money.

Learn how we evaluate military training for college credit.

What You Need to Know About Benefits at GOCC

  • Only courses required for your declared program of study can be certified for VA benefits.
  • Students using benefits must submit a class schedule to the VA Certifying Official each semester.
  • Benefits are certified after the refund period unless early certification is requested in writing.
  • Some VA benefits pay you directly—it’s your responsibility to pay your GOCC tuition by the due date or enroll in a payment plan.

Paying for College as a Military Student

Deferred Payment Plan (Nelnet)

If your benefits are delayed, enroll in our Veteran Deferred Payment Plan to hold your classes and avoid being dropped.

You’ll need:

  • GOCC Student ID
  • Your date of birth
  • Semester info
  • Payment method (checking/savings or credit card)

Learn more about Nelnet payment plans

FAQs

Q: I used VA benefits at another college. What do I need to do to transfer to Glen Oaks?
A: Submit VA Form 22-1995 and request your official transcripts be sent to GOCC.

Q: Can I receive college credit for my military training?
A: Yes. Submit your JST or CCAF transcript. We’ll evaluate it for credit toward your program.

Q: Do I need to reapply if I’m called to active duty?
A: No. You can request readmission within 3 years of completing service or 2 years after recovery from a service-connected injury or illness.

Q: Does GOCC participate in ConAP?
A: Yes! You can apply as a Glen Oaks student when you enlist in the Army or Army Reserve.

Talk to Us — We’re Here to Help

Head shot of Ben Fries
Benjamin Fries Director of Advising & VA Academic Advisor
 

Next Steps