New Veteran & Military Student Checklist
Applying for admission
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: HIGH - DEADLINE 6/1/2023
To apply for admission, contact:
Mat Garrison
p: 843.953.5861
Submit Transcripts from institutions you previously attended. DEADLINE 7/7/23
NOTE: This includes official transcripts for military credit (JSTs and CCAF). Instructions for submission.
After You have received your acceptance
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: HIGH - DUE ASAP
Change your status from "accepted" to "student"
You must change your status from "accepted" to "student," and set up access to your permanent account. From this point on, you'll use this permanent account for all business you conduct with the College.
Visit the "Take the Next Steps" webpage for detailed instructions on how to set up access to your permanent account.
Apply for education benefits, tuition assistance or financial aid
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: HIGH - DUE ASAP
Veterans
Chapter 33 post-9/11 GI Bill - APPLY
- Form 22-1990 - if you have never applied for GI Bill benefits.
- Form 22-1995 - if you have used your GI Bill benefits at another institution.
Note: When you receive your Certificate of Eligibility, please email it to financialaid@cofc.edu.
Chapter 31 VA Vocational Rehab
If you are using Vocational Rehabilitation, your VR&E counselor will provide a 1905 form and a plan of service is developed to include education. This form is used in lieu of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
AD, Guard or Reserve: Complete your tuition assistance request
Before enrolling be certain to contact your Education Service Officer (ESO) about your potential education benefits.
When registered for courses, submit your TA Request for enrolled courses.
When received, submit your approved semester-specific TA Request Authorization form (voucher) to the Treasurer's Office.
Changes to Schedule (TA Only)
Your voucher is course specific. Immediately notify the Treasurer's Office of any changes to your course schedule at 843.953.5572 or treasurer@cofc.edu.
Credit Hour Changes (TA Only)
The College of Charleston charges $522* per credit hour. Military Tuition Assistance will pay $250 per credit hour and the student will be responsible for the remaining balance.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. Visit the Treasurer's Office website for the most up-to-date information.
File your FAFSA
SUGGESTED - PRIORITY: MODERATE - DEADLINE 6/30/23
This is not a step in using your VA education benefit, however many veteran students qualify for Pell Grants, which do not need to be repaid. File your FAFSA.
Set up your College of Charleston email account
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: HIGH - DUE ASAP
Set up CofC Student email account
NOTE: You should have received an email through the personal email account that you used on your application to the College. In this email there will be a link, a new username and password, and instructions for setting up your permanent student account. Click on the link and log in to activate your permanent student account with a new username and password.
If you have not received an email with instructions on how to set up your permanent MyCharleston account, contact ITservicesdesk@cofc.edu or call 843.953.3375.
Visit the "Take the Next Steps" webpage for detailed instructions on how to set up your College of Charleston email address.
During your time at the College, you will use this email account for all college-related business. We recommend that you check this email account daily.
Lawful Presence Verification (if notified)
REQUIRED IF NOTIFIED - PRIORITY: HIGH - DUE ASAP
Required for U.S. citizens who haven't submitted the FAFSA. You must verify lawful presence before being permitted to register for classes during orientation.Register for orientation
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: HIGH - - DEADLINE 8/1/2023
Visit the Orientation website for the latest information about New Student Orientation.
After you've registered for orientation
Submit your immunization form (MANDATORY)
REQUIRED
The College of Charleston requires three vaccines (given within the last 10 years):
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
View the steps for uploading immunization records.
If you have questions, please contact Student Health Services at 843.953.5520 or healthservices@cofc.edu.
NOTE: Must be submitted before you can register for classes.
Correct your state of residency classification (if applicable)
REQUIRED IF NOTIFIED - PRIORITY: HIGH - DEADLINE 8/22/2023
NOTE: You will receive notification if your residency needs to be corrected. For additional information, visit the Legal Residency website.
Parking permit purchase (if planning to park on campus)
SUGGESTED - SPACES GO FAST!
Prices listed on the parking services website.
Fall parking permits are valid beginning on the first day of class.
Submit a photo for your Cougar Card (student ID)
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: MODERATE - DUE BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN
Visit the Cougar Card website for detailed information about how to submit your photo for your Cougar Card.
Pre-advising tasks
Set up your CofC Zoom account and use it on your virtual orientation session date.
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: MODERATE - DUE BEFORE ORIENTATION
NOTE: If you will not be able to access the recommended technology on your assigned orientation date, please complete the Technology Assistance Request form so we can work on alternate plans. You will be contacted at your CofC email address in 5 business days from when you submitted the survey.
Preparing for your advising appointment
SUGGESTED - PRIORITY: MODERATE
Visit the Academic Advising and Planning Center to learn more about how newly admitted students can prep for their first advising session.
- Review the General Education Degree Requirements.
- Review the "major roadmaps" for the majors that interest you.
- Review the course requirements for different majors in which you might be interested.
- View course descriptions and requirements in the Academic Catalog System.
- Make a list of potential courses you are interested in taking.
The orientation hold on your MyCharleston account is the one hold that should be there and will be removed on your assigned orientation date.
You can also view your holds in MyCharleston.
Complete Academic Advising OAKS module before your assigned advising session.
REQUIRED IF NOTIFIED
If you received an email adding you to an academic advising OAKS module, please complete it before your assigned session.
After registration
Submit your enrollment certification (Chapter 33 students only)
REQUIRED - PRIORITY: HIGH - DUE AFTER REGISTRATION
To be certified for VA Benefits through the College of Charleston VA Certifying Official, students must submit a VA Enrollment Certification form for each semester so that you may access your funds.
NOTE: The VA has a separate requirement that you verify your enrollment every month.
Registration confirmation
SUGGESTED
You will be able to see your confirmation on MyCharleston one week after you submitted your reservation form. Log onto my.cofc.edu, select the academic services tab, go to the orientation box and click on orientation registration confirmation.
Stay engaged with the veteran and military student community
Follow us on social media accounts for updates and information!
Facebook: @CofCVeteranMilitaryStudentServices
Instagram: @CofCMilitary
Twitter: @CofCVMSS