Awards & Recognition

News Release 7/8/2021

Norco College Named Best for Vets

 

For the sixth time since 2015, Norco College ranked Best for Vets by the Military Times.

Norco College ranked 40 nationally in the two-year colleges category and five of only eight California community colleges to make the ranking.

“What an honor to be repeatedly ranked among the best colleges for veterans,” said President Monica Green. “Norco College is committed to serving veterans and active service members in their transition from classroom to career. I share this excitement with our remarkable employees, students and community members.”

To read more of the article, click here.

 

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News Release 2/23/2021

Military Friendly® School Designation

 

Norco College administration announced that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation. This marks the second designation of this kind since 2018.
 
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the free 2021-2022 survey with 747 earning the designation.
 
The 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at wwww.militaryfriendly.com.

“This is a testament of our promise and dedication to our student veterans,” said President Monica Green. “The Norco College community is excited to offer additional resources with the expansion of the Veterans Resource Center due to open this fall.”
 
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources, within a logic based scoring assessment. Measurements include the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, degree advancement or transfer, and loan default rates for student veterans. 

 

Past Awards & Recognition

New Benefits Users

You are classified as a New Benefit User if you have never received VA educational benefits. 

Step 1: Apply for Veteran Educational Benefits

• Apply online at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply  
• Within 2-4 weeks, the VA will send you two copies of your Certificate of Eligibility. Bring one copy to the Norco Veterans Services Office. 

Step 2: Complete Enrollment Process at Norco College (If applicable)

• Submit an application for admission. Wait 24-48 hours for processing. 
• Complete New Student Online Orientation.

Step 3: E-Mail, mail or hand-carry Official Transcripts to Norco College

• Transcripts must be official, sealed, and less than 90 days old. 
• Submit Joint Service Transcripts (Army, National Guard, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard) and all other high school and college transcripts. (* Air Force veterans can request transcripts from Community College of the Air Force.)

Step 4: Meet with a VA Certifying Official 

• Select Program of Study
• For VA purposes, a specific approved educational goal must be chosen. No undecided or General Education programs will be accepted by the VA. Norco College articulation agreements are found at www.assist.org. 
• A list of approved programs is available at the GI Bill^® website
• Request for evaluation of prior coursework
• All prior coursework must be evaluated before student education plans are created. 
• In order to proceed to the next step, you must be approved by a VA Certifying Official. 

Step 5: Meet with a VA Academic Counselor for a VA Student Education Plan (SEP)

• Classes that are included in the Students Educational Plan will be payable by the VA. A student may only pursue one educational goal at a time. Change of educational goal should be discussed with a VA Certifying Official at the time of meeting. 
• When registering for classes refer to your copy of the SEP. Only required classes on the SEP are payable by the VA. 

Step 6: Register for classes using WebAdvisor

• Veterans Priority Registration Eligibility Requirement: 
• Veterans will receive 4 years of priority registration from the date of separation as listed on the DD214. Submit your DD214 to a VA Certifying Official for approval. 
• Registration dates and times are issued to every student. Click on My Registration Date/Holds on WebAdvisor. View the Registration Video located under Instructions/Tutorials on WebAdvisor for assistance. 
• Pay attention to important dates (last day to add, drop with refund, without a “W”, and with a “W”) and remember that it is your responsibility to drop your class. 

Step 7: Submit the Veterans Intent & Statement of Responsibility (VISoR) & receive Certification

• The VISoR is available in the Veterans Resource Center or located on the forms webpage. The VISoR must be completed by the student every semester.
• A Certifying Official will verify that the courses match the student’s VA Student Education Plan before proceeding with VA certification. 
• Once certification at Norco College is complete, students will receive a VA Certification ID number. Veterans/dependents may call 1-888-GIBILL^®-1 to verify enrollment and payment status.

Continuing Benefits Users

You are classified as a Continuing Benefit User if you have attended Norco College and received educational benefits in the previous term and would like to access your educational benefits again for the current term. 

Step 1: Meet with a Certifying Official and VA Academic Counselor (OPTIONAL)

• Inquire with a Certifying Official regarding VA certification status for the upcoming term. 
• Discuss course enrollment options with a VA Academic Counselor using the VA Express Counseling Appointment.

Step 2: Register for classes using WebAdvisor

• Veterans Priority Registration Eligibility Requirement: 
• Veterans will receive 4 years of priority registration from the date of separation as listed on the DD214. Submit your DD214 to a VA Certifying Official for approval. 
• Veterans/dependents should enroll in courses that are listed in the VA SEP. 
• Registration dates and times are issued to every student. Click on My Registration Date/Holds on WebAdvisor. 
• View the Registration Video located under Instructions/Tutorials on WebAdvisor for assistance. 
• Pay attention to important dates (last day to add, drop with refund, without a “W”, and with a “W”) and remember that it is your responsibility to drop your class. 

Step 3: Submit the Veterans Intent & Statement of Responsibility (VISoR) & receive Certification

• The VISoR is available in the Veterans Resource Center or located on the forms webpage. VISoRs can be emailed to veterans.services@norcocollege.edu. The VISoR must be completed by the student every semester. 
• A Certifying Official will verify that the courses match the student’s VA Student Education Plan before proceeding with VA certification. 
• Once certification at Norco College is complete, students will receive a VA Certification ID number. Veterans/dependents may call 1-888-GIBILL^®-1 to verify enrollment and payment status.

Previous Benefits Users

You are classified as a Previous Benefit User if you have previously received educational benefits at another institution and would like to resume your educational benefits at Norco College.

Step 1: Apply for Veteran Educational Benefits

• Chapter 33, 30, VRAP, 1606 or 1607: Complete Form 22-1995 or Chapter 35: Complete Form 22-5495 
• Forms may be submitted online at the GI Bill^® website. 
• Provide a copy of the Change of Program/location Form to the VA Certifying Official. 

Step 2: Complete Enrollment Process at Norco College (If applicable)

• Submit an application for admission. Wait 24-48 hours for processing. 
• Complete New Student Online Orientation 

Step 3: Mail or hand-carry Official Transcripts to Norco College

• Transcripts must be official, sealed, and less than 90 days old.
• Email official college transcripts to admissions@norcocollege.edu.
• Submit Joint Service Transcripts (Army, National Guard, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard) and all other high school and college transcripts. (* Air Force veterans can request transcripts from Community College of the Air Force.)

Step 4: Meet with a VA Certifying Official

• Select Program of Study - For VA purposes, a specific approved educational goal must be chosen. No undecided or General Education programs will be accepted by the VA. Norco College articulation agreements are found at www.assist.org. A list of approved programs is available at the GI Bill^® website. 
• Request for evaluation of prior coursework - All prior coursework must be evaluated before student education plans are created. 
• In order to proceed to the next step, you must be approved by a VA Certifying Official. 

Step 5: Meet with a VA Academic Counselor for a VA Student Education Plan

• Classes that are included in the Students Educational Plan (SEP) will be payable by the VA. A student may only pursue one educational goal at a time. Change of educational goal should be discussed with a VA Certifying Official at the time of meeting. 
• When registering for classes refer to your copy of the SEP. Only required classes on the SEP are payable by the VA. 

Step 6: Register for classes using WebAdvisor

• Veterans Priority Registration Eligibility Requirement - Veterans will receive 4 years of priority registration from the date of separation as listed on the DD214. Submit your DD214 to a VA Certifying Official for approval. 
• Registration dates and times are issued to every student. Click on My Registration Date/Holds on WebAdvisor. View the Registration Video located under Instructions/Tutorials on WebAdvisor for assistance. 
• Pay attention to important dates (last day to add, drop with refund, without a “W”, and with a “W”) and remember that it is your responsibility to drop your class. 

Step 7: Submit the Veterans Intent & Statement of Responsibility (VISoR) & receive Certification

• The VISoR is available in the Veterans Resource Center or located on the forms webpage.   VISoRs can be emailed to veterans.services@norcocollege.edu. The VISoR must be completed by the student every semester. 
• A Certifying Official will verify that the courses match the student’s VA Student Education Plan before proceeding with VA certification. 
• Once certification at Norco College is complete, students will receive a VA Certification ID number. Veterans/dependents may call 1-888-GIBILL^®-1 to verify enrollment and payment status.

MAP Cohort Colleges

Allan Hancock College • Antelope Valley College • Bakersfield College • Barstow Community College • Berkeley City College • Cañada College • Cerritos College • Chaffey College • Citrus College • Coastline Community College • College of San Mateo • College of the Canyons • College of the Desert • College of the Redwoods • Columbia College • Compton College • Copper Mountain College • Crafton Hills College • Cypress College • East Los Angeles College • El Camino College • Folsom Lake College • Fresno City College • Fullerton College • Golden West College • Hartnell College • Irvine Valley College • Los Angeles City College • Las Positas College • Lassen College • Long Beach City College • Los Angeles Harbor College • Los Angeles Mission College • Los Angeles Pierce College • Los Angeles Southwest College • Los Angeles Trade-Tech College • Los Angeles Valley College • Mendocino College • Merced College • MiraCosta College • Monterey Peninsula College • Moorpark College • Moreno Valley College • Mt. San Antonio College • Mt. San Jacinto College • Norco College • North Orange Continuing Education • Oxnard College • Palo Verde College • Palomar College • Pasadena City College • Porterville College • Rio Hondo College • Riverside City College • Saddleback College • San Bernardino Valley College • San Diego City College • San Diego College of Continuing Education • San Diego Mesa College • San Diego Miramar College • City College of San Francisco • San Jose City College • Santa Rosa Junior College • Santa Ana College • Santa Barbara City College • Santa Monica College • Santiago Canyon College • Shasta College • Sierra College • Skyline College • Solano Community College • Ventura College • Victor Valley College • West Hills College Coalinga • West Hills College Lemoore • West Lost Angeles College

 

California MAP Initiative

Mapping Articulated Pathways

The mission of the California MAP Initiative is to maximize credit for prior learning (CPL) for veterans and students in the California Community College system and beyond. Currently, 76 of the 116 California Community Colleges participate in the MAP Cohort, a community of colleges committed to awarding up to a year of college credit in recognition of the mastery acquired through prior learning, training, and experience.

A key strategy of the Initiative is to implement the California MAP Initiative, an application that maximizes college credit awarded for military training and professional experience (credit for prior learning). This three-minute video provides an introduction to MAP.

 

Background

The MAP project began in 2017 at Norco College and was supported by $250K legislative appropriation for Phase 1 (design and beta test). In 2018, Phase 2 (expansion to IEDRC regional colleges) began as Project #16 of the IEDRC.

Phase 3 (initial scaling statewide for MilCPL and CPL) begins January 1, 2022 and is supported by a $2M legislative appropriation. Phase 4 (scaling statewide and including all CPL) is proposed in the 2022-2023 State Budget.

MAP is a collaborative effort enjoined by the Academic Senate of the California Community Colleges (ASCCC), the CCC Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), ACE, CalVet, and local and regional legislators.

 

Educational Benefits

• Chapter 30: Active Duty Educational Assistance Program 
• Chapter 31: Veteran’s Administration Vocational Rehabilitation (See a Certifying Official at Veterans Resource Center for details)
• Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill^®
• Chapter 33-TR: Post-9/11 GI Bill^® Transfer to Dependents 
• Chapter 35: Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) 
• Chapter 1606: Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program, Montgomery GI Bill^®
• Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program

Forms

The following is a list of the most popular forms utilized by Veterans and Dependents.

• Form 22-1995 (Request for Change of Program or Place of Training) 
• Form 22-5495 (Survivors & Dependents Request for Change of Program or Place of Training) 
• Norco College Veterans' Intent and Statement of Responsibility (VISoR) 
• 9 Line Request Form (Connecting prior military to academic adjustments that they need)
  
  

MVC & RCC 

• Moreno Valley College Veterans Statement of Responsibility
• Riverside City College Veterans Statement of Responsibility
  
  

College Fee Waiver Program for Veterans Dependents

This program entitles dependents of veterans (if eligible) to waive tuition fees.

• CALVET Fee Waiver Form

New Veterans Resource Center at Norco College

The Grand Opening Ceremony of the new Veterans Resource Center at Norco College was held on Wednesday, November 10.  Below is a recording of the virtual event:

VRC Grand Opening Ceremony

 

News Release
11/10/2020

Norco College Celebrates Veterans Resource Center Groundbreaking with a Commemorative Video

 

In honor of Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month, Norco College is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the new Veterans Resource Center (VRC) through this commemorative video. The partnerships that made this project possible are captured in the video as we continue to build excitement and momentum for the grand opening slated for Fall 2021. (Read More)

MAKE A GIFT

 

A Look Inside the Future Norco College Veterans Resource Center

Norco College Veterans Resource Center Floor Plan

 

Norco College Veterans Resource Center-Exterior Building Materials

 

 

Past Events

 

Veterans Club: Disney Trip
June 4, 2022
2022 Spring Semester

 

Veterans Social
June 2, 2022
2022 Spring Semester

 

Veterans Club: Go-Kart Social
May 24, 2022
2022 Spring Semester

 

Over The Edge
May 21, 2022
2022 Spring Semester

 

UCR Campus Tour
May 17, 2022
2022 Spring Semester

 

Memorial Day BBQ
May 25, 2017
2017 Spring Semester

 

Veterans Social
May 11, 2017
2017 Spring Semester

 

Salsa Competition
May 4, 2017
2017 Spring Semester

 

News Articles

• Norco College Rated by Military Times Best for Vets 2017
• Norco College Veterans Club Gives Riverside Home a Cosmetic Overhaul - Habitat for Humanity Riverside

Resources

The following is a list of useful resources and links to military benefits and information.

 

GI Bill^®:

• eBenefits
• GI Bill^® Calculator
• GI Bill^® Information
• Veterans Administration

Healthcare:

• Homeless Veterans
• Loma Linda VA Hospital
• Queen of Hearts Ranch
• Veterans Healthcare
• Addiction Resource

Military Transcripts:

• Air Force Transcripts
• S.M.A.R.T (Sailor Marine Ace Registry Transcript)

Rewards and Benefits:

• American Legion
• Corona Vet Center 
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
• Veterans of Foreign Wars USA 

Phone Numbers:

• 1 (888) GI-BILL^®1 / 1 (888) 442-4551 
• Corona Vet Center (951) 734-0525 
• Norco College Veterans Services (951) 372-7142 
• Moreno Valley Veterans Services (951) 571-6247 
• Riverside City College Veterans Services (951) 222-8607

Testimonials

 

U.S. Navy - Joshua James Wear
Military Profile: E-5 U.S. Navy Aviation
Warfare Electrician
Academic Program: Transfer CSULS Sociology

“My experience at Norco College has allowed me a smooth transition from active duty military to civilian life. Working closely with Veterans Services has helped me to gain experiences and contacts that will carry forward in my future. The Veterans Club on campus is an organization filled with amazing people doing incredible feats, I am extremely happy to have been a part of it.”

 

U.S. Air Force - Danny Chebaiber
Military Profile: E-5/ SSGT Crew Chief C-17/C-5
Academic Program: Chemical Engineering/ Transfer UC Berkley 
“So easy a caveman can do it!”

U.S. Army - Shawn Davis

Military Profile: Sergeant Airborne Infantry 
Academic Program: Transfer to CSU
“The staff at Norco College is very supportive to veterans and provides you with all the necessary tools to succeed.“

 

U.S. Army - Ruben Aguilar
Military Profile: Sergeant Airborne Infantry
Academic Program: AA Social Behavioral Sciences, Transfer CSU
“My interaction with my peers and faculty gave me a sense of belonging to the campus, and I achieved many goals I never thought were possible.”

 

U.S. Army - Denise Prado
Military Profile: E-5/SGT Automated Logistical Specialist
Academic Program: AS Administration of Justice/Transfer CSUSB
“My experience at Norco College was astounding. I could not have picked a better community college to attend.”

Veterans Club