Student Resources

Student feedback is critical for maintaining a nurturing environment for military students to learn and thrive. If you have feedback, we want to hear about it. Please address all feedback, questions, concerns, or support requests you may have by clicking the link below and submitting the following form. ​

LINK TO FORM FOR MILITARY STUDENT SUPPORT

Here are some other helpful links for our military students:

• Tuition Assistance: These articles are categorized by military branch and provide helpful links and steps for requesting tuition assistance.
  • – Air Force
  • – Army
  • – Coast Guard
  • – Marine Corps
  • – Navy

• Military Benefits Brief: The link below will provide information on military benefits as well as an updated presentation from CIAT.
  • – Military Benefits Brief

Student Support Links :

• Canvas Overview: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/canvas-overview 

• Technical Support (CIAT Systems): https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/technical-support 

• New Student Handbook (Military 2025): https://frontend.ciat.edu/assets/downloads/handbooks/Student-Handbook-2025-Military.pdf 

• Setting Up Microsoft 365: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/setting-up-your-microsoft-365-account 

• Student Portal Overview: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/student-portal-overview 

• Student Resources Hub: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources 

• Self-Service Onboarding: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/welcome-to-your-self-service-onboarding 

Hardware & Software Requirements: 

Required: 

• PC Laptop, Notebook, or Desktop 

• USB and Ethernet ports 

• Minimum 100GB free hard drive space 

Not Supported: 

• Macs 

• Chromebooks 

• iPads 

• Tablets 

• Mobile Devices 

Full System Requirements: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/system-requirements 

Course Materials / Textbooks: 

Textbook List: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/textbook-list 

Book Stipend Information: 

Chapter 31 (VR&E): 

• Purchase your first book out of pocket. 

• Submit your receipt to your VRC for reimbursement. 

Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill): 

• Monthly book stipend issued once certified. 

• Annual cap: $1,000 per year 

Chapter 35 (DEA): 

• Book stipend not applicable. 

Military Housing Allowance (MHA): 

GI Bill Comparison Tool: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/ 

When Will I Be VA Certified? 

• Your Finance Coordinator will certify you during Week 4 of class. 

• Certification may be delayed if you are at risk of failing (below 74%). 

When Will I Receive My MHA? 

• MHA is typically disbursed within 30 days of certification. 

Course Credit & MHA Impact: 

• 4 Credit Course → Full-Time → 100% MHA 

• 3 Credit Course → ¾-Time → 75% MHA 

Academic Calendar & Breaks: 

• MHA is only paid for days school is in session. 

• You will not be paid during academic breaks or holidays. 

Academic Schedule: https://www.ciat.edu/schedules/ 

VA Education Monthly Verification Process: 

Verification Methods: 

1. Verify enrollment via text message or email from the VA. 

2. If unavailable, call the Education Call Center: 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) 

Consequences of Non-Verification: 

• Failing to verify for two consecutive months will result in a hold on payments until verification is completed. 

Need help? Contact the VA Education Call Center if you do not receive a verification text or email. 

Hybrid Students – Important Information: 

Scheduling Your Final Exam: https://www.ciat.edu/student-resources/how-to-schedule-on-campus-final-exams
 
How to Get to Campus: 

• Flying: Arrive at San Diego International Airport 

• Transportation: Uber (https://www.uber.com) or Lyft (https://www.lyft.com) 

• Driving Address: 
  401 Mile of Cars Way, Suite 100 
  National City, CA 91950 

Campus Expectations Upon Arrival: 

• Arrive early (parking may be limited). 

• Admittance begins 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time. 

• If arriving well in advance, utilize nearby restaurants or surrounding areas to study while waiting. 

• Maintain military standards of conduct and respect. 

What to Bring to Your Final Exam: 

• Valid Driver’s License or Passport 

• Pencils, computers, and paper are provided 

Running Late? 

• Contact your Student Success Advisor immediately. 

• No waitlists or standby options are available. 

Important Notes: 

1. No-Shows: Missing your on-campus final exam will result in receiving the BAH online housing rate for that term. 

2. Consecutive No-Shows: Missing on-campus testing for two consecutive terms will result in being switched from Hybrid to Online status for the remainder of your program. 

3. Failure to attend on-campus requirements without proper communication may impact academic standing and VA benefits eligibility.