Start Strong at GGU
Starting a new program involves many moving parts. The Diller Center is here to help you navigate what’s next with clarity and confidence—so you can focus on what matters most.
Apply to GGU
The first step toward your strong start is submitting your application to Golden Gate University. GGU’s Admissions team will guide you through the process and can help answer most questions along the way. Once you’ve been admitted, onboarding begins—and our Military Onboarding and Student Success teams are here to support you through your next steps.
Your Next Steps
Join an Onboarding Kickoff Session
While your application is being reviewed—or after you’re admitted—you can get ahead by joining an Onboarding Kickoff Session.
Complete Your Commitment Fee
As part of the admissions process, submitting your $250 commitment fee confirms your intent to enroll at GGU.
Once your fee is processed You’ll receive direct outreach from the Military Onboarding Coach.
Schedule 1:1 Support (If Needed)
After you’re fully admitted, you can schedule a 1:1 Follow-Up Session for personalized support.
You’ll have access to the 1:1 Session booking link once our Onboarding Coach reaches out to you and supplies you with it!
What is a Military Onboarding Coach?
Our Military Student Onboarding Coach is committed to ensuring a smooth transition into school as you begin your academic journey at Golden Gate University. The Diller Center works closely with the GGU Admissions and Student Success teams to make sure you have the guidance and support you need to move from acceptance to a strong start. This service is available to all of our fully admitted military-connected students to answer questions (typically about documents and navigating GGU systems) and help you get connected on campus.
Meet Your Onboarding Coaches
Todd Farlee
USAF Veteran
Drew Austin
US Army Veteran
Helpful Explanations
Specifically for GGU’s new Hybrid Course Format
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GGU’s Hybrid Course Format (HCF) grants students the flexibility to elect between attending scheduled in-person sessions or completing their coursework entirely online. Students are advised to meticulously review the course syllabus and schedule for specific participation requirements and to direct any inquiries to their academic advisor, International Student Services Designated School Official (DSO), or VA advisor.
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The hybrid modality permits students enrolled in online programs to complete the entire course virtually. There is no mandatory requirement for online students to join synchronous Zoom sessions or attend in person. However, online students are afforded the latitude to participate via Zoom or in person should they choose.
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Students utilizing the GI Bill® who require only a single attendance report to receive their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) are not obligated to attend every scheduled in-person meeting. GGU’s Hybrid Course Format (HCF) allows students to choose between attending in-person sessions or completing the course fully online. Certain students, including international students on F-1 visas, have a mandatory in-person attendance requirement. For students receiving VA benefits, GGU submits attendance reports to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). VA students retain eligibility provided that GGU documents at least one in-person attendance occurrence per term.
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In the event that sections of multiple HCF courses have coinciding scheduled meeting dates and times, the student should select one class to attend in person, as attendance will be recorded in all in-person sessions. For the conflicting course, the student must formally notify the instructor of the conflict and make arrangements to complete the assigned coursework remotely.
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Attendance via Zoom or asynchronous participation does not satisfy the residency requirements stipulated for military-affiliated students using GI Bill® benefits. Students utilizing VA benefits are required to attend the mandatory in-person meetings to maintain eligibility. GGU reports attendance to the DVA and must confirm attendance at a minimum of one in-person session for the course to fulfill benefits eligibility criteria.
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Students are expected to attend the dates formally scheduled during the designated Campus Weeks. The supplementary dates (e.g., during Week 8) are scheduled to ensure compliance with the residency requirements for F-1 international students, who must attend these specific sessions in person. Non-F-1 students are welcome to attend these sessions in person or via Zoom, or they may elect to complete the coursework entirely online.
Summer 2026 Orientation Replay
If you are looking for information regarding Fall 2026 starts, policies, etc. You MUST attend the upcoming Fall 2026 Orientation.
There are changes on the way that this session did not cover.
Looking for a Scholarship?
We keep a list of scholarship opportunities for military-connected students for reference here. If you know of one that we’ve missed, please reach out! We have no affiliation with the organizations included but simply want to amplify the opportunities for scholarships that might be of interest to our students!
And don’t forget to check out GGU’s Scholarships page!