Military and Veteran Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Eastern Iowa Community Colleges are dedicated to assist our veterans and military personnel. We want to ensure all those who have served our country are able to accomplish their educational goals. This booklet is designed to be a handy guide to resources regarding educational benefits and organizations within the community. 1 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Certifying officials and military/veteran student affairs facilitator contact information...3,4 Checklist to becoming a student at EICC...5 EICC policies and practices Certification process...9 Change of place of training/program...10 Appropriate courses and academic load...11 Attendance verification process Pursuit of education and grades...13 Probation/suspension policy...14 Adding or dropping a course...15 Military/Veteran education benefits overview...16 Internet resources...17 On-campus resources and local community resources Equal opportunity disclosure and school contact information...21 Worksheet for eligible GI Bill recipients...23, 24 2 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

3 CONTACT INFORMATION VA Certifying Officials at each campus: Your Certifying Official must certify each student receiving GI Bill education benefits. As part of your admissions process, please see your Certifying Official once you are registered for classes, in order that, they will report your schedule and program to the Department of Veteran Affairs. Understand that these Certifying Officials follow strict guidelines as per the Department of Veteran Affairs Education Benefit Department. The Certifying Officials are very supportive of our veteran students and want to ensure you are awarded as much benefit as possible in a timely manner. Mardell Mommsen Clinton Community College 1000 Lincoln Boulevard Clinton, Iowa mmommsen@eicc.edu Robin Mitchell Muscatine Community College 152 Colorado Street Muscatine, Iowa rmitchell@eicc.edu Lorene Anderson Scott Community College 500 Belmont Road Bettendorf, Iowa landerson@eicc.edu 3 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

4 Military/Veteran Student Affairs Rebecca Geiken Military/Veteran Student Affairs Facilitator 500 Belmont Road Bettendorf, Iowa The Military/Veteran Student Affairs Facilitator serves as a liaison for military and veteran related concerns within the district departments and with external agencies. The facilitator covers all campuses to ensure contact is made with the district population and assist students with obtaining their military transcript that will articulate to college credits. The facilitator informs the students of specific policies for military/veteran population that our campuses strictly adhere to regarding their duty or training days and in-state tuition. The facilitator is the student s achievement advisor; the facilitator s task is to aid the student in their transition and success in their academic endeavors. Each campus has a Student Veteran s Association. These organizations have activities such as the Veteran s Day Ceremony, collections of care packages for military families in need, fall cook-out, spring family cookout, and work with Operation Home front and the QC Stand Down event. Our organizations have also worked together with St. Ambrose and Western Illinois University Student Veteran s Associations to have a student panel with representatives from each college to speak with congressmen and state representatives about the veteran s various unique issues and needs. 4 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

5 HOW TO BECOME A STUDENT 1. Fill out an Application for Admission. You are encouraged to apply online at: There is no application fee. 2. Call to schedule an appointment for an Orientation at your prospective campus. At this Orientation, you will have a tour of the campus, learn about the campus services, and speak with an academic advisor; it is important to have your compass scores prior to your Orientation (see #7 below for instructions in how to contact the testing center) 3. Complete Financial Aid paperwork and apply for scholarships. Financial Aid paperwork will be processed in the order in which it is received, so begin this process early.( ) The FAFSA is available in January for the next academic year. Scholarships at each campus offer numerous opportunities, and the deadline is April 1 for all campuses for the next academic year. The deadline for spring scholarships is November 1 for CCC and SCC. NOTE: If Tuition Scholarships are awarded to Chapter 33 veterans, this Scholarship will be deducted from the Tuition and Fees that are submitted for payment to the VA. 4. Apply for your VA Education Benefits online at the following internet website: Submit a copy of your DD214 (Member copy Page 4) or your NOBE along with a copy of your confirmed VONAPP form 1990 (you will see at the end of your application process online) to your Certifying Official. 5. Apply for transcripts of your military training at: (ARMY, NAVY, MARINES, AND COAST GUARD) (AIRFORCE) Your military training may be counted toward college credits. When you apply online you will be asked to provide the name of the institution that you would like your transcript sent to; please ensure you are sending your transcript to the campus you are attending. Your Certifying Official will receive an electronic copy to print off for the Registrar to approve. If you need assistance with this process, see Rebecca Geiken. 6. Send your high school, GED and/or other college transcripts. These documents are used to verify your graduation and could qualify you for financial aid, for admissions into specific programs or for course placement using your ACT scores or college credits. Please note that ACT and COMPASS scores must be taken within 3 years of admission. After three years, you must retake the COMPASS. College transcripts are important if you are planning to transfer credits to EICC. Please send official documents to the Registrar s office. Bring unofficial to help with advising for placement. 7. Call the Testing Center at your campus and schedule a time to take the COMPASS tests. These are assessment exams that simply give the Academic Advisor guidance in proper placement in classes. You are encouraged to visit the COMPASS help link at EICC Testing Centers CCC MCC SCC Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

6 EICC POLICIES AND PRACTICES Eastern Iowa Community Colleges currently have many policies, procedures and practices that assist our military and veteran students. The Colleges have had a long tradition of providing quality services including certification of Veteran benefits, awarding of credit for military training, military deployment withdrawal policy and in-state tuition policy for military, veterans and their dependents. Currently, EICC is a SOC Member (Service Member Opportunity College). EICC is VA Approved. Each campus has a staff member that handles certification for VA and Tuition Assistance. EICC has relationships with the Rock Island Arsenal, local National Guard Units and Local Reserve Units. EICC provides in-state tuition (Board Policy 507) to military personnel, veterans, spouse or their dependents. EICC provides advising, financial aid, and job/career placement services to Military and Veteran students. EICC offers scholarship opportunities for military and veteran students. EICC allows military personnel called to active duty to withdraw without penalty (see student handbook). EICC campuses provide military and veteran related activities and events. EICC may allow military students to re-enter programs with limited enrollment without penalty. EICC has a Student Veterans Organization Facebook page: or in the search bar, simply insert Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Student Veterans Organization. This is a great forum for an opportunity to read articles, be informed of upcoming activities in your community and chat with fellow veteran students. EICC academic programs are well positioned to provide civilian credentials that complement military training. EICC s flexible learning options, including online, evening and fast track career programs, are well positioned to serve the needs of military and veteran students. EICC s Veteran Affairs Certifying Officials attend VA and military education benefit training to keep updated with changing regulations. 6 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

7 Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has signed the MOU to strictly abide to the policy listed below. Note: EICC signed the original agreement in July NUMBER reaffirmed September 2014 b. Establishes policy stating the eligibility criteria for tuition assistance (TA) and the requirement for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from all educational institutions providing educational programs through the DoD TA Program. c. Establishes policy that: (1) All educational institutions providing education programs through the DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) Program: (a) Will provide meaningful information to students about the financial cost and attendance at an institution so military students can make informed decisions on where to attend school. (b) Will not use unfair, deceptive, and abusive recruiting practices. (c) Will provide academic and student support services to Service members and their families. (2) Creates rules to strengthen existing procedures for access to DoD installations by educational institutions. DoDI , March 15, 2011 (3) Requires an annual review and notification process if there are changes made to the uniform semester -hour (or equivalent) TA caps and annual TA ceilings. (4) Requires the Military Departments to provide their Service members with a joint services transcript (JST). (5) Establishes the DoD Postsecondary Education Complaint System for Service members, spouses, and adult family members to register student complaints. (6) Authorizes the Military Departments to establish Service-specific TA eligibility criteria and management controls. d. Establishes the Interservice Voluntary Education Board. Clifford L. Stanley Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 7 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

8 SPECIAL STUDENT ADMISSION POLICY AND ATTENDANCE POLICY Veterans All of our programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education for veterans benefits for students eligible under the GI and Post 9/11 Bills. If you are a veteran of the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserve, contact the College Registrar early in the application process to certify your status and benefits. If you have earned credit through civilian or military education, the College Registrar may evaluate that credit for transfer evaluation. To receive educational assistance from the Veterans Administration, you must meet "pursuit of education and academic standards" established by the VA and college policy. You are responsible for knowing and following policies that apply to you as a veteran. For information about these policies, including pursuit of education, satisfactory progress, verification, benefit and other questions about veteran students, see the College Registrar. If you are the widow, widower or child of a veteran, you may also be eligible for educational benefits. Military Personnel We are a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) and participate in the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP). This program allows enlistees to enroll in college at the same time they are serving in the military. Residency Status for Military Personnel and Veterans Active duty military personnel and military service veterans attending an EICC college, as well as their spouses and dependent children, are considered to be Iowa residents for admission, tuition and fee purposes EICC Policy covering Iowa National Guard/ Army Reserve drill students (service/obligation dates) Responsibilities of the student: All IANG/AR students who must report for drill during the semester that will interfere with classes must; a. Contact the Instructors as soon as he/she is aware of the duty dates. b. Produce written proof (orders, letter from Co. CDMR or 1SG., etc.) to the instructors and academic advisors. c. Create a course of action prior to speaking with instructors. d. Schedule a meeting time with instructors to present written documentation and action plan. Responsibilities of the school/instructors: a. Work to compromise with the classroom work and homework assignments due dates with the student. b. Allow ample time for the student to complete these assignments. c. Allow student to make up labs/quizzes that were missed during the particular dates/or offer an alternative with equivalent value. *Army Regulation : Army National Guard and Army Reserve Service Obligations, methods of fulfillment, participation requirements and enforcement procedures can be made available upon request. 8 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

9 CERTIFICATION 1. See an advisor for assistance in scheduling your classes. 2. You will only be certified for courses that apply directly towards your degree goal. 3. You are responsible for any financial obligations (i.e. tuition, fees, books, etc.) to the college. You may make arrangements with the Business Office to take advantage of our FACTS Management payment option for your tuition and fees. Payment for books is due at the time of purchase unless you are receiving financial aid (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships). The Financial Aid Office may authorize you to charge your required books if your FAFSA is complete. Please check with them PRIOR to the book charge date to ensure that all paperwork is completed. Depending on your financial aid award, student loans may be an option. 4. Your Enrollment Certification for the term will not be sent into the VA office until after the drop-add period (which is ten days into the term) as per EICC policy. The most important part about your certification is your cooperation and patience with your Certifying Official. 5. After your certification has been processed, your benefits will be sent via direct deposit. These are processed in the order they are received. You may contact the VA to check on your status at: GIBILL1( ) or 6. Chapter 33 recipients will not have tuition and fees reported until the certifying official receives positive enrollment verification. NOTE: If Tuition Scholarships are awarded to Chapter 33 veterans, this Scholarship will be deducted from the Tuition and Fees that are submitted for payment to the VA. 9 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

10 CHANGE OF PLACE OF TRAINING/PROGRAM If you have already received your Educational Benefits for attendance at another institution or for a different program, you do not need to reapply for your benefits. Please refer to the instructions below. 1. Complete VA Form ; to notify the VA that you are changing your school or major. This form will need to be completed, printed, and submitted to your EICC Certifying Official. Wives or widows of qualifying veterans, who have previously received Chapter 35 benefits, should complete VA Form , This form will need to be completed, printed, and submitted to your EICC Certifying Official. 2. Submit official academic transcripts from any post-secondary institutions you have attended to the Registrar s Office for evaluation. You will also need to fill out the appropriate campus Transcript Evaluation Request at > Transcript Services (at bottom of page) > Transcript Evaluation Request. 3. If your VA file is located at another Regional Office and must be transferred, it will take considerably longer for the VA to process your certification and for you to receive your direct deposit. 10 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

11 APPROPRIATE COURSES You can only be certified for courses that lead directly towards your stated degree goal. The best way to assure that your registration will meet VA regulations is to arrange your schedule with an advisor or counselor. Your VA Certifying Official will contact you if something needs to be addressed. 1. The VA will not pay you for attendance in any course you have previously taken and passed (a D- grade or better), as well as, courses you may have taken at another college. Exception: If a higher grade is required for a specific program, the course may be repeated. 2. The VA will not pay for courses that you audit or that you test-out. 3. You can be certified in our online programs as well; Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges' participation in the Iowa Community College Online Consortium (ICCOC) offers an Associate in Arts Degree entirely online. The Consortium provides an extensive schedule of classes every semester. In addition to the Associate in Arts Degree, our Career Programs in Health, Safety and Environmental Technology, Health Information Technology and Cancer Information Management are offered entirely online as well. For more information about any of these options just give us a call at or ACADEMIC LOAD The VA pays based on academic load. The following shows the relationship between semester hours and academic load in a normal full semester: 1 5 hours Less than half time* 6 8 hours Half time 9 11 hours Three-quarter time 12 or more hours Full time * NOTE: Chapter 33 students enrolled less than half time are only paid tuition and fees for the courses they are taking. Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606, 1607 students receive a scheduled rate. 11 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

12 WAVE and IVR Chapter 30, Chapter 1606 and REAP (Chapter 1607) students must verify their monthly enrollments at the end of each month; by Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by Interactive Voice Response (IVR). The VA provides the following information: The preferred method is WAVE, which includes features not in IVR. WAVE allows students to verify their enrollment on the Internet at the Education Service web site ( once there, just click on WAVE link. Students must be currently enrolled in an approved education program and must have a current benefit award to use WAVE. IVR allows students to phone in ( ) their monthly verifications. However, students cannot report any changes in their enrollment using IVR. 12 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

13 PURSUIT OF EDUCATION Each college instructor has developed his or her own attendance policy. You are responsible to be familiar with each instructor s policy and to conform to that policy. The VA requires you to be enrolled in classes in the program you are pursuing and to make satisfactory progress. Satisfactory progress is determined by the instructor, therefore, if your instructor considers your attendance unsatisfactory, your certification and benefits will be affected. GRADES The VA classifies grades as either punitive or non-punitive. Punitive grades are any grades that count toward your grade point average (A, B, C, D or F). Non-punitive grades are any grades that do not count toward your grade point average (N or W). The VA will not pay for non-punitive grades (absent mitigating circumstances). Therefore, you cannot be certified for a course for which you will be receiving a non-punitive grade. This would include courses you will test-out of or courses you audit. 13 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

14 EASTERN IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGES MILITARY/VETERANS ADMINISTRATION PROBATION/SUSPENSION POLICY In accordance with the eligibility requirements of the Federal Government, these procedures will be applied to the entire EICC academic history of each Military/Veteran applicant, regardless of whether that student received any financial assistance for the prior term(s). Academic records will be reviewed every semester. MINIMUM VETERANS ADMINISTRATION ACADEMIC PROGRESS STANDARDS A student s academic progress is assessed after each term. A student is expected to complete the appropriate minimum number of credit hours outlined below and earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of Enrollment status after the 10 th class day (Or 5 th day of summer term) Full time (12+) hours Half or three quarter time (6-11 hours) Less than half-time (1-5 hours) VETERANS ADMINISTRATION PROBATION Minimum number of hour s a student must complete for that term 8 semester hours 6 semester hours All hours enrolled that semester A student will be placed on Veterans Administration Probation the first term that he/she fails to meet the minimum standards outlined above. A student placed on Veterans Administration Probation: Is eligible to receive Veterans Administration benefits Must achieve at least a 2.00 semester GPA for his/her probationary term Must complete at least the minimum number of hours based on his/her enrollment status, as outlined above, for his/her probationary term. A probationary student who has earned at least the minimum number of credit hours and semester GPA required, but does not meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.00, will continue to be on Veterans Administration Probation. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION SUSPENSION A probationary student who fails to earn the minimum semester GPA of 1.50 will be placed on Veterans Administration Suspension. A student on Veterans Administration Suspension: Is not eligible to receive Veterans Administration benefits Must achieve a 2.00 cumulative GPA at his/her own expense REINSTATEMENT It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Registrar s Office that his/her coursework meets minimum standards. APPEALS OF VETERANS ADMINISTRATION SUSPENSION A student may submit a written appeal of these procedures (Effective 10/2012). 14 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

15 ADDING OR DROPPING COURSES Courses may be adjusted during the first week of a semester for full term classes or 2 days for shortened class sessions. Courses may be dropped (with a grade of W ) until ten class days prior to the first day of final exams for full term classes and one week prior to end date for shortened classes. A student who discontinues class attendance and does not officially drop the course will receive a failing grade for the course. If you either add or drop a course, you will need to notify your Certifying Official. Your Certifying Official is required to submit all changes to the VA within 30 days. Information on details of the adding/dropping process can be found in the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges College catalog. Any change in your enrollment may affect your VA benefits. If you withdraw from a class and this withdrawal affects your enrollment status (full-time, half-time, etc.), you will be charged an overpayment by the VA, absent mitigating circumstances. For instance, in August you registered as a full-time student, you would receive full-time payment. You may decide in November to withdraw from a three semester hour course. You would then become a three-quarter time student. The VA will consider you a three-quarter time student from the beginning of the term. You would be charged an overpayment for the difference between three-quarter and full-time for the entire semester. If you receive an F grade, the VA requires that the school determine whether this grade was assigned because you quit pursuing your education or because you simply did failing work. If you fail a course because you quit pursuing your education, your Last Date of Attendance will be sent to the VA. If this means that your enrollment status is affected, you will be charged an overpayment. 15 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

16 EDUCATION BENEFITS Please note that all information below is not exhaustive and it is your responsibility t o visit the Department of Veteran Affairs website for a complete explanation of each Chapter of Education Benefits at The National Guard Education Assistance Program (NGEAP) This is a state funded tuition assistance program that pays schools "up front" for the cost of tuition for the soldier. GoArmyEd and NGEAP may be used together! NGEAP pays at least 50% of the tuition rate at state Board of Regents schools (Iowa, Iowa State, University of Northern Iowa) or 50% of the tuition rate at the institution attended by the National Guard member, whichever is lower. There are deadlines for application and communication with Education Service Officers is critical. Tuition Assistance (GoArmyEd/Active Duty Military) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each Service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes and restrictions. Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) is a benefit for those who served after 30 Jun 1985 and offers 36 months of assistance. This Program can be used for certification or fast-track career programs and degree programs. Benefits are available up to 10 years of discharge date. Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation Veterans with service connected disability may be eligible (VA Form ). This program focuses upon providing services for veterans to pursue a fast track career program to prepare for, find and retain a career. All paperwork is handled and processed with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation office by Neil Santos Our Certifying Officials are not able to proceed with the process until all paperwork is received from Neil Santos. Chapter 32 Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available to military personnel that contributed from their military pay to participate in their education benefits program. Those who entered service from 1 January 1977 and 30 June 1985 are eligible; however, must be used within 10 years of discharge date. If the military member is still active duty and entered during those above dates and chooses to receive benefits, at least three contributions should have been made prior to 1 April Chapter 33 The Post 9/11 GI-Bill supports education and housing allowance for students that served at least 90 days of service after 10 September 2001, or service members discharged with service-connected disabilities after 30 days. Tuition and Fees are paid directly to the school and there is a monthly housing allowance (MHA) and an annual books and supplies stipend that will be paid directly to the student. These stipends are pro-rated based on students enrollment. Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Educational assistance is available to dependents of certain veterans. This Program provides up to 45 months of educational benefits. Eligible dependents must complete the online application for Dependent s Educational Assistance, VA Form , which is available at Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is available to selected reserve members. This Education Benefit can be used for degree programs and fast track career programs up to 36 months. Requirements are that the service member had a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve enlisted after 30 June 1985 and completed the initial active duty program. Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP) established during the Reagan Administration for members of the Reserve components called or ordered into active duty during a war time or national emergency. This Program covers those who were activated after 9/11 to be eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. 16 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

17 INTERNET RESOURCES Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Facebook page for Student Veterans Department of Veterans Affairs website: Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs: To check your EDU benefit status: To apply for your MIL/VA education benefits: To apply for Financial Aid: 17 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

18 ON CAMPUS RESOURCES/COUNSELING SERVICES CLINTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Mary Walker Bridgeview Mon/Tues 9 a.m. 12 p.m MUSCATINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Ann Giovanazzi Family Resources INC SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Robert Nagle Vera French STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES All three of our colleges work hard to provide tutoring services, free of charge, to their students. Whether it's the Student Success Center in Clinton (Room 104), the Skills Center in Muscatine (Loper Hall), or the Student Success Center at Scott (Room 2101) we're here to help. All three centers are open weekdays and most evenings. All you have to do is stop in and ask for help! 18 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

19 LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES Quad Cities Vet Center th Ave., Ste. #6 Moline, IL Phone: Fax: POC: Team Leader, (Nikki) Plaushette Bulter Monday - Friday Hours: 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m. *The hyperlink below will take you to a contact us page via electronic request: **completely confidential and free counseling** CLINTON COUNTY Clinton County Commission of Veteran s Affairs- Ed Staszewski, Director Clinton County Administration Building 1900 North 3rd Street, P.O. Box 2957 Clinton IA Phone: MUSCATINE COUNTY Muscatine County Commission of Veteran s Affairs - Jennifer Watkins 315 Iowa Avenue - Suite A Muscatine, Iowa Phone: (563) ext Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

20 SCOTT COUNTY Scott County Commission of Veterans Affairs David Woods, Director Administrative Center 600 W. 4th St. Davenport, Iowa Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Phone: (563) Family Support Services Coordinator- James Stout 3615 Brady ST. Davenport, Iowa Phone james.l.stout.ctr@us.army.mil The Army Continuing Education Center is the best resource for understanding and helping with applying for Tuition Assistance for those who are active duty, National Guard or Reserves. POC: Stephanie Allers Bldg. 56, East Street 1 Rock Island Arsenal Rock Island, IL Phone Fax Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed Holidays) 20 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

21 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESS Eastern Iowa Community Colleges endorses the principle of equal educational and employment opportunities for all people, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age or non- job related handicap or disability. Persons having inquiries concerning the college s accommodation for our compliance with Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, The Americans with Disabilities Act, and The Age Discrimination Act may contact the Dean of Student Development at: CLINTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1000 Lincoln Boulevard Clinton, IA (563) MUSCATINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 152 Colorado Street Muscatine, IA (563) SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE 500 Belmont Road Bettendorf, IA (563) Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

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23 Name: Address: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges CLINTON MUSCATINE SCOTT WORKSHEET FOR ELIGIBLE STUDENTS ENROLLED UNDER GI BILL PROGRAMS PLEASE TURN THIS FORM IN TO YOUR CERTIFYING OFFICIAL City, State, Zip Address: Social Security # File # Phone: Benefit Program (CHECK ONE): GI Bill (Chapter 30) - Service after 7/1/85 Years of Service GI Bill (Chapter 33) Post-9/11 GI Bill GI Bill (Chapter 35) Dependents GI Bill (Chapter 1606) Selected Reserve and National Guard GI Bill (Chapter 1607) National Guard/Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) VA Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) What degree will you be pursuing at our institution? Have you previously used or applied for educational benefits from the VA? If yes, complete the following: _. Name of all schools where benefits were used, and your program/major while attending: School Program/Major Date(s) Attended School Program/Major Date(s) Attended Name all post-secondary schools, colleges, and universities you attended without VA benefits. This would include any education that resulted in college credit including military education credit. (Use reverse side of this sheet if necessary). School Program/Major Date(s) Attended School Program/Major Date(s) Attended IMPORTANT: The VA requires Eastern Iowa Community College to evaluate and report (if appropriate) transfer credit from all prior educational experiences. Therefore, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions that you have attended (whether or not the GI Bill was used) are needed to process your admissions and enrollment certification. YOU WILL NOT BE CERTIFIED FOR PAYMENT BEYOND THE FIRST TERM IF THESE TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT SECURED. In order to remain eligible for VA benefits, you must maintain satisfactory progress. This is defined to you in your VA handbook. 23 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014

24 You will be certified only for those courses that apply toward your degree goal. If Tuition Scholarships are awarded to Chapter 33 veterans, this Scholarship will be deducted from the tuition and fees that are submitted for payment to the VA. You must notify your Certifying Official; Clinton, Muscatine or Scott Community College when you register for any semester. You must also notify your Certifying Official if you alter your registration in any way; this includes dropping or adding a class, terminating school, changing programs or majors, or any other changes that would affect your payment status. If you are registered for all online courses you will be eligible for a percentage of the BAH based on the total credits. You may not repeat courses that have been previously completed with a passing grade. Unofficial withdrawals will affect your eligibility and may cause you to be charged with a substantial overpayment. The Chapter 33 housing allowance will be paid if the rate of pursuit is more than 50%: 6 credits (or credit equivalents) is 50% (6 12 = 50%) 7 credits (or credit equivalents) is 58% (7 12 = 58%) Spouses of active duty personnel receiving Transfer of Entitlement (ToE) benefits are not eligible for the Housing Allowance A copy of the Eastern Iowa Community College District s VA Probation/Suspension Policy can be found in the VA Handbook. This policy applies to veterans. Read this policy carefully. The Veterans Student Handbook contains much necessary information. You are responsible to know this information. I have read and understand the above conditions. I hereby authorize this institution to supply my academic record, in its sole discretion, in whole or in part, to the Veterans Administration or any representative agent thereof. Signature Date 24 Military and Veteran Student Handbook Revised October 2014