Veteran Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Veteran Student Handbook Page 1

2 Table Of Contents Veterans Services Office and Veterans Center Page 3 Veterans Services and Benefits Page 3 Students Responsibilities (VA) Page 3 Applying for Benefits Page 4 Students Responsibilities (HAZLEWOOD) Page 4 Additional VA Information Page 5 Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) Page 6 Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30) Page 11 Dependents Education Assistance (Chapter 35) Page 12 Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 1606) Page 12 Reserve Education Assistance program (Chapter 1607) Page 13 Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) Page 13 Benefit Payments Page 14 Military Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) Page 14 Texas Success Initiative Page 15 Getting Started Page 15 Veteran Semester Hour Classification Page 16 Registration Page 16 College Credit for Heroes Page 17 Standards of Progress (GPA Info) Page 19 Residency Page 19 Graduation Page 20 Withdrawal for Military Service Page 21 Support Services Page 22 Instructional Support Page 23 Page 2

3 Table Of Contents (Cont d) Resources Page 24 Disability Services Page 27 Financial Aid Page 27 VA Workstudy Page 30 Miscellaneous Student Services Page 30 Testing for Credit Page 31 Evaluation of Credentials for credit Page 32 Advising Page 33 WEBDMC Account Page 37 Adding Del Mar to your Mobile Device Page 38 Page 3

4 Introduction Welcome to Del Mar College and THANK YOU for your dedicated service to our country! It is our pleasure to provide top-notch service to you just as you served our great country with pride and distinction. The Del Mar College Veteran Services Office has two locations for your convenience: East Campus West Campus Harvin Center Room 271 Coleman Center Room 106 Monday-Thursday Monday-Thursday Friday Friday (361) (361) ***************************************************** Veteran s Center Resource Rooms The Del Mar College Veterans Center is located on the West Campus in the Coleman Student Center Room 107. The Veterans Center is a resource center that was designed specifically with our Veteran Students in mind. There are computers with internet access available to you for use in research and homework assignments, or just to check your . A network printer is available for you to print assignments and a copy machine/scanner available for your use. A kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee mess and light snacks are available for a small donation. A big screen television, comfy furniture and study tables and chairs provide a nice location for you to relax or do studies. Peer tutors are available on site to aid you with your studies. During the Fall of school year , an additional Veteran s Center will open on the East Campus in Harvin Center Room 207. Similar services will be provided for Veteran Students. The Veterans Center is for the exclusive use of Veteran Students and a Veteran Center Lanyard will be issued to you by the Veterans Service Office. Just show your lanyard at the door and gain access to this space that was designed with you in mind. Welcome aboard! ***************************************************** Veterans Services and Benefits Del Mar College s programs are approved for those who wish to attend and receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD-Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR-Chapter 1606), Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP-Chapter 1607), Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP-Chapter 32), Education Assistance Test Program (Section 901), Survivors and Dependent s Educational Assistance Program (DEA-Chapter 35), Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31), Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), and the National Call to Service Program. The monthly rate of payment to veterans is determined by Public Law Del Mar College participates in the Exemption Program for Veterans and their Dependents (The Hazlewood Act). Veterans and family members who qualify under the Hazelwood Act may have institutional tuition and fees exempted in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board CH 21.NN. ******************************************************** Student s Responsibilities in the Veteran s Educational Benefit Award Process Students who are eligible to receive VA Educational benefits should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or visit their website at to learn about eligibility and VA requirements. Page 4

5 Applying for VA Benefits To apply for your VA education benefits, log in to the VA website at and complete the Veterans On-Line Application (VONAPP). The VA will process your application and send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail at the address you identify in your application. Once you have the COE from the VA and have been admitted as a student and registered for classes, you will be ready to come to the Veteran Services Office to have your education benefits processed. Steps for new students wishing to use VA educational benefits: 1. Apply for admission and be admitted to Del Mar College as a student 2. Provide all required documentation to the Veterans Service office a. Degree Plan b. Course schedule c. Certificate of Eligibility (letter from VA) d. Original DD214 e. Request for Certification (Obtain from Veterans Service Office) f. Disclaimer (Obtain from Veterans Service Office) g. Copies of all college and military transcripts Steps for continuing students wishing to use VA educational benefits: 1. Provide all required documentation to the Veterans Services Office a. Request for certification b. Copy of course schedule c. Degree plan (if changed) d. Any additional items as required/requested from Veterans Services Office **It is the student s responsibility to notify the Veterans Service Office EACH SEMESTER that he/she wishes to use veteran s benefits. You must visit the office and submit the required documentation prior to the payment deadline in order to assure that your place in the class is solidified. Failure to submit the required paperwork to the Veterans Service Office prior to the payment deadline for each semester will result in your being removed from classes for nonpayment and delay in your payments from the VA.** *********************************************************** Student s Responsibilities in the Hazlewood Exemption Award Process Students who are eligible to receive the State of Texas Hazlewood Act Tuition/fee exemption should visit the Texas Veterans Commission website at Steps for new students wishing to use Hazlewood Act tuition/fee exemption: 1. Apply for admission and be admitted to Del Mar College as a student. 2. Provide all required documentation to the Veterans Services Office a. Original or Certified DD214 (Member 4) b. Class schedule c. Disclaimer and Request for Certification (Obtain from Veteran Services Office) d. Copy of Texas Driver s License (Or other proof of residency as required) e. Hazlewood Exemption Application (HAE) f. VA Certificate of Eligibility (if required) g. Proof of TVC Hazlewood Online registration (print-out of hours previously used) h. Proof of dependency for Legacy or Child/Spouse Beneficiaries of Disabled or deceased veterans (Birth or marriage certificate, tax form, etc) i. Proof of veteran s 100 disability from the VA or death certificate if applicable j. Degree Plan Page 5

6 Steps for continuing students wishing to use Hazlewood Act Tuition/Fee exemption: 1. Provide all required documentation to the Veterans Services Office a. Hazlewood Exemption Application (HAE-App-CE) b. Request for certification c. Class schedule d. Proof of TVC Hazlewood Online registration (print-out of hours previously used) e. Degree Plan (if program has changed) **It is the student s responsibility to notify the Veterans Service Office EACH SEMESTER that he/she wishes to use Hazlewood Exemption. You must visit the office and submit the required documentation prior to the payment deadline in order to assure that your place in the class is solidified. Failure to submit the required paperwork to the Veterans Service Office prior to the payment deadline for each semester will result in your being removed from classes for nonpayment.** **In accordance with the Texas Senate Bill 1158, for an otherwise eligible veteran, spouse, or child to be entitled to a Hazlewood Act exemption in a given term or semester, he or she must have a completed Hazlewood Act Exemption Application and have the supporting documentation on file with the institution no later than the last day of the semester or term to which the exemption applies.** **IMPORTANT CHANGE TO HAZLEWOOD PROGRAM** The Hazlewood Exemption rules indicate that students who qualify for the Hazlewood Exemption may continue to receive the exemption or waiver for a subsequent term only if the student maintains satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward a degree or certificate in accordance with the college s policy regarding eligibility for financial aid. If upon completion of a semester or term, a student fails to meet the SAP requirements, that student may not receive the Hazlewood Exemption. In order to regain eligibility the student must: 1. Complete a semester or term during which the student will not be eligible for the Hazlewood Exemption 2. Regain eligibility for financial aid by meeting the SAP requirements. This change in law does not apply to spouses or children of veterans who died from a service related injury or illness, or who were determined to be missing in action (MIA) or killed in action (KIA). ****************************************************************** Additional VA Information Monthly Verification of Enrollment Students who are using Montgomery G.I. Bill (CH 30), Selected Reserve Montgomery G. I. Bill (CH 1606), and REAP (CH 1607) must verify their enrollment to the VA once per month on the last day of the month. This may be accomplished in one of two ways: 1. Call 1-(877) and follow the voice response system 2. Go to the G.I. Bill Webpage and select W.A.V.E, then create an account and follow the guidelines provided. Page 6

7 VA Contact Phone Numbers Education Benefits Monthly Enrollment Verification Other VA Benefits Direct Deposit Enrollment ************************************************************************************** VA Benefit Programs POST-9/11 GI BILL CHAPTER 33, TITLE 38 U.S. CODE For additional information about CH 33, visit the GI BILL website: Eligible Individuals Generally, an individual who served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, will be eligible for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Active duty served as a member of the Armed Forces or as a result of a call or order to active duty from a reserve component under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12303(g), 12302, or of Title 10 is qualifying active duty service. On October 1, 2011, VA will begin paying benefits to members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard for qualifying service under title 32. The following service may qualify: Full time service in the National Guard for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing or training. Activations in support of a national emergency under section 502(f) of title 32. Benefits can be paid retroactively to August 1, 2009, the effective date of the Post-9/11 GI Bill program. The following periods of active duty service are excluded: ROTC under 10 U.S.C. 2107(b) Service academy contract period Service terminated due to defective enlistment agreement Service used for loan repayment Period of Eligibility In general an individual s eligibility to use Chapter 33 benefits expires 15 years from the date of the last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 consecutive days. In order to retain eligibility, after meeting the service requirements, an individual must: Be honorably discharged from Armed Forces; or Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable and placed on the retired list, temporary disability retired list, or transferred to the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable for further service in a reserve component. Chapter 33 Entitlement Individuals eligible under Chapter 33 are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance. Individuals are limited to a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more programs. Individuals eligible for benefits under the national call to Page 7

8 service program and Chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 of title 38; or Chapter 107, 1606, 1607, or section 903 of title 10; or the hostage relief act of 1980; or the omnibus diplomatic security and antiterrorism act of 1986 may not receive assistance under two or more such programs concurrently. Election Students eligible for Chapter 30, 1606, or 1607, on August 1, 2009, and on their election date, must relinquish a benefit to receive Chapter 33. Students eligible for more than one benefit only have to relinquish one benefit to receive Chapter 33. Chapter 33 elections are irrevocable. However: Election requests can be withdrawn if the Regional Processing Office receives the withdrawal request before a certificate of eligibility is issued or a payment processed. Election requests can be changed if the Regional Processing Office receives the change request before a certificate of eligibility is issued or a payment processed. The student must request the change in writing. Length of Service Percentage Eligible students receive a percentage of the Chapter 33 benefit for tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance, and book stipend based on their length of service. The percentage is determined by the student s aggregate active duty service after September 10, All creditable active duty and qualifying call-up service are combined to determine the aggregate service. Length of service percentages are described in the following table: Service Requirements % Of Maximum Benefit Payable (Aggregate active duty after 9/10/01) At least 36 months 100 At least 30 continuous days on active 100 duty (Must be discharged due to serviceconnected disability) At least 30 months, but less than months (1) At least 24 months, but less than (3) months (1) At least 18 months, but less than (3) months (2) At least 12 months, but less than months (2) At least 06 months, but less than months (2) At least 90 days, but less than months (2) (1) Includes entry level and skill training. (2) Excludes entry level and skill training. (3) If the service requirements are met at both the 80 and 70 percentage level, the maximum percentage of 70 must be applied too amounts payable. Page 8

9 Education and Training Available Under Chapter 33 Effective August 1, All programs must be offered by a degree-granting institution of higher learning (IHL) and approved for Chapter 30. Approved programs include undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, professional degrees, and non-degree programs approved at the IHL. Additionally, tutorial assistance and reimbursement for one licensing or certification test are available under Chapter 33. Students who elect Chapter 33 and relinquish Chapter 30, 1606, or 1607 may receive benefits for approved programs not offered by an IHL (non degree programs, flight training, correspondence courses, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, preparatory courses, and national tests). These students will be paid for these programs as if they were still receiving benefits under the relinquished benefit, but their entitlement will be charged under Chapter 33. Effective October 1, VA will begin paying Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to individuals pursuing the following approved non-ihl non-degree programs. Non-College Degree (NCD) schools On-the Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship programs Flight Programs Correspondence courses Chapter 33 Benefit Payments Depending on the student s situation, Chapter 33 benefits can include payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, a stipend for books and supplies, college fund ( kicker ) payments, a rural benefit payment, and a Yellow Ribbon Program benefit. Chapter 33 differs from other education Chapters in that each type of payment is issued separately, with some payments made directly to the school and others directly to the student. Tuition and Fees The tuition and fees payment is paid directly to the school on behalf of the student when the school s enrollment certification is processed. The tuition and fees payment is prorated by the student s benefit level. U.S. Public Schools: The actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965], provided directly to the institution and specifically designated for the sole purpose of defraying tuition and fees. Monthly Housing Allowance Effective August 1, A monthly housing allowance is paid directly to the student at the beginning of each month for the previous month. The housing allowance is prorated by the student s length of service percentage. The monthly housing allowance paid equals the Department of Defense s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents and the zip code of the school. The BAH rates are at the following link Active duty personnel (including those on terminal leave) and their spouses utilizing transferred entitlement are not eligible for the housing allowance. Once separated from active duty, students (and their spouses) will become eligible to receive the monthly housing allowance on the first day of the month following separation. The monthly housing allowance is subject to Grandfathering Rules. A student will be paid the same monthly housing allowance rate for as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at Page 9

10 the same school (same facility code). Continuously enrolled means no more than a 6-month break in training in enrollment. Rate of Pursuit and the Housing Allowance Rate of pursuit applies specifically to Chapter 33. It differs from training time, which is used for all other Chapters. Schools certify actual credit. VA calculates rate of pursuit by dividing the number of credit (or credit hour equivalents) being pursued by the number of credit considered to be full-time by the school. The resulting percentage is the student s rate of pursuit. Examples: If full-time is 12 credits, then rate of pursuit for: 6 credits (or credit equivalents) is 50% (6 12 = 50%) 7 credits (or credit equivalents) is 58% (7 12 = 58%) The housing allowance is paid if the student s rate of pursuit is more than 50%. Rate of pursuit determines whether a student receives or doesn t receive the housing allowance. If pursuit is more than 50% the student receives the housing allowance. If the rate of pursuit is 50% or less, then the student doesn t receive the housing allowance. (Active duty personnel receiving chapter 33 benefits or spouses of active duty personnel receiving Transfer of Entitlement (ToE) benefits are not eligible for the housing allowance.) Effective August 1, Interval pay is eliminated except for periods where a school is closed due to an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency situation. These payments are limited to 4 weeks in any 12 month period This applies to all VA education benefit programs Distance Learning and the Housing Allowance Effective October 1, Individuals only enrolled in distance learning courses will be eligible for a monthly housing allowance equal to 50% of the national average of all Basic Allowances for Housing. Rates will be multiplied by the rate of pursuit rounded to the nearest multiple of 10. Books and Supplies Stipend Effective August 1, The books and supplies stipend is a lump sum payment (each quarter, semester or term attended) paid directly to the student when the school s enrollment certification is processed. The stipend is prorated by the student s length of service percentage. The books and supplies stipend pays $41.67 per credit certified, up to 24 credits for the academic year (08/01/YY-07/31/YY). The start date of an enrollment period determines the academic year the enrollment period belongs to. The maximum stipend is $1,000 per academic year. Kickers and Additional Contributions Effective August 1, Students eligible for a kicker under Chapter 30 or 1606 may receive the kicker under Chapter 33. The kicker will be prorated by the student s rate of pursuit percentage and paid as a lump sum payment to the student when the school s enrollment certification is processed. The Chapter 30 and 1607 additional contribution ($600 Buy-up) is not payable under Chapter 33. Effective October 1, Eligible individuals will receive payments for ch30 and ch1606 kicker payments on a monthly, rather than a lump sum, basis. Kickers will be paid regardless of rate of pursuit or eligibility for the Monthly Housing Allowance. The applicable full time kicker rate will be multiplied by the rate of pursuit rounded to the nearest multiple of 10. Page 10

11 Licensing and Certification Tests Effective October 1, Individuals may be reimbursed for multiple licensing and certification exams. One month of entitlement (rounded to the nearest whole month) will be charged for each $1,460 paid. The test must be approved for VA benefits. The amount equivalent to one month of entitlement will be adjusted each year based upon a COLA. National Tests Effective October 1, Individuals may be reimbursed for multiple national tests (e.g. SAT, GRE, LSAT, etc). One month of entitlement (rounded to the nearest whole month) will be charged for each $1,460 paid. The test must be approved for VA benefits. The amount equivalent to one month of entitlement will be adjusted each year based upon a COLA. Rural benefit The rural benefit is a one-time, lump-sum payment of $500. The rural benefit is issued directly to students who reside in a county with six persons or fewer per square mile who physically relocate at least 500 miles to attend a school, or relocate by air (any distance) when no other land-based transportation exists. Transfer of Entitlement The Department of Defense (DoD) offers members of the Armed Forces the opportunity to transfer Chapter 33 benefits to their spouse or dependent children. If a member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve) serves six years and reenlists for 4 more years or has at least 10 years of service, then transfer of entitlement (ToE) is possible. While in the Armed Forces, members use the ToE website to designate, modify, and revoke a ToE request. After leaving the Armed Forces, members can provide a future effective date for use of ToE, modify the number of months transferred, or revoke entitlement transferred by submitting a written request to VA. NOTE: After separating from the Armed Forces individuals cannot designate new dependents to receive transferred entitlement or amend the effective date of the initial transfer of entitlement to an earlier date. Refer to the Transfer of Entitlement link on the homepage. The link explains what the member must do, what the child or spouse must do, and gives all the needed links. There are two basic steps: Step 1: The service member (transferor) must transfer the entitlement. If approved, transfer data is put into a secure online database DoD shares with VA. That database, in addition to providing VA qualifying periods of Chapter 33 service, also provides ToE data. Step 2: The spouse or child (transferee) must apply. The application VA Form e; Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits can be completed online. When certifying a ToE student, use the student s social security number as the student s file number and identify the student as a Chapter 33 student. Information and requirements about transferability can be found on DoD s website at: Effective October 1, Individuals eligible for ToE from multiple transferors may not receive benefits from multiple sources concurrently. Members of the Public Health Service (PHS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can be eligible to transfer unused Page 11

12 ch33 entitlement. The rules for basic eligibility for Transfer of Entitlement (ToE) remain unchanged. Fry Scholarship Effective August 1, The Fry Scholarship added a new eligibility criterion to Chapter 33. It provides benefit eligibility for children of active duty members of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty after September 10, An information sheet about the Fry Scholarship is available at Eligible children: May be married or over 23 and still be eligible Are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level Have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on their 18th birthday May use the benefit until their 33rd birthday Are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program *********************************************************************** MONTGOMERY GI BILL - ACTIVE DUTY (MGIB) CHAPTER 30, TITLE 38 U.S. CODE Chapter 30 has four eligibility categories. The benefits generally apply to Veterans who began active duty service for the first time after June 30, 1985, had their pay reduced $100 a month for 12 months, and received an honorable discharge. For further information on the four eligibility categories, visit To be eligible for education payments under MGIB, Veterans must possess an Honorable discharge. This would exclude those Veterans with a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions or any other discharge other than Honorable. Also excluded are officers who obtained their commission after 12/31/76, through a military academy (Annapolis, West Point, Air Force Academy, or Coast Guard Academy), or through an ROTC scholarship program (payments exceeding $3,400/yr) Individuals released from active duty with an Honorable character of service by reason of Convenience of the Government (COG) with 20 months of service on a two-year contract, or 30 months on a three-year contract, are eligible even if they did not complete their full contract period. They will receive one month of Chapter 30 benefits for each month of active duty. Chapter 30 benefits are paid on a monthly basis directly to the veteran. Rates can be found at the following link - Chapter 30 Kickers and Additional Contributions Higher monthly benefits are paid to Chapter 30 participants with kickers and to Chapter 30 participants who make additional Chapter 30 payments. Veterans may have a kicker, additional contributions, or both. The higher benefit rates are paid automatically when benefits are paid. If Veterans don t receive the benefit they believe they are entitled to receive, they should call VA about the discrepancy so that VA can resolve the discrepancy with the Department of Defense. A kicker is part of the enlistment contract. It might be referred to as; Army College Fund, Navy Sea College Fund. If a contract has a $12,000 kicker, for example, then the monthly kicker is $ ($12, months), which increases the full-time Chapter 30 benefit. Page 12

13 Servicepersons who participate in Chapter 30 contribute $1, towards Chapter 30. The contribution is non-refundable, with one exception. Chapter 30 (category 1 only) students who elect and then exhaust their Chapter 33 entitlement and are receiving a monthly housing allowance will receive a refund of the $1, contribution proportional to the amount of unused chapter 30 entitlement at the time of election for chapter 33. The refund is included in their last monthly housing allowance payment. Servicepersons may contribute up to $ more into the program. The maximum $ additional contribution will increase the basic full-time Chapter 30 benefit by $ per month. Additional contributions are not refundable for those who elect Chapter 33.N ************************************************************************ ****************** DEPENDENTS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE (DEA) CHAPTER 35, TITLE 38 U.S. CODE Educational Assistance paid to dependents of Veterans who have a service connected permanent and total disability or died as a result of service connection. Persons who may be eligible are: A child (between ages 18 and 26, with some exceptions) of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition; or who died in service; or who died of a service-connected disability; or who died while evaluated as having total and permanent service-connected disability; or who is listed as a POW or MIA. The surviving spouse of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability, or died in service, or died while evaluated as having total and permanent disability resulting from a service-connected disability. Surviving spouses whose benefits stopped when they remarried can receive DEA benefits again if their remarriage ends by death or divorce, or they cease to live with the person to whom they presented themselves in public as married. A spouse of a veteran or serviceperson who has a total and permanent disability resulting from a service-connected disability; or who is listed as a POW or MIA. The spouse or child of a service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. More information on Dependents Educational Assistance can be found at ************************************************************************ MONTGOMERY GI BILL - SELECTED RESERVE (MGIB-SR) CHAPTER 1606, TITLE 10 U.S. CODE Chapter 1606 is an educational program for members who are actively participating in the Selected Reserve. Selected Reserve components include the Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard. The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security (Coast Page 13

14 Guard) determine who s eligible for Chapter The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the program and pays benefits. Basic eligibility requires a 6-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve and satisfactory participation in required Selected Reserve training. Chapter 1606 benefits are paid on a monthly basis directly to the reservist. Rates can be found at the following link: - Chapter 1606 Kickers: An additional amount, called a kicker, may be added to the benefit of some Chapter 1606 students. The possible monthly kicker levels are $100, $200, and $350. A Chapter 1606 kicker may be a part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract. ************************************************************************ RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (REAP) CHAPTER 1607, TITLE 10 U.S. CODE This is an educational program for active members of the Selected Reserve called to active duty and members of the Individual Ready Reserve (Army IRR, Air Force IRR, Navy IRR and Marine Corps IRR) called to active duty in support of a contingency operation or a national emergency declared by the President or Congress. The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security (Coast Guard) determine who s eligible for Chapter The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the program and pays benefits. Members of the Selective Reserve may be eligible for Chapter 1607 and Chapter 33 after serving 90 consecutive days on active duty for a contingency operation. The Chapter 1607 benefit pays a percentage of the Chapter 30 three-year or more rate based on the number of continuous service days on active duty: 90 days but less than 1 year pays 40%, 1 year but less than 2 years pays 60%, and service of two continuous years or of an aggregate of three years or more pays 80% payment of the three-year rate. The 80% rate can be paid for two continuous years or an aggregate call-up service of three years or more. Chapter 1607 benefits are paid on a monthly basis directly to the veteran. Rates can be found at the following link Chapter 1607 Kicker and Additional Contributions: A service member eligible for Chapter 1607 who s also eligible for the Chapter 1606 kicker will be paid the Chapter 1606 kicker. Chapter 1607 reservists can participate in the Buy-up program. They can pay up to $ to increase their monthly benefit by as much as $ per month. The reservist must be a member of a Ready Reserve component to pay the Buy-up. More information on REAP can be found on the GI Bill website through the following link: **************************************************************************** VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES CHAPTER 31, TITLE 38 U.S. CODE A veteran may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits if he or she: Has received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable Page 14

15 Has a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Applies for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess services The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E s VetSuccess services may be used is 12 years from the latter of: The date of separation from active military service, or The date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating For additional information about VR&E contact the Regional Office in the state of the veteran. Effective August 1, An individual eligible for Chapter 33 who is receiving benefits under Chapter 31 may elect to receive the applicable Chapter 33 Monthly Housing Allowance in lieu of the monthly subsistence allowance. Students should contact their Vocational Rehabilitation counselors for additional information. **************************************************************************** BENEFIT PAYMENTS Monthly benefit payments (or Monthly Housing Allowance for CH 33) are made directly to students. The payment is made to the student for the number of days the student is certified for the month. If a student is certified for a whole month, the full monthly benefit is paid. If the student is only certified for part of the month, the benefit is prorated as follows: VA uses a 30-day month. Divide the monthly rate by 30 to get the daily rate. If a student is certified from the 1st through the 15th, the student is certified 15 days and is entitled to 15/30ths of the full monthly benefit. Example: If the monthly benefit is $ and the student is certified 1/1/12 through 1/15/12, the student is entitled to $50.00 ($3.33 per day for 15 days). If the student is certified 1/16/12 through 1/31/12, the student is entitled to $50.00 ($3.33 per day for 15 days). If the student is certified 1/1/12 through 1/31/12, the student is entitled to $ (a full month s benefit). Remember, VA uses a 30-day month: 1/16 through 1/30 (or 1/31) is 15 days and 2/16 through 2/28 (or 2/29) is 15 days. The month rounds out to 30 days. Military Personnel and Military Dependents Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) Del Mar College has been designated a Servicemembers Opportunity College and is committed to serving the educational needs of servicemembers and their dependents. If you are an active duty military member or dependent enrolling through the SOC program, you must complete the regular College admissions requirements and must complete 15 semester credit hours, in residence, at the College. Credits remaining for completion of a degree program may be earned in the following ways: Resident study at Del Mar College. Credits earned through other regionally-accredited institutions may be transferred when applicable to a Del Mar College degree or certificate. Semester credit hours may be earned through successful completion of CLEP Subject Examinations. Courses completed through the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) may be accepted following the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) when such courses are applicable to a specific Del Mar College degree or certificate. Del Mar College will accept DANTES courses, but the scores must be submitted in the official educational transcript to the Del Mar College Registrar s Office for evaluation. DANTES scores are not automatically transferred to Del Mar College. Page 15

16 Military service schools and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) credits may be evaluated and credits awarded following ACE recommendations when such credits can be applied to a specific Del Mar College degree or certificate. Successful completion of Del Mar College departmental examinations will result in an award of credit which would normally be given for completion of the course. Such credit does not serve to meet the residency requirement. ********************************************************************** Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Students attending Texas public institutions of higher education must be in compliance with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), as of fall 2003 (Texas Education Code ) in order to enroll in public institutions of higher education. The law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in reading, mathematics and writing unless the student qualifies for an exemption. Each student must be placed in a developmental education program designed to help the student achieve college readiness. Active Duty Military Exemption Students who are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment may be exempted from participation in the TSI exam. Veteran Exemption A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States by be exempted from participation in the TSI exam. You are strongly encouraged to consider placement testing under the TSI. Even though you may qualify for the exemption and may be placed directly into college level courses in Math and English, this placement may not actually be appropriate based on your academic skills. Taking the placement test will give you a good idea of the appropriate level of coursework. This may help you be more successful in your studies. Choosing to take the exemption can also affect the use of your VA Education benefits. Once you have elected to take the exemption, only college level coursework may be submitted to the VA for payment of benefits. The student enrollment center will place a hold on your account and you will not be able to register for classes until you have been advised on the implications of the TSI exemption by a member of the Veterans Services office staff. **************************************************************** Getting Started Prior to Enrollment Prior to enrollment, if you are planning to attend with the aid of veteran benefits, you should inquire with the Veteran Services Office concerning the necessary information that will be required relative to the certification of your enrollment to the Veterans Administration. You will be required to furnish the Veterans Services office with an original or certified copy of your DD214. You may also be asked to furnish certified copies of marriage certificates, divorce certificates and dependents birth certificates, if applicable. Upon Enrollment Prior to certification of your initial semester, you must provide an approved, signed degree plan to Veterans Services. Degree plans are available through the Student Enrollment Center or through departmental advisors. Be sure to have copies of all previous transcripts for initial counseling sessions. Page 16

17 All previous education and training must be provided to the school for review. This includes all credits from postsecondary institutions and military credits. Close of First Semester At the close of the first semester or upon the successful completion of 12 semester hours, you should have military credit and any transfer credits from prior education evaluated and furnish Veterans Services with a copy of the updated degree plan. Each Semester Each semester, you must advise Veterans Services of courses in which you are enrolled. Courses at Del Mar College are approved for veterans training. It is your responsibility to inform Veterans Services of any changes in enrollment status. ******************************************************************* Veterans Semester Hour Classification The Veterans Administration uses the semester hour classification scale below to determine your payment. The number of semester hours enrolled at this college is reported to the Veterans Administration. This classification scale is used only for the fall and spring semesters. The summer sessions are calculated differently. To ensure classification, contact Veterans Services. Spring and Fall Semester Hours Classification 1-5 Semester Hours time 9-11 Semester Hours time 6-8 Semester Hours time 12 or more Semester Hours - Full-time Summer Hours Classification 6 week semester 4 hours Full-time 9 week semester 6 hours Full-time 12 week semester 8 hours Full-time Student Classifications If you have completed college-level, non-developmental semester hours, you are classified as follows: Freshman: First-year student, or less than 30 semester credit hours. Sophomore: Second-year student who has completed the equivalent of one year of full-time undergraduate work; that is, at least 30 semester credit hours and not more than 72 semester credit hours. Unclassified: More than 72 semester hours; no associate degree. Associate Degree: Previously earned associate degree. Baccalaureate or Above: Previously earned a baccalaureate or above degree. ********************************************************************** Registration Once you ve completed the admissions process, you can register. The Registrar s Office assists you with registration, graduation, as well as requests for transcripts and other student-related records at Del Mar College. The Veterans Service Office can assist with these actions on a case by case basis. Registration Process If you have a complete admissions file, you may register on the Web or through your advisor on campus. See Web site for details about dates, times and procedures for registration. A copy of your course schedule must be provided to the Veterans Service Office. If you have less than 24 hours of credit, you must see an advisor before registering for classes. Tuition and fee charges must be paid at the time of registration, which is not complete until all payments have been made. The Veterans Service Office will work closely with the Business Office and Cashier to ensure that prospective payments from your VA benefits are anticipated. Certain Chapters will require advance payment of tuition and fees as indicated below: Page 17

18 Chapter 30 Student payment by payment deadline is required. Chapter 31 - Veterans Service Office will notify Cashier that VA payment is anticipated. Chapter 33 - Veterans Service Office will notify Cashier that VA payment is anticipated. Chapter 35 Student payment by payment deadline is required. Chapter 1606 Student payment by payment deadline is required. Chapter 1607 Student payment by payment deadline is required. Hazlewood Veterans Service office will notify Cashier that tuition exemption is authorized. **IMPORTANT NOTES** 1. Students using Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 G I Bill) at a reduced percentage must pay the percentage not covered by the VA prior to the payment deadline or they will be removed from classes for non-payment. 2. Each semester that you have registered for classes you must come to the Veterans Services Office to request certification of your enrollment. Be sure to bring a copy of your course schedule. The request for certification form and Hazelwood application will be completed and submitted at this time. 3. The VA will no longer pay for 3-peat fees. If you take a course for a third time due under any circumstance you will be charged $50.00 per semester hour. This fee will be at your own expense. Changes in Registration Any time your course schedule changes you must immediately notify the Veterans Service office. Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Section requires that all changes in enrollment credit must be reported in a timely manner. Reducing the number of semester hours you are attempting within a given semester may cause a decrease in your VA benefit amount and could generate an overpayment from the VA. If overpayment occurs, you will become indebted to the VA and your future benefit payments could be reduced by the amount of the overpayment. Six Drop Limit If you are a first-time student who entered college in Fall 2007 or after, you cannot drop more than six courses, including any course you have dropped at another college in Texas, according to Senate Bill There are exceptions to this policy if you can show good cause for dropping a course(s). For further information, contact the Registrar s Office. Implications for Financial Aid You should be aware that dropping courses may affect your eligibility for financial aid. You should contact Financial Aid Services prior to dropping a course or completely withdrawing from school. If you stop attending class without officially withdrawing from the College, then the grade is an automatic F. Students receiving Veterans Benefits for education should contact Veterans Services for specific policies concerning drops and withdrawals. These changes may have a direct effect on your VA benefits. *********************************************************************** Get Started The College Credit for Heroes (CCH) system allows users to identify college credits that may be earned for experience and training while serving in the U.S. military. Earned credits may be applied to a program of study at a college or university in Texas or for credentialing purposes. Page 18

19 Use this section of the website to get started and follow the links for detailed instructions available to registered Guests and CCH Account holders (active duty military, reservists, or veterans who currently reside in the state of Texas, intend to relocate to Texas within the next 120 days or are Texas residents). Services available to users of this system You can use the system to: Search the CCH databases for recommended college credits that may be awarded for military occupations, military courses, Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) courses, and designated nationally recognized examinations (CLEP, DANTES, and Excelsior). Request an official evaluation of your military experience and training through CCH. (As an option, if you have a copy of your military transcripts, request an unofficial evaluation before initiating the formal process.) Request a CCH transcript of evaluated college credits be sent to a participating Texas college or university of your choice. Your school will determine which credits can be applied towards your program of study. The college or university and its faculty retain the right to determine applicability to specific programs of study. Use your CCH account to communicate with CCH staff; check the status of your evaluation and/or your transcript request; and to upload, view and download military evaluation results and related documents. Follow the simple steps described here to get started Create a College Credit for Heroes (CCH) account or register as a guest user at: There are two ways to register in the CCH system: 1. Register as a guest this registration category is available to anyone. 2. Register as a College Credit for Heroes (CCH) account holder. This is available to active duty military, reservists, or veterans who currently reside in the state of Texas, intend to relocate to Texas within the next 120 days, or are Texas residents. Login with your username and password Now that you have your username and password, login to the CCH system. Once you login, then, based on your registration type (Guest or CCH Account Holder) you will be able to: 1. Access and update your account information. 2. Access functions and features available to you. Search for college credits based on your military experience and training Eligible users can view college credits using one or more of four components of military experience and education: 1. Military occupation (MOS/Rating) and pay grade. 2. Military training and courses credits are based on the specific course. 3. Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) - Air Force training. 4. Nationally recognized examinations - CLEP, DANTES (DSST) and Excelsior. Search results will display Texas college credit recommendations and participating schools that will accept credit where appropriate. Obtain an official or unofficial evaluation of military educational experiences Unofficial Evaluation Request an unofficial evaluation from the My Services page by filling out the online unofficial military evaluation request form and EITHER attaching a copy of your military transcripts (JST, CCAF (Air Force)/Coast Guard transcript) OR providing your MOS/Rating, pay grade, military courses and nationally recognized exams in a message to the CCH staff. Recommended credits will not be posted on a transcript but can provide you with important information to help make decisions. [Please note that the results are dependent on the completeness and accuracy of the information you provide.] Page 19

20 Official Evaluation - Request an official evaluation by filling out the online official military evaluation request form. Use the instructions provided to have official copies of your transcripts from the military (JST, CCAF (Air Force)/Coast Guard transcript), as well as any additional official documentation required sent to CCH. This is a required step to request a College Credit for Heroes transcript be sent to colleges you plan to attend. [Please note: If your CLEP, DANTES (DSST) and Excelsior exam results are listed on your JST, you do not need to request another copy of the transcript from those organizations directly.] Prior Servicemembers: DD214 is required for all prior military in addition to JST and/or CCAF (Air Force)/Coast Guard transcript. Request a transcript Request a College Credit for Heroes transcript be sent to a participating Texas college/university or other school of your choice. Requests made through your CCH account will show the status of your transcript request. After requesting a transcript, contact the POC at the participating Texas college or university or other school to discuss your educational goals. Credit transcripted through College Credit for Heroes may be applicable to some programs of study but not applicable to others. The college or university and its faculty retain the right to determine applicability to specific programs of study. ***************************************************************** Standards of Progress for Veterans Satisfactory If you are receiving veteran s educational benefits, you must make satisfactory academic progress by maintaining a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) each enrollment period. Unsatisfactory The first term you fall below a 2.0 grade point average will result in your being placed on probation. If you fail to meet the minimum standard the next semester, you will be placed on suspension. Failure to achieve the required GPA will cause the benefits to be terminated until the GPA is satisfactory. If you are enrolled in a one-semester certificate program and do not maintain a 2.0 GPA or better, you will be reported to the Veterans Administration for unsatisfactory progress. You will have only one more opportunity to retake the program and be eligible to receive VA benefits. Eligibility To regain eligibility, you must register for at least six semester hours in the fall or spring semesters or three hours in the summer at your own expense and earn at least a 2.0 grade point average. Appeal If you have mitigating circumstances that caused you not to make satisfactory progress, you may appeal to the Veterans Administration. ******************************************************************* Residency Proof of Texas Residency In accordance with state law, if you plan to register as a Texas resident, you must prove that you are legally entitled to pay in-state tuition. Documentation proving state residency must be presented at the time of application or readmission. If you have had a break of a year or more in education, you must again show proof of Texas residency upon reapplying for admission. For a list of acceptable documentation to prove residency, contact the Veterans Services Office. Non-Texas Resident If you originally came to Texas from another state for the purpose of attending an educational institution, you are presumed to be nonresident unless you have legally established residency under the rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules: Chapter 21. If you have not proven your Texas Page 20