Veteran Students Handbook

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Veteran Students’

Handbook

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Applicants must have joined prior to 1977 and have at least one day of en-titlement remaining under Chapter 34 (Old GI Bill) on 1/1/90 to be eligible. Applicants must also have been on active duty sometime during the period 10/19/84 through 7/1/85 and then continued on through 6/30/88. They also need dependent documents.

Institution Rates for Persons with Remaining Entitlement Under Chapter 34 of Title 38, U.S.C.

Steps Required To Attend Cincinnati State and Receive Veterans Educational Benefits

1. Complete an online application for admission to Cincinnati State at www.cincinnatistate.edu and click on A Future Student/Parent and then click on Apply Now.

2. Attend the VA Information Session to apply for your veteran educational benefits. The VA Information Sessions are offered every week on Thurs-day morning at 11:00 AM and on WednesThurs-day nights at 7:00 PM. 3. Have your high school transcripts (if applicable) sent directly to the

Cincinnati State Admission office. If you have a GED, you should bring the original transcript of your GED scores to the Admission office to be copied.

4. Take the Compass Placement Test administered at the College. The test consists of writing, reading, and mathematics.

5. Receive a letter from Cincinnati State indicating your acceptance status and opportunity to schedule an appointment with the program coordina-tor or division counselor.

6. Meet with your program coordinator or division counselor who will help you schedule your classes, answer your questions, and outline your next steps.

7. Register for classes.

8. Bring your registration statement (schedule and account summary) to the Office of Veteran Affairs (OVA) in room 184 of the main building. 9. Chapter 33 veterans must also bring their Certificate of Eligibility that

they receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Office of Veteran Affairs (OVA) in room 184 of the main building.

10. Attend classes.

Degree Status

Students eligible for VA educational benefits must apply for admission to Cincinnati State and be accepted into a degree program to receive their benefits. Veterans cannot take random courses and receive educational benefits. They must take courses that fulfill degree requirements in their program.

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Chapter 32—Veterans Educational Assistance Program

The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) provides educational assistance to individuals who initially entered active duty after December 31, 1976. While on active duty the person could voluntarily contribute $25 to $100 per month (or a lump-sum contribution) up to a maximum of $2700 to the educational fund.

The government matches the individual’s contribution on a two-for-one basis up to a maximum education fund of $8100. In some instances the govern-ment may also make additional contributions called ‘kickers’ into the fund on behalf of certain service persons in critical military fields as determined by the Department of Defense, or as a recruiting or retention incentive.

How to apply:

If you have never used your VA benefits before, you will need: • VA form 22-1990, Application for Educational Benefits • Copy of your DD214, Member 4

If you have used your VA benefits at another institution, you will need: • VA form 22-1995, Change of Program/Place of Training

Eligibility

• Entered active duty after December 31, 1976 and before July 1, 1985 and elected to participate in the VEAP program.

• Discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishon-orable.

Monthly Pay Rates

Monthly rates are determined by the VA based on amount of money con-tributed by the individual and kickers, if applicable.

Co-Op rate is payable at 100% of the full-time rate. Training

Time No Dependents One Dependent Two Dependents Each Additional Dependent

Full $1614.00 $1650.00 $1681.00 $16.00

3/4 $1211.00 $1237.50 $1261.00 $12.00

1/2 $807.00 $825.00 $840.00 $8.50

Co-Op $1614.00 $1650.00 $1681.00 $16.00

1/2 or less; more than 1/4 time: $807.00 1/4 time or less: $403.50**

Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation

The Chapter 31 program is designed to provide all services and assistance necessary to enable veterans with a service-connected disability to obtain suitable employment. Under this program, the VA pays for tuition, books, supplies and other necessary items required by the veteran for school atten-dance.

How to apply:

• Submit VA form 22-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, to the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Division located at: Department of Veterans Affairs,

CBLD Center, Suite 210-A,

36 East 7th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513-684-2663

Eligibility:

Veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 16, 1940 are eli-gible if the following conditions are met:

• They suffered a service connected disability.

• They were discharged or released under other than dishonorable condi-tions.

• The VA determines that they need vocational rehabilitation services and assistance to overcome an employment handicap. The service-connected disabilities must materially contribute to the employment handicap. Monthly Subsistence Allowance

Time No Dependents One Dependent Two Dependents Each Additional Dependent

Full $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

3/4 $416.43 $516.35 $605.69 $45.41

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Chapter 35—Survivors’ And Dependents’ Educational Assistance

This program provides funds for the education of children and spouses of veterans who died or were permanently and totally disabled as the result of service in the Armed Forces.

How to apply:

If you have never used your VA benefits before, you will need:

• VA form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educa-tional Assistance

• Children must accompany their application with a certified copy of their birth certificate.

If you have used your benefits at another institution, you will need: • VA form 22-5495, Request for Change of Program/Place of Training Eligibility

The VA determines eligibility.

The delimiting date for a spouse is generally ten years from the date eligibil-ity began. For children, the basic ending date is the child’s 26th birthday. In certain circumstances, it is possible to begin before age 18 and to con-tinue after age 26. However, the delimiting date cannot be extended be-yond the child’s 31st birthday.

Monthly Pay Rates

Monthly pay rates are determined by the VA based on amount of money contributed by the individual and kickers if applicable.

Chapter 33 the Post 9/11 GI Bill

The post 911 G.I. Bill is a new benefit for members of the armed forces who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Chapter 33 benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. Chapter 33 benefits expire 15 years from the date of the last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 consecutive days. Individuals are gen-erally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance.

Eligibility

The DVA is responsible for determining eligibility for education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Generally, to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, individuals must serve on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, for at least 30 continuous days with a discharge due to a service-connected dis-ability; or an aggregate period ranging from 90 days to 36 months or more. Benefits under the Post-911 GI Bill are based on a percentage, as deter-mined by a Service Member’s length of qualifying active duty service, as shown below.

Maximum Benefits Payable

Member Serves Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable

At least 36 months 100

At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability 100

At least 30 months,

but less than 36 months 90 At least 24 months,

but less than 30 months 80 At least 18 months,

but less than 24 months* 70 At least 12 months,

but less 18 months* 60

At least 6 months,

but less than 12 months* 50 At least 90 days,

but less than 6 months* 40

*If aggregate service is less than 24 months, initial entry training does not count as qualifying active duty.

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Chapter1607-Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

Chapter 1607 is an educational program for active members of the Selec-tive Reserve called to acSelec-tive duty on or after September 11, 2001. The De-partment of Defense and the DeDe-partment of Homeland Security determine eligibility for Chapter 1607.

Eligibility

Selected Reserve members may be eligible for Chapter 1607 after leaving ninety consecutive days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under a contingency.

Monthly Pay Rates

Consecutive Service 90 days- Less than 1 year 1 + years 2+ years

Full time $570.40 $855.60 $1140.80

3/4 time $427.80 $641.70 $855.60

1/2 time $285.20 $427.80 $570.40

Co-Op Rate $570.40 $855.60 $1140.80

1/2 or less; more than 1/4 time: $285.20** 1/4 time or less: $142.60**

Change of Program Policy

Veterans who choose to change majors and are receiving either Chapter 30, 32, 3306 or 1607 benefits must:

• Complete VA form 22-1995, request for change of program or place of training.

• Report to the OVA the total number of credits you are transferring from your old program to your new program.

Chapter 35 students need to complete VA form 22-5495.

Chapter 31 students need approval from their counseling psychologist at the Vocational Rehabilitation Office (VA-downtown) before a program change will be considered.

Advance Payment

Advance pay consists of the first monthly benefits checks paid in a lump sum at the beginning of the term. Advance pay may be requested 60 days before the beginning of the term. The advance payment check is sent to the Cincinnati State OVA and the student must come to the office in person to pick up his/her check. All other checks are mailed directly to the vet-eran’s home address.

Advance payment may be requested under the following conditions: • Student must be accepted into a degree program.

• Student must be enrolled at least part-time.

• Student must sign and date the Advance Payment section of VA form 22-1999.

Chapter 1606—Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program

Chapter 1606 is an educational assistance program for members of the Se-lected Reserve that took effect on July 1, 1985. Chapter 1606 is funded by the Department of Defense and administered by the VA. The entitlement is 36 months of educational assistance based on full-time enrollment.

How to apply

If you have never used your VA benefits before, you will need: • VA form 22-1990, Application for Educational Benefits

• DD form 2384, Notice of Basic Eligibility, provided by the National Guard or Reserve Unit of which you are a member

If you have used your benefits at another institution you will need: • VA form 22-1995, Change of Program/Place of Training

Eligibility:

You may be eligible if you satisfy the criteria listed below:

• You enlisted in the Selected Reserve after July 1, 1985 and executed agreement to serve for a period of six years. If you are an officer, your agreement to serve in the Selected Reserve for six years is in addition to any other period of obligated Selected Reserve Service you are required to perform.

• You have completed 180 days of service in the Selected Reserve. • You are a high school graduate or have obtained an equivalency

certifi-cate for high school completion.

• You must have completed Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT) if applica-ble.

Eligibility is determined by the Department of Defense. Monthly Pay Rates

Training Time Monthly Rate

Full $337.00

3/4 $252.00

1/2 $167.00

Less than 1/2 $84.25 Co-Op Rate $337.00

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Tutorial Assistance

The college offers tutorial assistance free of charge to all Cincinnati State students. The Tutoring Center is located in room 261 of the main building.

Repeating Courses

The VA will not pay educational benefits for repeating a course in which you have already received a passing grade.

Adding/Withdrawing from Courses

Adding or Withdrawing from Courses

If a veteran/dependent student adds a course, he/she must contact the OVA. A change in credit hours will sometime mean a change in enrollment status, resulting in an increase of VA educational benefits.

A veteran who withdraws from classes must notify the OVA of the change.

Avoiding Overpayments

As a recipient of VA Educational Benefits, you should be aware of what you can do to prevent an overpayment.

You must report any changes in your enrollment to the OVA, Room 184 im-mediately after the change has been made.

Change of Address & Direct Deposit

Students receiving VA Educational Benefits are required to notify the OVA of any address change. The veteran/dependent may obtain and fill out a Change of Address VA form 572 from the OVA. The easiest and fastest way to change your address is to call VA at 1-888-442-4551 or visit them on the web at www.gibill.va.gov.

Cincinnati State Veterans Newsletter

The OVA publishes a newsletter once a year. This newsletter contains arti-cles concerning VA benefits, veteran regulations updates, and a question and answer section.

Veterans Student Association

The mission of the Veterans Student Association (VSA) is to help veteran students to transition from military life to a supportive collegiate environ-ment. Its membership is composed of veterans and veterans’ dependents that are currently enrolled at Cincinnati State. The VSA’s purpose is to plan activities, share information that will benefit veteran students, and build ca-maraderie among veterans. VSA holds monthly meetings.

After the initial advance payment request, no further advance payment will be made for any term during the period for which the student has been certified.

Co-op Forms

Students under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606 or 1607 are required to submit a co-op verification form if they wish to receive VA benefits while in their co-op term. The co-op verification forms are available in the OVA, Room 184 Main building.

Veterans who choose to enroll for a co-op term first without having com-pleted a full-time academic term prior to the co-op term must:

• Submit a Co-op Agreement Form along with the Co-op Verification Form at the time they enroll for the co-op term

• Register for full-time academic term for the term following the co-op term

Failure to do the above will result in an overpayment of your Veterans Educational Benefits and you will be liable for repayment.

Veterans who complete a full-time academic term prior to the co-op term need only to submit the Co-op Verification Form at the time they register for the co-op term

Approved Program of Study

The approved program of study is the program for which you have been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes any sin-gle degree program listed in the Cincinnati State Technical and Community College catalog. The approval to pursue the program is requested at the time of the initial application. If you should later decide to change your program, you must notify the OVA to fill out the necessary VA forms. Under current VA policies, benefits will be paid only for those courses re-quired by the approved program of study and those needed to satisfy grad-uation requirements.

Audit Courses

You will not be able to receive VA Educational Benefits for audited courses.

Satisfactory Progress

You must meet the academic satisfactory progress criteria outlined in the college catalog to be eligible for certification. Veterans on academic sus-pension or on probation for two consecutive terms will be reported to the VA for unsatisfactory progress.

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tion regarding these services, contact Disability Services in Room 129 Main Building, (513) 569-1775.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center provides full-service tutoring in writing to Cincinnati State students. Tutors are available on an appointment or walk-in basis to help provide guidance to students in all facets of the writing process. For further information regarding these services, contact The Writing Center in Room 235 Main Building, (513) 569-1736.

Important Telephone Numbers and Web Addresses

Cincinnati State Veterans Coordinator 569-1543 Room 184

VA Office 569-4696 or

569-4958 Room 184 VA Work Study Student 569-4789 or

569-4787 Room 184

Admission/Records 569-1544 Room 181

Advising & Counseling Center 569-1552 Room 168

Financial Aid Office 569-1530 Room 155

Registrar’s Office 569-1528 Room 161

Cincinnati State Veterans Coordinator 569-1543 Room 184

VA Office 569-4696 or

569-4958 Room 184 VA Work Study Student 569-4789 or

569-4787 Room 184

Admission/Records 569-1544 Room 181

Advising & Counseling Center 569-1552 Room 168

Financial Aid Office 569-1530 Room 155

Registrar’s Office 569-1528 Room 161

Department of Veterans Affairs 684-3877

CBLD Center, Suite 210, 36 East 7th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Department of Veterans Affairs 1-888-442-4551 P.O. Box 4616, Buffalo, NY 14240-4616

E-Mail: [email protected] • Web Site: WWW.GIBILL.VA.GOV Department of Veterans Affairs 1-800-827-1000

1240 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44199

VA Work Study

Veterans under chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606 or 1607 may qualify for VA work-study if they are enrolled at least three-fourths of the time. The veteran can work 250 hours per term up to a maximum of 1300 hours per year. The pay rate is the current federal-minimum wage and is tax-free. For more information contact the Veterans Affairs Office.

VA Monthly Certification

Chapter 30, 33 (not at the present time)1606 and 1607 students are re-quired to verify your enrollment every month to receive your VA Educational Benefits for that month.

You must verify your enrollment on the last calendar day of the month by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at

https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave or by calling toll free 1-877-823-2378. Stu-dents who need assistance should call VA’s toll-free telephone number at 1-888-442-4551.

Veterans under chapters 31 and 32, in addition to chapter 35 dependents, do not need to verify monthly attendance through WAVE.

Transfer of Credits

Veterans who have attended previous colleges must submit their college transcripts to have their credits evaluated by the transfer of credit advisor and program coordinator. Previous college credit evaluations must be done during your first two terms at Cincinnati State. Your VA benefits will be in-terrupted if your prior credit evaluation is not received by the OVA.

Disability Services

Disability Services works with students to ensure they receive reasonable ac-ademic accommodations in courses of study. The major goal is to guarantee that all students with disabilities have an equal opportunity in the pursuit of their educational objectives. Services and programs are available for stu-dents according to their individual needs. Stustu-dents who consistently use the resources and accommodation services earn higher grades and graduate at a higher rate than students who choose not to use them. The College has renovated areas to make its facilities accessible to disabled students. Out-door and inOut-door ramps, elevators, and specially designed restroom facilities are available to assist any physically disabled person. Disabled students who need accommodations must first register with the Office of Disability Serv-ices and present appropriate documentation. Additionally, students must present their class schedules to the counselor for special needs before the start of an academic term to determine appropriate accommodations. Serv-ices include counseling (personal, academic, transfer, career), test proctor-ing, note-takproctor-ing, scribproctor-ing, interpretproctor-ing, assistive technology, conflict

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informa-Notes

Veteran Responsibility Agreement-STUDENT COPY

I, acknowledge the following:

(Print Name)

1) I must submit my registration statement (schedule and account summary) to the OVA, room 184 EVERY TERM.

2) I must notify the OVA of any enrollment changes including courses dropped or added during the school term, program changes, address changes and with-drawal from school.

3) If I am transferring from another school, I must submit transcripts from my previ-ous school before the end of my first two terms enrolled at Cincinnati State. 4) I must enroll only for courses that are part of my chosen curriculum including any

remedial (based on your Compass Placement Test) or pre-requisite courses I may need to satisfy my graduation requirements.

5) I understand that if I receive grades of “W” or “F” because I stop attending classes, the last date of attendance must be reported to the VA Office in room 184 of the main building. Please remember that this may result in a reduced pay-ment from the VA.

6) I understand that classes scheduled to meet for less than the normal academic term will be paid at a different rate based on the number of credits and the length of the class. This could affect the amount of my VA monthly education benefits.

7) I understand that I must make satisfactory progress toward graduation. 8) I understand that if I receive a grade of “I” (Incomplete) I must complete the

course work by the end of the following term or benefits for that course may be reduced and may result in an overpayment.

9) I understand that the VA will hold me responsible for any overpayment of my VA educational benefits.

I, the undersigned, have read and understand the above responsibility agreement and have received a copy for my files.

Student’s Signature E-mail Address Date

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Veteran Responsibility Agreement-OFFICE COPY