Description
This resource provides information about veteran students in regards to registration and financial aid issues.

Who is eligible for educational benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines each student’s eligibility for educational benefits. The general categories are defined below:

• Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• Reserves/National Guard (Chapter 1606)
• Reserves/National Guard members who have served on active duty after September 11, 2001 (Chapter 1607)
• Children/Spouse of veterans who die or are found to be permanently disabled due to a service related injury (Chapter 35)
• Veterans who are being vocationally rehabilitated through the VA, due to a service related injury. (Chapter 31)

Benefits vary by chapter and enrollment status. This is not a scholarship. Students receive a monthly stipend while in school.

Enrollment
Students are required to notify the Veterans Certification Office of any registration changes made during the semester. The changes are then reported to the VA.

To receive full benefits, a student must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester. For summer session, the student should contact the Veterans Certification Office at One Stop Student Services in 200 Fraser Hall, or by phone at [625-8076] for full-time enrollment information.

1. Although “0-credit” remedial courses (e.g., Eng C 0011, GC 0631) do not count toward graduation, the credits are included when determining benefits.

2. Independent Distance Learning (IDL) credits will also be counted for credit.

3. Students may register for fewer than 12 credits per semester and receive reduced benefits. Registration for 9-11 credits qualifies students for three-quarter-time benefits; registration for 6-8 credits qualifies students for half-time benefits. Students enrolled for less than 6 credits per semester are eligible to receive an amount based on the tuition and fees for the term.

A student receiving benefits who withdraws from or receives an N in one or more courses for the semester will be required to repay the amount of benefits received for those credits.

Note: An exception may be granted for a student who withdraws from or earns an N in a course due to unsatisfactory work, if the student can demonstrate a good faith pursuit of the course up to the point of completion or withdrawal, and the student submits evidence that he or she applied for VA tutorial aid, consulted a VA counselor, or consulted an academic adviser regarding an attempt to improve the unsatisfactory performance in the class.

Credit for Study Completed While in the Service
(from the Transfer Student Guide)

The University of Minnesota is very conservative in awarding credit for learning experiences at military schools. In order for credit to be granted, the material covered in the school must be like the material taught in a course on the Twin Cities campus. The amount and level of credit given is determined by the faculty in the appropriate University department. No credit is awarded for schools that are specific to military activities or for Military Occupational Specialty. (MOS)

The Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Presidio of Monterey, California, is regionally accredited at the higher education level. Courses completed at this institution are evaluated in the same way as courses from other colleges or universities. Students will need to have an official DLI transcript sent to the Office of Admissions when they apply.

Credit is not normally allowed from specialized or proprietary institutions, or industry-based education programs. Schools or programs completed while in the military must offer a learning experience that is similar to the experience in a University Of Minnesota, Twin Cities course. In almost all cases, the only award is one credit of Physical Education.

Students Who Go On Active Duty during the Term
If a student is activated during the semester, the student must present military orders to One Stop Student Services. The One Stop will retroactively cancel their enrollment with full tuition and fee reimbursement. If financial aid is involved, please refer the student to One Stop Student Services to find out how their Financial Aid will be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their student loan lender to request a military forbearance if needed.

Contact Information

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This site is available in alternative formats upon request. Copyright © 2005 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota. Site maintained by Student Services staff. Have questions or comments about the site? Email rsherman@class.cla.umn.edu.