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The Veterans Service Office (VSO) has a long history of educational service to veterans, eligible dependents and service personnel. Our experience helps maximize opportunities with a minimum of problems. This Guide will aid students using VA entitlements at FTCC. Specific regulations will be defined. The VSO is not part of the Department of Veterans Administration and the staff is not employed by the VA Regional Office. Please consider the following points carefully:
Veterans and eligible participants must complete two procedures:
Application forms for VA Educational benefits are available in the VSO. It takes approximately 90-120 days from the date an application is submitted before benefits payment are made. Consequently, newly enrolled students should be prepared to pay "out-of-pocket" to start school. Veterans and eligible family members are strongly encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible. All students (with the exception of Vocational Rehabilitation students) are responsible for all tuition, books, fees and supplies. Students cannot charge any costs to the VA. VA Benefits are paid at the end of each month.
Students completing all admission requirements and approved for any curriculum will receive a Student Educational Plan. This SEP will show all transfer credit granted and indicate those courses needed for graduation. VA limits students to only those courses needed for graduation. Electives may be specified or open, but you cannot take excessive electives. Students should graduate under their original SEP and any changes (course substitutions, etc.) must be in writing and documented in both the school and VSO file. It is critical that you follow this SEP and consult with your Advisor for course selection. Students should update their respective SEP each term and take it with you to registration or advisor sessions. The VA will not pay benefits for courses:
On the last day of each month you must certify your attendance with the VA. You may do this by calling 1-877-823-2378 or by visiting the VA Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at http:// www.gibill.va.gov. Failure to follow these directions may cause benefits payment to be delayed.
FTCC policy allows course substitution. The FTCC substitution form must be signed by the Department Chair, Dean of the Division, and the Vice-President for Student Development. FTCC limits substitutions to a maximum of 10% of the course requirements in a program. Course substitutions must be submitted prior to or during the first week of class in the term in which the class is taken. Failure to provide proper documentation of course substitutions can result in reduced or delayed pay from the VA.
Withdrawal, adding and dropping procedures are listed in the FTCC Student Handbook. Students are required to notify the VSO within 24 hours of initiating such an action. Failure to comply with proper procedures will result in pay problems with VA.
Current VA regulations allow unlimited changes of educational goals. Students using VA benefits should contact a Counselor and process for a curriculum change. A new SEP will be issued to you to bring to the VSO to process for educational benefits.
Students entering FTCC and required to take pre-requisite remedial/deficiency courses must take only those specifically identified on their Student Educational Plan. These courses must be passed with a "C" grade or better. Anyone receiving a "D" or "U" grade may repeat that remedial/deficiency course once.
The VSO certifies veterans using the beginning and ending dates of terms as shown on the approved school calendar. Usually, students are certified from their start date to the end of the next spring term ending date (May). All students should contact the VSO for re-certification if they plan to continue receiving benefits in the next academic year.
Students will be required to read and sign a copy of the "Special Regulations for Students Using VA Educational Benefits." A copy of this document will be provided at the VSO.
Students whose cumulative major GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on probation. Failure to achieve a 2.0 GPA while on probation will result in suspension of VA educational benefits for unsatisfactory progress.
Some chapters of GI Bill now allow for Direct Deposit of educational checks. Please contact the VSO for information.
Vocational Rehabilitation Training Veterans with 10% or more disability are eligible to apply for VA Vocational Rehabilitation training. Please visit the VSO to discuss the merits of using the program.
Tutorial assistance is available for all categories of VA educational benefits. The program allows the student to be reimbursed for the cost of the tutorial assistance. FTCC has a specific policy dealing with tutoring. If you need tutoring, please contact the VSO for information and applications for this benefit.
Students using VA educational benefits and attending school at a 3/4 time rate or more can apply for part-time employment under VA Work-Study. Work-Study pays minimum federal wage and is limited to positions available. Visit the VSO for an application and more details.
Students with disability ratings from the military, VA or any medical problems which require frequent appointments, treatments or medication may need assistance addressing academically related situations. It is important that you document any conditions. Your contact on campus is Bessie Locus, Coordinator for Special Populations, Room 145, Student Center, (678-8479). Students requiring this assistance should not wait until problems occur. Contact the Special Populations Office now to receive information on services available to you. FTCC complies with American Disabilities Act of 1974.
Students who are completing program requirements should apply for graduation and pay the FTCC graduation fee. This should be done at times announced at the beginning of the last semester of your program.
The FTCC Veterans Club is a recognized organization for veterans, their dependents, and survivors of veterans. The club provides information specific to this population and supports activities related to veterans and school functions. Notices of monthly meeting dates usually appear in the campus newsletter and posted in various locations on campus. Additional information can be obtained in the VSO.
Students receiving VA educational benefits are encouraged to apply for other forms of financial aid. Each type of aid has its own determining factors. Veterans and dependents should be aware of the following:
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