Information for Student Veterans
The University of Michigan – Flint
Student Veterans Resource Center
131 University Pavilion, Flint MI 48502
Certifying Official (Michelle Virden)
810-424-5391
VA_Cert_Off@umflint.edu
Veterans Information Sheet
The summary that follows covers most of the VA policies relating to education benefits. It is important that you are familiar with this information.
VA Programs: Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty
Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve
Chapter 1607 Montgomery GI Bill - REAP
Chapter 35 Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
MyCAA Spouses of 1606
Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill
Verify Enrollment: Everyone receiving MGIB-Active Duty (chapter 30) benefits, as well as those in the Selected Reserve (chapter 1606 & 1607) must verify their enrollment each month to receive payment for that month. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using VA’s Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at https//www.gibill.va.gov/wave or by calling the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at 1-877-823-2378.
The VA only pays for courses that are required for completion of your degree. Exceptions:
~ Departmental letter of substitution
~ Valid prerequisite for required course
~ Remedial courses supported by test scores
~ Elective courses in the graduating semester to gain full-time status
A Veteran Statement of Intent form is required for you to fill out for each semester you are enrolled https://secure2.umflint.edu/ssem/registrar/vaintent/. It’s the only way the certifying official knows that you want to use your benefits that term.
The VA is currently taking 8 to 10 weeks to process the first check of the semester. The earlier you register, the earlier the University can submit your information to the VA.
Applying for Graduation: Upon reaching upper senior status (100 credits), you must file an application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office.
Tuition and fees are to be paid by the student (Ch 30, 1606, 1607, 35) according to the dates found in the course schedule. VA benefits are reimbursements NOT scholarships. Since the VA benefits are not sufficient to cover all educational costs, the certifying official encourages you to look into financial aid (excludes Chapter 31 and 33).
Change of address and direct deposit: Students must keep their address current. The fastest way to change an address or start/change direct deposit is to call VA 1-888-442-4551. The following information is needed to set up direct deposit: account number, 9 digit bank routing number, and type of account (checking or savings). You can also visit the WAVE application website to sign up for direct deposit using the direct deposit form (excludes Chapter 31, 32, and 35).
Academic Standing: If you are receiving veteran’s benefits while enrolled here you must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for undergraduates and 5.0 for graduate students. Failure to maintain that grade point average will place you on probation for veteran’s benefits purposes. You will have two (2) consecutive semester/terms, including summer terms, to come off probation. If you fail to come off probation, we will inform the Veterans Affairs Office of that fact. You will no longer be certified for veteran’s benefits until you have raised your cumulative grade point average to that which is required for graduation. Voc Rehab students must also follow all stipulations listed on their contract.
Changes in Benefits: If you are switching from one benefit program to another (ex. going from Ch. 30 to Ch. 33) you must notify the certifying official immediately of your plans.
Changes in Program: You must notify the certifying official immediately if you make changes in the program for which you are certified: adds, drops, withdrawals, or changing of majors (changing a major requires the veteran to fill out a change of program form (22-1995, 22-5495 for Chapter 35 dependents). Chapter 31 students must contact their case manager for all changes.
Concurrent Enrollment: If you decide to attend another institution at the same time as you are attending UM-Flint please notify the certifying official prior to the start of classes for that semester.
Non-punitive Grade*: If you complete a course, but receive a non-punitive grade (“N”, “F”, or “W”) an overpayment may be created. The VA may not pay for non-punitive grades.
*Punitive grades: are grades that do count towards graduation and towards the student’s grade point average
*Non-punitive grades: are grades that do not count towards graduation or towards the grade point average
Repeat: You may receive VA education benefits to repeat a course required for graduation in which a punitive* failing or other unacceptable grade was assigned.
Incomplete grade: If you receive an incomplete grade in a course and it’s not completed (with a punitive grade*) in the one-year allowed by the Veterans Administration, a reduction in hours for that semester is reported. Benefits are reduced effective the first date of that semester, and an overpayment will be created. If your incomplete grade should subsequently change, please notify the certifying official as soon as possible, so that it can be determined whether or not the course may be re-certified.
Audited courses: The VA will not pay for audited courses.
Advance Payment Request: Advanced pay is a two month check delivered to the school at the start of the semester. You must have been out of school at least 60 days to be eligible. A signature on a request form is required. VA must receive the request at least 60 days prior to the start of classes.
Additional information concerning your VA benefits may be made by contacting one of the following:
Department of Veterans Affairs Sharon Murphy, Voc Rehab Counselor
(Ch. 30, 1606, 1607, 35, 32, 33) 477 Michigan Avenue, Room 1290
1-888-442-4551 Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 471-3833
www.gibill.va.gov sharon.murphy3@va.gov
VA Benefits and UM-Flint Financial Aid
Veterans interested in receiving traditional financial aid need to complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This form asks the student if they are receiving any veteran’s benefits. The first time a student reports VA benefits the University of Michigan – Flint (UMF) Financial Aid Office (FAO) will ask for documentation. The documentation will be listed as a Financial Aid Requirement on their financial aid record in SIS. All new VA students must provide the form 20.8993 from the Veterans Administration if they are planning to receive non-federal VA benefits. This form is sent to the veteran just before they are paid. The form includes the veteran’s social security number, name, number of months of eligibility and the monthly pay amount. Transfer students may use a 20-8993 form from a prior school and term as verification of their monthly pay. All federal VA benefits, such as the Montgomery GI Bill, will not be considered an educational resource when the Financial Aid Officer awards financial aid. The first financial aid check is disbursed 10 days before classes begin for Fall & Winter. It is disbursed on the first day of the semester for Spring & Summer.
New veterans will have to wait approximately 10-12 weeks to receive the 20-8993 form. The FA office will hold up all disbursements until they receive this form if the veteran is expecting non-federal VA benefits. As a temporary solution the Registrar’s Office has a form - VA Temporary Verification of Benefits form. Attach a copy of the DD 214 and give the form to the FA office. Then submit the 20-8993 as soon as it is available. If the 20-8993 is not submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the end of the first term then future VA certifications will not be processed and future aid disbursements will cease.