Responsible Office: Business Office Approved By: President's Council Approved Date: 8/28/2019 Effective Date: 8/28/2019 Category: Institutional Description/Purpose: To ensure the University's compliance with 38 U.S. Code Chapter 36, Administration of Educational Benefits, and the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018. Procedures: Consequence: Details: SCOPE: This scope of this policy affects eligible veterans and their dependents who are "covered individuals." DEFINITIONS: Chapter 31: The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services (VR&E) program is authorized by Congress under Title 38 of the United States Code, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. VR&E helps Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable careers. Chapter 33: The Post-9/11 GI Bill is authorized by Congress under Title 38 of the United States Code, Chapter 33. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to people with at least 90 days of continuous service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days of continuous service after September 10, 2001. Covered Individual or Beneficiary: Any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. School Certifying Official (SCO): The liaison for Saint Francis University students and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A SCO's main responsibility is to report student enrollment information (e.g., term dates, credit loads, and qualifying costs) to the VA in order for benefit payments to be disbursed. POLICY STATEMENT: A covered individual of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 may attend a course of study during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the School Certifying Official a certificate of eligibility (or a "Statement of Benefits" obtained from the Department of VA website -- e-Benefits, or a valid VAF 28-1905) for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
Beneficiaries of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 will not be required to borrow additional funds to cover tuition and fee charges due to late payments from VA. Beneficiaries of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 will not incur penalties such as additional fees, be prevented from enrollment, or have schedules dropped for non-payment due to late payments from VA. Beneficiaries of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 will not be denied access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities available to other students who have satisfied their financial obligations to the University. Qualification: To qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
Exceptions: The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 is limited to the portion of funds paid by VA for certified tuition and fees. Students are responsible for any institutional charges not covered by educational assistance for Chapter 31 or Chapter 33. Penalties, including late fees and course cancellation, may be applied to the student's account for unpaid charges not covered under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33. Students can bring their account into a paid status by paying their remaining balance in full or by enrolling in a payment plan by the term due date. A hold or late fee may be assessed if timely payment is not made for balances incurred for housing, meal plans, or other fees or charges that are not eligible for payment by VA. SOURCES: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ Title 38 United States Code Chapter 36 Title 38 United States Code 3679(e) RELATED POLICIES: APPROVAL: President's Council: 08/28/2019 |