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Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. The following is a presentation prepared for MASFAA’s 2009 Conference in Minneapolis, MN October 18-21, 2009 Changes in Veterans Programs and Benefits Steven Frantz, Christopher Halling, Office of the Chancellor,

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Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

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  1. Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators The following is a presentation prepared for MASFAA’s 2009 Conference in Minneapolis, MN October 18-21, 2009 Changes in Veterans Programs and Benefits Steven Frantz, Christopher Halling, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities Donald Pfeffer, Higher Education Veterans Program MN Department of Veterans Affairs

  2. Building a Veterans Friendly Campus Supporting Veterans Reintegration Steven Frantz, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities Donald Pfeffer, Higher Education Veterans Program MN Department of Veterans Affairs Christopher Halling, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities Photo by CLC and BSU Student Jason Sather

  3. Why Serve Veterans? ”Remember Me” Photo: MN National Guard

  4. Fort Minnesota Grand Portage National Monument

  5. Role of Guard/Reserve in U.S. Military Strategy Percent of Minnesotans deployed by type of service (‘01-’07) 48% Active Duty U.S. Average: 72% 52% Guard & Reserve U.S. Average: 28% 79.8% of MN National Guard members of the 1/34 BCT intended to enroll in college

  6. By the Numbers Minnesota: 450,000 Veterans 47,000 Disabled 20,000 Minnesotans deployed; 9/01-10/07 9,700 Active Duty Military 7,000 National Guard Members (Army and Air) 2,300 Army Reserve Members 700 Air Force Reserve 200 Marine Corp Reserve 50 Naval Reserve Each person impacts at least 60 other people DOD Data

  7. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Survivors Tuition Program—WWII Vets Upward Bound 1972 SW Asia Vets Program 1991 Active Duty Military, Spouse & Dependent in state tuition 1997 Deployment Policy 1999 Guard On-Line 2003

  8. Vision for “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” “Look “em in the Eye!” MG Larry Shellito The Adjutant General of Minnesota

  9. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Statewide Bi-Partisan and Community Support

  10. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon • Yellow Ribbon” Task Force • 82 members • 56 State Agencies • 6 Sub-Groups including Higher Education • Laws and Policies • Reintegration budget • Governor’s sub-cabinet • Veterans Hotline • Job Fairs • Motorcycle Safety Training • MN Military Family Foundation • Family Services • Tax changes • Law Enforcement Training

  11. Higher Education Group,Beyond the Yellow Ribbon • Issues • Admissions • Access to Benefits • Campus Veterans Centers • Faculty/Staff Support • Transfer/Credit for Prior Learning • Facilities to Support Reintegration • Guard Education Contact • Transition/Retention

  12. What Host Career Planning Higher Education Planning When Family Preparedness Training on bases Family Readiness Demobilization on bases 30-Day/MIRT Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Deployment Cycle Support Reintegration Partnership

  13. Deployment: From Citizen to Soldier to Warrior 18 to 24 months of Training and Service: SECURITY TO INSECURITY SAFETY TO DANGER LAW TO LAWLESSNESS COMFORT TO DISCOMFORT TRUST TO MISTRUST COOPERATION TO SURVIVAL “US” TO “ME” ORDER TO CHAOS

  14. Deployment Insecurity Danger Chaos Lawlessness Mistrust Survival How does it feel?

  15. Returning Home 300 Hrs From Combat INSECURITY TOSECURITY DANGER TOSAFETY CHAOS TOORDER LAWLESSNESS TO LAW DISCOMFORT TOCOMFORT MISTRUST TOTRUST SURVIVAL TOCOOPERATION ‘ME’ TO ‘US’ “Warrior to Soldier to Citizen” Photo: Sgt. Lynette Hoke, MN National Guard Public Affairs

  16. Returning Home: Family Members Control Issues Household Management Parenting Budgeting Relationship Issues Living with a “Stranger” Inability to Work/Attend College How does everyone “Fit In” “Self Worth” Issues Emotional/Physical Health Issues Anger issues Guilt Financial Issues

  17. Critical Challenges in Returning Home Redefine self: new hopes and dreams Overcome Alienation from Family and Society Move from Simplicity to Complexity Replace War with Another High Move Beyond War and Find Meaning in Life Come to Peace w/Self, Spirituality and Others

  18. Higher Education Fairness Protections Higher Education Veterans Assistance Minnesota GI Bill Guard member & spouse tuition reimbursement Application fee waiver Residency policy Tuition deferral policy Credit for prior learning policy Use ACE Guidelines (credit) Deployment policy Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies

  19. MN State Colleges & Universities must use ACE guidelines; others encouraged Veterans pay in-state undergraduate tuition rates at MN State Colleges & Universities and University of Minnesota; Some restrictions on graduate credits. Delayed Payment of Tuition while waiting for benefits; no late fees; no late charges; no denial of current or future semester registration Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies Higher Education Fairness Act, M.S. 197.775

  20. Deployment and Medical Absence Policy No Adverse impact Options: Withdraw from classes; full refund credit of tuition and fees Incomplete; allowed to finish course upon return. Complete the course for full credit: by arrangement or receive grade if sufficient work has been completed Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies Protections, M.S. 192.502 & System Procedure 5.12.1

  21. Active duty since Sept. 11, 2001or 5 consecutive years Guard/Reserve MN resident; MN college/university Maximum benefit: $1K/semester (full-time) $3K/fiscal year $10K lifetime “Last Dollar In:” Cost of attendance minus Aid and Benefits For information: www.getreadyforcollege.org/military Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies Minnesota GI Bill, M.S. 197.791

  22. Authority and funding for campus veterans assistance staff from MN Department of Veterans Affairs Each public campus shall provide adequate space Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies Higher Education Veterans Assistance, M.S. 197.585

  23. Higher Education Veterans Programs Created by MDVA in 2006 to - ASSIST MN Public Colleges and Universities to: Create on -campus Veterans Resource Centers Develop “veterans friendly” policies/procedures Coordinate on/off campus veterans higher education information and services for students Private Colleges Encouraged to Participate

  24. Higher Education Veterans Programs Twelve Regional Coordinators 57 Campus Veterans Resource Centers 5,300 Individuals Served in 2008 College and Community Training Reintegration Activities

  25. MyMilitaryEducation.org

  26. Guard/Reserve Member Education Benefits Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve for Non-Deployed members Eligible Service Members receive maximum of 36 months of benefits for full time study ($329.00 per month).  14 years to use this benefit from date of graduation from Basic and Skill training. Three Main Eligibility Criteria: 6Yr Contract High School Diploma or Equivalent IADT (AIT/OBC) Graduation

  27. Guard/Reserve Member Education Benefits Chapter 1607 - Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Deployed Members Payment based on a percentage of Active Duty Chapter 30 GI Bill. Amount paid based on number of days deployed. No time limit, if on active drilling status with unit. Maximum benefit is 36 for months of training. Monthly full-time rates (August 1, 2009): - Service of 90 days but less than one year: $528.40 - Service of 1 year +: $792.60 - Service of 2 years +: $1056.80

  28. The Post-9/11 GI Bill consists of three components: Tuition & fee payment Paid directly to the institution. In Minnesota, pays up to $326/credit for tuition & $4,359/term for fees (’09) Additional expenses may be covered at participating Yellow Ribbon institutions Housing stipend Paid directly to the student based on the zip code of the institution Equivalent to the BAH rate for an E-5 w/dependents Must be training at greater than ½ time and have at least one course on-campus to qualify for the housing stipend Books & supplies Paid directly to the student Prorated to about $42/credit up to $1,000/year Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Overview

  29. Active service after September 10, 2001 At least 90 days (entry & skill training excluded for 24 mo. or less) 30 days if discharged due to service connected disability Cumulative post-9/11 active service determines % of benefit Make an irrevocable election of Chapter 33 and relinquish eligibility for one other qualifying benefit (if applicable) Eligible veterans have 15 years from date of eligibility/discharge to use 36 months of benefit No buy in is required Basic Eligibility Requirements

  30. Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable (post-9/11) At least 36 cumulative months (incl training time): 100% At least 30 cumulative months (incl training time): 90% At least 24 cumulative months (incl training time): 80% At least 18 cumulative months: 70% At least 12 cumulative months: 60% At least 6 cumulative months: 50% At least 90 cumulative days: 40% At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability: 100% *Percentage applies to each component (tuition, housing, books) Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Levels

  31. For those eligible for MGIB-AD (CH30) Normally, the months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be equal to the number of months of entitlement remaining under MGIB-AD. However, if all MGIB-AD benefits are used before electing Post-9/11 GI Bill, students may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For those eligible for MGIB-SR (CH1606) and/or REAP (CH1607) Generally, individuals who are eligible for more than one benefit may use a maximum combined total of 48 months of benefits For example: If you have used 20 months of benefits under REAP, you may be eligible for 28 months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill Combination With Other VA Benefits

  32. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is not the best option for everyone For those with the following circumstances/benefits, CH1607 or CH30 may be more beneficial than changing to the Post-9/11 GI Bill: Less than 100% of CH33 rate, part time and/or online students Federal Tuition Assistance State Tuition Reimbursement Dislocated Workers Program Changes to FTA & STR are expected, but have not yet been announced. It is uncertain at this time how these benefits might impact CH33. Electing the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a permanent decision Combination With Non-VA Education Benefits

  33. Updated 22-1990 or VONAPP If eligible for other chapters, make an irrevocable election Supply the VA with any supporting information: DD214, orders, kicker agreement, etc Applicant will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) which lists the percentage and number of months of entitlement Bring copy of COE to campus certifying official School will certify once registered for classes Application process

  34. Kicker/College Fund will be paid as a lump sum/semester One-time reimbursement of up to $2,000 for approved licensing or certification tests Tutorial assistance of up to $1,200 ($100/mo.) Work study allowance will be available similar to other chapters Schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program are posted at www.gibill.va.gov Veteran must be at 100% level to use Yellow Ribbon Program Additional Considerations

  35. Eligible veterans must carefully weigh their options before choosing Chapter 33! Ask for help- Contact a Higher Education Veterans Programs Regional Coordinator at www.MyMilitaryEducation.org The Federal VA site at www.gibill.va.gov Repayment of all benefits will occur if veteran or family members do not successfully complete coursework! Additional Considerations

  36. Why Veterans struggle in College? Do not feel welcome Want to be with others who speak “their language” Lack of personal support Too much “Confusion” “Unfriendly” policies and procedures Lack of Funds; Benefits slow to arrive Credit Transfer What have we learned? Veterans

  37. Suggestions from Veterans “Each of us is an individual. We may have seen heavy combat or sat in an office all of the time. DO NOT assume that you know my politics or beliefs because I was in the military. Listen to me. I may or may not be ready to talk about experiences yet, but I have a story to tell when I’m ready. Being friendly and listening goes a long way toward gaining trust. I might have a hard time with trust. 37

  38. Suggestions from Veterans “We are accustomed to being successful and may be too proud to ask for help DO NOT be afraid of me. Getting to know me and being able to identify issues might help and may make me feel welcome.” Let us know when you see us struggling and offer assistance Hold us to the same standard as other students. The military held us to a high standard. We know pressure We expect to be challenged We will succeed and even excel” 38

  39. Create welcoming & “safe” environment Create campus veterans center Provide accurate and timely information Campus leadership for veterans services Create A network of support on campus Develop Tuition Policies Transfer credit Become Servicemember Opportunity College Campus veterans leadership opportunities What campuses can do

  40. “Make Your Campus A Safe Landing Place”

  41. For more information contact: Steven Frantz, Ed.D, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities Steve.frantz@so.mnscu.edu Donald Pfeffer, MA, Higher Education Veterans Program MN Department of Veterans Affairs dpfeffer@clcmn.edu Resources Available: MN State Colleges and Universities System Policies: www.mnscu.edu/board/policy/index.html Minnesota Statutes: www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/pubs/ Other Resources www.MyMilitaryEduction.org www.gpsLifeplan.org/MnSCUmilitary www.veterans.mnscu.edu

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