GI Bill® and Military Tuition Assistance

Background

Section 103 of Public Law (PL) 115-407, ‘Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018,’ amends Title 38 US Code 3679 by adding a new subsection (e) that requires disapproval of courses of education, beginning August 1, 2019, at any educational institution that does not have a policy in place that will allow an individual to attend or participate in a course of education, pending VA payment, providing the individual submits a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33.

Pending Payment Compliance

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Westminster University adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Westminster University will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class
• Provide a written request to be certified
• Complete Westminster University’s Student Responsibility Agreement
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies

This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to veterans who contributed to the program and completed a certain portion of their enlistment. Benefits are generally payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. More information on the Montgomery GI Bill.

Veterans using Chapter 30 benefits must verify their enrollment each month by calling 1.888.442.4551 or on WAVE.

First-Time Applicants

Complete the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990).

Transfer Students

If you have used your benefits previously and are now transferring to Westminster University, complete VA Form 22-1995.

The VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, also known as Chapter 31, helps veterans with service-connected disabilities by offering them services and assistance to help them prepare for, find and keep suitable employment. As part of these services, veterans may qualify for up to 48 months of educational benefits. To find out more information about whether or not you qualify for Chapter 31 benefits, visit the VR&E site or contact VA Regional Office in Salt Lake City at 1.800.827.1000 or direct at 801.326.2431.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days following September 10, 2001. The Post 9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to dependents.

First Time Applicants

Veterans

• Complete the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990).

Dependents

• The Veteran must complete the Transfer of Entitlement Benefit application first
• Once the Veteran has transferred benefits to a dependent, the dependent must fill out the Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits form (VA Form 22-1990E).

Transfer Students

Both Veterans and dependents who have used their Chapter 33 benefits previously and are now transferring to Westminster University will need to complete the Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995).

Yellow Ribbon Program

Westminster University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Only Veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate (100% entitlement) under the Post 9-11 GI Bill, as determined by service requirements, or their designated transferee may receive this funding. See more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program below.

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

First-Time Applicants

Complete the Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-5490).

Transfer Students

If you have used your benefits previously and are now transferring to Westminster University, complete VA Form 22-5495.

The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components and VA makes the payments.

First-Time Applicants

Complete the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990).

Transfer Students

If you have used your benefits previously and are now transferring to Westminster University, complete VA Form 22-1995.

The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) provides educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency declared by the president or Congress.

First-Time Applicants

Complete the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990).

Transfer Students

If you have used your benefits previously and are now transferring to Westminster University, complete VA Form 22-1995.

In accordance with the Higher Education Reauthorization Act, Westminster University will readmit service members for deployments and service commitments at the same academic status in which they left the institution, provided the member notifies the university in advance of their deployments and are not absent from the institution for more than 5 years, cumulatively. For details, contact the Office of Admissions (undergraduate students: 801.832.2200 or admission@westminsteru.edu, graduate students: 801.832.2201 or gradadmissions@westminsteru.edu) or see current academic catalog.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members.

Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. Please contact your unit’s Tuition Assistance rep for specific information on what your component offers.

Members of the Utah National Guard can visit their site for more TA information.

Members serving at Hill AFB can contact the Education Office at 801.777.2710 for more TA information.

Military Tuition Assistance is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Tuition Assistance funds originally awarded. To comply with the Department of Defense policy, Westminster will return any unearned Tuition Assistance funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. Tuition Assistance funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. These funds are returned to the military service branch.

In instances where a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, Westminster will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.

Schedule for the Return of Unearned Tuition Assistance Funds to the Government

Westminster University will return any unearned Tuition Assistance funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. These funds are returned to the military service branch.

Policy for Traditional Classes

16-Week Course (Traditional Semester)

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to class start date through the first 10 days of the semester: 100% refund
• Between days 11–15 of the semester: 80% refund
• Between days 16–22 of the semester: 50% refund
• Between days 23–67 of the semester: 35% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• After day 67 of the semester: 0% refund

12-Week Course (Full Summer Term)

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to class start date through the first 7 days of the semester: 100% refund
• Between days 8–15 of the semester: 80% refund
• Between days 16–22 of the semester: 50% refund
• Between days 23–50 of the semester: 35% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• After day 50 of the semester: 0% refund

8-Week Course (8-Week Summer Term)

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to class start date through the first 7 days of the semester: 100% refund return
• Between days 8–14 of the semester: 50% refund
• Between days 15–21 of the semester: 25% refund
• Between days 22–33 of the semester: 35% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• After day 33 of the semester: 0% refund

4-Week Course (4-Week Summer Term)

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to class start date through the first 7 days of the semester: 100% refund
• Between days 8–11 of the semester: 50% refund
• Between days 12–16 of the semester: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• After day 16 of the semester: 0% refund

Policy for Seminar Sessions Courses

Seminar Sessions are condensed courses, consisting of 3–8 meetings (sessions) per class. The Tuition Assistance return policy for these courses depends on the length of the Seminar Session.

3-Session Course

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to the first session: 100% refund
• After the first session, but before the second session: 50% refund (60% of the Seminar Session is completed)
• After the second session starts: 0% refund

4-Session Course

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to the first session: 100% refund
• After the first session through the end of the second session: 50% refund
• After the second session, but before the third session: 25% refund (60% of the Seminar Session is completed)
• After the third session starts: 0% refund

5-Session Course

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to the first session: 100% refund
• After the first session through the end of the second session: 50% refund
• After the second session, but before the third session: 25% refund (60% of the Seminar Session is completed)
• After the third session starts: 0% refund

6-Session Course

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to the first session: 100% refund
• After the first session through the end of the second session: 50% refund
• After the second session, but before the fourth session: 25% refund (60% of the Seminar Session is completed)
• After the fourth session starts: 0% refund

7-Session Course

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to the first session: 100% refund
• After the first session through the end of the second session: 50% refund
• After the second session, but before the fifth session: 25% refund (60% of the Seminar Session is completed)
• After the fifth session starts: 0% refund

8-Session Course

Withdrawal occurs:

• Prior to the first session: 100% refund
• After the first session through the end of the second session: 50% refund
• After the second session, but before the fifth session: 25% refund (60% of the Seminar Session is completed)
• After the fifth session starts: 0% refund

Non-Credit Programs (Certification Courses)

Each non-credit student is charged either a flat fee or a cost per Continuing Education Unit fee, depending on the program. Non-credit courses are recorded as Continuing Education Units (CEUs). One Continuing Education Unit represents 10 contact hours of instruction and learning activities. The Tuition Assistance  return policy for these courses depends upon the length of the course (measured by CEUs).

24 Hours/2.4 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–16 hours: 75% refund
• Between 17–32 hours: 50% refund
• Between 33–39 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 40–64 hours: 0% refund

64 Hours/6.4 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–16 hours: 75% refund
• Between 17–32 hours: 50% refund
• Between 33–39 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 40–64 hours: 0% refund

100 Hours/10 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–25 hours: 75% refund
• Between 26–50 hours: 50% refund
• Between 51–60 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 61–100 hours: 0% refund

120 Hours/12 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Between Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–30 hours: 75% refund
• Between 31–60 hours: 50% refund
• Between 61–72 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 72–120 hours: 0% refund

138 Hours/13.8 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–35 hours: 75% refund
• Between 36–69 hours: 50% refund
• Between 70–82 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 82–138 hours: 0% refund

240 Hours/24 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–60 hours: 75% refund
• Between 61–120 hours: 50% refund
• Between 121–144 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 145–240 hours: 0% refund

330 Hours/33 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–83 hours: 75% refund
• Between 84–165 hours: 50% refund
• Between 166–198 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 199–330 hours: 0% refund

675 Hours/67.5 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–169 hours: 75% refund
• Between 170–338 hours: 50% refund
• Between 339–405 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 406–675 hours: 0% refund

800 Hours/80 CEUs

Withdrawal occurs:

• Before class begins: 100% refund
• Between 1–200 hours: 75% refund
• Between 201–400 hours: 50% refund
• Between 401–480 hours: 25% refund (60% of the course is completed)
• Between 481–800 hours: 0% refund

Westminster University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, an agreement between higher education institutions and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund tuition expenses for eligible veterans.

Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the VA and Westminster will cover most, if not all, of the cost of tuition and fees for eligible veterans who meet admissions standards of the university. Westminster can support up to 100 veterans per year under this program (75 undergraduates and 25 graduate students).

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. For students attending private universitys like Westminster, the program allows the VA to cover the cost of 50 percent of the difference between the cost of the approved rate for Utah and the university’s tuition, and Westminster will pay the other 50 percent

Program Description

There is no application to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, but your certificate of eligibility will state that you are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

• Westminster contributes up to $10,185 for undergraduate students and up to $9,185 for graduate students for the Yellow Ribbon Program each academic year. The VA matches Westminster’s contributions.
• If the Veteran has transferred his/her benefits to their spouse and the Veteran is on active duty, the spouse is ineligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program and the monthly housing stipend. The spouse is only eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill cap, as well as the book stipend. If the Veteran is no longer on active duty, the spouse is eligible for Yellow Ribbon Program and the monthly housing stipend.
• If the Veteran has transferred his/her entitlement to a child, the child is eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program and the monthly housing stipend, regardless if the Veteran is on active duty or not.
• Per Westminster’s policy, flight students are not eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover their flight costs, even if they are at a 100% entitlement level.
• Yellow Ribbon Program funding can only be applied towards tuition and fees.

All Veterans must follow Westminster’s Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress. All students must complete at least 70% of their courses and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in order to maintain any type of financial aid, including military benefits.