USF 2000-2001 Undergraduate Catalog - Pages 23 - 24

Special Services

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

USF is approved for the education of veterans, eligible dependents, members of the selected reserve, and active-duty personnel who are eligible for benefits under public laws now in effect. All degree programs currently offered at USF are approved by the State Approving Agency.

Students who may be eligible for benefits are urged to contact Veterans Services for information, procedures, and forms as early as possible. To initiate, change, or renew benefits at USF, a request must be submitted through that office.

To be eligible for full-time VA benefits at USF, undergraduate students must enroll for 12 or more semester hours, and graduate students must enroll for 9 or more semester hours each normal academic term.

VA regulations require that students take only courses that are applicable to their degree program or other approved program and make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Students should consult the "Handbook for VA Students" (available at their local USF Veterans Services office) for information on various programs/services, and VA rules and regulations. Under no circumstances will the VA pay benefits to a student taking a course by audit. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire concerning all VA rules and regulations and to report any change in status which affects his/her benefits. Additionally, VA benefits will be terminated for students who are dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons and can only be reinstated after academic counseling.

Veterans with a service-connected disability approved for benefits under Chapter 31 may contact the Office of Student Financial Services no earlier than one week prior to the start of classes for a book and supplies voucher. Other VA benefits include additional amounts of compensation and pension, which may be payable to eligible veterans and widows or widowers of veterans for the enrollment of dependent children. The students, parents, or guardians are responsible for notifying the VA Regional Office directly of enrollment and termination of enrollment. The VA toll-free number is 1-888-442-4551.

*See "Resident Status," above

Please send questions or comments to:
Karen M. Hall - webCat@ugs.usf.edu
Effective Date: Semester I, 2000