USF 1995-96 Undergraduate Catalog - Page 21

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, undergraduates and non-degree seeking (special) students must enroll for 12 or more semester hours, and degree seeking 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, attend classes, and make satisfactory progress toward their degree. There are many other VA rules and regulations of which students should be aware, including those regarding the following: Double Major, Double Degree, Major/Minor programs, the Bachelor of Independent Study Degree program, students not admitted to specific college majors, Cooperative Education program, cross enrollment at two institutions, non-degree seeking (special) student enrollment, courses/programs offered off campus, graduate student enrolled in undergraduate courses, independent study courses, open circuit television courses, courses taken by audit (no benefits), and non-punitive grades ("W" or "U/IU"). 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 counseling, and approval by the VA.

Veterans with a service-connected disability requesting benefits under Chapter 31 must present a VA Authorization form for the effective period of enrollment at USF. Those students may contact the Office of Loans and Scholarships no earlier than the respective term's regular registration date for a book and supplies voucher and ID card validation. 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 (where the veteran's records are located) directly of enrollment and termination of enrollment.
*See "Resident Status"

Send comments to:
Margaret R. Martinroe - webCat@ugs.usf.edu
Publication Date: June 1, 1995