Veteran's Resource Guide for WSU Vancouver

This is a guide to the benefits that veterans may be eligible to receive as students at WSU Vancouver. However, it is recommended that you see one of the Veteran's Representatives in the Student Services Center for the most up-to-date information. Thanks!

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

• What can WSU Vancouver do for me as a veteran student?
• Am I eligible for a VA/Firefighter/Law Enforcement Dependent Tuition Waiver?
• What do I need to do to initiate my benefits?
• What does the VA consider full, 3/4, and 1/2 time?
• If I add or drop a class, will it affect my monthly benefits?
• I've just moved. What do I need to do?
• What entitlements other than educational does the VA offer?
• Special programs available?
• Offices to serve the veteran
• Veterans benefits timetable - you have (after separation)

What can WSU Vancouver do for me as a veteran student?

The Veterans Office at WSU Vancouver provides a service to our students who are veterans by certifying their credit hours in order for them to receive their educational benefits.

Am I eligible for a VA/Firefighter/Law Enforcement Dependent Tuition Waiver?

• WSU Vancouver Veteran Tuition Waiver Forms

Submit all waivers to:

WSUV Veteran's Affairs
Student Services Center (SSC)
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686

What do I need to do to initiate my benefits?

In most cases, veterans have already started receiving benefits at another institution, such as Clark College. When you start classes at WSU Vancouver, you will be required to fill out a "Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training" form.

If VA benefits have not been used before, you will fill out an "Application for VA Benefits" form.

These forms are available form the Veteran's Office in the Student Services Center.

In both cases, we would also like a copy of Page 4 of your DD-214 discharge papers. For Reservists, a NOBE form is required, which is obtained from your Unit.

What does the VA consider full, 3/4, and 1/2 time?

It depends on the length of the term. The VA considers a regular semester to be between 15 to 19 weeks long. For undergraduate students: 12 credits and above is full time, 9-11 credits is 3/4 time, and 6-8 credits is 1/2 time.

For graduate students: 10 credits and above is full time, 7-9 credits is 3/4 time, and 5-6 credits is 1/2 time.

For the summer term, since the classes run for variable number of weeks, the VA determines the "time." We report the number of credits and the dates of class and the VA determines the training time.

It is important to remember that the VA will only pay for classes that apply toward graduation in an approved program.

If I add or drop a class, will it affect my monthly benefits?

If you go BELOW the specified number of credits required for full, 3/4, or 1/2 time, your benefits will be adjusted accordingly.

For example, if you are taking 15 credits and drop a class bringing your total credits to 12, your status will not change. However, if you drop another class bringing your total to 9, you would now be considered 3/4 time and the VA will adjust your benefits accordingly.

Please notify the VA Rep at WSU Vancouver, either in person in the Student Services Center, or by phone at (360) 546-9570 if your status changes during a semester.

Students are required to do monthly verifications, indicating class attendance and changes of course load. This can be done in three ways: by mailing a form provided by the VA, by telephone (877-82302378) or on the web at www.gibill.va.gov.