Office of the Registrar - Michigan State University
Veterans Certification
Academic Progress Plan The Academic Progress Plan is required for all Graduate level and 2nd Bachelor level programs. The progress plan should list all course work you will be required to complete to obtain your intended degree. Any class you wish certified for VA benefits must be either: 1) listed on the Progress Plan OR 2) confirmed (in writing) by your academic adviser that the course will be applicable to your degree program. NOTE: an Academic Progress Plan is only needed for Graduate level and 2nd Bachelor degrees. Graduate Academic Progress Plan; Second Bachelor's Academic Plan
Accelerated Session / Part - Term Courses The VA requires MSU to report the actual beginning and ending dates of each course. NOTE: Your VA award may vary throughout the semester, according to the start and end dates of your courses.
Advance Payment Advance payment provides funds at the beginning of the school term to help you meet expenses concentrated at the beginning of the term. Advance payment is the amount payable for the initial month or portion of a month the semester begins plus the amount payable for the following month. To qualify for advance payment you cannot be colleting VA benefits the month prior to the semester you are requesting advance payment. Michigan State University may submit a request for an advance payment 30-120 days prior to your attendance. An Advance Payment Request form can be obtained from the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar. NOTE: Advance Payment check will be sent to the university payable to the student, these check will be disbursed at 150 Administration Building.
Changing Majors It is automatically assumed that all course work, including any transfer credits, will be used to meet your graduation requirements. When you change majors your academic adviser must determine the number of credits previously completed that are applicable to your new major/objective. If you changed your major and have excessive credits that cannot be used in your current major/objective you must contact the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Changing Schools If you are transferring either to or from Michigan State University and are already receiving your benefits, you need to fill out a Change of Program or Place of Training form, (22-1995 for veteran or reservist) , (22-5495 for Chapter 35 recipients). You may obtain this form from the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar or by downloading the above links. Submit this form to the school to which you are transferring your benefits.
Direct Deposit Direct deposit is available for MGIB-Active Duty and Selected Reserve. For more information, please contact the VA Direct Deposit Center at 1-877-838-2778 or speak with an Education Case Manager at 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551). You can also visit the WAVE application website to sign up for direct deposit using the direct deposit form. The WAVE application is available at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave. Direct Deposit is not currently available for Chapter 35 recipients.
Drop Period For VA purposes, the drop period is a reasonable time at the beginning of a term officially designated by the school for dropping courses, providing it does not exceed 30 days from the first day of the term. School Calendar
Dropping a Course If you drop a course during the semester/term, the VA may consider the drop retroactive to the start of the semester/course. If dropping classes changes your enrollment status, an overpayment situation may occur. All drops should be reported directly to VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Independent Study During a regular semester independent study can be counted toward your enrollment status. (It is best to check with the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar as other criteria may also apply.)
Institute of Agricultural Technology Programs Course work may be certified for all VA Chapters.
Lifelong, Unclassified – Non Degree Granting Program Course work taken on these levels is not eligible for VA Benefits.
Minimum Credits for Graduation After reaching minimum credits required for graduation, coursework can not be certified for benefits without documentation. Please submit an excessive credit form to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Miscellaneous Classes with hours by arrangement, internship, etc. may require additional information from your department before MSU can complete the certification process. Please submit any documentation regarding special classes to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Overseas Study Courses need to be pre-approved, please see the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Part – Term Courses The VA requires MSU to report the actual beginning and ending dates of each course. NOTE: Your VA award may vary throughout the semester, according to the start and end dates of your courses.
Repeating a Course Courses which are failed or for which the grade does not meet minimum requirements for graduation may be certified for VA purposes if they are repeated. Courses that are successfully completed may not be certified for VA purposes if they are repeated.
Self Verification of Enrollment Chapter 30, 1606 and 1607 recipients must complete a Student Verification of Enrollment on the last day of the month or the first day for the previous month. You will need to sign on the WAVE system to complete verification; the WAVE application is available at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave.
Summer Certification If you are planning on enrolling summer semester and do not want benefits complete the Requesting No Benefits form. The signed form will need to be provided to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
"W" Grades The VA will not credit a course toward your enrollment status if the final grade is a "W". This can lead to an overpayment situation at the end of a semester.
First Time Applicants Required Forms For Filing All applicants may apply online using VONAPP (Veterans Online Application). Please retain a copy for your MSU file. Hard copies of forms may be obtained at 150 Administration Building between the hours of 8:00 – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also an Authorization for VA Certification form, a signed Reporting 0.0 form, and if needed, a signed Academic Progress Plan will need to be provided to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Transfer Student If you are transferring either to or from Michigan State University and are already receiving your benefits; you need to fill out a Change of Program or Place of Training form, (22-1995 for Chapters 30, 1606 & REAP), (22-5495 for Chapter 35 recipients). You may obtain this form from the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar or downloaded from the above link. Submit this form to the school to which you are transferring your benefits.
If you are transferring to MSU an Authorization for VA Certification form, a signed Reporting 0.0 form, and if needed, a signed Academic Progress Plan will need to be provided to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Guest Student Certification If you are a guest student requesting VA certification, your home/parent institution must complete and forward to the Registrar's Office a parent institution letter indicating that the courses you are taking at Michigan State University will satisfy the degree requirements at that school. You will also need to complete an Authorization for VA Certification form, and a signed Reporting 0.0 form. If you are an MSU student requesting authorization to attend another institution please see the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Filing Procedures The Veterans Administration takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks to process your application. This means after your paperwork has been submitted from MSU, that you can expect a check for the current enrollment to arrive at the address VA has on file or if you have direct deposit 8 to 12 weeks later. Thereafter, checks will arrive at the beginning of each month for the previous month. Questions concerning payment after you have been certified should be directed to the Veterans Administration at 1-888-442-4551.
Chapter 1606 (National Guards/Reserves Education Benefits) You must have a six-year contract with the Guards or Reserves and have completed your basic training. Note: You must currently be in the Guards or Reserves to receive your education benefits. Chapter 1606.
Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program [REAP]) The Secretaries of each military service, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security (Coast Guard) determine the criteria for eligibility. The law requires DoD to give you written notification of eligibility for REAP. A member of a reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10 U.S. Code for a contingency operation and who serves at least 90 consecutive days or more is eligible for Chapter 1607. National Guard members also are eligible if their active duty is under section 502(f), title 32 U.S.C. and they serve for 90 consecutive days when authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency and is supported by federal funds. Individuals are eligible as soon as they reach the 90-day point whether or not they are currently on active duty. DoD will fully identify contingency operations that qualify for benefits under Chapter 1607. Chapter 1607 (REAP).
Chapter 30 (Active Duty Education Benefits) You must have completed a two or four year contract (or more) with any branch of the military services (If you are not sure if you qualify, please call the Veteran Services Office at 1-888-GIBILL-1). Chapter 30.
Chapter 35 (Dependent's Education Benefits) To be eligible for Chapter 35 (Dependent Benefits) you must be the child or spouse of a Veteran who is either deceased or 100% disabled due to military related injuries. Chapter 35.
Billing is handled through The Office of Financial Aid, 250 Student Services Building, (517) 353-5940. Contact the Children of Veterans Tuitions Grant Program, Office of Scholarships and Grants at the toll-free number 1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687), e-mail osg@michigan.gov or http://www.michigan.gov/documents/FactSheetCVTG_150216_7.pdf
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Necessary forms can be obtained from your unit or Educational Service Officer. Billing for the MSU is handled through Student Accounts, 140 Administration Building, (517) 355-5050.
TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE
Tutorial assistance is available if you are receiving educational benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 35, 1606 and 1607. Tutorial assistance is a benefit paid in addition to the regular monthly educational assistance allowance. To qualify, you must require tutorial assistance in a subject matter that is part of, prerequisite to, or indispensable their current degree objective on at least a half-time basis.
Michigan State University
Office of the Registrar
150 Administration Building
East Lansing MI 48824-0210
Phone: (517) 355-5032
Fax: (517) 432-3347
VA Contact Information
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Processing Office
400 South 18th Street
St. Louis MO 63103-9722
888-442-4551
Authorization for VA Certification
Change of Program Place of Training 22-1995 22-5495
Excessive Credit
Graduate Academic Progress Plan
Reporting 0.0
Requesting No Benefits
Second Bachelor’s Academic Plan
- General Information
- How to Apply
- Eligibility Information
- Other Educational Assistance
- Contact Information
- Forms
GENERAL INFORMATION
The most current information may be found at http://www.gibill.va.gov/Academic Progress Plan The Academic Progress Plan is required for all Graduate level and 2nd Bachelor level programs. The progress plan should list all course work you will be required to complete to obtain your intended degree. Any class you wish certified for VA benefits must be either: 1) listed on the Progress Plan OR 2) confirmed (in writing) by your academic adviser that the course will be applicable to your degree program. NOTE: an Academic Progress Plan is only needed for Graduate level and 2nd Bachelor degrees. Graduate Academic Progress Plan; Second Bachelor's Academic Plan
Accelerated Session / Part - Term Courses The VA requires MSU to report the actual beginning and ending dates of each course. NOTE: Your VA award may vary throughout the semester, according to the start and end dates of your courses.
Advance Payment Advance payment provides funds at the beginning of the school term to help you meet expenses concentrated at the beginning of the term. Advance payment is the amount payable for the initial month or portion of a month the semester begins plus the amount payable for the following month. To qualify for advance payment you cannot be colleting VA benefits the month prior to the semester you are requesting advance payment. Michigan State University may submit a request for an advance payment 30-120 days prior to your attendance. An Advance Payment Request form can be obtained from the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar. NOTE: Advance Payment check will be sent to the university payable to the student, these check will be disbursed at 150 Administration Building.
Changing Majors It is automatically assumed that all course work, including any transfer credits, will be used to meet your graduation requirements. When you change majors your academic adviser must determine the number of credits previously completed that are applicable to your new major/objective. If you changed your major and have excessive credits that cannot be used in your current major/objective you must contact the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Changing Schools If you are transferring either to or from Michigan State University and are already receiving your benefits, you need to fill out a Change of Program or Place of Training form, (22-1995 for veteran or reservist) , (22-5495 for Chapter 35 recipients). You may obtain this form from the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar or by downloading the above links. Submit this form to the school to which you are transferring your benefits.
Direct Deposit Direct deposit is available for MGIB-Active Duty and Selected Reserve. For more information, please contact the VA Direct Deposit Center at 1-877-838-2778 or speak with an Education Case Manager at 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551). You can also visit the WAVE application website to sign up for direct deposit using the direct deposit form. The WAVE application is available at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave. Direct Deposit is not currently available for Chapter 35 recipients.
Drop Period For VA purposes, the drop period is a reasonable time at the beginning of a term officially designated by the school for dropping courses, providing it does not exceed 30 days from the first day of the term. School Calendar
Dropping a Course If you drop a course during the semester/term, the VA may consider the drop retroactive to the start of the semester/course. If dropping classes changes your enrollment status, an overpayment situation may occur. All drops should be reported directly to VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Independent Study During a regular semester independent study can be counted toward your enrollment status. (It is best to check with the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar as other criteria may also apply.)
Institute of Agricultural Technology Programs Course work may be certified for all VA Chapters.
Lifelong, Unclassified – Non Degree Granting Program Course work taken on these levels is not eligible for VA Benefits.
Minimum Credits for Graduation After reaching minimum credits required for graduation, coursework can not be certified for benefits without documentation. Please submit an excessive credit form to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Miscellaneous Classes with hours by arrangement, internship, etc. may require additional information from your department before MSU can complete the certification process. Please submit any documentation regarding special classes to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Overseas Study Courses need to be pre-approved, please see the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Part – Term Courses The VA requires MSU to report the actual beginning and ending dates of each course. NOTE: Your VA award may vary throughout the semester, according to the start and end dates of your courses.
Repeating a Course Courses which are failed or for which the grade does not meet minimum requirements for graduation may be certified for VA purposes if they are repeated. Courses that are successfully completed may not be certified for VA purposes if they are repeated.
Self Verification of Enrollment Chapter 30, 1606 and 1607 recipients must complete a Student Verification of Enrollment on the last day of the month or the first day for the previous month. You will need to sign on the WAVE system to complete verification; the WAVE application is available at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave.
Summer Certification If you are planning on enrolling summer semester and do not want benefits complete the Requesting No Benefits form. The signed form will need to be provided to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
"W" Grades The VA will not credit a course toward your enrollment status if the final grade is a "W". This can lead to an overpayment situation at the end of a semester.
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HOW TO APPLY
Requirements for Filing Applicants must be admitted to a degree seeking program.First Time Applicants Required Forms For Filing All applicants may apply online using VONAPP (Veterans Online Application). Please retain a copy for your MSU file. Hard copies of forms may be obtained at 150 Administration Building between the hours of 8:00 – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also an Authorization for VA Certification form, a signed Reporting 0.0 form, and if needed, a signed Academic Progress Plan will need to be provided to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Transfer Student If you are transferring either to or from Michigan State University and are already receiving your benefits; you need to fill out a Change of Program or Place of Training form, (22-1995 for Chapters 30, 1606 & REAP), (22-5495 for Chapter 35 recipients). You may obtain this form from the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar or downloaded from the above link. Submit this form to the school to which you are transferring your benefits.
If you are transferring to MSU an Authorization for VA Certification form, a signed Reporting 0.0 form, and if needed, a signed Academic Progress Plan will need to be provided to the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Guest Student Certification If you are a guest student requesting VA certification, your home/parent institution must complete and forward to the Registrar's Office a parent institution letter indicating that the courses you are taking at Michigan State University will satisfy the degree requirements at that school. You will also need to complete an Authorization for VA Certification form, and a signed Reporting 0.0 form. If you are an MSU student requesting authorization to attend another institution please see the VA Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar.
Filing Procedures The Veterans Administration takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks to process your application. This means after your paperwork has been submitted from MSU, that you can expect a check for the current enrollment to arrive at the address VA has on file or if you have direct deposit 8 to 12 weeks later. Thereafter, checks will arrive at the beginning of each month for the previous month. Questions concerning payment after you have been certified should be directed to the Veterans Administration at 1-888-442-4551.
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ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
The most current information may be found at http://www.gibill.va.gov/Chapter 1606 (National Guards/Reserves Education Benefits) You must have a six-year contract with the Guards or Reserves and have completed your basic training. Note: You must currently be in the Guards or Reserves to receive your education benefits. Chapter 1606.
Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program [REAP]) The Secretaries of each military service, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security (Coast Guard) determine the criteria for eligibility. The law requires DoD to give you written notification of eligibility for REAP. A member of a reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10 U.S. Code for a contingency operation and who serves at least 90 consecutive days or more is eligible for Chapter 1607. National Guard members also are eligible if their active duty is under section 502(f), title 32 U.S.C. and they serve for 90 consecutive days when authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency and is supported by federal funds. Individuals are eligible as soon as they reach the 90-day point whether or not they are currently on active duty. DoD will fully identify contingency operations that qualify for benefits under Chapter 1607. Chapter 1607 (REAP).
Chapter 30 (Active Duty Education Benefits) You must have completed a two or four year contract (or more) with any branch of the military services (If you are not sure if you qualify, please call the Veteran Services Office at 1-888-GIBILL-1). Chapter 30.
Chapter 35 (Dependent's Education Benefits) To be eligible for Chapter 35 (Dependent Benefits) you must be the child or spouse of a Veteran who is either deceased or 100% disabled due to military related injuries. Chapter 35.
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OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
CHILDREN OF VETERANS TUITION GRANTBilling is handled through The Office of Financial Aid, 250 Student Services Building, (517) 353-5940. Contact the Children of Veterans Tuitions Grant Program, Office of Scholarships and Grants at the toll-free number 1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687), e-mail osg@michigan.gov or http://www.michigan.gov/documents/FactSheetCVTG_150216_7.pdf
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Necessary forms can be obtained from your unit or Educational Service Officer. Billing for the MSU is handled through Student Accounts, 140 Administration Building, (517) 355-5050.
TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE
Tutorial assistance is available if you are receiving educational benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 35, 1606 and 1607. Tutorial assistance is a benefit paid in addition to the regular monthly educational assistance allowance. To qualify, you must require tutorial assistance in a subject matter that is part of, prerequisite to, or indispensable their current degree objective on at least a half-time basis.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
The Michigan State University Office for Veterans Certification is located in Room 150 of the Administration Building. Office hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.Michigan State University
Office of the Registrar
150 Administration Building
East Lansing MI 48824-0210
Phone: (517) 355-5032
Fax: (517) 432-3347
VA Contact Information
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Processing Office
400 South 18th Street
St. Louis MO 63103-9722
888-442-4551
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FORMS
Advance Payment RequestAuthorization for VA Certification
Change of Program Place of Training 22-1995 22-5495
Excessive Credit
Graduate Academic Progress Plan
Reporting 0.0
Requesting No Benefits
Second Bachelor’s Academic Plan