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Wahoo Warrior Handbook

A Guide for Military-Connected Students

Wahoo Warrior: A Guide for Military-Connected Students

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE: Admissions, Enrollment, & Certification at the University of Virginia

Eligibility for Military Educational Benefits
Applying for Military Educational Benefits
Transferring Schools and Your Military Educational Benefits
Apply, View, and Access Your Military Educational Benefits and Documents
Apply to the University of Virginia
Apply for Financial Aid (Service-Members and Dependents)
Active Military Tuition Assistance
Darden School of Business
Law School
McIntire School of Commerce
Enroll at the University of Virginia
Transfer Student Orientation
Certification Process at the University of Virginia
Certifying Enrollments to the VA
Enrollment Verification on the WAVE Website
Receiving VA Payments
Basic Allowance for Housing
Yellow Ribbon
Other Grants and Scholarships Available to Military-Connected Students

PART TWO: Commonwealth of Virginia Education Benefits

Residency and Domicile
Eligibility for In-State Tuition if Domicile Has Not Been Established
In-State Tuition for Non-Resident Active Duty Service Members and Their Dependents/Virginia National Guard Members
Section 702 of the Veterans Choice Act

PART THREE: Community Resources

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Resources
Apply for VA Health Benefits
Local Veteran-Affiliated Groups

PART FOUR: University of Virginia Military-Related Contacts

This guide was developed through the collaboration of the Office of the University Registrar (UREG), Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS), veteran students, faculty, and staff.
The name, “Wahoo Warrior,” was created by student Mitchell Popielec.

PART ONE: Admissions, Enrollment, and Certification at the University of Virginia

Eligibility for Military Educational Benefits

The VA will determine if you are eligible for Military Educational Benefits and what type of benefit you are eligible to receive. To qualify, apply for VA education and training benefits online, in person, or request an application over the phone. The VA will approve or reject your application of benefits and notify you of the decision.

Applying for Military Educational Benefits

You may use any of the following steps to apply for your Military Educational Benefits:

• Contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551 to have the application mailed to you.
• Visit your nearest VA regional office to apply in person.
• Apply online if you know which benefit you want to use: https://www.vets.gov/

You will need the following documents to apply for Military Educational Benefits:

• Social Security number
• Bank account direct deposit information
• Education and military history
• Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now

As a veteran, you may need a copy of your DD-214 when applying for Military Educational Benefits. The National Archives' National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) stores records of individual military service pertaining to former service members who no longer have a service obligation. The Department of Defense may also be able to assist in obtaining a DD-214.

The average time to process educational claims is: 30 days.

You should receive a confirmation from the VA in the mail indicating that your application has been received. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), or award letter, in the mail if the VA has approved your application. The COE will verify the type of education benefit you are eligible for, as well as the number of months for which you are entitled to the benefit.

Submit the required documents to the School Certifying Official (SCO) in the Office of the University Registrar (UREG). You can fax the COE, scan and email a copy, or submit it in person to UREG.

UREG:
1001 N. Emmet Street
P.O. Box 400203
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4203
Phone: 434-924-4122
Fax: 434-924-4156
Email: veteransbenefits@virginia.edu
http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/

Chapter 31 recipients must have their counselor submit VA Form 28-1905 to UREG. UREG will verify enrollment to the VA. Student Financial Services (SFS) will manage invoicing the VA.

SFS:
1001 N. Emmet Street
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4203
Phone: 434-982-6000
Fax: 434-982-5222
Email: sfs@virginia.edu
http://sfs.virginia.edu/

Transferring Schools and Military Educational Benefits

If you used Military Educational Benefits at another institution, you must notify the VA of the change. To notify the VA, complete the online Change of Program (VA Form 22-1995) or Change of Place of Training Form (22-5495). You must submit a copy of the completed form to UREG and the VA in order to use your benefits while attending UVA.

Apply, View, and Access Your Military Educational Benefits and Documents

To view the status of your Military Educational Benefits, you can create an online account at https://www.vets.gov/education/apply/#modal or https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage.

Apply to the University of Virginia

Information on how to apply to the University of Virginia can be found below. Some schools within the university have their own admissions process.

- Office of Undergraduate Admission -

All applications are submitted through the Common Application.
Early Action Deadline: November 1
Regular Decision Deadline: January 1

General Email Inquiries: undergradadmission@virginia.edu
Application Updates: uvaapplicationinfo@virginia.edu

Veterans should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission regarding any application fee waivers related to military status.

US Postal Service Address:
P.O. Box 400160
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904

Overnight/Express Mail Address:
190 McCormick Road
Peabody Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Phone: 434-982-3200
Fax: 434-924-7674
https://admission.virginia.edu/

- McIntire School of Commerce (Graduate) -

• Visit school website at: www.commerce.virginia.edu
• Select a graduate program of interest for more detailed information on eligibility and admission requirements
• Graduate students should click on “Apply Now” or go to: https://apply.mcintire.virginia.edu/apply to begin the application process.

- Graduate School of Nursing -

Students who need a provision decision before the standard timing due to Duty Under Instruction (Navy) (DUINS) or Long Term Health Education and Training (Army) (LTHET) deadlines can contact gradnursing@virginia.edu for more assistance.

- School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) -

The University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) serves adult learners by providing access to educational experiences that blend academic scholarship with workplace relevance. Throughout Virginia and beyond, SCPS opens the doors of UVA to thousands of nontraditional students seeking part-time degree and certificate programs offered at convenient times using online and classroom delivery modes. Visit www.scps.virginia.edu to learn more.

SCPS serves military and veterans with part-time and online programs. Visit www.scps.virginia.edu/military for specific information on:

• FAQs for Active Duty Military and Veterans
• UVA Veterans’ Affairs Coordinator
• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Resources
• MyCAA Scholarships for Military Spouses

- School of Law -

• Apply through LSAC (electronic application service): https://www.lsac.org/
• All applicants are required to apply through LSAC.

Additional information about the Law School Admissions Office is available at this link: http://content.law.virginia.edu/admissions

580 Massie Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903-1738
Phone: 434-924-7351
Fax: 434-982-2128
Email: admissions@law.virginia.edu
www.law.virginia.edu/admissions

Apply for Financial Aid (Service-Member and Dependents)

The University of Virginia provides need-based financial aid based on the cost of attendance less the expected family contribution, scholarships, and other resources.

Please note: Scholarships or other benefits from University or outside sources have an impact on the type and amount of aid that Student Financial Services may award a student, often resulting in a revision to a student's financial aid award.

- New Students -

Whether you are applying early action or regular decision—or just trying to decide if UVA might be right for you—read up on what documents are required and what the deadline is for applying for all forms of need-based aid. Visit this page for more information: http://sfs.virginia.edu/newstudents

- Current Undergrads -

In order to be considered for institutional aid in the coming academic year, returning students must submit the CSS/PROFILE (College Scholarship Service) and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. See this page for more information: http://sfs.virginia.edu/current/undergrad

- Current Grads -

Graduate aid comes in many forms, including fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, wages, loans, and work study. Students can visit this page for more information: http://sfs.virginia.edu/current/grads

University Financial Aid Application (UFAA)

The Darden Financial Aid Office requires all students to complete the University Financial Aid Application (UFAA) including students that are not applying for financial aid (including loans). The UFAA is required by all students as it allows our office to collect information regarding military benefits, outside scholarships, employer assistance and additional information that our office would not be able to obtain from any other source.

How to apply for Federal loans:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov (application available after October 1). UVA Federal School Code: 003745
2. Complete the UVA Financial Aid Application (application will be made available on the Student Information System (SIS) after a student has been admitted).

How to apply for private/alternative student loans:

1. Apply for private loan(s) with lender(s) of your choice (not recommended to apply until after June due to expiration of the credit check)
2. Complete the UVA Financial Aid Application (application will be made available on the Student Information System (SIS) after a student has been admitted).

The Darden Financial Aid Office cannot recommend specific private lenders. While Federal loans typically offer certain benefits not found with private/alternative student loans, we encourage you to carefully research and consider all potential options.

Active Military Tuition Assistance

Each branch of the military has its own application process, forms, and Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits. Please consult your Education Services Officer (ESO) to start the application process. Each branch of the military handles TA somewhat differently. Contact your branch for details on your eligibility and the branch's process for submitting the Tuition Assistance form.

Below are some tips to get you started:

• Army: You will use GoArmyEd to register for classes and have Tuition Assistance applied: https://www.goarmyed.com/
• Air Force: You will need to register through UVA and then apply for TA through the Air Force Virtual Education Center: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/home.do
• Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps: You will go to your respective Education Center in person, complete their form, have it signed by your education coordinator, and send it to UVA’s Student Accounts Office by fax (434) 924-7636 or email sfs@virginia.edu.

Please note that if you are using TA and withdraw from a course prior to completing 60 percent of the course, you may be required to pay a portion of the tuition. A portion of that sum could be owed to the Department of Defense. Please see UVA’s Refund Policy regarding return of tuition assistance.

Contact your service branch for more information.
Refund Policy: http://sfs.virginia.edu/billing/refunds

Darden School of Business

How to apply for Darden scholarships: There is not a separate scholarship application. Scholarship consideration will be based on your admission application.

• Additional information regarding Darden scholarships is available on the following links:
• Fulltime MBA Program: http://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/financial-aid/scholarships/
• Executive MBA Programs: http://www.darden.virginia.edu/executive-mba-formats/financial-aid/scholarships/

How students are considered for Darden scholarships:

• All students (including Veterans) are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships on the basis of their admissions application and interview. Students will be notified at the time of admission by the Admissions Office if they have been selected to receive a scholarship as well as the scholarship amount.
• To ensure that you are considered for the military scholarships offered by Darden, you must make sure to self-report your military affiliation on your admissions application.

How Darden scholarships impact Veterans Benefits:

• If you are selected to receive a scholarship through Darden, these scholarships do not impact or “offset” your Veterans benefits. If eligible, you would be able to receive your Veterans Benefits in addition to the Darden scholarship funding.

How to contact the Darden Financial Aid Office:

Please email financialaid@darden.virginia.edu or call 434-924-7739.

• Susan Loduha, Director of Financial Aid
• Heather Williamson, Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Darden Financial Aid Website: http://www.darden.virginia.edu/web/MBA/Financial-Aid/Home/

Law School

The Financial Aid Office is available to all students on a walk-in basis, by appointment, by phone, and by email.
The Financial Aid Office provides a wide array of assistance, including, but not limited to:

• Instructing students how to apply for and receive financial aid;
• Notifying students of various deadlines that are set by the Law School or the University;
• Explaining federal pre-requisites that govern the receipt and disbursement of federal loans;
• Providing one-on-one counseling sessions;
• Providing guidance on establishing financial aid strategies;
• Advising on budgeting strategies; and
• Advising on ways to minimize debt levels, protect credit scores, avoid default, and repayment options.

You can find additional information about the Financial Aid Office at this link: http://content.law.virginia.edu/financialaid

Contacts

McIntire School of Commerce (Graduate)

Each program listed on McIntire’s website has a financial aid section with information on various sources of aid. We encourage applicants to review this section for details about deadlines, eligibility, application requirements, as well as information on outside resources. https://www.commerce.virginia.edu/

UREG is the liaison between students and the Department of Veterans' Affairs for information about using educational benefits. To find out more about the resources available to active duty service members, veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and dependents, please visit: http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/vabenefits.html

Enroll at the University of Virginia

Arts & Sciences First-Years Only: Choose a General Education Curriculum
All incoming first-year students in the College of Arts & Sciences have been given the opportunity to choose a general education curriculum. More information about this option can be found at: http://gened.as.virginia.edu/

In order to enroll in classes during Summer Orientation, students should review the three curriculum options and complete the curriculum application by the deadline below.
Available: May 8
Deadline: June 4

- School of Continuing & Professional Studies -

New students must request permission to enroll at the University, prior to registering for classes.

You are considered a new student if you were not enrolled for classes at the University in the previous three semesters (e.g., if you are enrolling for a spring class you need to request permission to enroll if you were not enrolled in classes during the previous fall, summer, or spring terms).

Visit the SCPS site for more information on enrolling in courses: http://www.scps.virginia.edu/register-for-a-class/new-student-registration

Transfer Student Orientation

Summer Orientation for first-year and transfer students occurs in the month of July. First year students attend a two day session while transfer students attend a one day session determined by their academic year. All students should plan to attend all orientation-related programming during their assigned session.

Students should sign up for Orientation as soon as they pay their deposit and activate their UVA email. Orientation registration is typically open from early April until the end of July.

All information related to FAQs, Checklists, and packing lists can be found here: http://orientation.virginia.edu/

Certification Process at the University of Virginia

How to Apply for Your Benefits:

1. Apply for your benefits using the VA’s online application: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/. Once approved, student will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
2. Submit the COE to the Office of the University Registrar (UREG).
3. Submit the Military Educational Benefits Request (MERB) Form.
   You may download the MERB form or use the web submit feature: http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/vabenefits.html. You should submit the Military Educational Benefits Request form when you enroll in classes. A new MERB is required before each term that you wish to use your benefits.
4. If you used benefits at another school, complete the VA Form 22-1995 or 22-5495. Submit a copy to UREG and to the VA.

Only courses that apply to your degree or certificate plan will be certified.

Certain fees, such as, books, meals, lodging, health insurance, and other ineligible fees are not covered by the VA.

Notify UREG by email immediately when you withdraw, drop, add, or stop attending courses. This includes schedule changes made before classes begin. Your Military Educational Benefits may be adjusted as a result of these changes. Email: veteransbenefits@virginia.edu

For Chapter 33: Your enrollment, tuition, and fees will be certified before the start of the term, if all required documents have been received by UREG and you are enrolled in an approved course load.

For chapters 30, 35, 1606, 1607: Your enrollment will be certified before the start of the term, if all required documents have been received by UREG and you are enrolled in an approved course load. Tuition and fee information is reported for all students who are enrolled in less than ˝ time credits.

Certifying Enrollments to the VA (Chapter 33)

The SCO will certify your enrollment to the VA by submitting VA Form 22-1999 electronically. The VA will send a confirmation email to your official UVA email address indicating your enrollment has been certified.

Undergraduate, Graduate, and Certificate Programs

Full-time status requires enrollment in 12 credit hours per term for Fall or Spring terms and 6 credit hours in Summer (except for those programs listed below).

Full-time status requires enrollment in 9 credit hours per term for Fall or Spring terms for the following programs

• MS in Management Information Technology (MS-MIT)
• Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP)
• Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
• Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GEMBA)

For Summer, J-Term, and non-standard terms, the VA calculates the rate of pursuit.

Certificate Programs

Full-time status requires enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall or Spring terms and 6 credit hours in Summer for all certificate programs.

Enrollment Verification on WAVE Website (Chapter 30, 31, 35, 1606, 1607)

If you're receiving the Montgomery GI Bill^® Active Duty, MGIB - Selected Reserve GI Bill^® or Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), use the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or call the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line to verify your attendance at 1-877-VA-ECERT (1-877-823-2378).
You must verify your attendance each month:https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do

To verify attendance

This can be done through the GI Bill^® Home page (http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/) by clicking “Verify School Attendance” on the right side of the page, or directly (https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do).

If you are receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits, you do not need to verify your attendance.

If you are receiving VEAP benefits, you do not need to verify your attendance.

Receiving VA Payments

The VA determines eligibility and payments in all cases. The amount requested is not a guaranteed payment and you are responsible for any outstanding balance that remains on your student financial account in SIS.

Chapter 33 and 31

Tuition and fees are paid directly to the institution. Payments from the VA are expected, not guaranteed. Military Educational Benefits do not cover ineligible fees.

Ineligible Fees:

UREG is not permitted to certify books, meals, lodging, health insurance, materials fees, or any other ineligible fee(s). You are expected to pay any fees that are not certified to the VA by the due date established by Student Financial Services.

Chapters 30, 35, 1606, 1607

VA educational benefit payments are paid directly to the student. Students should establish direct deposit with the VA and with UVA.

Students are responsible for any balance that remains on their account. You may establish a payment plan with Student Financial Services by the due date.

Basic Allowance for Housing – Chapters 31 and 33 Only

If you are eligible for a housing allowance, you will receive the payment once the training time is determined by the VA. Your housing allowance is initiated when your enrollment certification is submitted to the VA.

Your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is generally the same as the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. Your MHA is based on the ZIP code of your approved site location.

The monthly housing allowance is paid at the nearest 10% level. For instance, if your training time is determined to be 58% as calculated above you will be paid 60% of the applicable housing allowance. If your training time is calculated to be 84%, you will be paid 80% of the applicable housing allowance.

Chapter 33 Only: An annual books and supplies stipend up to $1,000, paid proportionately, is paid to the student based on enrollment.

It is recommended that you establish direct deposit with the VA in order to receive funds electronically.

Yellow Ribbon

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® ® doesn't cover. The Post-9/11 GI Bill^® ® pays up to all public in-state tuition and fees. However, additional funds may be available to the student through the Yellow Ribbon program. Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Program Agreement with VA choose the amount of tuition and feeds to contribute. VA will match that amount and directly pay the institution up to 50% of the difference.

Who Is Eligible?

Individuals below who are entitled to the maximum benefit level, based on service requirements, may receive this funding.

• Those who served at least 36 months of active duty after Sept 10, 2001
• Purple Heart recipients with an honorable discharge and any amount of service
• Service members who were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 days in a row after Sept 10, 2001
• A dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill^®
• Fry Scholarship recipients using benefits on or after August 1, 2018

Degree Level	School	Number of Students	Max School Contribution Amount (per year)
Undergraduate	All	5 (Funds are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis)	$1,000
Graduate	Darden School of Business	Unlimited	$2,500
Graduate	Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy	Unlimited	$2,500
Graduate	School of Law	Unlimited	$2,500

Yellow Ribbon Contacts:
Undergraduate: Kiama Anthony Bishop: veteransbenefits@virginia.edu
Darden: Susan Loduha: sloduha@darden.virginia.edu
Law: Jennifer Hulvey: jennifer.hulvey@law.virginia.edu
Batten: Amanda Crombie: ajcrombie@virginia.edu

Other Grants and Scholarships available to Military-Connected Students

Student Financial Services (SFS) maintains a page that houses information on federal, state, and University of Virginia scholarships and grants. Visit the page here: http://sfs.virginia.edu/scholarships

Please note: Scholarships or other benefits from University or outside sources have an impact on the type and amount of aid that Student Financial Services may award a student, often resulting in a revision to a student's financial aid award.

The Farrell & Neall Scholarships are military-related scholarships managed by Student Financial Services:

• Neall Family Scholarship: The Neall Family Scholarship was established by George and Clara Neall Charitable Foundation Trust in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Nealls’ grandson, George Quick, who was a 1991 University of Virginia graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering. This scholarship was created in 2012.
  
  • Criteria: This scholarship provides support to undergraduate students whose mother or father (or stepparent, as the case may be) is currently serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, or whose parent or stepparent has retired from or been honorably discharged from the military during the preceding ten years. To be eligible for an award, students must submit a copy of the parent’s DD-214 or proof of active duty status.
  • Scholarship link: http://sfs.virginia.edu/self-identify
    
• Thomas Francis Farrell II Scholarship: The Thomas Francis Farrell II scholarship was established by Robert S. Parsley and Peter F. Farrell to honor Thomas Francis Farrell II (College'76, Law'79) for his many years of service to the University of Virginia, most notably as a member of the Board of Visitors and Rector of Board of Visitors, and for his very generous support of the university, its students, schools and programs.
  
  • Criteria: This scholarship provides support to a veteran, or an incoming first-year undergraduate student who is the child of a veteran, who is enrolled in the School of Engineering and Applied Science and who is seeking a degree in Engineering. Preference is given to a veteran of the Afghanistan/Iraq war or recent conflict or the child of a veteran of the Afghanistan/Iraq war or recent conflict. To be eligible for an award, students must submit a copy of theirs or their parent’s DD-214 and must maintain a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0.
    
  • Scholarship link: http://sfs.virginia.edu/self-identify

PART TWO: Commonwealth of Virginia Educational Benefits

Please contact the Office of Virginia Status with all questions regarding Residency/Domicile.

Office of Virginia Status:
Andrea Leeds Armstrong, Esq.
Asl5w@virginia.edu

Shirley Datu-Jackson
Sad2x@virginia.edu

P.O. Box 400160
Charlottesville, VA 22904
Phone: 434-982-3391
Fax: 434-982-2663
Email: vastatus@virginia.edu

In-State Tuition for Non-Resident Active Duty Service Members and their Dependents/Virginia National Guard Members

The Code of Virginia, Section 23-7.4 provides alternate paths to in-state privileges. One is based upon the establishment of Virginia domicile; the other on present, active duty in the military coupled with residence in Virginia. The latter allows honorably discharged military veterans to receive in-state tuition. If an applicant is not eligible based upon Virginia domicile, ask whether he or she may be entitled based upon a military parent, spouse or legal guardian’s active duty or service as a veteran.

• Active duty military members who are assigned to Virginia or one of the contiguous states and the District of Columbia can be approved for in-state tuition once they are physically in the state of Virginia pursuant to active duty orders. They must be living in Virginia, but can be assigned to a contiguous state.
• Active duty members or honorably discharged veterans do not have to meet the 1 year requirement of living in Virginia or pay taxes in Virginia. (This assumes that they are not claiming Virginia domicile but rather in-state tuition privileges based upon military service). The applicant must physically be in Virginia to be entitled to in-state rate
• Dependents of qualifying active duty service members shall receive in-state tuition rate if the service member meets the qualifications.
• Whether considering military or non-military applicants, there is a one year grace period after the parent moves from Virginia. (Here, ‘one year’ equals two academic terms.) Once the grace period ends, the student may claim a Virginia domicile independent of his/her parent despite being under twenty-four and receiving substantial financial support from his/her parents.
• Eligibility may be maintained as long as the student remains continuously enrolled (this includes graduate and professional programs).
• An applicant may claim entitlement based upon a parent, spouse or legal guardian who is living in Virginia pursuant to active duty military orders. Under these circumstances, the military parent, spouse or legal guardian does not have to meet the one year residence requirement nor pay Virginia resident income tax. In other words, the military parent, spouse or legal guardian does not have to demonstrate Virginia domicile.
• Temporary deployment does not disqualify the student as long as the student remains attached to a home located in Virginia.

Eligibility for In-State Tuition if Domicile Has Not Been Established

If neither parent chooses to establish domicile in Virginia, special federal and state provisions are still available for in-state tuition. These provisions are not mutually exclusive of one another or of the domicile process. This means that family members can claim the benefits of either or both provisions as long as the appropriate eligibility criteria are met for the benefits received.

Under the federal provision, if an active duty member is assigned permanent duty station to a Virginia location, the member and the member’s dependents are eligible for in-state tuition. Physical residence in Virginia is not required. Eligibility is based on continued enrollment of the student at the institution and is not impacted by a reassignment or move of the parents. Note that this provision does not include eligibility for state financial aid.

Choice Act

GI Bill^® Resident Rate Requirements:

Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (“Choice Act”), requires schools to charge in-state tuition and fee amounts to “covered individuals” using benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® (Chapter 33) and Montgomery GI Bill^®-Active Duty (Chapter 30) at public Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs).

A covered individual is defined in the Choice Act as:

1. A Veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 or Chapter 33* who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
2. An individual using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits who lives in the state in where the Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
3. A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
4. Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
5. An individual using educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) effective for courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1, 2019
6. Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks) at the same institution. The person so described must have enrolled in the institution prior to the expiration of the three-year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30, chapter 33, or chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code.

Demonstrating Eligibility

To demonstrate eligibility for in-state tuition rates, a student must:

1. Submit a Military Educational Benefits Request Form. Indicate intent to use the Choice act on the form.
2. Submit a DD-214 discharge document. (Dependents must submit DD-214 of transferor).
   • The DD Form 214 discharge document must indicate:
     1. Net Active Service – Must be at least 90 days of service
     2. Separation Date – Must be within 3 years of the first day of the student's term
     3. Character of Service – Must have honorable discharge
3. Submit a DD-1300 Report of Casualty document, if student is using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship.
4. Submit a copy of active military orders, if student is using transferred benefits and transferor is on active duty.
5. Provide proof of Commonwealth of Virginia address. Students living on grounds can be verified in SIS.

Students must submit either a DD-214, DD-1300, or active duty orders.

To demonstrate eligibility, documentation must be received by:

• Fall Semester: September 1
• January Term or Spring Semester: February 1
• Summer Session: May 1

Students are responsible for demonstrating eligibility for in-state tuition under the Choice Act.

Questions

If you are an active-duty service member or a veteran who was honorably discharged more than 3 years before your enrollment, please contact the Office of Virginia Status for questions on in-state eligibility.

Documents and questions can be sent to veteransbenefits@virginia.edu.

Additional Facts and Information:

1. A veteran who has been called to active duty from the reserve may not receive a DD214; however, they should and must produce a document that indicates their last separation date (report of separation).
2. The veteran must submit a discharge document (DD214) that states the date of discharge from at least 90 days of active duty and that date must be within 3 years of enrollment. Note: the end of their 90 days of active duty (at least 90) must be within 3 years.
3. Non-paid active duty is not acceptable and should not count towards the total number of active duty days as it relates to the Choice Act.
4. No exceptions should be made. If exceptions are made, we will not be in compliance with the state or federal government.
5. A veteran can obtain discharge papers from archives.gov or can call the National Personal Records Center to obtain required documents.
6. Every person has a DD214 or discharge/separation documents. A certificate does not suffice.
7. UVA does not have the authority to make exceptions (per the Department of Veterans' Affairs) to the requirements but can add additional requirements if they so desire.
8. Veterans who have been separated from active service but have reserve status, either active or inactive, must contact the Reserve Component of their appropriate branch of service for discharge documents.
9. The National Archives' National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) stores records of individual military service pertaining to former service members who no longer have a service obligation. Included are records of veterans who are completely discharged (with no remaining reserve commitment), or who are retired or have died. Records are usually transferred to NPRC within six months after these events. NPRC does not have records of members who are still in the active or inactive reserves or in the National Guard. The records of each military service department on file at NPRC are listed under Location of Military Service Records.
10. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not maintain a record of veterans' military service, except as is necessary for providing benefits. For information about obtaining your military record, please visit the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration.
11. Archives.gov provides documents for everyone or will send them to the appropriate location.
12. Active duty service members can provide a copy of military orders or an official, signed letter from a superior officer confirming military status.

If you are an active-duty service member or a veteran who was honorably discharged more than 3 years before your enrollment, please contact the Office of Virginia Status (vastatus@virginia.edu) for questions on in-state eligibility.

PART THREE: Community Resources

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Resources

Charlottesville Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
~7 miles from University of Virginia

590 Peter Jefferson Parkway
2nd Floor, Suite 250
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Website: https://www.richmond.va.gov/locations/Charlottesville.asp
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 434-293-3890

Richmond, VA Medical Center – (a.k.a Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center)
~ 80 miles from University of Virginia - *potential toll roads*

1201 Broad Rock Blvd
Richmond, VA 23249
Website: https://www.richmond.va.gov/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichmondVAMC
Hours of Operation: 24/7
Phone: 804-675-5000

Salem, VA Medical Center
~ 120 miles from University of Virginia

1970 Roanoke Blvd
Salem, VA 24153
Website: https://www.salem.va.gov/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalemVAMC
Phone: 540-982-2463
Toll free: 888-982-2463

Hampton, VA Medical Center
~ 160 miles from University of Virginia

100 Emancipation Drive
Hampton, VA 23667
Website: https://www.hampton.va.gov/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HamptonVAMC
Hours of Operation: 24/7
Phone: 757-722-9961

Apply for VA Health Benefits

You can apply by telephone, online (https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/), in-person, or by mail.

To get clear on the process go to: https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/apply/application_process.asp

Local Veteran-Affiliated Groups:

Marine Corps League
Bradley T. Arms Detachment #1256
3025 Louisa Road
Keswick, VA 22947
(Same building as the American Legion Post #74)
Website: https://bradleytarmsdetachment.org/
Email: jphilbeard@gmail.com

American Legion
Post #74
3025 Louisa Road
Keswick, VA 22947
Mobile app: https://www.legion.org/mobileapps
Website: https://www.legionpost74.com/
Email: legionpost74@legionpost74.com
Phone: 434-977-1050

Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post #1827
1170 River Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Website: http://myvfw.org/va/post1827/
Email: rlwyman@hotmail.com
Phone: 434-293-4847

Team RWB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teamrwbcharlottesville/
Website National: https://www.teamrwb.org/
Charlottesville Chapter: https://www.teamrwb.org/chapter/team-rwb-charlottesville-va/
**Create a national account first.
Chapter contact: Heather Forbes, Heath.forbes@teamrwb.org

PART FOUR: University of Virginia Military-Related Contacts

* indicates Veteran Status

Office of the University Registrar

Contact Information

The Office of the University Registrar (UREG) is the liaison between students and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for information about using educational benefits.

Mailing Address:

UREG (Office of the University Registrar)
P.O. Box 400203
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4203

Office Location:

Carruthers Hall, South Entrance
1001 N Emmet St
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4833

Phone: 434-924-4122
Fax: 434-924-4156
Email: veteransbenefits@virginia.edu

To learn more about resources available to military-affiliated students, please visit: http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/vabenefits.html

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.