Veterans Assistance

In accordance with PL 115-48 (The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Assistance Act of 2017 (aka the Forever GI Bill® ), Section 302, it has been determined that the school meets the requirements to allow for approval of certain courses taught in whole or in part in an independent study modality.

Early departures, class cuts, tardies, etc., for any portion of a class period will be counted as actual clock-hour time missed. Students who, for any reason, miss more than 20% of the total scheduled course hours in a calendar month are considered to be in violation of the attendance policy and the student will be placed on attendance probation for one (1) month for unsatisfactory attendance. Particular care to maintain good attendance should be taken during months with fewer scheduled days, such as November, December, and the month which Spring Break falls in.   If the student fails to meet attendance standards the following month, her/his unsatisfactory status will be reported to VA via a termination. In order to show that the cause of unsatisfactory attendance has been removed, students must not miss more than 20% of the total scheduled hours in one calendar month after being terminated for unsatisfactory attendance. After such time, the student may be recertified for VA education benefits. The student’s attendance record will be retained in the veterans’ file for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and State Approving Agency audit purposes.

Students receiving VA educational benefits must maintain a minimum cumulative grade average (CGA) of 75% (most Health Science 80%) each semester (term, quarter, semester, evaluation period, etc.).

A VA student whose CGA falls below 75% (most Health Science programs 80%) at the end of any semester (term, quarter, semester, evaluation period, etc.) will be placed on academic probation for a maximum of one consecutive term of enrollment. If the VA student’s CGA is still below 75% at the end of the term of probation, the student’s VA educational benefits will be terminated.

A VA student terminated from VA educational benefits due to unsatisfactory progress may petition the school to be recertified after attaining a CGA of 75% (80% Health Science).

Students must report all education and training. The school must evaluate and grant credit, if appropriate, with the training time shortened, the tuition reduced proportionately, and the VA and student notified.

In accordance with Florida Statute 1009.26(13) and (14), out-of-state tuition and fees shall be waived for covered eligible individuals (Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, 1607, and ToE, or Active-Duty member outside of the state) who meet any ONE of the following:

1. Honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Reserve Forces, and the National Guard.

• Copy of DD214 Certificate of Release
• Proof of residing in Florida
• Additional documentation that may be required

2. Any student who is entitled to and uses education assistance provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs who physically resides in the state of Florida while enrolled as a degree or certificate seeking student. Tuition and fees charged to a student who qualifies for the out of-state fee waiver under this subsection may not exceed the tuition and fees charged to a resident student enrolled in the same program. The waiver will not be granted in this category once VA educational assistance is exhausted or for any term, I do not elect to utilize VA educational assistance

• Copy of VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Proof of residing in Florida
• Additional documentation that may be required

3. Active-Duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States residing or stationed OUTSIDE of the state of Florida who are enrolled as a degree or certificate seeking student. Tuition and fees charged to as student who qualifies for the out-of-state fee waiver under this subsection may not exceed the tuition and fees charged to a resident student enrolled in the same program.

• Proof of Active-Duty status

4. Individual using educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under Chapter 31, Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR & E) who physically resides in the state of Florida while enrolled in the institution. Tuition and fees charged to a student who qualifies for the out of state fee waiver under this subsection may not exceed the tuition and fees charged to a resident student enrolled in the same program. The waiver will not be granted in this category once VA educational assistance is exhausted or for any term, I do not elect to utilize VA educational assistance.

• Copy of VAF 28-1905
• Proof of residing in Florida. This may include but is not limited to copy of Florida driver’s license, Florida identification card or copy of lease
• Additional documentation that may be required If enrolled in a course for the 3rd time, please consult with the Office of Admissions (FS 1009.285)

Chapter 2014-62, Laws of Florida, provides a tuition waiver for recipients of a Purple Heart or another combat decoration superior in precedence.

The tuition waiver is provided to recipients who meet the following conditions:  1) Enrolled full-time, part-time, or in summer school in a program that terminates in an associate or a baccalaureate degree, a college credit certificate, or a career certificate; 2) Is currently, and was at the time of the military action that resulted in the awarding of the Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence, a resident of Florida; and 3) submits to the institution the DD-214 form issued at the time of separation from service as documentation that the student has received a Purple Heart or another combat decoration superior in precedence.

The waiver is applicable for 110% of the number of required credit hours (or equivalent) of the degree or certificate program for which the student is enrolled.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.  This school will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution. However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.