working with veterans wasfaa - 2011 mike maccallum, phd dean, financial aid, eops, and veterans...

Working with VeteransWASFAA - 2011

Mike MacCallum, PhDDean, Financial Aid, EOPS, and Veterans AffairsLong Beach City [email protected]

The GI Bill

Began after World War II Historically, the first form of financial aid

Extended for Korean Vets Reinstated during the Vietnam era

Vietnam era veterans—retroactive Korean War

After Vietnam, changed to voluntary 1984: Montgomery GI Bill New in August 2009: Post 9/11 GI Bill

Major revisions effective August 2011

General Provisions

36 months of full time benefitsProrated for less than full time enrollment If changing from one separate GI Bill to

another, can receive 48 months of benefitsMust be used within 10 years (15 years

for Chapter 33)May be extended for medical reasons

General Provisions

Monthly payments direct to veteran or dependent

Must be enrolled in an approved program (State approving agency)

Can only be paid for classes required for degree objective Implies the need for an ed planVeterans must follow ed plan exactly

General Provisions

May have to pay money back for withdrawals

Satisfactory progress requirements may be stricter than those of the institution

Chapter 33—The New GI Bill

EligibilityOn active duty since 9/11/01On active duty for 36 months to receive

100% benefitsProrated if less than 36 monthsTime in training doesn’t count

Can switch Chapter 30 to 33, but not backMust enroll more than 50% of full time

At least 7 units in a semester program


TuitionCost of tuition and fees up to the most

expensive in-state, undergraduate, public institution

Schools whose tuition and fees exceed that of the most expensive in-state schools, may participate in the Yellow Ribbon

Schools contribute up to half the remaining feesVA will match dollar for dollarSchools may limit number of participants


Monthly housing allowanceComparable to E-5 with dependents

housing allowance in same zip code as the school

http://www.gibill2008.org/calculator.html


Books and suppliesUp to $1,000 per year, based on 24 units$1,000 ÷ 24 = $41.67 per unit

15 units for fall = 15 x $41.67 = $625.0512 units for spring = $374.95Nothing left for summer


Relocation$500, one time if relocating from highly rural

area

Institutional Eligibility

Must be approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA)

Degree granting or clock hourSubmit 3 catalogs each yearEach program the school offers must be

approvedCC transfer programs approved once,

update when needed

Institutional Responsibilities

Certify veteran’s enrollmentNumber of units enrolledMinus any non-required classesBeginning and ending datesVeteran’s degree objectiveTuition and fees

Report changes to veteran’s enrollmentMonitor satisfactory progress

May differ from that of the school

Changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill

Effective August 1, 2009, but not payable until October 1, 2011Expands the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include

Active Service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the purpose of responding to a national emergency


Effective March 5, 2011Limits active duty members to the net cost

for tuition and fees prorated based on the eligibility tiers (40%-100%) previously established for Veterans.

Same limitations apply to transferee spouses of active duty servicemembers


Effective August 1, 2011Pays all public school in-state tuition feesPrivate and foreign school costs are capped

at $17,500, annuallyThe Yellow Ribbon program still exists for

out-of-state fees and costs above the cap


Effective August 1, 2011Prorates housing allowance by the student’s

rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest tenth)A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75%

would receive 80% of the BAH rateBreak or interval pay is no longer payable

under any VA education benefit unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency, such as a national disaster or strike


Effective August 1, 2011Allows reimbursement for more than one

license or certification testHowever, entitlement is now charged

Allows reimbursement of fees paid to take national admissions exams

(e.g., SAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT)Allows those eligible for both Chapter 31

and 33 to choose the Chapter 33 BAH


Of interest to school certifying officialsReporting fees paid to schools increases

from $7 to $12 and $11 to $15 per student per year

Requires that reporting fees only be used for the purpose of certification

Standard college degree programs offered at accredited public and private-not-for-profit schools are deemed already approved for VA Education Benefits


Of interest to school certifying officialsAllows the VA to use SAAs for compliance

and oversight dutiesAllows VA to disapprove courses


Effective October 1, 2011Allows students to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill

for:Non-college degree programsOn-the-job and apprenticeship trainingFlight programsCorrespondence training

Housing allowance is now payable to students enrolled solely in distance learning

Financial Aid and Veterans

Five points of contact


Five points of contact:Dependency statusContribution from VA educational

benefitsVeteran’sincome questionsIncome reductionDependents of veterans


Dependency status (Question 49)Select “Yes”if:

You have engaged in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or were a member of the National Guard or Reserves who was called to active duty for purposes other than state or training purposes, or you were a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies

And, you were released under a condition other than dishonorable.

There is no minimum amount of time in service as long as it was active duty.


Dependency status (Question 49)Answer “Yes” if you are not a veteran

now but will be one by June 30, 2012 (for 2011/12).

This is less stringent than the VA’s definition of veteran for receiving certain VA benefits.

Students serving in ROTC or currently attending a U.S. military academy are not veterans for financial aid purposes.


Contribution from VA Educational BenefitsEffective 2009/10, veterans benefits

are eliminated fromCongressional need analysis methodology


The 2011/12 FAFSAQuestions 43e (credit)

Combat pay or special combat pay. Only enter the amount that was taxable and included in your adjusted gross income. Do not enter untaxed combat pay.


The 2011/12 FAFSAQuestions 44g (income)

Housing, food and other living allowances paid to members of the military, clergy and others (including cash payments and cash value of benefits). Don’t include the value of on-base military housing or the value of a basic military allowance for housing.


The 2011/12 FAFSAQuestions 44h (income)

Veterans noneducation benefits, such as Disability, Death Pension, or Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and/or VA Educational Work-Study allowances.


Income reductionVeterans who leave the military to

attend school full time and live off their GI Bill may have their EFCs recalculated by professional judgment using projected year or projected school year income.


Dependents of soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11/01Zero EFC for Pell Grant purposes only

If Pell eligible, use zero EFC for all other aid If not Pell eligible, use actual EFC for other aid

2009/10: Emails to colleges2010/11: ISIR DoD match flaghttp://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/110609DODMatch.html

Working with Veterans

VET NET Ally

VET NET Ally

Similar to Safe Zone trainingDeveloped by Marshall Thomas

Associate Director, Learning Assistance Center California State University Long Beach [email protected] Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (1986-1992)

Doctoral dissertation

Definitions

Veteran Combat Non-combat

Service member Active vs. reserve duty

Department of Defense (DoD)OEF/OIFDependent

Why I Joined

Every year about 280,000 people join the military

Service Active Duty Reserves National Guard

Total by Service

Army 67,200 36,000 66,000 169,200

Air Force 28,800 7,200 7,200 43,200

Navy 34,800 9,600 0 44,400

Marines 18,000 4,800 0 22,800

Totals 148,800 57,600 73,200 279,600

Why I Joined

There are many reasons why people join the military

Most people join for a combination of reasons Economic incentives - Career preparation Adventure - Family tradition Patriotism - Rite of passage Change of environment

Military Culture – Boot Camp

Basic training required by all services Physical Mental Emotional

Tailored to the unique needs and characters of each service

The “self” is replaced by the “team” In a society that has few rites of passage Boot

Camp provides one

Military Culture - Terminology

Bulkhead Porthole Deck Chow Mess hall Leave Cover Head/latrine Colors

Military Culture - Customs

Military Culture - Camaraderie

Military Culture

Vocabulary/Language Hierarchical Society

Chain of command

History Customs and courtesies Uniforms Immediate response to orders Physical fitness and ongoing training

Military Culture – After Boot Camp

Life after basic training differs greatly byServiceOccupational specialtyGeographic locationWhether one is in a combat zone

If you met one vet, you met one vet

Military Culture – Duties

Large bases are like cities Each service member performs a role in

his/her city “Three hots and a cot” Pay twice a month Medical/dental benefits Weekends and holidays 30 days paid vacation per year


Service members can be deployed Anywhere Anytime

Continuous training Policing one another It is all about the team, the unit, the mission Plenty of leadership and educational

opportunities


Saluting officers Proper uniform Inspections Colors Ceremonies

Promotion Change of command

Observe the proper chain of command

Military Culture – Getting Out

Becoming a civilianLosing camaraderieGetting a jobGetting dressedFinding housingEatingFinding health and dental care


Being a veteranPride in serviceSilence about serviceA Band of BrothersAn acquired sense of superiority over

those from other services


Becoming a student Choosing a major Selecting classes Studying Questioning authority Being a fellow student

Getting Out – Veterans Needs

CamaraderieRespectAcceptanceMinimize the bureaucracyPatienceAccurate and timely information


TBI and PTSD


Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) incidence30% Vietnam veterans10% Gulf War (Desert Storm)6-11% Afghanistan veterans12-20% Iraqi veterans

PTSD more acute for women veterans


Other issuesSuicide rate—Highest in 30 years (U.S.

Army)Drug and alcohol abuse23% women veterans report sexual assault55% women veterans report sexual

harassmentSource: National Center for PTSD (http://www.ncptsd.va.gov) December 5, 2008


Iraq and Afghanistan veteransMilitary recognizes PTSD existsHas deployed mental health workers in

theater of operationsUnlike Vietnam veterans, current society

has been able to separate servicemen and women from the war

All volunteer military vs. the draftMultiple deployments


Iraq and Afghanistan veteransReturning from an ambiguous military

situationNo safe zonesHard to determine who the enemy isNo resolution or victory in sight

Dehumanization/demonization of the enemyMay be angry and frustratedMore likely to be married, have a family than

Vietnam vets


PTSD symptomsRe-experiencing the trauma

Re-occurring thoughts, dreams, nightmares, flashbacks

Anxiety or fear, feeling in danger againAnger or aggressive feelings

Feel the need to defend oneselfDifficulty controlling emotions

Trouble concentrating, sleeping, thinking clearly


Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)20% of all OEF/OIF combat injuriesMild TBI (80%)

Recovery in a few days to a few monthsNo lasting symptoms

SeverePartial recoveryPermanent disability

Source: Deployment Health Clinical Center (http://www.pdhealth.mil) December 5, 2008


TBI symptomsLight-headed or dizzyBlurred vision, eyes tire easilyHeadaches, ringing in the earsTrouble with memory, attention Impaired decision makingDifficulty inhibiting behaviorSlowed thinking, movingEasily confused


Always be willing to listen Take time, be patient There is great diversity in their experience Don’t assume the worst

Let them know that their service is appreciated Give them the respect they deserve Liaison with the nearest Vets Center, VA

Medical Center, other veterans agencies Liaison with other offices on campus Get them the services they need


Long Beach City College Experiences

LBCC Veterans

Who they are508 students receiving the GI Bill Spring 2010

Montgomery (old) GI Bill (Ch 30) 82Post 911 GI Bill (Ch 33) 306Vocational Rehabilitation (Ch 31) 42Dependents GI Bill (Ch 35)56Reservists (Ch 1606/1607)22

LBCC Veterans

Increase in GI Bill participationFall 2008 298Spring 2009 346Fall 2009 524Spring 2010 588Fall 2010 592

LBCC Veterans

Degree objectives (Spring 2009)AA degree 25.4%AS degree 19.7%Certificate 2.7%Transfer 51.4%Unknown 0.8%

91 different majors reported14 different transfer schools reported

Students by Branch of Service

CSULB data

Working with Veterans at LBCC

Veterans Affairs OfficeFranc Menjivar, FA SupervisorDanielle Panto, Certifying OfficialJose Turner, Adjunct FA CounselorPataVang, MSW Intern (CSUDH)Terri Goldstein, GO Project (DSPS)Javier Villasenor, LBCC CounselorTodd Adamson, Psychologist, US VETS


Core aimCommunication with veteransInterrelationships with LBCC officesWork together with other organizations

for the benefit of the veteransVeterans committee meets weekly


Low turnouts to eventsVets Club meetingsVeterans service fairsEnd of the semester bowling

Commitment to keep trying


Veterans Services Fair—March 2009 About 30 agencies (college and community) Two other CCs and two CSUs 10:00 to 2:00 Practice field at Veterans Stadium Free BBQ lunch and jazz band VA Health Bus Guest speakers About 30 veterans served Emails and letters sent to all LBCC vets Posters sent to all agencies


Veterans Appreciation Day—11/11/10$500 grant from AmVets; $250 from ASBBBQ in the center of campusCampus radio station

Music and open micDisplay boards/honor boardsA few service agencies (minor theme)Served 550 people

Working with Vets--Current Efforts

Establish relationship with CSULBVeterans Affairs--Pat O’Rourke

Mentoring programLeaders Across Campus

Liaison with other LBCC departmentsVet-friendly contacts


Vets Club—Began Fall 2009End of the semester bowling and

pizza partyNetwork with other colleges

Hosted The Road Home May 2010


Updated Veterans websitehttp://va.lbcc.edu

LBCC Veterans FacebookLbccVa

Veteranschallenge coin585 given out in Fall 2010


VA Work Study students helping veteransIntake questionnaire

Help provide specific services to veteransPriority registration flyerWelcome letter from the presidentFlex Day presentation to facultyPriority registration for all veteransWeekly emails

Working with Vets—Future Projects

Very concerned about veterans’ retention and success ratesWeekly orientations beginning Spring 2011Contact veterans who drop out

Veterans brochure or bookmarkProvided to other offices to guide veterans to

the Veterans Affairs Office


Veterans Service Center and study areaOpened March 2011

College orientation class for veteransPlanned for Spring 2012


Servicemember’s Opportunity CollegeAccept CLEP creditGrant credit for service schools using

ACE recommendationsBecome an SOC member

http://www.soc.aascu.org/http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Military_Programs


Organize a Veterans Advisory Committee Veterans service agencies Cal State Long Beach City of Long Beach Villages of Cabrillo VA Hospital Vets Center Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base

There is great support for veterans, now is the time to act

Some Important Websites

Veterans Administrationhttp://www.va.gov/

Vets Centershttp://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp

Information about PTSDhttp://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsphttp://www.iraqwarveterans.org/ptsd.htm

Information about TBIhttp://www.pdhealth.milhttp://www.dvbic.org/

Some Important Websites

Troops to College (CCCCO)http://www.cccco.edu/OurAgency/GovRelations/TroopstoCollege/tabid/601/Default.aspx

Troops to Teachershttp://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/index.asp?Flag=True

For veteranshttp://www.military.com

Changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill (passed 1/4/11)http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/Post911_changes.html

Contact Information

Danielle: [email protected]; 562-983-3932

Franc: [email protected]; 562-983-3956

Mike: [email protected]; 562-983-4683

What to do When a Vet Comes Home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysKAVyXi0J4&feature=related

Questions, Comments, Discussion

working with veterans wasfaa - 2011 mike maccallum, phd dean, financial aid, eops, and veterans...

Documents

gi bill effective

school slide

separate gi bill

new gi bill eligibility

new gi bill relocation

montgomery gi bill new

new gi bill books

summer slide