On Veterans Day and every day, we at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) are honored to serve the higher education needs of our student veterans, who continue to exemplify the spirit of service in civilian life. Our military education coordinators and success coaches understand the needs of vets and are ready to help them get started and succeed in their education.
We also know veterans may have questions as they consider going back to school. Some can be related to Federal challenges, such as the shutdown, and some are related to situations where the different services make changes to the amount of funding or shift the eligibility requirements.
To help address some of those questions, we spoke to two leaders in UMGC’s office of Stateside Military Operations: Kristin Byerly is UMGC’s director of the Veterans Initiatives and Outreach (VIO) office. Her role is to ensure the educational, career, and lifelong needs of our veterans and their families are addressed.ÌýMiCalvin Hammonds is assistant director of vocational rehabilitation in the Veterans Certification Office (VCO). He has more than 10 years of experience and expertise assisting active-duty and veteran students in military-to-civilian transition support.
What are the eligibility requirements for using the GI Bill® for online education?
Hammonds: The eligibility requirements are the same for online and on-site education. To be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, individuals must have at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001, be honorably discharged with a service-connected disability after at least 30 continuous days of service, or have received a Purple Heart for service after September 10, 2001. Benefits can also be transferred to dependents or claimed under the . Other GI Bill® options exist, such as the Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606). For specific questions about your situation, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
What are the differences in GI Bill®* benefits if a student attends classes online versus on-site?
Hammonds: The monthly housing allowance (MHA) for Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients differs significantly depending on a student's enrollment status. For exclusively online schooling, the MHA is based on half the national average basic allowance for housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. For students who take at least one in-person class (which includes hybrid courses), the MHA is based on the BAH rate for the campus location where they attend most classes.
Other factors that contribute to MHA include eligibility percentage and rate of pursuit, which is calculated based on the number of credits you take. Eligibility for any MHA requires a rate of pursuit greater than 50 percent. The updates the allowance amount annually.
Along with online education, UMGC offers hybrid courses at more than 20 locations across the country.ÌýUMGC admissions advisors can show you how you may be able to combine online and hybrid courses so you qualify for the higher dollar amount from your housing allowance.
What other financial options are available specifically for student veterans pursuing online degrees?
Byerly: There are so many opportunities for scholarships and grants, but the first step a student needs to take is to complete the . Often students are apprehensive, since the FAFSA shows whether you qualify for student loans. You do not need to accept these! Rather, completing the FAFSA can open opportunities for grants/scholarships that you may not have been aware of. While not all financial aid requires a FAFSA application, many do, so make sure you read the information carefully.
UMGC also recognizes your service and military education as college-level learning. Eligible student veterans can earn transfer credit for military rank, education, training, and other fast paths to credit.
What is the Veterans Assistance Fund and how does it help military and veteran students?
Byerly: The Veterans Assistance Fund (VAF) was established with a grant in 2016 and has helped student veterans complete their education when Federal financial aid, Tuition Assistance, and VA benefits are unavailable or exhausted. One hundred and seventeen students have received 130 grants totaling more than $230,000. The application process is simple and available online. The VFA can help eligible students overcome that final funding hurdle and finish their degree or certificate program.
What accommodations or resources are provided for veterans with disabilities in online courses?
Hammonds: We encourage students with disabilities to contact the Office of Accessibility Services to discuss academic accommodations. The process involves reviewing medical documentation, academic demands, and program requirements. You can find information and registration forms on our website.Ìý
For further assistance, please email accessibilityservices@umgc.edu or call 240-684-2287.
Our VetSuccess on Campus counselors are dedicated to empowering veterans with disabilities to be successful in their online courses. Our counselors provide tailored academic and vocational guidance to help students successfully complete their education and transition to civilian careers. This support includes expert assistance with VA benefits, healthcare connections, career goal setting, and referrals to essential community and medical resources.
Our VA Counselors are experienced, trained vocational rehabilitation counselors who serve UMGC student veterans by appointment during in-person office hours and online via Zoom. Contact Nicole Julien-Thomas or Lawrence Wright for more information or to schedule.
How can veteran students apply for scholarships aimed at military servicemembers?
Byerly: As stated above, step one is to complete the FAFSA! Institutional scholarships and grants are funds that are provided to eligible students directly by UMGC. Each of these funds has a different process by which students may become eligible, but many don’t require an application other than the FAFSA. Learn more about scholarships at t ºÚÁÏÉçÇø and find out if you qualify.
Donor-funded scholarships are provided by donors who are invested in the success of our students. You cannot apply for these scholarships individually. Rather, students who meet the baseline eligibility criteria for these awards receive an invitation to complete the UMGC Donor Scholarship Application.
What are the pros and cons of using the GI Bill® versus other educational benefits for online degree programs?
Hammonds: For servicemembers and veterans considering online education, the best option depends on your individual needs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Military Tuition Assistance (TA), and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) each offer different benefits for online learning. For guidance to determine the best option for you, please contact the to discuss your specific situation.
Are there specific scholarships available for veterans alongside Military Tuition Assistance?
Byerly: Our VIO also has internal scholarships such as the Student Veteran of the Year and Veterans Initiatives Office Scholarships. If you are the spouse of an active-duty member, you may be eligible for the UMGC-NMFA scholarship, and if you are a full-time caregiver of a veteran, UMGC offers an incredible opportunity with our Pillars of Strength Scholarship.
How can military and veteran students schedule advising appointments?
Byerly: As a global university we need to meet students where they are! That means virtual, on site, on the phone, and even via text message we can help answer your questions and get you on the right path.
The Stateside Military Operations office at t ºÚÁÏÉçÇø uses an online booking tool to schedule advising appointments, student consults, and more. Our military locations are listed on our website, and many allow for walk-ins as well as virtual appointments. Simply find the location nearest to you and click the link to schedule an appointment. No matter the modality—phone, Zoom, email, text, in person—we know the challenge is making the time and we are here to help make this easier for you!
*GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available on the .
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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