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 ContactLee Parker The Veterans Services' Office (OVS) is the center for all veterans and eligible dependents that are using VA educational benefits to further their education. The office has a professional staff augmented by student veterans to assist in providing information concerning entitlements, filing claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and certifying enrollment at the university. The office also provides counseling for personal and academic concerns, tutorial assistance on request, and referral to various DVA and community agencies. In conjunction with the Registrar’s Office personnel, evaluation of military training for transfer credit is also available. Eligible students must be certified through the Veterans Services to receive DVA educational benefits. All eligible students are urged to consult the VSO early in the UCF admissions process. Veterans’ BenefitsStudents who are entitled to DVA educational benefits must make initial contact with the Office of Veterans’ Affairs. To maintain eligibility for DVA education benefits, students must adhere to the policies and procedures contained in the UCF “Student Veteran Handbook” and DVA rules and regulations. A copy of the “Student Veteran Handbook” can be obtained at the Office of Veterans’ Affairs. Students eligible for DVA education benefits may also be eligible for a VA Deferral of Tuition and Fees. The VA deferment due date is published in the Class Schedule each semester. STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID ADEQUATE TO COVER TUITION AND FEES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS DEFERMENT. For fall and spring semesters, undergraduates must carry at least 12 semester hours for full-time DVA benefits, 9-11 semester hours for three-quarter time benefits, and 6-8 semester hours for half time depending on DVA Chapter. Students intending to enroll simultaneously at UCF and another institution have the option of receiving DVA benefits, but first must consult with the Office of Veterans’ Affairs and obtain a Transient Permission Form from their academic advising office. Veterans and eligible dependents who wish to change their major, or pursue a double major or dual degree, or add a minor may also receive VA benefits but must make arrangements through the Office of Veterans’ Affairs before taking any new courses. This includes a minor in Military Sciences. Note: some majors have room in the program for extra electives that can be filled with courses for a minor or for another major. In order to receive veterans’ educational benefits, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and conduct. Accordingly, benefits will be terminated for individuals who are disqualified, excluded, suspended, or expelled from the university. If reinstated by the university following disqualification, exclusion, suspension, or expulsion, the veteran or eligible dependent must contact the Office of Veterans’ Affairs to have their DVA educational benefits re-started. Individuals placed on academic probation will continue to receive benefits as long as a 2.0 or higher GPA is earned each semester. For students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress, benefits will be terminated once the required semester hours of course work for the program of study are completed, regardless of the GPA or eligibility for graduation. Veterans and eligible dependents may also draw VA benefits during the periods of eligibility while on cooperative education assignments. The recipient may choose to receive benefits at the “co-op rate,” which is approximately 80 percent of the entitled monthly DVA benefit. Payment is received during both the on-campus semester and off-campus work terms. Contact the Office of Veterans’ Affairs at (407) 823-2707 for more specific information on cooperative education. |
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