SAA / VA PANEL DISCUSSION

PANEL MEMBERS SAA Representatives Dan Wellman, NASAA President, IL SAA Director Rob Breeckner, OH SAA Director Chad Schatz, MO SAA Director John Hose, MO SAA VA Representatives Marie George, STL RPO, CELO Carin Anderson, STL RPO, SELR Ben Berck, STL RPO, SELR

State Approving Agencies Originated with the Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1944 GI Bill® of Rights Governor of each state designated a state bureau/department A state entity acting on behalf of the Federal government Advocate for quality and diverse education and training opportunities Pursue activities that strongly encourage use of the GI Bill®. Primary source of assuring institutional accountability with specialized authorization exercising the state’s authority to approve, disapprove, and monitor education and training programs for veterans.

SAA Mission Protecting the GI Bill® Since 1948 Provide approval and oversight activities within a state’s boundaries Protect Veterans and schools from fraud, waste and abuse Validate and approve education courses and programs Oversee educational institutions and ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines Ensure the interest and prerogatives of the State are preserved in both processes

SAA Responsibilities Approvals Evaluate educational programs for approval Provide written evaluations and approvals to the VA and the schools Inspections and Compliance Survey Visits Visit and inspect each active educational institution Confirm compliance for approved courses and programs Technical Assistance Respond to institutional and veteran requests for information and assistance Provide written reports to the DVA

Approvals What type of programs / schools can be approved? Institutions that offer programs that lead to: Formal degree Vocation Professional objective Who to contact to begin approval process? SAA Application for approval from SAA Catalogs Handbooks Policies Teaching locations Mode of instruction

Approvals Types of Approval Initial Approve programs and institutional polices/procedures that underlie and support those programs Revised Updating Adding programs Change in Policies Revision to initial approval

Approvals Foundation for approval/approval criteria Specific mandated federal standards The Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) 38 CFR 21.4253 Accredited courses Required polices – (e.g. – Period of operation, Admission, SAP, Prior Credit) 38 CFR 21.4254 Non-accredited courses Additional required policies – (e.g. – Financial soundness, Fees, Refund policy)

Approvals The role of the certifying official Institution's liaison with the SAA Informs SAA of any changes to approval Conditions for continued approval Catalog/publications must include prescribed policies/information SAP, conduct, dismissal, progress records of veterans Prior credit evaluation, cumulative enrollment records Tuition and fees – veteran and non veteran Advertising Veteran certification files for 3 years after last certification School agrees to enforce all policies

Inspections Visits Inspections Approval/Compliance/VA Requested Ensure compliance with federal and state regulation and SAA policies Establish solid relationships and lines of communication Follow-up to non-compliance with approval criteria Student or Institution compliant

Compliance Visits August 1, 2011, PL 111-377 changed the approval process and responsibilities Collaborate with the VA to provide compliance and oversight services Ensure compliance with all provisions of the laws Assist with correcting deficiency or violation Verify payments made to individuals enrolled If necessary, take action to discontinue benefits Assist certifying official with understanding their responsibilities and the process for certification and maintenance of veteran student files

Technical Assistance Typically requested by school Application for approval Questions with approval or change in approval New certifying official Provide training with certification responsibilities

VA Role GI Bill® is supported and funded by the U.S. Congress Signed into law on June 22, 1944 1984 – Revamped by Gillespie V. Montgomery (MS Congressman) 2008 – GI Bill® updated – enhanced benefits Chapter 33/Post 9/11 Veteran Benefits Administration Delivers the administration of the GI Bill® Benefit Responsible for developing the applications and systems the RPOs need to process education claims

VA Responsibilities VACO – VA Central Office – Education Services Contracts with SAA Provides guidance and instruction to the RPOs Atlanta, Buffalo, St. Louis and Muskogee Disseminated to ELRs and SAAs Assistance for School Officials: SCO Hotline ELR SAA

VA Resources GI Bill® Feedback Tool SCO Hotline SCO Handbook Key information about college affordability and value for beneficiaries SCO Hotline Direct line of communication to the VA for official inquires on student issues. SCO Handbook Collaboration of four RPO’s and Education Service Official source of information for VA Certifying officials. Internet Inquiry System Searchable FAQs Submit a Question VA Sponsored Training AVECO Webinars

Conclusion SAA Primary responsibility and focus Evaluate, approve and oversee schools and training facility to ensure quality programs of education and training that comply with Sate and Federal criteria VA Primary responsibility and focus Administer the GI Bill® and provide guidance and instruction Total “cast of players” involved is significant and distinct Work in partnership to ensure the greatest number of opportunities for quality education and training programs are available to all those eligible, and to delver VA education benefits in an accurate and compassionate manner

Hot Topics Deemed Approved Compliance Surveys Contracted Courses Changes to VAOnce

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