1. Slide 1 Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators The following is a presentation prepared for MASFAA’s 2009 Conference in Minneapolis, MN October 18-21, 2009 Changes in Veterans Programs and Benefits Steven Frantz, Christopher Halling, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities Donald Pfeffer, Higher Education Veterans Program MN Department of Veterans Affairs

2. Photo by CLC and BSU Student Jason Sather Building a Veterans Friendly Campus Supporting Veterans Reintegration Steven Frantz, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities Donald Pfeffer, Higher Education Veterans Program MN Department of Veterans Affairs Christopher Halling, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities

3. Slide 3 Why Serve Veterans? ”Remember Me” Photo: MN National Guard

4. Fort Minnesota Grand Portage National Monument

5. Role of Guard/Reserve in U.S. Military Strategy Percent of Minnesotans deployed by type of service (‘01-’07) 48% Active Duty –U.S. Average: 72% 52% Guard & Reserve –U.S. Average: 28% 79.8% of MN National Guard members of the 1/34 BCT intended to enroll in college

6. Minnesota: 450,000 Veterans 47,000 Disabled 20,000 Minnesotans deployed; 9/01-10/07 9,700 Active Duty Military 7,000 National Guard Members (Army and Air) 2,300 Army Reserve Members 700 Air Force Reserve 200 Marine Corp Reserve 50 Naval Reserve Each person impacts at least 60 other people DOD Data By the Numbers

7. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Survivors Tuition Program—WWII Vets Upward Bound 1972 SW Asia Vets Program 1991 Active Duty Military, Spouse & Dependent in state tuition 1997 Deployment Policy 1999 Guard On-Line 2003

8. Slide 8 Vision for “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” “Look “em in the Eye!” MG Larry Shellito The Adjutant General of Minnesota

9. Slide 9 Statewide Bi-Partisan and Community Support Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

10. Slide 10 Yellow Ribbon” Task Force –82 members –56 State Agencies –6 Sub-Groups including Higher Education Laws and Policies Reintegration budget Governor’s sub-cabinet Veterans Hotline Job Fairs Motorcycle Safety Training MN Military Family Foundation Family Services Tax changes Law Enforcement Training Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

11. Slide 11 Higher Education Group, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Issues –Admissions –Access to Benefits –Campus Veterans Centers –Faculty/Staff Support –Transfer/Credit for Prior Learning –Facilities to Support Reintegration –Guard Education Contact –Transition/Retention

12. Slide 12 What –Host –Career Planning –Higher Education Planning When –Family Preparedness –Training on bases –Family Readiness –Demobilization on bases –30-Day/MIRT Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Deployment Cycle Support Reintegration Partnership

13. Deployment: From Citizen to Soldier to Warrior 18 to 24 months of Training and Service: SECURITY TO INSECURITY SAFETY TO DANGER LAW TO LAWLESSNESS COMFORT TO DISCOMFORT TRUST TO MISTRUST COOPERATION TO SURVIVAL “US” TO “ME” ORDER TO CHAOS

14. Deployment Insecurity Danger Chaos Lawlessness Mistrust Survival How does it feel?

15. Returning Home 300 Hrs From Combat INSECURITY TO SECURITY DANGER TO SAFETY CHAOS TO ORDER LAWLESSNESS TO LAW DISCOMFORT TO COMFORT MISTRUST TO TRUST SURVIVAL TO COOPERATION ‘ME’ TO ‘US’ “Warrior to Soldier to Citizen” Photo: Sgt. Lynette Hoke, MN National Guard Public Affairs

16. Returning Home: Family Members Control Issues Household Management Parenting Budgeting Relationship Issues Living with a “Stranger” Inability to Work/Attend College How does everyone “Fit In” “Self Worth” Issues Emotional/Physical Health Issues Anger issues Guilt Financial Issues

17. Critical Challenges in Returning Home Redefine self: new hopes and dreams Overcome Alienation from Family and Society Move from Simplicity to Complexity Replace War with Another High Move Beyond War and Find Meaning and Find Meaning in Life in Life Come to Peace w/Self, Spirituality and Spirituality and Others Others

18. Slide 18 Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies Higher Education Fairness Protections Higher Education Veterans Assistance Minnesota GI Bill Guard member & spouse tuition reimbursement –Application fee waiver –Residency policy –Tuition deferral policy –Credit for prior learning policy –Use ACE Guidelines (credit) –Deployment policy

19. Slide 19 Higher Education Fairness Act, M.S. 197.775 MN State Colleges & Universities must use ACE guidelines; others encouraged Veterans pay in-state undergraduate tuition rates at MN State Colleges & Universities and University of Minnesota; Some restrictions on graduate credits. Delayed Payment of Tuition while waiting for benefits; no late fees; no late charges; no denial of current or future semester registration Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies

20. Slide 20 Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies Protections, M.S. 192.502 & System Procedure 5.12.1 Deployment and Medical Absence Policy No Adverse impact Options: –Withdraw from classes; full refund credit of tuition and fees –Incomplete; allowed to finish course upon return. –Complete the course for full credit: by arrangement or receive grade if sufficient work has been completed

21. Slide 21 Minnesota GI Bill, M.S. 197.791 Active duty since Sept. 11, 2001or 5 consecutive years Guard/Reserve MN resident; MN college/university Maximum benefit: –$1K/semester (full-time) –$3K/fiscal year –$10K lifetime “Last Dollar In:” Cost of attendance minus Aid and Benefits For information: www.getreadyforcollege.org/military www.getreadyforcollege.org/military Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies

22. Slide 22 Higher Education Veterans Assistance, M.S. 197.585 Authority and funding for campus veterans assistance staff from MN Department of Veterans Affairs Each public campus shall provide adequate space Veterans Friendly Campuses: Laws and Policies

23. Slide 23 Higher Education Veterans Programs Created by MDVA in 2006 to - ASSIST MN Public Colleges and Universities to: –Create on -campus Veterans Resource Centers –Develop “veterans friendly” policies/procedures –Coordinate on/off campus veterans higher education information and services for students –Private Colleges Encouraged to Participate

24. Slide 24 Higher Education Veterans Programs Twelve Regional Coordinators 57 Campus Veterans Resource Centers 5,300 Individuals Served in 2008 College and Community Training Reintegration Activities

25. Slide 25 MyMilitaryEducation.org

26. Guard/Reserve Member Education Benefits Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve for Non-Deployed members  Eligible Service Members receive maximum of 36 months of benefits for full time study ($329.00 per month).  14 years to use this benefit from date of graduation from Basic and Skill training.  Three Main Eligibility Criteria:  6Yr Contract  High School Diploma or Equivalent  IADT (AIT/OBC) Graduation

27. Guard/Reserve Member Education Benefits Chapter 1607 - Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Deployed Members  Payment based on a percentage of Active Duty Chapter 30 GI Bill.  Amount paid based on number of days deployed.  No time limit, if on active drilling status with unit.  Maximum benefit is 36 for months of training.  Monthly full-time rates (August 1, 2009): - Service of 90 days but less than one year: $528.40 - Service of 1 year +: $792.60 - Service of 2 years +: $1056.80

28. Slide 28 Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Overview The Post-9/11 GI Bill consists of three components: –Tuition & fee payment Paid directly to the institution. In Minnesota, pays up to $326/credit for tuition & $4,359/term for fees (’09) Additional expenses may be covered at participating Yellow Ribbon institutions –Housing stipend Paid directly to the student based on the zip code of the institution Equivalent to the BAH rate for an E-5 w/dependents Must be training at greater than ½ time and have at least one course on-campus to qualify for the housing stipend –Books & supplies Paid directly to the student Prorated to about $42/credit up to $1,000/year

29. Slide 29 Basic Eligibility Requirements Active service after September 10, 2001 –At least 90 days (entry & skill training excluded for 24 mo. or less) –30 days if discharged due to service connected disability –Cumulative post-9/11 active service determines % of benefit Make an irrevocable election of Chapter 33 and relinquish eligibility for one other qualifying benefit (if applicable) Eligible veterans have 15 years from date of eligibility/discharge to use 36 months of benefit No buy in is required

30. Slide 30 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Levels Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable (post-9/11) At least 36 cumulative months (incl training time): 100% At least 30 cumulative months (incl training time): 90% At least 24 cumulative months (incl training time): 80% At least 18 cumulative months: 70% At least 12 cumulative months: 60% At least 6 cumulative months: 50% At least 90 cumulative days: 40% At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability: 100% *Percentage applies to each component (tuition, housing, books)

31. Slide 31 Combination With Other VA Benefits For those eligible for MGIB-AD (CH30) –Normally, the months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be equal to the number of months of entitlement remaining under MGIB-AD. However, if all MGIB-AD benefits are used before electing Post-9/11 GI Bill, students may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For those eligible for MGIB-SR (CH1606) and/or REAP (CH1607) –Generally, individuals who are eligible for more than one benefit may use a maximum combined total of 48 months of benefits –For example: If you have used 20 months of benefits under REAP, you may be eligible for 28 months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill

32. Slide 32 Combination With Non-VA Education Benefits The Post-9/11 GI Bill is not the best option for everyone For those with the following circumstances/benefits, CH1607 or CH30 may be more beneficial than changing to the Post-9/11 GI Bill: –Less than 100% of CH33 rate, part time and/or online students –Federal Tuition Assistance –State Tuition Reimbursement –Dislocated Workers Program Changes to FTA & STR are expected, but have not yet been announced. It is uncertain at this time how these benefits might impact CH33. Electing the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a permanent decision

33. Slide 33 Application process Updated 22-1990 or VONAPP –If eligible for other chapters, make an irrevocable election –Supply the VA with any supporting information: DD214, orders, kicker agreement, etc Applicant will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) which lists the percentage and number of months of entitlement Bring copy of COE to campus certifying official School will certify once registered for classes

34. Slide 34 Additional Considerations Kicker/College Fund will be paid as a lump sum/semester One-time reimbursement of up to $2,000 for approved licensing or certification tests Tutorial assistance of up to $1,200 ($100/mo.) Work study allowance will be available similar to other chapters Schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program are posted at www.gibill.va.govwww.gibill.va.gov Veteran must be at 100% level to use Yellow Ribbon Program

35. Slide 35 Additional Considerations Eligible veterans must carefully weigh their options before choosing Chapter 33! Ask for help-  Contact a Higher Education Veterans Programs Regional Coordinator at www.MyMilitaryEducation.org  The Federal VA site at www.gibill.va.gov Repayment of all benefits will occur if veteran or family members do not successfully complete coursework!

36. Slide 36 Why Veterans struggle in College? Do not feel welcome Want to be with others who speak “their language” Lack of personal support Too much “Confusion” “Unfriendly” policies and procedures Lack of Funds; Benefits slow to arrive Credit Transfer What have we learned? Veterans

37. Slide 37 37 Suggestions from Veterans “Each of us is an individual. We may have seen heavy combat or sat in an office all of the time. DO NOT assume that you know my politics or beliefs because I was in the military. Listen to me. I may or may not be ready to talk about experiences yet, but I have a story to tell when I’m ready. Being friendly and listening goes a long way toward gaining trust. I might have a hard time with trust.

38. Slide 38 38 Suggestions from Veterans o “We are accustomed to being successful and may be too proud to ask for help o DO NOT be afraid of me. Getting to know me and being able to identify issues might help and may make me feel welcome.” o Let us know when you see us struggling and o ffer assistance o Hold us to the same standard as other students. o The military held us to a high standard. o We know pressure o We expect to be challenged We will succeed and even excel”

39. Slide 39 Create welcoming & “safe” environment Create campus veterans center Provide accurate and timely information Campus leadership for veterans services Create A network of support on campus Develop Tuition Policies Transfer credit Become Servicemember Opportunity College Campus veterans leadership opportunities What campuses can do

40. Slide 40 “Make Your Campus A Safe Landing Place”

41. Slide 41 For more information contact: Steven Frantz, Ed.D, Office of the Chancellor, MN State Colleges and Universities Steve.frantz@so.mnscu.edu Resources Available: MN State Colleges and Universities System Policies: www.mnscu.edu/board/policy/index.html Minnesota Statutes: www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/pubs/ Other Resources www.MyMilitaryEduction.org www.gpsLifeplan.org/MnSCUmilitary www.veterans.mnscu.edu Donald Pfeffer, MA, Higher Education Veterans Program MN Department of Veterans Affairs dpfeffer@clcmn.edu