1. SAA / VA PANEL DISCUSSION

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Hot Topics Deemed Approved Compliance Surveys Contracted Courses
Changes to VAOnce

18. Questions?