Academic Status of Returning Service Members after Active Deployment
Service members returning from a leave of absence due to active duty deployment will retain their academic standing and may continue their education where they left off if they return to Vermont State University within the terms of the official leave of absence. The university will make reasonable efforts to accommodate students in programs that have quotas, are being phased out, or have been dropped from the curriculum. Students on extended leave may encounter difficulty when program course changes have been made. The student retains the right to use either the degree requirements in the catalog in effect at the time of admission or the degree requirements of any other catalog published during the period of active enrollment.
Veterans Benefits and Transition Act
Pursuant to Section 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, beginning August 1, 2019, for any student using Ch. 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® or Ch. 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, even if the VA has not yet paid tuition and fees, Vermont State University will not:
- prevent enrolling,
- assess a late penalty fee,
- require securing alternative or additional funding, or
- deny access to any school resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) that are available to other students that have paid.
However, Vermont State University will require that such students:
- produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class or VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes,
- provide any additional information needed to properly certify.
GI bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government website.
Veteran Credit
A veteran may be allowed credit for courses or service schools as recommended by the American Council on Education. Active duty service personnel are advised to send a Joint Service transcript to the School Certifying Official. Request your Joint Service transcript.
Enrollment Certification for Veterans and Military Dependents
Veterans, active duty military personnel, and military or veteran’s dependents who qualify for educational benefits should contact the Veteran’s School Certifying Official in the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible after deciding to enroll at Vermont State University.
Military Active Duty Deployment
If a student enlisted in the armed forces is called up to active duty during the semester, they must provide an Associate Academic Dean with a copy of the official orders and, if possible, an indication of the tour’s length. At that point, the student is placed on a Leave of Absence effective to the beginning of the semester; the student’s semester charges are adjusted to zero, any financial aid is returned to the source, and the student is fully refunded any personal payments made to the university. When the student is ready to resume coursework, they must contact the Academic Affairs office to provide notice of intent to return to school.
Exception: If the deployment takes place in the final two weeks of the semester, the student may ask their professors for a grade of “incomplete” and an extension to finish the coursework. In this case, there is no need for financial adjustment.
Vermont Residency
For determination of in-state residency for tuition purposes, see VSC (VT State Colleges) Policy 301 (PDF). Please contact admissions to request an application: Admissions@VermontState.edu.
