Veterans/Eligible Dependents
Indian River State College is approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans Training to provide training under the various education laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The new Post-911 G.I. Bill provides expanded education benefits for qualified veterans who have served in the military after September, 11, 2001. It is important that veterans and eligible dependents who plan to attend IRSC apply early through the Veterans Affairs Office on the IRSC Main Campus so that certification of eligibility may be obtained from the VA Regional Office. It is the individual’s responsibility to make sure that he/she meets all of the eligibility requirements and understands the regulations and policies that govern the VA Education Benefits program.
In order to receive full-time education benefits, veterans/eligible dependents must enroll full-time in each term. Full-time is defined as at least 12 semester hours during the Fall and Spring semesters, and for at least 6 semester hours during each of the Summer sessions. If fewer credit hours are attempted, benefits are generally reduced proportionately.
Students receiving VA Education Benefits must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 to continue their eligibility. If a student’s CGPA falls below 2.0, the student will be given two consecutive probationary periods to re-establish a 2.0 CGPA. A student’s VA Education Benefits will be terminated if the CGPA remains less than 2.0 at the end of the second probationary period. Students may be recertified for VA Education Benefits when their CGPA again reaches 2.0.
Non-degree students who fail to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress are not permitted to continue enrollment in the program and would not, therefore, be certified as eligible to receive VA Education Benefits.
A veteran/eligible dependent’s enrollment status must be certified to the VA for each enrollment period. It is the individual’s responsibility to report to the IRSC Veteran’s Office all changes in the number of credit hours he/she is enrolled in or any other change in status. Students should allow at least 45-60 days for paperwork to be processed prior to receiving the first benefit payment.
Students in vocational clock-hour programs are expected to attend all class sessions. Students receiving VA Education Benefits should note that excessive absences will result in termination of benefits. Absences totaling more than 10% of the total hours for the enrollment period will result in the student's termination from receipt of VA Education Benefits.