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Veterans and Military Personnel

supporting our veterans

The Veterans Resource Center is committed to assisting those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, and their family members. In collaboration with an array of University departments and community organizations, the Veterans Resource Center provides coordinated services and resources in a one-stop location to ensure that all military service members are afforded the greatest opportunities for success.

Veterans and military personnel may receive individualized assistance in completing request forms such as educational and military transcripts; and applications for the G.I. Bill, Illinois Veterans Grant, Illinois National Guard Grant, Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship, Federal Tuition Assistance, and Federal Student Aid programs. Additional services may include help with periods of military activation and deployment; obtaining appropriate housing accommodations; requesting military records; and acquiring community living information, outreach services, and health benefits.

Students attending the Macomb Campus may contact Kathy Meyers, Veterans Resource Center, located at the Wright Residence, 333 Ward Street, Macomb, IL, (309) 298-3505. Students attending the Quad Cities Campus may contact Curtis Williams, QC Admissions Office, 3561 60th Street, Moline, IL, (309) 762- 9481.

Register with the Western Illinois University Veterans Resource Center if you are a veteran or military personnel. We want to make sure that we provide you with important University services, programs, and updates.

Admission Policy for Veterans and Military Personnel

Veterans returning from at least one year of active military service who have received an honorable discharge will be admitted to Western Illinois University without regard to previous academic performance provided Western is the first school the veteran attends after leaving the service. Applicants in this category are required to have graduated from a recognized high school or to have earned a High School Equivalency Certificate. Applicants who have earned 0-23 credit hours at the college level must submit official high school transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable). Applicants who have earned 24 or more credit hours at the college level must submit official copies of college transcripts. Veterans must also submit a Member 4 copy of their DD-214 to the Office of Admissions, 115 Sherman Hall (309) 298-3120. Additional admission information is available at Undergraduate Catalog-Western Illinois University.

Admission Procedures for Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP)

ConAP is a program for students who are planning to enlist directly into military service after high school or community college. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Recruiting Command and the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, this program allows individuals to seek admission to a college or university at the same time they enlist in the Army or Army Reserve. Enrollment is deferred until completion of active military service. The student must meet admission and degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment in classes at Western. In addition, veterans must submit a Member 4 copy of their DD-214 to the Office of Admissions. Enrollment of a ConAP student who has attempted college coursework elsewhere is subject to academic performance standards stated in the catalog. A ConAP student receiving less than an honorable discharge must meet regular freshman and/or transfer admission requirements. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions, 115 Sherman Hall, (309) 298-3120.

Credit for Military Training

Veterans who have served one full calendar year (or more) full-time active duty and received an honorable discharge may be awarded 8 semester credit hours toward their degree. The 8 semester credit hours include 2 credit hours Personal Health Promotion (HE 120), 4 credit hours Military Science elective, and 2 credit hours Kinesiology elective. Veterans in the National Guard or Reserves with less than one year of continuous active service may be awarded 4 semester hours toward their degree. The 4 semester hours include 1 credit hour Personal Health Promotion (HE 120), 2 credit hours Military Science elective, and 1 credit hour Kinesiology elective. Veterans who are eligible for either 4 or 8 semester credit hours must turn in their Member-4 copy of their DD-214 to the Office of Admissions.

Veterans or reservists may be eligible to receive additional transfer credit for specialized military training in accordance with recommended standards outlined by the American Council on Education (ACE). One of the following applicable documents must be submitted to the Office of Admissions, Sherman Hall 115, to receive this credit. Unofficial copies or transcripts printed from the Internet cannot be accepted. Information describing how to obtain an official AARTS, SMART, CCAF, or Coast Guard transcript follows.

AARTS - Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve

An official copy of the AARTS transcript request form may be obtained at the AARTS Operation Center.

SMART - Marine Corps and Navy

An official copy of the SMARTS Transcript request form may be obtained online at https://smart.navy.mil/smart/welcome.do .

CCAF - Air Force

The Community College of the Air Force transcript request form is located at CCAF-Virtual Education Center, or by writing:

CCAF/DESS
100 South Turner Blvd
Gunter Annex AL 36114-3011

USCG - Coast Guard

The Official USCG transcript request form may be obtained at the Veterans Resource Center or can be obtained on their website.  The completed form must be signed and faxed to (405) 954-7249.

Military Service Activation

The Policy on Military Service states that students who, during the course of an academic term, are called into active military service, including National Guard and Reserve, and are not in attendance at the end of the term, will be considered to be a case of extreme hardship. Students who have been activated should notify the Office of the Registrar as soon as possible of their situation. Upon proper notification and submission of active duty orders, eligible students may receive special consideration for tuition and fee refunds and/or course credit options. The Policy on Military Service is available online. For additional information, contact the Office of the Registrar, 110 Sherman Hall, (309) 298-1891.

Veterans Education Benefits - GI Bill

The Department of Veterans Affairs makes all determinations of a student's eligibility for education benefits. Individuals should allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks after an application for benefits and all supporting documents have been submitted to the DVA before receiving notification of eligibility.

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty) - Educational assistance is available to individuals who have an honorable discharge and meet additional eligibility criteria as determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). This program provides up to 36 months of educational benefits. Generally, benefit entitlement ends 10 years following the release from active duty.

Effective October 1, 2011, the basic monthly rates for institutional training (for those completing an enlistment of three years or more) are as follows:

Full time $1,473.00
¾ time $1,104.75
½ time $736.50
¼ time or less $368.25**

** Payment is for tuition/fees only and cannot exceed the amount listed above.

Chapter 1606 Educational Assistance (Selected Reserve Program) - Educational assistance is available to individuals who are members of the Selected Reserve, which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. This educational assistance is also available to members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Reservists may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of educational benefits. Generally, benefit entitlement ends 14 years from the date of eligibility for the program.

Effective October 1, 2011, the basic monthly rates for institutional training are as follows:

Full time $345.00
¾ time $258.00
½ time $171.00
Less than ½ time $86.25**

** Payment is for tuition/fees only and cannot exceed the amount listed above.

Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP) - Educational assistance is available to individuals who are members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security will determine who is eligible for this program.

The basic monthly rate varies depending on the length of the training time and the type of training. Effective October 1, 2011, the basic monthly rates for institutional training are as follows:

Training Time 90-364 Days 1 Year + 2 Years +
Full time $589.20 $883.80 $1,178.40
¾ time $441.90 $662.85 $883.80
½ time $294.60 $441.90 $589.20
¼ time $147.30** $220.95** $294.60**

** Payment is for tuition/fees only and cannot exceed the amount listed above.

Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill - Financial support is available for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. While the Post-9/11 GI Bill expands the number of people who qualify for education support from the VA, individuals who may qualify for more than one education program may or may not receive the greatest benefits through the Chapter 33 program. Prior to applying for education benefits, each potential applicant is encouraged to complete a thorough benefit comparison of eligibility through each program because the decision to apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is irrevocable. To obtain additional information, visit U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Department of Veterans Affairs representatives may be consulted to discuss benefit eligibility by telephoning (888) GI-BILL-1 or (888) 442-4551.

Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) - Educational assistance is available to eligible dependents of certain veterans and may provide up to 45 months of educational benefits. Eligible dependents must complete the online application for Dependent's Educational Assistance, VA Form 22-5490, which is available online. The basic monthly rate varies depending on the types of training.

Effective October 1, 2011, the basic monthly rates for institutional training are as follows:

Full time $957.00
¾ time $718.00
½ time $476.00
¼ time $239.25**

** Payment is for tuition/fees only and cannot exceed the amount listed above.

Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation - Veterans with a service connected disability may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services by the DVA.
The online application, VA Form 28-1900 is available at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Online Application System. These individuals must contact their Veterans Benefits Administration's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Counselor, who will notify the Billings and Receivables Office of each veteran's eligibility.

First Time Applicants for Education Benefits (Chapters 30, 33, 1606, and 1607)

  1. Complete and submit VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Educational Benefits online at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Online Application System.
  2. Complete B/R GI Bill Information page (located on STARS) every semester benefits are to be received.
  3. Students receiving Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty), Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Program), and Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance) benefits must verify their enrollment the last day of each month (or after) with the DVA by calling (877) 823-2378 or online at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - WAVE.

Previous Recipients of Education Benefits (Chapters 30, 33, 1606, and 1607)

  1. Complete B/R GI Bill Information page (located on STARS) every semester benefits are to be received.
  2. Students receiving Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty), Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Program), and Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance) benefits must verify their enrollment the last day of each month (or after) with the DVA by calling (877) 823-2378 or online at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - WAVE.

Previous Recipients of Education Benefits Transferring to Western (Chapters 30, 33,1606, and 1607)

  1. Complete and submit VA Form 22-1995, Change of Program/Change in Training online at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Online Application System.
  2. Complete B/R GI Bill Information page (located on STARS) every semester benefits are to be received.
  3. Students receiving Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty), Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Program), and Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance) benefits must verify their enrollment the last day of each month (or after) with the DVA by calling (877) 823-2378 or online at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - WAVE.

The Billings and Receivables Office, 106 Sherman Hall, is responsible for submitting class certifications for the GI Bill to the Department of Veteran Affairs. The telephone number is (309) 298-3147.

Academic Reporting

In addition to certifying the class schedule, the Billings and Receivables Office is required to report changes, such as when a student drops below full-time, three-quarter time, half-time, or one-quarter time, receives an unsatisfactory non-punitive grade, is academically dismissed, or is suspended.

Concurrent Enrollment

If a student is obtaining his or her degree at Western and is completing a course at another institution, he or she may be eligible for GI Bill Education Benefits. Consult with the Billing and Receivables Office at (309) 298-3147 to complete the specific procedures for eligibility determination. Completion of a new Application for VA Education Benefits or a Change of Program/Change in Program may cause a delay in receipt of DVA payments.

Additional Financial Assistance Programs

Tuition Assistance - Members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard may be eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA). Each branch of the military establishes its respective criteria. Military members must initiate the Tuition Assistance application process. Additional information and on-line application materials are available at Military Education Home Page. Approved Tuition Assistance forms must be submitted for processing to the Billing and Receivables Office, 103 Sherman Hall, (309) 298-1295.

Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) - Veterans who have served at least one year of federal active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States; or served on federal active duty service in a foreign country during a time of hostilities in that country and were honorably discharged after each period of federal active duty service; and/or are honorably serving may be eligible for the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program. Any member of the Illinois National Guard or a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States who meets the eligibility requirements is considered a qualified applicant for the IVG Program. Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an IVG program application if they anticipate attending college at any point in the future. While program eligibility can be confirmed for qualified applicants at any time, funds will be disbursed only for terms in which eligible participants are enrolled at an Illinois public college or community college. Applicants are responsible for meeting all deadlines as specified by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

The IVG pays eligible tuition and mandatory fees. Veterans who qualify for both the Illinois Veteran Grant and the Montgomery G.I. Bill may receive benefits from both programs during the same academic year. For additional eligibility criteria, or to apply for the Illinois Veteran Grant, a printed application may be obtained at the Veterans Resource Center or can be downloaded at College Illinois. The campus contact for the Illinois Veteran Grant is located in the Financial Aid Office, 127 Sherman Hall, (309) 298-2446.

Illinois National Guard Grant (ING) - Members of the Illinois National Guard may be eligible to receive the Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant. This grant may pay for eligible tuition costs and certain fees for undergraduate or graduate study. The ING Grant can be used for a maximum of the equivalent of four academic years of full-time enrollment. Illinois National Guard Members may complete an online application at College Illinois. Applicants are responsible for meeting all deadlines as specified by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The campus contact for the Illinois National Guard Grant is located in the Financial Aid Office, 127 Sherman Hall, (309) 298-2446.

MIA/POW Scholarship - The dependent of a person who was an Illinois resident at the time he/she entered active duty and has been declared to be a prisoner of war, missing in action, dead as a result of a service-connected disability, or disabled with a 100 percent disability as the result of a service-connected cause as recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Department of Defense, the dependent may be eligible to receive the MIA/POW Scholarship. This scholarship may be used at public colleges in Illinois, and is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. The campus contact for the MIA/POW Scholarship is located in the Financial Aid Office, 127 Sherman Hall, (309) 298-2446.Additional information, as well as an application, is available at Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

Federal Student Financial Aid - There are various federal financial aid programs available through the U.S. Department of Education including the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, College Work-Study, and Stafford Student Loans. All veterans and military personnel are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA. These programs are administered by the Financial Aid Office, 127 Sherman Hall, (309) 298-2446.

Western Illinois University does not make any eligibility determinations as to the receipt or dollar amounts of any funds received by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, or the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional Resources

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs has a Veteran Service Office located in the National Guard Armory at 135 W. Grant Street in Macomb. The office hours are 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM each weekday. In cooperation with the Department of Veterans' Affairs, a Service Officer will maintain office hours at the Veterans Resource Center in Macomb every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Service Officers will assist veterans with any VA concern including; but not limited to, VA medical care applications and applications for service-connected disability compensation. The telephone numbers are (309) 837-5838 or (309) 836-2243.