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Veterans and Service Members

supporting our veterans

Western Illinois University has earned the distinction as a "Best for Vets College" by Military Times EDGE magazine and ranks in the top 20 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools serving their veterans and service members. Our designation as a Military Friendly School is clearly evidenced by one of the first dedicated resource centers in the State of Illinois specifically designed to meet the needs of our student veterans and service members.

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 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 service members 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.

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

 

Admission Policy for Veterans and Service Members

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 Form 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 Form 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 semester credit hours Personal Health Promotion (HE 120), 4 semester credit hours Military Science elective, and 2 semester credit hours Kinesiology elective. Veterans who may be eligible to receive 8 semester credit hours must present a Member 4 copy of their DD Form 214 to the Office of Admissions.

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 2 semester credit hours Personal Health Promotion (HE 120), 1 semester credit hour Military Science elective, and 1 semester credit hour Kinesiology elective. A Member 4 copy of the DD Form 214 must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

Credit for Specialized Military Training

Veterans or reservists may be eligible to receive additional transfer credit for specialized military training. 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 is listed below.

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://jst.doded.mil/smart
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 on their website. The completed form may be signed and faxed to (405) 954-7249, emailed to CGI-PF-ed_transcripts@uscg.mil, or mailed to:
Commanding Officer (RO)
USCG Institute
Gunter Annex, AL 36114-3011
5900 SW 64th St., Room 228
Oklahoma City, OK 73169-6991

 

Military Service Activation

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. 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 (DVA) makes all determinations of a student's eligibility for education benefits. Individuals applying for GI Bill benefits should allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks after submitting an application for benefits and all supporting documents 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, 2013, the basic monthly rates for institutional training (for those completing an enlistment of three years or more) are as follows:

Training Time Monthly Rates
Full time $1,648.00
¾ time $1,236.00
½ time $   824.00
¼ time or less $   412.00**

** 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, 2013, the basic monthly rates for institutional training are as follows:

Training Time Monthly Rates
Full time $362.00
¾ time $270.00
½ time $179.00
Less than ½ time $  90.50**

** 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 for Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP) varies depending on the length of the training time and the type of training. Effective
October 1, 2013, the basic monthly rates for institutional training are as follows:

Training Time 90-364 Days 1 Year + 2 Years +
Full time $659.20 $988.80 $1,318.40
¾ time $494.40 $741.60 $   988.80
½ time $329.60 $494.40 $   659.20
¼ time $164.80** $247.20** $   329.60**

** 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. Individuals who may qualify for more than one education program may or may not want to enroll in the Chapter 33 program until exhausting other program benefits. 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. This program provides up to 45 months of educational benefits. Eligible dependents must complete the online Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, VA Form 22-5490, which is available online. The basic monthly rate varies depending on the types of training.

Effective October 1, 2013, the basic monthly rates for institutional training are as follows:

Training Time Monthly Rates
Full time        $1,003.00
¾ time $   752.00
½ time $   499.00
¼ time $   250.75**

** 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 through the DVA. The online application, VA Form 28-1900, is available at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Online Application System. Applicants must contact their Veterans Benefits Administration's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Counselor, who will notify the Billings and Receivables Office of each applicant's eligibility.

First Time Applicants for Education Benefits (Chapters 30, 33, 1606, and 1607)
  1. Complete and submit VA Form 22-1990, Application for 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 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. The Billings and Receivables Office is responsible for submitting class certifications for the GI Bill Education Benefits programs to the Department of Veteran Affairs. 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 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. Contact your Education Officer for specific details. Additional guidelines are available at Military Education Home Page. Approved Tuition Assistance authorizations 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 Illinois Veterans Grant 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. This program is coordinated by 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. This program is coordinated by 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, 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. This program is coordinated by 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 service members are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA. These federal student aid programs are administered and coordinated 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

Disability Resource Center

Western Illinois University is committed to justice, equity, and diversity. Providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities is a campus-wide responsibility and commitment in which the Disability Resource Center (DRC) plays a primary role. The DRC collaborates with faculty and staff to facilitate student inclusion and ensure accessibility to University programs for students with disabilities. Additional contact information is noted below.

Macomb Campus
Disability Resource Center
3300 River Drive - Moline, IL 61265
143 Memorial Hall - Phone: (309) 298-2512
Email: disability@wiu.edu
Quad Cities Campus
Curtis Williams, WIU-QC Admissions
Riverfront Campus • Phone: (309) 762-3999, ext. 62236
Email: CM-Williams11@wiu.edu

 

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 one day every other week at the Veterans Resource Center in Macomb during the academic year. 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.