Veteran Affairs
Veterans Benefits
Certifications for benefits are processed under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Students eligible for VA benefits should either report to Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for Veterans Affairs, Room 109, Abrams Hall, telephone at (318) 473-6423, or submit an electronic application at www.gibill.va.gov. This includes those entitled to Chapter 30 (new GI Bill), Chapter 32 (VEAP), Chapter 34 (Old GI Bill), Chapter 35 (Survivors of Disabled Veterans) and Chapter 1606 (Reservists GI Bill).
Students are required to keep LSU Alexandria and the Veterans Administration advised of registration of classes, address, major changes and class schedule changes. All students who are receiving either the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty or Selected Reserve must now verify their enrollments monthly to receive payments. This verification can be done either by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at www.gibill.va.gov or by using an automated telephone system (IVR) at 1-877-823-2378. Additional information and counseling can be secured from the Veterans Affairs Office.
Before Applying for VA Educational Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) requires each applicant for VA Educational Benefits be formally accepted to an approved curriculum (Program of Study) before initial certification of attendance can be sent to the DVA. Normally, formal acceptance is achieved by completion of the following:
- First time user of V.A. benefits must complete the Application for V.A. benefit. Electronic Application: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/about_vonapp.asp
- LSU Alexandria admissions application for the program you are attempting to attend (this should be completed and submitted before any other steps are taken).
- Submission of official high school transcripts, official copies of GED scores or Adult High School diploma (if required).
- Submission of official transcripts from all other institutions attended. The V.A. requires transfer students to submit an evaluation of all transcripts, showing how many transfer credits will be accepted towards LSU Alexandria program. This form is available in the Office of Financial Aid
- Any other documentation required by the program you are applying for.
- Submission of the V.A. Data form - each semester. It must be signed, completed and turned in to Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Letter to XDVD Students
We are in receipt of a directive from the State of Louisiana Office of the Governor Department of Veterans Affairs concerning the State Aid Program for Survivors’ and Dependents’ of Veterans (Chapter 35). Louisiana State Law Title 29; Sections 288–290 states that “the student must attend school full-time and maintain the academic and other standards established by the school.
Please note that beginning Fall 2005 semester, to be eligible for the State Aid Program for Survivors’ and Dependents’ of Veterans, a student must maintain full-time status and make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). If anytime before the 15th day of class a student drops below full-time status, their state exemption will be cancelled, notice sent to Accounting Services and the student will be billed for the tuition.
Beginning at the end of the Fall 05 semester, each student’s record will be reviewed for SAP (This includes transferring students and student who have never used the exemption before). When a student fails to make satisfactory academic progress at the end of each semester, they will not be eligible for the state exemption until the necessary requirements have been met. A student will have the opportunity to appeal the decision if they feel the action is unjustified. They would need to submit a letter of appeal to Financial Aid and Scholarships explaining thoroughly what happened and what has been done to rectify the situation. Documentation such as a statement from your physician or employer, legal paperwork and etc. should be attached.
If you have any questions, please call (318) 473-6423.
Sincerely,
Financial Aid and Scholarships
For further details on hours that must be passed to make satisfactory academic progress please view the XDVD Students PDF
For the Chapter 35 XDVD Exemption Appeal Form download the Chapter 35 XDVD Appeal Form PDF.