Veteran or Family Member
- Research career options, schools and education options to narrow down what you want to do and where you want to go using the tools from the VA at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/get_started.asp
- Do the career quiz using CareerScope.
- Compare VA benefit programs; you may be eligible for more than one and will have to choose.
- Apply to SouthArk. Apply Here!
- You will also need the following:
- Official copies of your high school transcripts or GED scores
- Copy of your childhood immunization records
- Copy of placement test scores (ACT, SAT) or
- you can take the COMPASS in our Testing Center. Ask your adviser for information.
- Copy of your DD214
- Official copies of any other college or military transcripts.
- Meet with an adviser at SouthArk as soon as possible to discuss majors, degree plans, and success strategies.
- Include in your talk any issues or situations that might interfere with your academic success such as work, family, medical visits, injuries and/or disabilities.
- The adviser will refer you to a VA Peer Mentor. Meet with the VA Peer Mentor to discuss some of the processes and review your progress.
- Apply for benefits through VONAPP, Veterans Online Application found on the VA website at: www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal When you are finished, there is a form that you will print out and bring to the VA Rep at SouthArk.
- Apply for Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant, etc.) at: www.fafsa.gov (SouthArk's school code is 013858)
Turn in any additional documents requested by the school or the VA as soon as possible. If you need help finding them or turning them in, let us know.
The VONAPP (Veterans On Line Application) Click on Apply for Benefits and you will be brought here. This is an official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website that enables service members, veterans and their beneficiaries, and other designated individuals to apply for benefits using the Internet.
FIND the VONAPP!
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal
At the top right corner of the page there is a Register button. Click there to set up your eBenefits account.
Or – click on the tab apply for BENEFITS. Here you will find links to eBenefits, VONAPP, Disability and other benefits.
Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application, it will take awhile.
It is helpful to have a copy of your DD214 handy. If you need one, you can find it here http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
| Helpful User Information |
| UserName: |
| Password: |
| Keep this page handy |
Keep your username and password on this page and keep it in a safe place so you will always be able to find it when you need it!
After completing the steps above, bring the following completed documents to the VA representative at SouthArk located in Student Services office;
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- Certificate of Eligibility (or print off application from VONAPP)
Form 22-1990 (new students)
Form 22-1995 (returning students)
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- DD-214/NOBE (Notice of Benefits Eligibility)
IMPORTANT NOTES
You MUST notify your VA Rep of any changes in your schedule. Immediately upon enrolling in classes and/or changing your schedule (adding/dropping courses or completely withdrawing), send or bring a copy of your detailed statement to your VA Rep.
A detailed statement can be obtained from the campus bookstore or the school business office. The VA Rep will certify your classes accordingly. Always keep a copy for your records.
Students receiving benefits under Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must request payment at the end of each month using the following website. https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do Set up your account on WAVE as soon as possible.
We understand the value of your training and experience. Our institution strives to accept military credit for academic credit whenever possible.
Our Registrar reviews all military transcripts to see whether anything can be counted as academic credit. Your adviser will explain the process and provide you with the forms you need.
We also understand that you may have credit from other institutions. We do not want you to have to repeat courses, so we will evaluate any credit that you earned from a regionally accredited university.
Please request your transcript from the following sources and have it sent to the address below:
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- DD214
- Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy Joint Services Transcript (JTS)
- Community College of the Air Force
- Air University
- Dantes/DSST Transcript Order form
- Go to the web address for any institution from which you have taken courses. Search for "Transcript Request" and have it sent to SouthArk.
Send all transcripts, both military and civilian, to the following address:
Office of Admissions
South Arkansas Community College
P. O. Box 7010
El Dorado, AR 71731-7010
Chapter 31
What is the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program?
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress and is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program.
The program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. This includes completing a degree program that will help the veteran do that.
Services that may be provided by the VR&E Program include
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- Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
- Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
- Employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
- Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
- On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
- Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
- Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
- Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities
Go to the VA website for more information.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/
How VA Processes Monthly Educational Benefits
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison_tool.asp follow this link for more information
- Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (MGIB-AD/Chapter 30
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school
- May be eligible for kicker if part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract
- Must certify enrollment with your VA Regional Office at the end of each month, by phone or on-line
- Vocational Rehab and Employment Services (VRE/Chapter 31)
- Tuition and fees paid directly to school
- Books charged through school and paid directly to school
- Monthly stipend to student
- Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
- Tuition and fees paid directly to school
- Book stipend paid to student, $41.67 per credit hour, up to $1000 available from August to August. Payment amounts vary based on the following:
- Payment eligibility rating, a range of 40% to 100%
- Enrollment status, full-time or less
- Monthly housing stipend (BHA/BAH) paid to student. Payment amounts vary based on the following:
- Payment eligibility rating, a range of 40% to 100%
- Enrollment status, full-time or less, and enrolled more than 50% rate of degree pursuit
- Enrolled in all on-line courses, and enrolled more than 50% rate of degree pursuit
- If spouse is currently active duty, not eligible for monthly housing stipend
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program
- (DEA/Chapter 35)
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school
- Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR/Chapter 1606)
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school
- May be eligible for kicker if part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract
- Must certify enrollment with your VA Regional Office at the end of each month, by phone or on-line
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP/Chapter 1607)
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school
- May be eligible for kicker if part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract
- Must certify enrollment with your VA Regional Office at the end of each month, by phone or on-line
To find your VA Regional Office, go to:
http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=3&isFlash=0
Other VA Educational Monthly Benefits Eligibility Policies and Considerations
1. SouthArk Payment Plan: VA checks may take time to process. Students can set up a payment plan to
hold classes until the VA begins to pay.
A. Once classes are scheduled, students can start a payment plan from their student account under
View/Pay Bill
B. Down payments and enrollment fees are processed immediately.
C. Once VA payments begin, students must contact SouthArk's business office to switch payment
options.
2. Students who are receiving benefits under Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must request payment at the
end of each month by using one of the following:
A. By calling 1-(877)823-2378, Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.)
B. Going online at www.gibill.va.gov Click on verify attendance (W.A.V.E.) Tab then create account and submit enrollment for payment. https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do
3. The Veterans Regional Office will not pay for the following:
A. A course that does not pertain to the degree you are seeking
B. On-line developmental (remedial) courses
C. A course already passed at an acceptable level at SouthArk or any other school
Check with your adviser: a grade of "D" may be an acceptable grade for your degree requirement.
4. SouthArk reports regularly to the Veterans Regional Office. If any of the following actions result in your having been paid more than what you are eligible for, you may have to repay the amount in excess of your eligibility:
A. Dropped class
B. Term withdrawal
C. NC (no-credit) grade in a non-developmental course
D. Non-attendance grade (grade of F)
E. Incomplete grade that is subsequently replaced with an NC (no-credit) grade
5. SouthArk also reports the following information to the Veterans Regional Office:
A. Academic probation
B. Suspension
C. Graduation
*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 at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
- Check with your unit for instructions on determining eligibility, benefits, and how to access them.
- Research career options, schools, and education options to narrow down what you want to do and where you want to go using the tools from the VA at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/get_started.asp
- Do the career quiz using CareerScope.
- Compare VA benefit programs; you may be eligible for more than one and will have to choose.
- Apply to SouthArk.
http://www.southark.edu/index.php/home-apply-to-southark- Meet with an adviser to discuss majors, degree plans, and success strategies. Include in your talk any issues or situations that might interfere with your academic success.
- You will also need the following:
- Official copies of your high school transcripts or GED scores
- Copy of your childhood immunization records
- Copy of placement test scores (ACT, SAT) or you can take the COMPASS in our Testing Center. Ask your adviser for information.
- Official copies of other college or military transcripts.
- Apply for Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant, etc.) at: www.fafsa.gov (SouthArk's school code is 013858)
- When information from your unit is returned to you, review your eligibility information. Ask questions if you have any. We will help any way that we can to explain how your benefits will work here.
- Turn in any additional documents requested by the school or your unit as soon as possible. If you need help finding them or turning them in, let us know.
- Additional benefits may be available through state programs. Ask the VA Peer Mentor or representative on campus.
The Arkansas National Guard Tuition Waiver Program (NGTW) is a state-funded award to assist soldiers with their educational expenses.
Application requirements have changed beginning with the Spring 2020 semester.
Applications and submission information is available at https://arkansas.nationalguard.mil/EIB/NGTW/
- A new application must be submitted each semester.
- The application period is 60 days prior to through 30 days after the start of the semester.
NGTW approval process:
- If you are approved for NGTW assistance, the Arkansas National Guard will submit the names of eligible students to the AR Division of Higher Education (ADHE). ADHE will compile the names and send to SouthArk on a roster.
For more information, visit the AR National Guard Education website or call the Education Admin at (501) 212-4045 or the Education Services Officer at (501) 212-4036.
Military OneSource is a confidential Department of Defense-funded program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve Component members, and their families. Information includes, but is not limited to, deployment, reunion, relationship, grief, spouse employment and education, parenting and child care, and much more.
Military OneSource also offers confidential non-medical counseling services on-line, via telephone, or face to face. Eligible individuals may receive confidential non-medical counseling addressing issues requiring short-term attention, including everyday stressors, deployment and reintegration concerns, parenting, grief and loss, and marital problems as well as assistance with financial management, taxes, career services, health and wellness, and other issues. This personalized support is available 24/7 no matter where you live or serve.
Veteran's employment resources. This site provides employment resources for veterans. It includes links to job search sites specific to veterans as well as other tools such as translating military skills into work related skills and creating resumes.
Isakson & Roe Act
Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.
Universities will provide financial information to students using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, U.S.C., or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C. with a College Financing Plan (personalized shopping sheet) that contains:
Estimated total cost of attendance that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and any additional costs. Estimated cost of living expenses.
South Arkansas (SouthArk) Community College’s Financial Aid Office develops an estimate of the Cost of Attendance (COA) that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, transportation, and miscellaneous costs associated with attending SouthArk. Students’ actual costs may vary depending on their unique circumstances. To estimate your cost of attendance before applying, multiply the total amount of the cost of attendance by the number of years to complete your academic program.
Estimates of future costs and aid eligibility are subject to change based on factors that cannot be reliably predicted. Unforeseeable variables could result in a student’s actual costs and aid eligibility being higher or lower than program-length estimates provided.
Amount of costs that are covered by VA Education Benefits (depending on the eligibility of the student) determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
To learn more about what costs are covered by your VA Education Benefits, please visit GI Bill® Comparison Tool: VA.gov
Other types of Federal Financial Aid, not administered by the VA, that is offered by the institution that the individual may be eligible to receive, please visit:
To learn more about the student aid programs available to SouuthArk students, please visit: https://www.southark.edu/pay-for-college/pay-for-college-financial-aid
Estimated amount of Student loan debt
For the estimated amount of student loan debt, the individual would have upon graduation, please visit College Scorecard (ed.gov)
Information regarding graduation rates
https://www.southark.edu/about/about-southarkcc/administration/institutional-research
Information regarding job placement rates for graduates if available
https://www.southark.edu/images/Institutional_Research/Student_Achievement_Information_2022.pdf
Information regarding the acceptance of transfer credits, including military credits
For our transfer credits policy and Credit for Prior Learning, please refer to our catalog.
https://www.southark.edu/images/catalogs/2021-2022/2021-2022_SouthArk_Catalog_FINAL.pdf
Any additional requirements including training, experience, or examinations that are required to obtain a license, certification, or approval for which the course of education prepares the individual.
For comprehensive information about all academic programs offered, including additional requirements such as certification and licensure examinations, please visit our Academics page and select your program of interest.
https://www.southark.edu/academics
Other information to facilitate comparison by the individual about aid packages offered by different educational institutions.
Utilize your College Financing Plan to compare your aid package at SouthArk with other packages offered by different educational institutions. The College Financing Plan is a consumer tool that participating institutions use to notify students about their financial aid package. It is a standardized form that is designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so that they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school.
College Scorecard
College Navigator
Net Price Calculator
GI Bill® Comparison Tool
Schools must maintain policies that:
Inform an enrolled covered individual of the availability of federal financial aid, not administered by VA that is offered by the institution
SouthArk encourages all students to complete the FAFSA. Additionally, information about the types of aid available to SouthArk students is posted on our webpage
https://www.southark.edu/pay-for-college/pay-for-college-financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid
Alert the individual of the potential eligibility for other federal financial aid before packaging or arranging student loans or alternative financing.
Student loans are not automatically packaged with federal aid offers. Students must submit a loan application. They are available in the office, or they may print an application at
https://www.southark.edu/pay-for-college/pay-for-college-financial-aid/financial-aid-forms
SouthArk participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program:
Federal Direct Loan (FDLP). This program enables students to receive low-interest subsidized or unsubsidized loans to finance educational expenses. If a student receives a subsidized loan, the federal government pays the interest while the student is in school, during the grace period, and during periods of deferment. If a student receives an unsubsidized loan, he/she is responsible for the interest on the loan from the time of issue. Payments normally begin six months after the student graduates, drops below half-time, or withdraws from college. Students may be allowed up to 10 years to repay the loan. The amount of each monthly payment depends upon the size of the debt. Repayment schedules are provided by the lender. Aid administrators may refuse to verify a loan application or may reduce the amount of the loan if they document the reason and provide an explanation to the student in writing.
More information regarding the FDLP can be found at:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans
South Arkansas Community College Federal Direct Loan Policy
- To obtain a Federal Direct Student Loan, a borrower must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA – fafsa.gov) and complete his/her Financial Aid File to ensure that all sources of non-repayable aid have been explored.
- Loans for all students will go through the U.S. Department of Education Direct Loan Program
- Complete the Student Loan Application & Certification Form. Also read and sign this Federal Direct Loan Policy and return the form to the Financial Aid Office.
- Verify any previous loan data by logging in to nslds.ed.gov and complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement at https://studentaid.gov/asla/.
- First year, First Time Borrowers (students with less than 30 cumulative credit hours completed): first year, first time borrowers may not collect the proceeds of their first loan disbursement until 30 days after the beginning of the class day of their first semester of enrollment at SouthArk.
- Reduce/Refusal of request: The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to certify a loan amount less than requested by the student or to completely refuse to certify the loan. Also, the student has the right to decline or reduce any loan funds that are certified.
Prohibit automatic renewal of a covered individual in a course and/or programs. Ensure each covered individual approves of the enrollment in a course.
SouthArk requires all students to complete an application for admissions and returning students who have not been enrolled for at least one year, must complete a re-admit application. Once admitted, the student must select and enroll in specific classes/programs each semester either through their MyCampus Portal or by signing a registration form with an advisor. The student is enrolled unless he/she requests to withdraw or is administratively withdrawn for cause.
Allow enrolled members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components and National Guard to be readmitted if such members are temporarily unavailable or must suspend enrollment by reason of serving in the Armed Forces. Accommodate short absences for such services in the Armed forces.
SouthArk allows for students to suspend enrollment for the reason of serving in the Armed Forces. For more specific information, please refer to the course catalog.
https://www.southark.edu/images/catalogs/2021-2022/2021-2022_SouthArk_Catalog_FINAL.pdf
Schools must provide covered individuals with the requirements for graduation and a graduation timeline.
All students are provided with graduation requirements and timeline. Please visit our Academics page and select program of interest. Students may also view a Projected Degree Audit via their MyCampus Portal or obtain a GPS from an advisor. Graduation requirements may also be found in the course catalog.
https://www.southark.edu/academics
https://www.southark.edu/images/catalogs/2021-2022/2021-2022_SouthArk_Catalog_FINAL.pdf
Accredited education institutions agree to obtain approval of the respective accrediting agency for each new course or program.
SouthArk is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). All new courses or programs must be approved by both the HLC and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE).
Schools must designate an employee of the educational institution to serve as a point of contact for covered individuals and family members seeking assistance with
Academic Counseling – SouthArk Advisors; Kathy Reaves, Lead Advisor
Financial Counseling – Veronda Tatum, Dean of Enrollment Management & SCO
Disability Counseling – Vanessa Williams, Director of Counseling and Disability Support Services / Title IX Coordinator
Other information regarding completing a course of education at the educational institution – SouthArk Enrollment Management and Student Success Divisions
SouthArk Shopping Sheet will be sent directly to all identified students enrolled as of the census date of each major term.
National Scholarships and Grants
Imagine America Foundation: Military Award Program
http://www.imagine-america.org/grantsformilitary
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship information:
http://ualr.edu/admissions/vault/Fry_Scholarship.pdf
MilitaryScholar.org: This site offers a scholarship for children of military members.
www.militaryscholar.org
National Military Family Association: This site has useful information for military families as well as a scholarship program for spouses of military members.
www.nmfa.org
Veteran Related Scholarship Information:
http://www.hpu.edu/Military_Campus_Programs/MCP_Docs/Scholarship_info.pdf
Arkansas Specific Scholarships
Arkansas Community Foundation http://arcf.org/Scholarships/OurScholarships/tabid/426/Default.aspx
Arkansas Service Memorial Scholarship Endowment
- $2,500
- Children of Arkansans who lost their lives in service in the state, nation, or community
AT&T War Memorial Scholarship Fund
- $2,500
- Arkansas veterans enrolling full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the State of Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) www.adhe.edu. Application deadline is June 1. By applying at this site, you may qualify for the following:
- AR Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship
- Military Dependents (MDS) Scholarship
- Workforce Improvement Grant
