Veterans & Military Policies
Veterans Benefits Transition Act Policy
MCC will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website at www.ebenefits.va.gov, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
MCC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, or any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
In addition, MCC requires the covered individual to take the following actions:
Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education.
Submit a written request to use such entitlement.
Provide additional information necessary for the proper certification of enrollment by the educational institution such as:
Chapter 31 - Veteran Readiness & Employment - Request to Utilize Form - DD214 - Form 28-1905 - CC ROI - Student Contact Information Form
Chapter 33 - Post - 9/11 GI Bill® Benefits - Request to Utilize Form - DD214 - Student Contact Information Form - Certificate of Eligibility
All forms are located in the Financial Aid Office on the Sidney campus.
MCC will require additional payment for the amount that is the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.
Chapter 30 & Chapter 1606 Information
Verification of Attendance, Change in Enrollment or Failing Grade
Veterans and dependents receiving educational benefits must verify monthly enrollment. Any change in enrollment or attendance during the semester must be immediately verified by going to W.A.V.E. (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment). Failure to do so could result in an overpayment, which the VA will require the student to repay. VA regulations state that any reduction in rate due to withdrawal from a class is effective retroactive to the beginning of the semester unless mitigating circumstances are documented. Mitigating circumstances are those which are normally, but not necessarily, beyond the student’s control.
Students receiving VA benefits who receive a failing grade must notify the VA Office of the last date of class attendance. Failure to provide the last date of attendance will result in the VA being notified that the last date of attendance was the first day of the semester.
Earned Credits
If students have previously drawn educational benefits, a “Request for a Change of Place and/or Program” (form 22-1995) must be filed. An official transcript from other colleges must be sent to MCC for evaluation of credit as soon as possible. Benefits can be suspended if credits granted for previous training are not reported to the Veterans Administration.
Satisfactory Progress for Veterans
Students receiving VA benefits need to understand the college’s policy regarding academic probation. They must maintain a GPA equal to or better than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (“C” average). A 2.0 GPA is required to meet graduation requirements. If the GPA falls below 2.0, students will be placed on probation with VA. Failure to raise the cumulative GPA to 2.0 within three consecutive semesters will result in termination of VA educational benefits. The college will inform the Department of Veterans Affairs and the student in writing of this fact. The student can be re-certified in the future under one of two conditions: (1) the cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0 or (2) a request for resumption of educational benefits is submitted to the VA and the VA reinstates benefits based on evidence supporting the student’s claim.
MCC Policy: Prohibition of High-Pressure Recruitment Tactics
Montcalm Community College (MCC) upholds ethical recruitment standards. The College strictly prohibits the payment of commissions, bonuses, or other incentive-based compensation to individuals or entities engaged in student recruitment, admissions, or financial aid decisions when such compensation is tied directly or indirectly to securing enrollments or federal financial aid, including Tuition Assistance (TA) funds.
MCC also prohibits high-pressure recruitment tactics. This includes making three or more unsolicited contacts (via phone, email, or in-person) or conducting same-day recruitment and registration specifically to secure enrollments of Service members in non-credit courses or programs.
Additionally, students selected for federal financial aid verification may receive up to three system-generated notices per FAFSA submission or correction. These communications are part of the standard federal process and are not considered high-pressure outreach by MCC.
For questions or concerns related to this policy, please contact the Financial Aid Office or the Dean of Student & Enrollment Services.
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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.