Satisfactory Academic Progress

Department of Veterans Affairs regulations require that all persons using any type of veteran educational assistance program be making satisfactory academic progress toward achievement of their educational objective (degree plan). A student who does not meet the minimum standards will be placed on probation for a maximum of 2 consecutive semesters. If satisfactory progress has not been demonstrated, veteran educational benefits will be terminated. Benefits may be resumed when the veteran student raises the cumulative grade point average (GPA) to the required minimum standards or demonstrates the ability to meet these standards or through the approval of a written appeal. For appeal procedures, contact Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office, at South Mountain Community College.

Academic Progress Policy for Student’s Receiving Veterans Educational Benefits
Credit Hours for Which Grade Points are Computed at Resident Maricopa Community College (A,B,C,D,F and Y)	Minimum Grade Point Average Required
12-15	1.60
16-30	1.75
31-45	1.90
46+	2.00

Changes in Student Status

It is the veteran student’s responsibility to notify Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office, at South Mountain Community College regarding any change in enrollment, address, degree plan, enrollment at another institution, or any other change that may impact their veteran educational benefits. Failure to report such changes can result in an overpayment requiring debt collection action.

Credit for Prior Training/Training

Veteran students are required to request and have evaluated all prior college and university credit received prior to, during and after military service. It is also recommended that students request and have evaluated any military experience that can be awarded credit. This is to ensure that the VA does not pay for coursework twice and that students receive the most from their benefits. For more information regarding transcripts return to the Application area.

Terms

Advance Pay

Advance payment provides funds at the beginning of a school term to help the student meet expenses such as tuition, fees and books. Veteran students interested in advance pay must be enrolled at least half-time and must request such payment no more than 120 and no less than 30 days from the start of the enrollment period (start day of first class). Advance payment will be for the amount of benefits payable for the initial and following month of the semester. No other benefits will be received until the third month after the start of class.

Break Pay

Break pay are benefit amounts paid between two semesters, quarters or terms. Veteran students do not need to request break pay. The VA will pay automatically unless directed not to by the student. Students are not guaranteed break pay. Payment for breaks will be determined by VA rules and regulations.

Certification

Certification is the process by which the school notifies the VA of a veteran student’s enrollment that may be eligible for VA educational benefit payment. Students must request certification each enrollment period by completing and submitting the “Veterans Request for Benefits Form”  and meeting all other required rules and guidelines. It is recommended that students make this request a part of their registration process.

Concurrent Enrollment

Veteran students may be eligible to enroll and receive benefits for attending more than one college or university. The student must establish a parent school (generally the school they intend to complete their Degree Plan with). The student must then inform Veteran Services at the parent school of their intention to enroll at another college (supplemental school) either on a part-time basis or for a full semester. The parent school will then direct the student and supplemental school on the process for benefit certification.

Degree Plan

Veteran students who wish to receive VA educational benefits must establish a degree plan or objective. This can be any Certificate of Completion or Associate Degree offered at South Mountain Community College. This plan can be changed at any time.

Direct Deposit

Veterans may choose to receive their educational benefit payments via direct deposit to their bank checking account. This service may be requested at the time of application or may be established via phone at 1-877-838-2778. Forms are also available at South Mountain Community College Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office.

Enrollment Verifications-VA Monthly

The VA Regional Processions Office requires that veterans receiving educational benefits (Ch 30 & 1606) verify enrollment each month via the internet or phone. This is to ensure that the veteran is being paid properly and to avoid over/under payment of benefits. If required, verify enrollment by phone at 1-877-823-2378 or on-line at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/.Please not that veteran students receiving Ch 31 & 35 benefits do not need to verify monthly enrollment.

Remedial & Deficiency Courses

Remedial or deficiency courses which are specifically required for a pursuit of a post- secondary program of education or to overcome a deficiency in a particular area of study may be certified for purposes of VA educational benefits.

TBA and Short Term Classes

Courses that do not meet at a regular class time (self-paced) or are not the standard semester length will be paid according to VA rules. For more information please contact South Mountain Community College Veteran Services at 602-243-8369 or the VA Regional Processing Office at 1-888-442-4551.

Tuition Deferments

Veteran students may apply to defer tuition and book payments up to 120 days into a semester by applying for and interest-free loan. This will allow for the receipt of a veteran’s educational benefits to cover school related costs. Payment of deferments is required regardless of the ultimate results of the veteran student’s VA educational entitlement claim. Students who have defaulted previously on any deferment are not guaranteed any future deferment options.

Tutorial Assistance

Veterans who are using benefits and need extra help or tutoring services can receive additional VA assistance to defer the expenses incurred for a professional tutoring service. To utilize this, the student must obtain a letter from the teacher indicating the exact tutoring need, select a tutor and submit the VA Tutorial Assistance form, 22-1990t,  to Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office. The amount paid is at the rate of the monthly tutoring cost not to exceed $100.00 per calendar month. The maximum amount payable is $1200.00 (portions of this money may be deducted from overall entitlement funds).