Active Military and Veterans

Am I eligible to receive VA education benefits?

Neither Fisher College or its VA Certifying Officials can determine whether a student is eligible for VA Education benefits. All students who feel they may be eligible for education benefits should submit an application. The Department of VA will review the application and officially deny or grant benefits. Submit your application by logging onto the VA Web site and complete and submit the electronic version of the VA Form 22-1990 (Application for Benefits).

Fisher College advises all Service members to speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service PRIOR to enrolling in courses. Please note, Tuition Assistance (TA) does require prior approval.

How do I contact the Department of VA?

The Department of VA is divided into four Regions. A student that calls the toll free number will be automatically connected to the nearest Regional Processing Office (RPO) that is nearest to the student's physical location. This is not a problem for general questions. However, if the student requires specific information about the status of application or payment, the student must ask to be connected to representative at the St. Louis VA Regional Office.

Phone: 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GIBill 1) or visit www.gibill.va.gov 

Can I collect CA Education benefits for a course also covered by TA?

At this time only those in the Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Army Reserve; may qualify to collect VA benefits under Chapter 1606, REAP (Chapter 1607) and under certain circumstances Chapter 30; while using Tuition Assistance (TA) for the same courses covered during the same period. The Code of Federal Regulations states active duty service persons may not receive VA benefits for the same courses for which TA is paid, but the student can receive chapter 30 benefits for the courses for which TA is not paid.

During my extension do I continue receiving VA benefit payments?

Extensions are granted by Fisher College to afford students the opportunity to complete course material for a specific term; this is so that the student may be awarded a satisfactory completion grade for that specific term. Extensions are not granted by the VA for pay purposes; however, extensions are allowed without pay in order to complete the course material and final exam for that specific term. During that period of the extension the student will no longer receive payments for that term, nor will the student become indebted to the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the student elects not to request an extension to complete the course material Fisher College would then be required by law to report to the Department of Veterans Affairs, that unsatisfactory academic progress has been made; and Fisher College would then terminate the student's VA education benefits for that specific term. This action could create a debt to the Department of Veterans Affairs with the possibility that all money paid for VA education benefits would be recouped.
 

Who can I contact at Fisher College if I have a question?

For general questions, please contact the Fisher College Veterans' Liaison, Dr. Neil Trotta, at ntrotta@fisher.edu or 617-236-8867.

For benefit or aid questions, please contact the Fisher College VA School Certifying Official (SCO), Colleen Woods, at cwoods@fisher.edu or 617-670-4527.

How do I apply for VA Education Benefits?

If the student has never used or collected VA Education Benefits previously; the student must submit an online application by logging onto the VA Web site; and go the section named "Education Benefits" then "Education Forms." Locate and complete the online application named VA Form 22-1990. Once the student has completed the application the student must choose to submit the application electronically. Please ensure that a copy of the application is printed for personal records. The last page of the application will be referred to as the signature page by the Department of VA. The student must sign and mail the original signature page to the Department of Veteran Affairs in St. Louis, MO. In 3 to 5 days the student will receive an acknowledgement via e-mail from the Department of VA that the application has been received and the process has begun. In 2 to 3 weeks the Department of Veteran Affairs will mail the student a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE will verify the type of education benefit and the number of months that the student is entitled to; the student will need to fax a copy of this COE to Fisher College's VA Services Department so that a copy can be placed into the student's VA file.

What is the MGIB Active Duty or Chapter 30?

Service members that may be eligible to use or collect Chapter 30 benefits must have contributed $1,200.00 towards their chapter 30 education benefits. The $1,200.00 is withheld from their pay during their first 12 months of active duty service and it's non-refundable. It is for veterans who began active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985. It provides veterans with up to 36 months of full-time benefits that must be used prior to the 10 year delimiting end date.

Received, or will receive, a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; 
Incurred or aggravated a service-connected disability which entitles him or her to VA disability compensation; and Vocational rehabilitation is needed due to his or her service-connected disability creating an employment handicap. Vocational rehabilitation may be provided for up to 48 months. An eligible veteran generally has 12 years from the date he or she is notified of entitlement to VA compensation to use his or her chapter 31 benefits. VA may approve an extension of time and/or length of training in certain cases.

What is VEAP or Chapter 32?

Individuals must have initially entered active duty from 1/1/77 to 6/30/85 and must have enrolled and contributed to VEAP before 4/1/87. Many VEAP era veterans who separated from active duty after 2/2/91 had the opportunity to convert from chapter 32 to chapter 30. VEAP is a voluntary contribution and matching program. Participants may have contributed as much as $2,700.00. The Government matches the participants' contributions on a $2 for $1 basis. The monthly rate varies depending on the total contribution made by the veteran and matched by the Government. Additional kickers may have been made by the military.

What is a kicker?

Higher monthly benefits are paid to chapter 30 participants with "kickers" and to chapter 30 participants who make additional chapter 30 payments. Veterans may have a kicker, additional contributions, or both. The higher benefit rates are paid automatically when benefits are paid. If veterans don't receive the benefit they believe they are entitled to receive, they should call VA about the discrepancy so that VA can resolve the discrepancy with the Department of Defense. A kicker is part of the enlistment contract. It's often referred to by its Madison Avenue name; Army College Fund, Navy Sea College Fund, or whatever the newest recruitment ad calls it. If a contract has a $12,000.00 kicker, then the monthly kicker is $333.33 ($12,000.00 / 36 months), which increases the full-time chapter 30 benefit. Service members may pay up to $600.00 more towards chapter 30. The amount they pay is matched 9 to 1. A maximum $600.00 contribution increases the full-time monthly chapter 30 benefit.

1606 KICKERS: An additional amount, called a kicker, may be added to the benefit of some chapter 1606 students. A chapter 1606 kicker may be a part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract.

What is the MGIB Selected Reserve or Chapter 1606?

It is an educational program for active members of the Selected Reserve; the Selected Reserve components of the Ready Reserve include the Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard. Chapter 1606 eligibility is determined by the Department of Defense or by the Department of Transportation (Coast Guard), not by VA. Basic eligibility requires a 6-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve and satisfactory participation in required Selected Reserve training.

Can I switch degree programs while collecting VA Education Benefits?

Yes; a termination (withdraw) of the old degree program will be reported to the Department of VA; then immediately the new certification of enrollment will be reported to the Department of VA. Which should not create an overpayment of VA Education Benefits and the payments will remain continuous.

How long does it take to receive my first payment from the VA?

It is highly unlikely that a student will receive a payment from the VA before their first payment to Fisher is due. The VA is taking 8 to 10 weeks, even longer during peak periods to process an enrollment certification and make the first payment--the processing time begins the date that the VA Certifying Official submits the certification of enrollment to the Department of VA.

How long does it take before my information is updated on the WAVE website?

It is highly likely that a student's information will not be updated or appear on the WAVE Web site for 4 to 6 weeks from the date that the certification of enrollment is reported to the Department of VA--the processing time begins the date that the VA Certifying Official submits the certification of enrollment to the Department of VA.

I have previously received VA Education Benefits at another college, how do I use my benefit(s) here at Fisher?

If the student has previously used and collected VA Education Benefits at another college or university and now wants to collect VA Educational Benefits while attending Fisher College. The student will need to log onto the VA Web site at www.gibill.va.gov and go the section named Education Benefits then Education Forms; locate and complete the online application named the VA Form 22-1995. Once the student has completed the application the student must choose to submit the application electronically. Please ensure that a copy of the application is printed for personal records. The last page of the application will be referred to as the signature page by the Department of VA. The student must sign and mail the original signature page to the Department of Veteran Affairs in St. Louis, MO.

Per the Fisher College Transfer Credit Policy (see Course Catalog for full policy):

For VA-eligible students, a transfer credit evaluation will be conducted prior to attending the first class session.  Credit will be granted for prior education, if applicable, with the program shortened proportionately and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notified accordingly. 

What is the Fisher College Policy for Service members seeking readmission?

The College's policy for re-enrollment can be found here. 

Can I still apply for Financial Aid if I have Veterans Benefits?

Yes, Fisher College encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if they are eligible for Federal Aid. For more information regarding the FAFSA, the types of aid available and how to get assistance from one of our Financial Aid Counselors, please visit the Office of Financial Aid webpage or email financialaid@fisher.edu. 

For questions regarding your Veterans Benefits or Financial Aid options, please contact the Fisher College VA School Certifying Official (SCO), Colleen Woods, at cwoods@fisher.edu or 617-670-4527.

Who submits my certification of enrollment to the Department of VA?

Only the VA School Certifying Official (SCO) for Fisher College can submit a certification of enrollment (VA Form 22-1999) to the Department of VA; this certification is submitted electronically. NOTE: If a student has provided the SCO with a Certificate of Eligibility, the student will be certified every enrolled semester unless the student contacts the SCO and states otherwise.

When is my certification of enrollment submitted to the Department of the VA?

A student's certification of enrollment is submitted to the Department of VA after the student has officially enrolled into a course or courses.

For questions or concerns regarding your certification of enrollment, please contact the Fisher College VA School Certifying Official (SCO), Colleen Woods, at cwoods@fisher.edu or 617-670-4527.

Who verifies my enrollment with the Department of the VA?

The VA requires that the student verifies their own enrollment on a monthly basis. The verification is to be completed the last day of each month for that month.

How do I verify my enrollment with the Department of VA?

To verify your enrollment log onto the VA Web site at, select "Information for Benefit Recipients", then select "Certify Your Attendance." The student will be sent to the "Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.)" Web site. There the student will log on and verify their enrollment. If the student is not recognized as a VA student by W.A.V.E. Web site; it may be that the Department of VA has not received your VA Form 22-1999 (Certification of Enrollment); or, if your VA Form 22-1999 (Certification of Enrollment) has been submitted, the Department of VA has not yet completed processing.
 

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?

The Department of VA requires schools to monitor a student's academic progress. In order to demonstrate compliance, the VA Certifying Official must perform the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) checks as indicated in the procedures under each different enrollment agreement. The student must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. If the student does not meet the minimum progress set by the Department of VA and Fisher College the student's VA Education Benefits will be terminated. Which may result in all money paid under the VA Education Benefits program to be recouped.

What is training time?

Training Time defines how the Department of VA makes payments to students that attend non-traditional schools. For example, if a student enrolls in (4) courses and each course is (3) credit hours and has an enrollment period of 32 weeks, the VA will use the following formula: 12X18=216/32=6.75 (which means that the student is a halftime student and will be paid a halftime rate for 8 months or 32 weeks). If a student enrolls into (4) courses and each course is (3) credit hours and has an enrollment period of 32 weeks, but finishes all four courses and proctor exam in 16 weeks, the VA will use the following formula: 12X18=216/16=13.5 (which means that the student is now a fulltime student and will be paid a fulltime rate for 4 months for 16 weeks. Keep in mind that the student will receive the difference between halftime rate and fulltime rate on the back end).

The VA uses a formula to convert a nonstandard semester to a standard one: credit hours times 18 divided by weeks in a semester. The formula applied to a typical Fisher College VA student: 12 credit hours X 18 / 32 = 6.75.
 

In accordance with Sec. 103 of The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018:

Fisher College permits 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 – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

1.     The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.

2.      90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

*A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.  

Fisher College does not penalize Chapter 31 or 33 students if/when the VA is late making payments. Fisher College does not have any policies in place that would do any of the following while waiting for VA payments:

• Prevent enrolling
• Assessing a late penalty fee
• Requiring alternative or additional sources of funding
• Denies access to school resources

In order to prevent outstanding student accounts, Chapter 31 or 33 students must:

• Submit a COE or Statement of Benefits by the first day of classes
• Submit a written request to be certified
• Provide any additional information needed for certification

For questions or concerns regarding your Veterans Benefits, please contact the Fisher College VA School Certifying Official (SCO), Colleen Woods, at cwoods@fisher.edu or 617-670-4527.

Fisher College is committed to providing quality service for all students, families, and colleagues.  In accordance to the VA Principles of Excellence, Fisher College strives to assist veteran students and offer transparency throughout the enrollment process, as an enrolled student and beyond. Should you have a commendation or a complaint, please contact the Fisher College Veterans’ Liaison, Dr. Neil Trotta, at ntrotta@fisher.edu or 617-236-8867. Additionally, the VA GI Bill® Feedback Tool is available for further information or action.

Our Fisher College staff is excited to work with you and thanks you for your service! Please find the contact information, below, for our trained and helpful staff:

Veterans' Liaison                 Dr. Neil Trotta, Assistant Dean

                                      ntrotta@fisher.edu      (T) 617-236-8867

School Certifying                Colleen Woods, Director of Title IV Compliance

Official (SCO)                       cwoods@fisher.edu      (T) 617-670-4527

DoD MOU                            Kristen Martinez, Director of Student Accounts & Operations

Tuition Assistance (TA)      kmartinez@fisher.edu   

Fisher College students are eligible to take Army ROTC classes through a partnership with Boston University’s Charles River Battalion with classes held on the Boston University campus. Other schools within the Battalion include Curry College, Stonehill College, The University of Massachusetts - Boston, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Brandeis University, Bridgewater State University, and Babson College. Students may join ROTC in their freshman and sophomore years. Juniors may participate as part of an accelerated program if they attend additional summer training (Basic Camp).

During the academic year, students attend one military science class per week. Students also attend Leadership Lab training sessions each month. Physical fitness training sessions are conducted three times per week before classes begin. ROTC is a premier leadership training program whose graduates serve America full-time in the active Army or part-time in the Army National Guard or US Army Reserve. ROTC students must be American citizens, in good health, and able to pass a medical exam. A variety of financial programs are available through ROTC.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Students may compete for merit based 2-4 year scholarships. Scholarships may be used for full tuition and fees or towards room and board as a reimbursement. Additionally, scholarship winners receive an annual book stipend and a tax-free living stipend. In return for these scholarships, students agree to serve on active duty in the Army for four years after graduation. There is also a two-year, three-year, or three and a half-year scholarship that has as its payback part-time duty in the Army National Guard or a two year scholarship for the Army Reserve. Benefits are the same. From high school, applicants start at www.goarmy.com/rotc.  For those already in college, they can compete through on-campus boards during their time as Cadets.

NON-SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS:

Students without a scholarship award may still participate in Army ROTC. They will also receive the living stipend upon contracting with the US Army as Cadets. Students may also affiliate with a local Army National Guard or US Army Reserve unit where they can receive pay, bonuses, tuition assistance and compete for additional scholarships. This service is done concurrently with ROTC training and is called the Simultaneous Membership Program.

GREEN TO GOLD

The Army Green to Gold program provides options for Soldiers interested in pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree and earning a commission as an Army Officer. Fisher College has actively supported Soldiers applying for the Green to Gold program.  For more information visit their page at:  https://www.facebook.com/US-Army-Cadet-Command-Green-to-Gold-Program-300473013696291

To find out more about Army ROTC, please contact the program’s Enrollment and Scholarship Officer, Mr. Scott Braithwaite at 617-312-4451 or sbraith1@bu.edu.