1. U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2009 The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008

2. 222 Objectives  Overview of the Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33)  Time line  Eligibility  Payments  Transferability Rules  Overpayments and Debt Collection  Yellow Ribbon Program,000 NOTE: Atlanta has approximately 60,000 pending cases

3. 3 Student Experience Timeline  VA began processing applications for Certificates of EligibilityMay 1, 2009 - VA began mailing C of E to students showing: Months of entitlement Tier of eligibility Delimiting date If Yellow Ribbon eligible  DOD began Transfer of Entitlement programJune 2009  VA began accepting enrollment certifications from schools Jul 6, 2009  VA paid first tuition and fees payments to schools:Aug 3, 2009 −VA paid first books and supplies stipend to studentAug 3, 2009 −VA provides notice to student of: Tuition and fee payment amount (including Yellow Ribbon amounts) Book stipend payment amount Monthly housing payment amount Need to notify VA of changes in enrollment Obligation to repay any O/P resulting from changes in training  VA paid first partial housing allowance for August attendanceSep 1, 2009  VA paid first full monthly housing allowance for September attendanceOct 1, 2009

4. 444 Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility Criteria Individuals who served on active duty after 09/10/01 may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill if the individual:  Served for an aggregate period of at least 90 days OR  Served for at least 30 continuous days on active duty after 9/10/01 and were discharged due to a service connected disability.

5. 555 Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility Criteria To retain eligibility after discharge, the individual must:  Be honorably discharged OR  Be discharged with less than an honorable (but NOT dishonorable) discharge for: EPTS - A medical condition which existed prior to service (EPTS) HDSP - Hardship (HDSP) or, CIWD - A condition which interfered with duty (CIWD).

6. 6 Benefit Level Individuals eligible at the maximum benefit level may receive 100% of the benefits payable. Does NOT mean 100% of T&F! All others receive a percentage based on their length of service. NOTE : Can change! Claimants will be responsible for the difference between actual charges and the percentage of benefits due based on their length of service or maximum reimbursement.

7. 77 Eligibility Criteria Service Requirements (after 9/10/01 an individual must serve an aggregate of) Payment Tiers Percentage At least 36 months100 At least 30 continuous days on active duty Must be discharged due to service-connected disability (Must be discharged due to service-connected disability) 100 At least 30 months, but less than 36 months 90 At least 24 months, but less than 30 months 80 *At least 18 months, but less than 24 months 70 *At least 12 months, but less than 18 months 60 *At least 06 months, but less than 12 months 50 *At least 90 days, but less than 06 months 40 *Excludes time served in Basic Military Training and/or Skill Training

8. 888 Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility Criteria Entry level and skill training are defined as follows:  ARMY: Basic Combat Training & Advanced Individual Training  NAVY: Recruit Training (Boot Camp) & Skill Training (“A” School)  AIR FORCE: Basic Military & Technical School  MARINE CORPS: Recruit Training & Marine Corps (or School of Infantry Training) NOTE: Entry level and skill training are not considered for involuntary call ups.

9. 999 Individuals who: Loan Repayment  Enlisted under the Student Loan Repayment plan ROTC scholarship  Received an ROTC scholarship service academy  Graduated from a service academy, or CAN qualify for Ch33 BUT the time spent satisfying the active duty obligation does not count toward Ch33. NOTE : 3 years are deducted for LRP, 4 years for ROTC and 5 years for service academy. Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility

10. 10 Eligibility for Other VA Benefits Individuals eligible for one of the other VA education benefits irrevocable (other than VEAP) must make an irrevocable election to receive benefits under Chapter 33. If eligible for more than one benefit, only one benefit needs to be relinquished. An individual who relinquishes eligibility under Ch30,Ch1606, or Ch1607 may receive benefits for approved programs not offered by IHLs (i.e. *flight, correspondence, Apprenticeship/ OJT, NCD schools, preparatory courses, & national tests). They will be paid as if they are still receiving benefits under the relinquished benefit, however, their entitlement will be charged under Ch33. NOTE: The monthly housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend are not payable. * may be approved under Ch33 if part of a degree program at IHL

11. 111111 Post-9/11 GI Bill Elections  A member of the Armed Forces who previously declined to elect chapter 30. NOTE: Active duty members are still being given the option to enroll in Chapter 30! They can then relinquish Ch30 for Ch33 at a later date if they choose VEAP  If eligible for both VEAP and the Post-9/11 GI Bill a claimant may - disenroll from VEAP & receive a refund of contributions, or - leave the remaining contributions in their VEAP account and remain eligible for both benefit programs NOTE: Claimants may not receive benefits under more than one program at the same time. The following individuals can also use Ch33:

12. 121212 Post-9/11 GI Bill Entitlement  Individuals will generally receive 36 months of benefits under Ch33  Individuals who elect to receive Ch33 in lieu of one of the other benefits are limited to a total of 48 months of combined benefits !  Important! Individuals who elect to receive Ch33 in lieu of Ch30 benefits are limited to their remaining Ch30 entitlement at the time of the election Therefore, it may be in a Ch30 student’s best interest to exhaust their Ch30 before switching to Ch33

13. 131313 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Payments  Tuition and Fees – Based on the highest in-state T&F at a PUBLIC PUBLIC institution (Chapel Hill) – Paid to school  Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH)  Books and Supplies Stipend  Kickers/College Fund are payable  ”Buy-up” is NOT payable  Yellow Ribbon Program

14. 14 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Payments - One time $500 Rural Relocation Benefit 6 persons or less per square mile AND physically relocates at least 500 miles to attend an educational institution or travel by air to physically attend an educational institution if no other land-based transportation exists –One –One Licensing and Certification Test –Interval Payments (will be charged entitlement) –Extending payment to end of term (not beyond 48 months for member/not at all for TOE dependents) –Work-Study (at least 75% rate of pursuit) –Tutorial Assistance (at least 50% rate of pursuit) –Refund of applicable % of Ch30 Contributions (only once ALL Ch33 entitlement is exhausted) Miscellaneous Payments

15. 151515 Post-9/11 GI Bill Effective Date Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) benefits can be paid for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. No payments may be made for training taken before that date. If no election date is provided on the 1990, 8/1/09 will be used – even in irrevocable situations. If a claimant does not indicate which benefit they are relinquishing, VA will make the decision for them and send a letter to the claimant advising which benefit was relinquished No signature is required on the application. Right Now Web Elections are not acceptable. August 1, 2009

16. 16 Tuition and Fees  VA has developed a mechanism that establishes the maximum in-state public tuition on a separate “tuition per credit hour” and “fees per term” basis.  If a school charges a flat rate tuition amount for modulated terms the school will divide the total tuition charged by the minimum number of hours considered full-time. They will certify that amount for each hour certified up to the minimum number of hours required for full-time training. No tuition should be certified for subsequent hours pursued.

17. 17 Tuition Charged  Each State has maximum in-State per credit hour tuition amount listed on VA’s website 494.00 ~ ~ $494.00 ~  VA compares actual tuition charged per credit hour vs. maximum in-State per credit hour and pays the lesser amount. NOTE: May also be prorated by %. EXAMPLE: Maximum in-State is $494 per credit hour. Joe’s school reports he is enrolled in 15 credit hours for Fall ‘09 semester and is charged $3,000 tuition. He is eligible at the 100% tier. maximum –Determine maximum: $494 x 15 = $7,410. –VA pays lesser amount: $3,000. 17

18. 181818 Fees Defined  FEES — Any mandatory charges (except tuition, room, and board, parking) including, but not limited to:  Health premiums  Freshman fees  Graduation fees  Lab fees Does not include charges for study abroad courses unless course is mandatory.

19. 19 Fees Charged  Each State has maximum fees per term (quarter, semester, or non-standard) $2163.90 ~ ~ $2163.90 ~  VA compares actual fees charged for term vs. maximum in-State fees per term and pays the lesser amount. NOTE: May be prorated by entitlement %. EXAMPLE: Maximum in-State fees is $2163.80 per term. Joe’s school reports he was charged $900 in fees for Fall ‘09 semester. –VA pays lesser amount: $900. If Joe is eligible at 100% tier level (based on length of service), total T&F payment = $3,900) 19

20. 2020 Tuition and Fees Charged Active Duty active duty  Individuals on active duty are eligible for the the lesser of:  Tuition and fees charged; or  The amount of tuition and fees charged that exceeds the amount paid by the military’s tuition assistance (TA) program.  Student submits TA form directly to VA. No school cert.  There are no state or tier caps! This includes eligible spouses while member is on active duty! IMPORTANT: Need to make sure its worth how much entitlement will be used if only a small amount is left to pay under CH33, as ALL classes taken that term will be used to determine the entitlement charge!

21. 21 Tuition and Fees  For state Tuition Assistance, VA should be the primary payer. State tuition assistance should pay any difference.  If required by your state, the state or unit should be refunded any excess amount of state tuition assistance money paid above balance. NOTE: The rules are different for Active Duty students receiving Federal TA. For Active Duty students, TA pays first and CH33 pays the difference but the school does NOT certify for the CH33 funds. The student should submit a copy of the TA form directly to VA.  If a student is certified full tuition and fees and Federal TA funds have been received an overpayment will be created on the student’s VA account. 21 State Tuition Assistance

22. 22 Tuition and Fees VA will pay the amount the individual is entitled to under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Even if that payment comes in after other payments are received, the school should accept VA’s payment and return any additional funds received to other sources in accordance with established policies. Examples of state, local, and private funds/scholarships/waivers in North Carolina that are not to be considered when certifying enrollments under chapter 33 include but are not limited to:  NC Legislative Tuition Grant (NCLTG),  NC Contractual Scholarship  NC Lottery  North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Tuition Waiver for the children of disabled/deceased Veterans  Employer payments of tuition and fees including waivers for college or state employees NOTE: The rules are different for Active Duty students receiving TA. For Active Duty students, TA pays first and CH33 pays the difference but the school does NOT certify for the CH33 funds. 22 State/Private/Local Funds

23. 23 Tuition and Fees  Schools should report the amount of tuition and fees initially charged the individual after deducting any amounts paid with Federal Funds (excluding title IV funds). Examples of programs that provide educational assistance with non-title IV Federal Funds include—  Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)  Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)  Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP)  Government Employees’ Training Act (GETA) If a student is certified full tuition and fees and any of these types of funds have been received an overpayment will be created on the student ’ s VA account. NOTE: The list above is not all-inclusive. It just lists examples of Federal programs that offer tuition assistance to certain individuals. 23 FEDERAL FUNDS

24. 24 Tuition and Fees By law VA cannot consider Title IV Financial Aid when determining the amounts payable under VA educational assistance programs. The term "Title IV Funds" refers to the Federal Financial Aid Programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and includes the following programs —  Unsubsidized and Subsidized Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL),  Unsubsidized and Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans,  Federal Perkins Loans,  FFEL Parent (PLUS) Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans,  Federal Pell Grants,  Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant NOTE: Ch 33 will be paid and Financial aid counselors at the schools will determine whether or not it is appropriate for the student to remain entitled to the other aid and scholarship programs. VA has no authority to provide guidance regarding the impact of receipt of Post-9/11 GI Bill payments on non-federal financial aid. 24 TITLE IV FUNDS

25. 25 Identifying payments from VA  When VA processes an enrollment certification, submitted by the School Certifying Official, payments will be released. VA will not make payments to the schools based on invoices or bills.  VA will make one Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit for the Tuition and Fees payment and one for the Yellow Ribbon Program payment, if applicable, directly into the school's financial account for each certified Chapter 33 student.  The direct deposit payment will include an addenda field with the student's identifying information. The addenda will include the student's VA file number, the student's name (up to 20 characters), and the term dates for the payment. Schools may request the addenda information from their Financial Institution. Please request that your financial institution provide this information in a readable format so that you will be able to match the payment with the student. NOTE: If your direct deposit information changes or you wish to enroll in direct deposit, please notify me immediately by emailing jodie.balder@va.gov.

26. 26 Identifying payments from VA  Should VA not have an active direct deposit payment address for your school, we will make payments to you by paper check.  These checks will be sent to the mailing address on file. A stub containing the student's identifying information specified above will be attached to each check.  Besides the addenda information provided with the individual student payments, VA will also mail your School Certifying Official a weekly report known as the Vet Rep Listing Report. This report lists all VA education benefits your students are receiving.  Payments made directly to the schools will be listed on the report in a subsection titled "Chapter 33 Tuition and Fees, and Yellow Ribbon Payments." Payments to students will not be listed.

27. 272727 Monthly Housing Allowance  Equivalent to the DOD Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents ( paid directly to the eligible person on a monthly basis) –Determined by zip code of the IHL where student is enrolled http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html –Prorated based on the applicable entitlement % –Doesn’t matter what grade at discharge or if they actually have dependents  Active duty members, anyone whose “rate of pursuit” is 50% or less, are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance. Also not eligible for BAH if pursuing training solely by distance learning. BUT: - Are eligible for BAH if taking at least one in-residence class - All courses (on-line & in-residence) meet greater than 50% rule - Zip code of in-residence school will be used

28. 282828 Monthly Housing Allowance  For VA purposes, the term "Hybrid" doesn't exist. Courses are either "residence" courses or "distance learning" courses. residence  A course that meets face to face to provide instruction for the number of hours necessary to qualify for the credit hours being awarded would be a residence course even though they are using online resources to post assignments and submit work. (i.e., a 3 semester hour course must meet, face to face, for at least three hours per week to qualify as a residence course). distance learning  A course that meets only a short period of time so that the instructor can answer questions or counsel students but which has the bulk of instruction provided through an online source, would be considered a distance learning course.  You need to decide which category your courses would fall under and certify accordingly. As in all aspects of VA certification, compliance surveys will review to ensure that certification is accurate. “ HYBRID COURSES ”

29. 29 Rate of Pursuit Rate of pursuit applies specifically to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and is similar to training time in other benefits It is calculated by dividing the number of credit hours being pursued by the number of credit hours that is considered to be full-time, as determined by the SAA, at the specific institution The resulting percentage is the individual’s rate of pursuit. NOTE : Rate of Pursuit also determines Entitlement charge. NOT IS Example : 6/12=.50 or 50% NOT eligible BAH 7/12 =.58 or 58% IS eligible BAH

30. 30 Rate of Pursuit For non-standard terms such as summer, rate of pursuit will be calculated just as we do now for training time using “equivalent credit hours” Once you have calculated the “equivalent credit hours” you will use that number in your rate of pursuit calculation along with the standard FT measure EX: Term 6/1/09 – 7/30/09 @3 cr (= 9 wks) - At a semester hour school 3cr over 9 weeks is equivalent to 6 credits over a standard term. - Rate of Pursuit: 6/12 =.50 or exactly 50% - So NO BAH as the rate of pursuit must be MORE than 50% Non-Standard Terms/summer:

31. 313131 Books and Supplies Stipend  Up to a $1,000 per year –$41.67 per credit hour –Up to 24 credit hours in a single academic year –Lump sum payment (each quarter, semester or term attended)  Prorated based on the percentage of the maximum benefit payable  Active duty members are not eligible Note: Benefit payments are paid directly to the student

32. 3232 Books and Supplies Stipend  Example: $625.05 –If Susan enrolls in 15 credit hours for the Fall Term, she will receive a lump sum payment of $625.05 ($41.67 x 15 credit hours = $625.05) –During the Spring term she enrolls in 12 hours. –Susan is only eligible to receive the books and supplies stipend for 9 of the 12 credit hours, she can not exceed the maximum of 24 credit hours in a single academic year. –Her payment for the Spring term will be $375.03 ($41.27 x 9 = $375.03)

33. 33 Kickers/College Fund/”Buy-Up”  MGIB (Ch30) and/or MGIB-SR (Ch1606) kickers under Chapter 33 will be: based on rate of pursuit –Paid in lump sum to student for enrollment period based on rate of pursuit –Paid to spouse/child if using transferred benefits  New chapter 33 kicker (Not available yet) –Only eligible for kicker if entitled to BAH –Will be paid with the monthly BAH  $600 buy-up does not transfer to chapter 33 & no refund will be given 33

34. 343434 Approved Programs  All programs approved under chapter 30 and offered by an IHL are payable under Ch33 NOTE: NCDs at an IHL are payable NCDs at an NCD school are not  Only ONE Licensing and Certification test is payable under Ch33 –Up to $2000 for the test ONLY –Other related expenses are not payable –Must be taken after 8/1/09

35. 35 Factors to Consider  Individuals should carefully consider their education goals before applying and electing benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill  VA can provide general benefit comparison information, however, an individual’s unique circumstances must also be considered  Benefit comparison information is available at www.gibill.va.govwww.gibill.va.gov  NOTE: Claimants do NOT have to elect now!

36. 36 Elections – What should a vet consider?  Which benefit pays them more? –Are they receiving other aid? –What Chap 33 tier are they eligible for? –Rate of Pursuit –Generally –Generally, if BAH exceeds current monthly benefit, they gain under Chap 33.  What type of training?  Is delimiting date important to them?  In Armed Forces on 8-1-09? –Eligible for TOE? Want to transfer?

37. 37 QUESTIONS? TOE is next!

38. 38 Transfer of Entitlement Department of Defense Benefit Administered by VA

39. 3939 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit)  DoD determines eligibility for transferability and may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements and limit the number of months transferable  PHS/NOAA members are not eligible to transfer benefits  DOD hopes to begin accepting transfers in June.

40. 404040 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit)  On or after August 1, 2009, DoD may allow an individual to elect to transfer entitlement to one or more dependents if he/she — –Has served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces; and –Agrees to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces.  There is one permanent & 5 temporary exceptions to the rules above.

41. 414141 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit)  Permanent Exception: –Has served at least 10 years in the Armed Forces; AND –On the date of election is precluded by either standard policy or statute from committing to 4 additional years AND –Agrees to serve the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.

42. 424242 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit) DoD will allow 5 waivers to the additional 4- year requirement for those at or near retirement. –Effects those who are or will become retirement eligible from 8/1/09-8/1/13. –A service member is considered to be retirement eligible after 20 years of active duty or –20 years of qualifying reserve service.  Temporary Exceptions:

43. 434343 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit) No additional service required if: - eligible for retirement on 8/1/09, OR - If have an approved retirement date after 8/1/09 but before 7/1/10 1 year additional service if: -eligible for retirement after 8/1/09 but before 8/1/10 2 years additional service if: -eligible for retirement on or after 8/1/10 but before 8/1/11 3 years additional service if: -eligible for retirement on or after 8/1/11 but before 8/1/12  Temporary Exceptions:

44. 444444 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit)  Can transfer entitlement to spouse and/or children in any combination.  Transfer cannot exceed remaining entitlement under CH33.  Can only add dependents while in the Armed Forces.  Transferor retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.  If both the veteran and transferee are attending school and entitled to BAH, both will receive BAH.

45. 454545 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit)  May use transferred benefits after 6 years of service.  Is paid as the transferor would be (i.e. if transferor is on active duty spouse is paid as if on active duty. If vet, paid spouse is paid as a vet would be).  Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the transferor’s latest discharge.  Under law, benefits are not marital property and are not subject to division in a divorce or other civil proceedings Spouses Spouses:

46. 464646 Transfer of Entitlement (Department of Defense Benefit)  Transfer must occur before the age of 23  May use the benefit only after the transferor has served the full 10 years.  May not use the benefit until he/she has a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age.  Is always paid as if the transferor is a veteran (i.e. will be entitled to BAH & book stipend even if transferor is on active duty).  Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting period, but may not use the benefits after age 26. Children:

47. 47 QUESTIONS? Next: Overpayments!

48. 48 Overpayments

49. 4949 Overpayment of Benefits  An individual who doesn’t complete one or more courses and who does not provide mitigating circumstances for not completing such course(s), will be charged an overpayment equal to the amount of ALL of the tuition & fees, BAH and Yellow Ribbon, if applicable, paid for such course(s) for that period of enrollment.  VA will determine the amount of overpayment of chapter 33 benefits and notify the student.  Student will keep the full book stipend paid if they attend at least one class session.

50. 5050 Overpayment of Benefits  Six credit hour exclusion still applies to first reduction or withdrawal  If mitigating circumstances exist, student may be due partial payment of –Tuition and fees (and Yellow Ribbon) prorated to date last attended for complete withdrawals and end of the month for reductions –Housing allowance paid until end of month in which the reduction or withdrawal occurred

51. 5151 Overpayment of Benefits (Contd)  In most cases, overpayments will not be collected during the due process period, which is 30 days from the day of notification. Bottom Line: Students with existing overpayments on their record may attend schools; however, their benefit payments (including Tuition and Fees) may be applied to the overpayment until it is repaid.

52. 5252 Overpayment of Benefits (Cont’d)  The student is responsible for any overpayment incurred as a result of not completing the course(s)  If an overpayment is charged, the student will make repayment arrangements with VA’s Debt Management Center (DMC) regardless of whether or not a refund was received from the school  If the student does not complete a course, schools should follow their established student refund policy Important: Tuition and Fees payments are paid to the school on behalf of the student; overpayments for Tuition and Fees will be charged to the student.

53. 5353 Overpayment of Benefits (Cont’d)  Only If the student never attends a course the school returns the payment to VA  Returned payments must include the student identification information as well as the intended quarter, semester, or term for which the payment was made  If the school must return a paper check, they should send the uncashed check to: US Dept of Treasury Financial Management Services PO Box 51318 Philadelphia PA 19115-6316

54. 5454 Overpayment of Benefits (Cont’d)  If the school is returning an electronic funds payment (direct deposit) schools may refund VA electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH).  To do so, schools should request their bank return the full payment using an R23 ACH code.  Each bank has its own procedures and time constraints for returning direct deposit payments. Check with your bank for specific instructions.

55. 5555 Overpayment of Benefits  If an individual is “called up” to active duty, VA will restore entitlement if the individual does not receive credit for the course. In these instances VA will—  NOT charge an overpayment for chapter 33 tuition and fees payment or Yellow Ribbon benefits for the certified enrollment period; –Not charge an overpayment of the book stipend for the enrollment period; and –Discontinue the monthly housing allowance at the end of the month during which the individual last attended.  NOTE: Have the student submit a copy of their DD Form 214 upon return from their call up.

56. 5656 Transfer of Entitlement & Overpayments  IMPORTANT !! –Transferor and individual using transferred entitlement are jointly liable for any overpayment of chapter 33 benefits

57. 57 Next: Yellow Ribbon QUESTIONS?

58. 58 Yellow Ribbon

59. 59 Yellow Ribbon Program publicInstitutions may voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and fee costs that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees for: − Training at private institutions − Graduate training − Out-of-state tuition Only Individuals entitled at the 100% benefit level, including Transfer of Entitlement recipients, may receive this funding VA will match each additional dollar that an institution contributes toward the student’s tuition costs, up to 50% of the difference between the student’s Ch33 payment & the total cost of tuition and fees. Must be awarded on a “first come, first served” based on the number of students in each category. (ie 100 students total with 25 allotted to the School of Law & 75 for students from the College of Education).

60. 6060 Yellow Ribbon Program (Cont’d)  Can I choose to indicate the number of students and the dollar amount for each line on block 7 of the Agreement? student status - Yes, schools can indicate the number of students that can participate and specify contributions based on student status (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral) and college or professional school.  Can I choose to award Y.R. for specific degree programs? Can I choose day undergrad & not evening undergrad students? Can I choose to exclude out-of-state or part-time students? - No. You cannot differentiate contributions by degree.The subcategory must be chosen by 7b Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctoral and/or 7c by college or professional school.  How do I determine an amount when I don’t know how much 09-10 tuition & fees will be? Can agreements be amended when the 09-10 rates come out? - Choose the flat amount that best fits your choice for contribution considering the 2008-2009 highest maximum tuition and fees as well as your school’s planned budget. - No, agreements cannot be amended once signed and approved by VA.

61. 6161 Yellow Ribbon Program (Cont’d)  Can I establish a deadline each year for students to submit applications for the Yellow Ribbon Program? - Yes. Although you are required to offer the Yellow Ribbon Program to your students on a “ first come, first served ” basis, you may establish policy detailing how this will be implemented, which may include an application deadline. - The policy should be clearly documented and communicated to your students. - Students who participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program during one academic year must be offered Yellow Ribbon Program benefits throughout their education at the school as long as the following apply:  The school continues to participate in the program,  The student remains in good academic standing, and  The student has remaining entitlement. You may change the amount you choose to contribute to a student when you sign a BUT: You may change the amount you choose to contribute to a student when you sign a new agreement for a new academic year. new agreement for a new academic year.

62. 6262 Yellow Ribbon Program (Cont’d)  How does VA interpret the terms “Direct Grant” and “Scholarship” in Question 5 of the Agreement? - The law requires you to tell us how you will provide the contribution. - Yellow Ribbon Program contributions cannot be: 1. Loans 2. Funds received directly or indirectly from Federal sources (including Title IV funds), or 3. Funds from a third party that are not under the “unrestricted control” of the school. - The term "unrestricted funds" refers to funding that is available to the IHL without any conditions on its use (i.e., designated for use by a specific individual or a specific group of individuals).

63. 6363 Yellow Ribbon Program (Cont’d)  Yellow Ribbon Information will be displayed on the GI Bill website in the section where students can search for approved schools and will show: –Participating Institutions of Higher Learning –Maximum Yellow Ribbon Payment information –Maximum number of participants at the IHL  Students were able to begin searching for institutions that are participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program on June 16, 2009  EXAMPLE: IHL agreed to pay $1,000 during the academic year for each Yellow Ribbon student. –Jim’s tuition and fees for Fall ’09 are $6,500. VA pays maximum in- State T&F of $4,000 as chapter 33 benefit. –$2500 remaining, School Yellow Ribbon contribution is $1,000, VA contributes $1,000. Jim must pay remainder of $500. –Jim has used maximum contribution from school for academic year.

64. 6464  Participating schools will offer Yellow Ribbon to eligible students on a “first come, first served basis.”  VA-Once modifications have been made to allow schools to certify student’s tuition and fees separately, and to enter the Yellow Ribbon contribution amount.  VA will verify student’s eligibility and process payments. Note: Yellow Ribbon paid as lump sum to school  VA will provide notification to student, including decision regarding Yellow Ribbon.  VA will make Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposits for the Yellow Ribbon amount along with the tuition and fee payment directly to the school’s financial account. Yellow Ribbon Program Certification Process

65. 656565References GI Bill Website (www.gibill.va.gov) -Sign up for FAQ updates! - Sign up for RSS feeds to be notified of any change on web page (orange block on page that says RSS) GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-GIBILL-1 Yellow Ribbon mailbox (yellow.ribbon@va.gov)

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