Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and the System Working together for our Veterans Bridgette Ingram Heather Fountain

Agenda Student Veterans’ Concerns Veterans Support at Texas A&M University Connecting with the Texas A&M System Benefits

Agenda Beginning Attendance Return of Title IV Aid Cost of Attendance Proration Award Proration 150% Subsidized Loan Limits 600% Pell Limit Satisfactory Academic Progress Scholarships Student Veterans’ Concerns

Financial Concerns –Tuition –Room and Board –Childcare –Health Care and Insurance Academic Concerns –Admissions Process –Graduating on time Student Veterans’ Concerns

Personal/Social Concerns –Feelings of isolation or alienation Non-traditional students with uncommon experiences No battle buddies –Transitioning to civilian life –Possible anger, relationship, or trust issues –Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury –Incorporating family into local community Student Veterans’ Concerns

Agenda Beginning Attendance Return of Title IV Aid Cost of Attendance Proration Award Proration 150% Subsidized Loan Limits 600% Pell Limit Satisfactory Academic Progress Scholarships Veterans Support at Texas A&M University

Veteran Services Office Located within Scholarships & Financial Aid Office. Under Division of Academic Services Office Structure Assistant Director Advisors One dedicated to VA processing One dedicated to Hazlewood processing Customer Service Representative Graduate Assistant Five VA Work Study Students

Veteran Services Office Processes federal and state education benefits. Provides scholarship and financial aid advising. Awards scholarships to military affiliated students. Ensures compliance with federal and state veteran benefit policies and regulations. Primary responder to military friendly surveys and data requests.

Veteran Resource and Support Center Under the Division of Student Affairs Office Structure Director Admissions Counselors Two dedicated to military admissions Report to Office of Admissions Housed with VRSC Office Manager Nine VA Work Study Students

Veteran Resource and Support Center Connects prospective military affiliated students with Admissions Counselors. Increases and improves campus and community support for students and connects students to these resources. Advises veteran focused student organizations. Hosts trainings to educate faculty and staff on student veterans’ strengths and challenges. Coordinates multiple campus programs.

Collaboration VetSuccess on Campus Counselor Co-chair Troops to College Co-present New Student Conference presentations Utilize VA Work Study Students Vet Camp Boots to Backpacks Veteran Graduation Cord Ceremony

Agenda Beginning Attendance Return of Title IV Aid Cost of Attendance Proration Award Proration 150% Subsidized Loan Limits 600% Pell Limit Satisfactory Academic Progress Scholarships Connecting with the Texas A&M System

Veterans Support Office Part of the Office of the Chancellor Provides leadership, guidance, and coordination of services and support. Collects veteran related data across Texas A&M System Connect veteran services offices across System –Networking –Best Practices –Veteran Services Topics Military Friendly Symposium A&M Military Friendly Listserv

Agenda Beginning Attendance Return of Title IV Aid Cost of Attendance Proration Award Proration 150% Subsidized Loan Limits 600% Pell Limit Satisfactory Academic Progress Scholarships Website

Agenda Beginning Attendance Return of Title IV Aid Cost of Attendance Proration Award Proration 150% Subsidized Loan Limits 600% Pell Limit Satisfactory Academic Progress Scholarships Benefits

Separation of duties –Focus on area of expertise –Peak seasons differ between offices –Divide and conquer Communication across divisions Increases veteran awareness throughout campus

Summary Student Veterans Concerns Veterans Support at Texas A&M University Connecting with the Texas A&M System Benefits