West Virginia University offers many specific programs and opportunities for the veteran who chooses to enroll on our campus. These have been established and continue to be enhanced in recognition of the contributions that veterans have made in service to our country and that they continue to make as members of the WVU Mountaineer family.
Yellow Ribbon Program Participant: Those receiving the maximum benefit from the Post 9/11 GI Bill can receive additional funding to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees. West Virginia University has agreed to waive 50% of this difference, and the Veterans Administration will pay the remaining balance. This means that those students eligible for the maximum Post 9/11 GI Bill should not have to pay any tuition and fees out-of-pocket.
Veterans Day (A Day of Concern): During the Spring 2009 semester WVU’s Faculty Senate voted to make Veterans Day a “Day of Concern”. This designation gives our veterans/military students the option to miss classes on Veterans Day to participate in events and ceremonies.
Student Organization (Veterans of WVU): This group gives our veterans and those still serving a venue to come together to socialize, have a stronger voice on campus, and to participate in civic outreach. Since their inception they have sent care packages to marines/soldiers in Iraq, raised and donated money to “Canines for Combat Vets”, sponsored a blood drive in conjunction with WVU ROTC that yielded approximately 60 units, and sponsored a letter to vets drive with WVU’s Student Government Organization and the Veterans Committee. In fall of 2008 they became members of Student Veterans of America, a national student veterans group.
Veterans Advocate: This position acts as a liaison between students, campus departments, the VA and other government and outside agencies. Students can work with the Veterans Advocate to get questions and issues resolved. The Veterans Advocate can also assist with initiating the Montgomery GI Bill, calls to, and returns from active duty. The Veterans Advocate is a one-stop-shop for our veterans/military students. The Veterans Advocate is also responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the veterans programs on campus.
Veterans Tuition Waivers: The WV National Guard and Reserves can help their members pay for tuition and fees. WVNG currently pays 100% of their members’ tuition and fees while the Reserves pays up to $4,500 a year. Those participating in the Post 9/11 GI Bill also receive tuition payment. However, those veterans who have served and elect to receive Chapter 30 benefits or have exhausted their benefits and are attending on a full-time basis may be eligible to receive partial tuition waivers from WVU. In-state students may receive $1000/year and out-of-state students may receive $3000/year.
Veterans Payment Plan: Allows students who receive the Montgomery GI Bill to delay payment of tuition and fees until they receive the first full month of benefits, typically October. This payment plan is managed through Sallie-Mae Tuition Pay.
Veterans-Only Courses: Starting fall 2009 WVU will offer two veterans-only courses; Orientation 293 (Veterans Transition Course) that combines information typically offered in University 101 and also offers information on the GI Bill and other veteran resources. English 101 will also be offered.
Specific Department Contacts: We have specific department contacts to work with our veterans/military students. These contacts are listed on our veterans website. These contacts have an understanding of the needs of our veterans and can help you navigate the WVU systems.
Military Leave Policy: The Undergraduate Catalog states: Students entering the armed services of the United States may be granted full refund of refundable fees (but no course credit) if the call comes before the end of the first three-fourths of the semester. If the call comes after that, full credit for courses may be granted if the student has passing grades at the time of departure.”