Veterans Educational Benefits

Lakeland’s Veterans Services Office, located in the Veteran Center in S-Bldg. Room S-216, is dedicated to helping all military-connected students, active duty personnel, veterans, reservists, spouses and dependents attain their educational benefits and achieve personal and professional goals.  EVERY semester submit a Veteran’s Registration Reporting Form to the college’s Veterans Benefits Certifying Specialist for continued receipt of VA educational benefits. Web address: lakelandcc.edu/veterans.

Section 103 of the Colmery Act
Lakeland Community College is a participant in the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 signed into law on December 31, 2018, by the President of the United States.  This provision was effective August 1, 2019 for any students that are considered “a covered individual” using Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits or any participants in Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment Program benefits at a public, private for-profit or not-for-profit institution regarding unpaid tuition and fees.

Lakeland will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapter 31 or 33.

Ohio GI Promise:
Lakeland adheres to the Ohio GI Promise for in-state tuition.  Upon moving to Ohio, veterans with one or more years of honorable service who have established domicile in Ohio prior to the first day of the semester are eligible for in-state tuition.  Copies of form DD-214 Member#4, proof of domicile as documented by proof of mortgage, rental lease agreement, or, if living with parents or other arrangement with no formal agreement, certified letter from the owner/occupants of the domicile and completion of the Lakeland’s Request for Change of Residency form are to be submitted to the Student Service Center (sscenter@lakelandcc.edu) prior to the first day of the semester.

The 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success

  1. Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
  2. Ensure consistent and sustained support for veterans from campus leadership.
  3. Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
  4. Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space (even if limited in size).
  5. Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
  6. Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics. retention and degree completion.
  7. Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
  8. Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.

To Apply for VA Educational Benefits from the VA:

  • Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30 and Post-9/11 Chapter 33: A copy of the online application (22-1990) Confirmation page for VA Education Benefits, along with a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 Member #4, must be submitted to the Veterans Benefits Certifying Specialist.  

  • Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Chapter 1606: A copy of the online application (22-1990) Confirmation page for VA Education Benefits, along with a copy of the Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) and DD Form 2384 must be submitted to the Veterans Benefits Certifying Specialist. 

  • Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA) Chapter 35:  A copy of the online application (22-5490) Confirmation page for VA Education Benefits must be submitted to the Veterans Benefits Certifying Specialist.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
The Department of Veteran Affairs will issue a Certificate of Eligibility to the applicant stating eligibility for the Montgomery, Post-9/11 (Chapter 33), or Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Chapter 35 benefits. A copy of the COE is needed for the veteran’s file.

Prior Credit:
Official transcripts of all previously attended colleges must be sent to Lakeland’s Office of Admissions.  Veterans should also provide any Military transcripts or CLEP grade reports.  A veteran who has had at least one year of active military service is eligible for two semester hours of physical education credit.  Military transcripts are evaluated by Lakeland’s Transfer Center. All prior credit must be reported to the Veterans Administration.

Program of Study:
Every student who applies for VA Education Benefits must have a stated objective and follow a program, approved by the Ohio State Approving Agency leading to completion of the objective. The Ohio State Approving Agency and VA review and approve certificates and degree programs specific to each Institution of Higher Learning, Vocational and Flight school.  A list of the Ohio State Approving Agency (SAA) and VA approved programs (Institution of Higher Learning Degree programs and Non College Degree) for VA Education Benefits at Lakeland Community College can be found at WEAMS Public (va.gov). Schedule an appointment with a Lakeland academic counselor, 440.525.7200, to formulate an education plan and evaluate prior college credit. Any changes to this initial course of study must be reported and approved by the Veterans Benefits Certifying Specialist.

Eligible/Payable Courses:
Only courses that satisfy requirements outlined by the curriculum guide in the Lakeland college catalog for the degree the student veteran, spouse/dependent is pursuing at Lakeland are eligible for VA Education Benefits. The law prohibits VA from paying education benefits for courses taken that are not part of the degree program. It is the student’s responsibility to convey the information outlined below to Lakeland’s academic counselor when planning class registration.

The VA will pay for:

  • Courses required for the Lakeland degree program.

  • Remedial courses in-person, if there is a documented need.

  • Courses repeated due to failure or if grade received does not meet Lakeland degree requirement.

The VA will not pay for:

  • Online remedial courses (e.g., ENGL 0111, MATH 0745, MATH 0850, MATH 0950).

  • Courses taken as an Audit option.

  • Courses in which a passing grade has already been earned.

  • Excessive free electives.

  • Retaking courses successfully completed at a prior institution.

  • Courses needed at another institution if the veteran, spouse/dependent is not enrolled at the institution.

Schedule Changes:
All course changes must be reported immediately to the Veterans Benefits Certifying Specialist and a change of status must be filed with the Veteran’s Administration.

Called to Active Duty: 
Before you leave: Notify your instructors, Lakeland’s Veterans Benefits Certifying Specialist and Financial Aid Office.  View all details at lakelandcc.edu/veterans.

Repayment of Benefits:
Receiving an “AW” grade may result in a VA overpayment to the student. Lakeland’s Academic Standards Policy of satisfactory attendance, conduct and progress must be maintained to continue receiving VA Educational Benefits.

Enrollment Status:
Veteran enrollment status is measured by the number of credit hours taken during a 16, 12, eight, or five-week session. The chart below is a general guide.  Requirements may differ from student to student.  Semester sessions are certified by the Lakeland and paid by the VA according to each session’s beginning date and end date. 

Veteran Enrollment Status by Number of Credit Hours

Status 16-Week Session 12-Week Session 8-Week Session 5-Week Session
Full-time 12 credit hrs. 9 credit hrs. 6 credit hrs. 4 credit hrs.
3/4 time 9 credit hrs. 7 credit hrs. 4 credit hrs. 3 credit hrs.
1/2 time 6 credit hrs. 5 credit hrs. 3 credit hrs. 2 credit hrs.
CH:33 Only over 50% Rate of Pursuit 7 credit hrs. 6 credit hrs. 4 credit hrs. 3 credit hrs.


Inquiries

  • Lakeland certifies enrollment information according to VA regulations.  Lakeland cannot provide information regarding VA Education Benefit payments or benefits. 
  • Questions or concerns regarding VA payments and benefits should be directed to the Veterans Administration at www.VA.gov/education or VA Education Call Center at 1.888.442.4551.

Servicemembers Opportunity College:
Lakeland Community College is recognized as a Servicemembers Opportunity College and is approved by the Ohio State Approving Agency for Veterans.