Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, Veterans and Financial Aid

Spring
2009
Resolution Number
20.01
 
Contact
Assigned to
Transfer, Articulation, and Student Services Committee
Category
Students
Status
Completed
Summary
Work with local academic senates and the Intersegmental Committee of Academic Senates (ICAS) to promote better awareness of the G.I. bill and the best strategies for utilizing and maximizing its benefits for veterans pursuing higher education.
Status Report

09-10 CLFIC held a breakout at spring 2010 plenary on improving support for the non-traditional student, specifically focusing on veterans. There has also been so much happening with respect to vets - at the state and federal level. There are federal dollars funding things and there have been related presentations at the Board of Governors. In contributing to all the work being done, 10-11 CLFIC submitted a Rostrum article; "Helping Veteran Students be Successful and Reach their Academic Goals!"

Whereas, The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, effective August 1, 2009, provides a maximum of 36 months of benefits for veterans to assist them in completing a college education, including full tuition "not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition and fees of a public institution of higher learning," a monthly housing allowance, and an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 (http://www.gibill.va.gov/);

Whereas, The long-term educational goals of many veterans may include transfer to four-year colleges or universities with significantly higher costs than the California community colleges, and these veterans may be unaware of the implications of time limitations for use of these benefits, as well as other financial aid programs; and

Whereas, There exists an urgent need for the benefits and time limitations of the G.I. Bill to be fully understood by counselors, financial aid advisors, and other faculty throughout the state in order to properly assist returning veterans in achieving their educational goals;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with local academic senates and the Intersegmental Committee of Academic Senates (ICAS) to promote better awareness of the G.I. bill and the best strategies for utilizing and maximizing its benefits for veterans pursuing higher education.

MSC Disposition: Local Senates