Veterans and Dependents Educational Benefits
Ball State University is proud to have been named a 2012 and 2013 Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs Magazine, putting us in the top 15 percent of schools nationwide. We assist and support our veterans in a number of different ways at Ball State. Learn more about our online degree programs and financial options for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
If this is your first semester at Ball State, we encourage you to visit the Student Veteran Orientation Program web page. This page includes access to four pre-college modules that provide information for student veterans to review prior to arrival on campus about the transition to college life. There will also be a Welcome Week Orientation Day on Saturday, August 18th at 2:00 p.m. for all new student veterans. To RSVP for our Welcome Week Orientation, please email Beck Hannaford at vetbenefits@bsu.edu.
In addition, please visit our Student Veteran Resource Center web page for valuable information and resources to use while attending Ball State. You may also wish to join Ball State's Student Veteran Organization (SVO). Learn more about the SVO and the upcoming events they have planned.
Certification of Veterans Educational Benefits-Every Semester
After registering for classes, each student is required to complete a Request for Enrollment Certification Form. This form is available online or in the Ball State Veterans' Affairs Office located in Lucina Hall, room 236. After completion, Veterans Affairs will certify you on the VA-Once online system for VA educational benefits. It is important that this form be completed at the beginning of each semester because the VA Regional Office requires up to 10 weeks to complete the certification process.
Monthly Verification of Enrollment
Veterans receiving Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607 must verify their enrollment at the end of each month. All other recipients are not required to verify. You can verify your enrollment online or call 877-823-2378. You will not receive payment until you have verified your enrollment each month.
Reporting Changes in Enrollment
You must notify the Veterans Affairs office whenever you add or drop a class. Failure to report changes is viewed as a serious matter by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You will be required to pay back any benefits that you received as a result of overpayment.
Reporting Changes In Programs or Majors
You must notify Veterans' Affairs of any change in program or major by logging on to the Veterans On-Line Application (VONAPP) website and completing a 'Form 1995-Request for Change of Program' form. You will also need to notify the Ball State Veterans' Affairs office of your change in program or major. You may do so in person at Lucina Hall, room 236, by phone (765-285-5736), or by e-mail (vetbenefits@bsu.edu).
Important Veterans Contact Information
VA Certifying Official at Ball State University:
Beck Hannaford 765-285-5736, Fax: 765-2852173, e-mail vetbenefits@bsu.edu
Veterans Affairs Regional Office/Information:
1-888-442-4551 (press "1" then "0" to be connected to a telephone professional)
Veterans Affairs Monthly Certification:
1-877-823-2378 or http://www.gibill.va.gov/wave
Indiana Veterans Affairs Office:
1-800-827-1000
Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation/Indianapolis Office/Chapter 31 Recipients:
317-916-3746 or rachel.doran@va.gov
Go Army Ed Help Desk:
1-800-817-9990
Note: It is the responsibility of the student to provide a copy of their Go Army Ed Tuition Assistance (TA) Authorization to our office.
Reserves Called to Active Duty & Military Withdrawal Policy Concerning Students Called to Active Military Duty
All students called to active duty during the first half of semester will be officially withdrawn, and a full refund of fees will be made. All students called to active duty after the first half of the semester may:
- withdraw and receive a full refund of tuition (issuance of grades would be at the discretion of the instructor) or
- request incomplete grades, and if granted, complete the course upon return to the university
Graduate students will be granted an extension of time to complete degree requirements equivalent to the period of active duty, but in no event to exceed four years.
How to Transfer Your Military Credit to Ball State University
Please contact Mrs. Linda Rent in the Ball State University Office of Admissions for questions regarding the transfer of military credit. Mrs. Rent can be reached at 765-285-8287 or lrent@bsu.edu.
National Guard Supplemental Grant Form
All guardsmen need to complete and submit to the Veterans Affairs office a National Guard Supplemental Grant Form for the Fall 2013 semester. Paper copies are also available in the Veterans Affairs office.