Veterans Certification
The VA Certification Official (VCO) located in the Enrollment Services Center (ESC) completes all GI Bill enrollment certifications for students participating in any of the Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs. As early as possible, preferably after being accepted by the university and at least one month before entering the university, any student planning on enrolling under one of these programs should contact the VA representative in the Enrollment Services Office to initiate enrollment certification procedures. Students requesting enrollment certification for the first time should already be in possession of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Each VA educational assistance program has its own set of rules/guidelines and students should be prepared to sustain initial university costs since benefits will not begin until several weeks after certification.
Veterans and family members planning to study using GI Bill benefits at the University of West Georgia should apply for admission as any other student. Eligibility for Veterans benefits has no direct relationship to the institution. All financial transactions are directly between the student and Veterans Affairs. The institution serves only as a source of certification and information to Veterans Affairs.
Students receiving Veterans benefits must adhere strictly to a planned program of study as indicated on the schools as well as all VA forms. Program changes must be reported promptly to the university's (VCO) in the Enrollment Services Center.
Students receiving VA educational benefits are also required to report to the university's (VCO) any changes in course load, or interruptions in attendance in order to minimize personal liability resulting from overpayment of benefits. Veterans Affairs regulations indicate that students receiving benefits are expected to attend classes regularly. The Enrollment Services Center, therefore, asks faculty members to report prolonged and excessive class absences so that the affected students' enrollment certifications may be terminated in a timely manner.
