Military and Veteran Success

1. Apply for admission to FGCU
2. Complete a FAFSA application
3. Apply for VA Education Benefits
4. Submit and provide a copy of required documents to the FGCU VA School Certifying Official
   
   • FGCU Request of VA Education Benefits form
   • FGCU 60-Day Veteran’s Tuition Deferment form
   • Veteran/Dependent Non-Resident Tuition Waiver application (ONLY apply if classified as a Non-Florida Resident for tuition purposes after admission application process determination. Must have eligible qualifying documents and upload to the form for approval).
   • Transfer Veterans
     
     • Copy of your Certificate of Eligibility or e-Benefits statement
     • provide a copy of your DD-214 (member 4)
     • VA form 22-1995 (if previously used benefits at another school)

• • Transfer Dependents
    • Copy of your Certificate of Eligibility or log into gov/
    • VA form 22-5495 (if previously used benefits at another school)

• For incoming new or transfer students, contact the VA School Certifying Official (SCO) at va-sco@fgcu.edu to self-identify to discuss your VA Education eligibility and obtain the required documentation and forms for enrollment certification of VA Education Benefits.
• All students must be degree-seeking and ONLY take the required courses for their major to receive VA Education Benefits. Note: access your Degree Works for required courses.
• Register and finalize your schedule by the semester’s add/drop period published on the FGCU Academic Calendar.
• Notify your VA SCO of your intent to use benefits each semester by submitting the required forms and documents. Note: enrollment is not automatically reported to the VA on the students' behalf. It is the student's responsibility to notify the VA SCO.
• Submit forms by the published add/drop deadline on the FGCU Academic Calendar. Note: it is the student's responsibility to be aware of deadlines.
• Notify your VA SCO of any changes to your schedule during or after the add/drop period. This may affect your monthly payment for VA Education Benefits.
• Check your email regularly, as this is how the university officially communicates with all students.

The law requires that educational assistance benefits to veterans and other eligible persons be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completing his or her training objective. 

Satisfactory progress is considered to maintain a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). When a veteran's CGPA falls below 2.0, the veteran will be given two probationary semesters in which to raise his or her CGPA to 2.0 or better. If the student fails to achieve a 2.0 CGPA at the end of the probationary period, future VA educational benefits will be terminated. Benefits may be reinstated after the student achieves a 2.0 CGPA or above. The student will be required to submit VA FORM 22-1995 or VA Form 22-5495 to the Military & Veteran Success (MVS) office for inclusion with the next enrollment certification to the VA Regional Office. 

Changes That Affect Benefits 

• A non-punitive grade of "W" or "I" may reduce benefits effective at the beginning of the semester, depending on the student's course load. If a veteran takes an "I" grade and then re-registers for the same course, the "I" grade becomes punitive, and the course must be decertified for the period that it was previously taken. This means the VA education recipient may then be in an overpayment status. 

• Reduction of a course load after the add/drop period may result in a reduction of your benefits effective at the beginning of the semester. Students must inform the Military & Veterans Success office of any withdrawal and the reasons such action is necessary. Mitigating circumstances can be submitted and may be given special consideration. 

• Report a change of address immediately to the Veterans Administration at 1-888-442-4551 and complete a change of address form online at the Records & Registration (forms) webpage.  

• Report changes in marital status, number of dependents, etc., to the IRSC Military & Veterans Services Department. Proper documents verifying these changes are necessary, such as a certified marriage certificate, certified birth certificate, certified divorce decree, etc. 

Notification 

The VA education recipients are responsible for informing the FGCU Military & Veterans Success office of any changes to their enrollment, changes to their major