Welcome to the Veteran's Connection web site
The veterans and military members living, working, and receiving their education at the University of Michigan are a valued and vital component of our campus community. We recognize and honor their sacrifices and value their life experiences as they broaden the diversity of our staff, faculty and student body. The mission of Student Veterans Assistance Program at the University of Michigan is to assist veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and others receiving US military benefits in making a successful transition into the UM community.
Located within the Office of New Student Programs, the Student Veterans Assistance Program helps students make the transition from active military duty to UM, and from UM to active military duty. Whether you are a new student who has completed your service, a student who interrupted your education to serve and are now returning, or a student who began your studies elsewhere and are transferring here, we will help guide you to the resources you need to make the most of your UM experience. This web site is your first stop for information for student veterans. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns at 734.764.6413.
In addition to the Office of New Student Programs, the Registrar’s Office assists eligible students to apply for their VA education benefits. Both offices are located in the lobby of the Literature, Science and Arts (LSA) building. For more information, contact the VA Certifying Official, Michelle Henderson, at 734.763.9066.
Current Events
> Emergency Funds Now Available through VA and U-M Financial Aid
The Department of Veteran Affairs has been authorized to give out checks for up to $3000 to students who have applied for educational benefits but have not received a government payment. This money will be taken out of the housing stipend (if applicable) or CH 30 checks.
Veterans can apply online at www.va.gov, starting Oct. 2. The online application will guide Veterans through the process to supply needed information. Online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing.
Students can also go to one of 57 VA regional centers, with a photo ID and their class schedule, and request an advance payment of their educational benefit.
The nearest VA regional center is
The Detroit VA Regional Office
Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building
(477 Michigan Ave), in downtown Detroit.
The reception desk is located on the 12th floor
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
U-M Financial Aid
U-M has 0% interest loans for student veterans who are facing hardships due to the backlog of VA claims. Please contact Louis Krause at lokrause@umich.edu to learn how you can apply.
>Post 9/11 GI Bill (CH33)
Get Certified!!
For those that will use CH33 benefits this academic year; You must have your certificate of eligibility (COE) from the VA in order for U-M to begin processing your benefits. The turnaround time from when you apply to the VA to when you get your COE from the VA can be as long as 8 weeks or more. It is strongly recommended that you apply for VA benefits as soon as you make the decision to use Ch33. You can apply through the VA here: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/How_to_Apply.htm
Mail or fax your COE form to the Office of the Registrar (RO), then complete the Veterans Certification Request Form . This form is used by the RO to certify your class load and eligible charges with the VA. You must complete this form each term. Staff in the RO are processing forms as quickly as possible and hope to have their submissions to Veterans Affairs complete by the start of the term. Visit the Office of the Registrar if you have questions about the certification of enrollment process (1207 LSA Building; 764-5556).
Tuition & Fee Credit.
Knowing that it may be weeks before the University receives the VA funds to cover your authorized tuition and fee charges, the University will post a credit on your student account “Chapter 33 VA Benefits” based on our best estimate of your eligibility. This credit will be posted to your student account shortly after your class load is certified with the VA. When funds are actually received from the VA, your account will be reconciled; you will be notified of any necessary adjustments.
No Sweat on Late Fees & Financial Holds. Because processing is off to a slow start as UM staff learn the ins and outs of Chapter 33 benefits, the University will waive any late charges a certified Vet may be assessed while awaiting the UM tuition and fee credit. Visit Student Financial Services if you have questions about your student account (2226 Student Activities Building; 764-7447).
Book and Living Expense Costs:
If your housing and book expenses are a concern because either your initial Certificate of Eligibility or stipends are delayed due to a backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is possible to obtain short term loan assistance to cover your immediate expenses. The Short Term Loan application is available on line through Wolverine Access. For amounts that exceed $500, you must first consult with the Office of Financial Aid.
VA Benefit Impact on Financial Aid
Recent legislation removed Veteran benefits from consideration for purposes of Federal and State financial assistance. However, benefits under some chapters are considered when institutional funds are awarded. For information regarding the potential impact your benefit may have on your eligibility, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 734-763-6600.
More information on how to receive your VA benefits at U-M is found here: http://www.vets.umich.edu/current_students/benefits.html
(Updated Aug.25)
For past "Current Events" click here
site Maintained by:
The Office of New Student Programs
1100 LSA Building
500 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-764-6413
