Veterans/Eligible Dependents

Indian River State College is approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans Training to provide training under the various education laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The new Post-911 G.I. Bill provides expanded educational benefits for qualified veterans who have served in the military after September, 11, 2001. It is important that veterans/eligible dependents who plan to attend IRSC apply early through the Veterans Affairs Office on the IRSC Main Campus so that certification of eligibility may be obtained from the VA Regional Office. It is the individual’s responsibility to make sure that he/she meets all of the eligibility requirements, and reads and understands the regulations and policies that govern the VA educational benefit program. Veterans/eligible dependents must enroll for at least 12 semester hours during the Fall and Spring Semesters, and for at least 6 semester hours during each of the Summer sessions to receive educational benefits at the full-time rate. If fewer semester hours are attempted, monthly allotments are generally reduced proportionately.

Students receiving VA educational benefits must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 to continue their eligibility for benefits. If a student’s CGPA falls below 2.0, the student will be given no more than two consecutive probationary periods to re-establish a 2.0 CGPA. A student’s VA education benefits will be terminated if his/her CGPA remains less than 2.0 at the end of the second probationary period. Students may be recertified for VA education benefits when their CGPA reaches 2.0. The academic probation/suspension procedures indicated in this catalog refer to the continued enrollment in the College, not to continued eligibility for VA educational benefits. The VA benefit eligibility policy is consistent with the 2.0 cumulative GPA as required for graduation. Non-degree students who fail to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress are not permitted to continue enrollment in the program and would not, therefore, be certified as eligible to receive educational benefits.

A Veteran/eligible dependent’s enrollment status is certified to the VA for each enrollment period the individual is enrolled. It is the individual’s responsibility to report to the IRSC Veteran’s Office all changes in the number of semester hours he/she is enrolled in or any other change in status. At least 45-60 days should be allowed for paperwork to be processed before an individual can expect his or her first benefit payment.

Students in vocational clock-hour programs are expected to attend all class sessions. Students receiving VA educational benefits should note that excessive absences will result in termination of benefits. Absences totaling more than the equivalent of 10% of the total hours for the enrollment period will result in the student being terminated from receipt of VA educational benefits due to unsatisfactory attendance.