Veteran Services

The Veteran Services Office at Connors State College is dedicated to honoring and empowering those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Our mission is to provide veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families with personalized support and resources to ensure a smooth transition to academic life, career advancement, and personal success. Through advocacy, education, and connection to campus and community resources, we strive to foster an environment of respect, inclusivity, and opportunity, enabling our veterans to achieve their goals and enrich the Connors State College community.

Eligibility

To be eligible for VA Educational Benefits, students must have served in the United States Armed Forces or be a dependent of a qualifying service member under specific programs, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30), or the Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35). Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs based on service history, discharge status, and other criteria. Students must apply for benefits through the VA, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and provide it to the Veteran Services Office at Connors State College. Students must have a COE on file before a certification is processed by the SCO. Continuing students must also meet academic and enrollment requirements to remain eligible. For personalized guidance, students are encouraged to contact the Veteran Services Office.

Students receiving VA Educational Benefits have the responsibility to meet all requirements established by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Connors State College to remain eligible. This includes maintaining satisfactory academic progress by meeting minimum grade requirements and adhering to the institution’s academic policies. Students must attend all classes as scheduled, as failure to do so may result in the reduction or termination of benefits. Additionally, they must be aware of the credit hour requirements for full-time or part-time enrollment, as their benefits are prorated based on enrollment status. It is the student’s responsibility to promptly report any changes in enrollment, such as adding, dropping, or withdrawing from classes to both the Veteran Services Office and the VA. Compliance with these standards ensures the continued receipt of benefits and the successful pursuit of their educational goals.

Certification

Students using VA Educational Benefits are required to certify their enrollment for each term they wish to receive benefits. Certification involves submitting their class schedule to the Veteran Services Office at Connors State College for verification and processing with the VA. This step must be completed every semester, including summer sessions, to ensure timely disbursement of benefits. Failure to certify could result in delayed or interrupted benefits. To complete your certification, please fill out the Certification Request Form. Be sure to submit the form as soon as your schedule is finalized and promptly report any changes to your enrollment using the Change in Enrollment Form.

Training Time

The VA determines training time for educational benefits based on the number of credit hours enrolled.

Connors State College 16-week classes:

Full-Time: 12 or more credit hours
Three-Quarter-Time: 9-11 credit hours
Full-Time: 6-8 credit hours
Half-Time: 12 or more credit hours
Less Than Half-Time: 1-5 credit hours

Connors State College 8-week classes:

Full-Time: 6 or more credit hours
Three-Quarter-Time: 4-5 credit hours
Half-Time: 3 credit hours
Less Than Half-Time: 1-2 credit hours

Attendance

To remain eligible for VA Education Benefits, students must comply with the attendance requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Connors State College. VA regulations state that students must maintain regular attendance in their courses to continue receiving educational benefits. If professors or the Canvas system report that attendance requirements are not being met, the student’s enrollment will be amended. This could result in a reduction or termination of VA benefits for the term. It is essential for students to stay engaged and attend classes as required to ensure continued eligibility for VA benefits.

VA Work-Study Program

Exciting opportunities for VA Work-Study positions will be available starting in the Spring 2025 semester! This program allows eligible students using VA Educational Benefits to earn

a stipend while gaining valuable work experience. Positions are available on campus and involve assisting with veteran-related services.

To apply for a VA Work-Study position, please contact Mrs. Hart at ashleigh.hart@connorsstate.edu or call 918-463-6207. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills and contribute to the veteran community at Connors State College!

Meet Your VA Coordinator

Ashleigh is here to support you as your VA Coordinator at Connors State College. Located on the Warner Campus in Gatlin Hall, Room 213, she brings a wealth of experience and understanding to her role.

Ashleigh has been a military brat throughout her life. She served for seven years in the Army JAG Corps on Active Duty and later worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her deep connection to the military community is a defining part of her background. Ashleigh has personally utilized Chapter 31, Chapter 33, and Chapter 35 VA benefits, making her well-versed in these programs and the processes involved. In addition, Ashleigh has six years of experience assisting veterans with their VA disability and education claims and counseling veterans on the benefits they may be entitled to. She is dedicated to guiding veterans through the often-complex VA system and ensuring they receive the full range of benefits available to them.

Whether you need help navigating your VA Educational Benefits, have questions about resources, or just need a listening ear, Ashleigh is ready to assist. You can contact her at ashleigh.hart@connorsstate.edu or call 918-463-6207.