Processing Benefits
Valparaiso University is honored to work with Veterans as they pursue an education whether in our Undergraduate Programs or through our Graduate Programs. In order to better serve this population the following information is provided as a guide to how the University processes VA funds.
What we need
The Office of Financial Aid needs a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility from each individual who receives Veterans benefits. This certificate provides us with necessary information about which program a student is eligible for and how long the benefits will continue. A copy of the DD214 is also required.
Each semester, the student must also complete and submit our VA Enrollment Verification Form before benefits will be processed.
We encourage all Veterans to visit the Office of Financial Aid located in the Duesenberg Welcome Center to meet our VA Certifying Official if they have any questions.
What happens next
Once a student has confirmed registration the Office of Financial Aid can begin putting information into the Enrollment Manager Program. Students still making changes to their schedule or those who were admitted later in the process may see a delay in their VA certification due to how information has to be entered into the Enrollment Manager Program.
Every attempt is made to have all the necessary information into the VA system by the first week in August for the fall semester and by the first week in December for the spring semester. Summer certifications are done May through July because of the two summer sessions.
Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 Section 103
Valparaiso University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individuals inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
If a student is not 100%, Section 103 states: the restriction on penalties would not apply in cases where the student owes additional payment to the school beyond the amount of the tuition and fee payment from VA to the school. VA would have to make payments to schools no later than 60 days after receiving the tuition and fee certification from the school, and they would have to report semiannually to Congress any cases in which VA fails to make such payments within 60 days of certification.
Who to contact
Marilyn Simpson, Associate Director of Financial Aid
OR
Lindsey Mooneyhan, Senior Assistant Director Financial Aid
219.464.5015 or finaid@valpo.edu
We understand there may be delays in when you receive your money from the VA and the University makes every attempt to provide the necessary information in a timely fashion. There will always be situations outside our control and we ask your patience as we work to better serve our growing Veterans population.