Frequently Asked Questions

How do I receive the GI Bill at Methodist University?
Just bring your VA-issued Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Office of Veteran Services, room 100 of Stout Hall and complete a Request for Certification form and all approved courses will be certified.

When do I submit the Request for Certification Form?
Once you have been officially accepted, all your transfer credits have been evaluated, and you have registered for classes.

Where do I get the Request for Certification Form?
These forms are available in a box outside the door of the Office of Veteran Services.

How do I get a COE?
If you are a veteran, go to the official web site of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Education Division at http://www.gibill.va.gov and complete an electronic application, VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. You will be mailed a COE in approximately 8 weeks.

But classes start before that, can I be certified without a COE?
Yes, if you provide documentation that you are eligible for the benefit and that you have applied.

I was told I would have a semester to get all my transcripts in. Can I get the GI Bill now?
No. In a few cases MU will allow this grace period but all of your prior training must be officially evaluated prior to certification of your course schedule.

I am using my parent or spouse's GI Bill, can I give you their COE?
No, that documents that they are eligible, not you. You must have a COE with your name on it or the approved Transferability Authorization and submitted VA Form 22-1990E.

How do I apply for the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship?
You don't. The Yellow Ribbon is part of the Post 9-11 GI Bill and is automatically applied if your tuition costs exceed the maximum state cap for VA tuition reimbursement and if you are qualified for the Post 9-11 GI Bill at the 100% rate. The Yellow Ribbon does not apply for active duty personnel, their spouses, John David Fry Scholarship recipients or veterans receiving less than 100% of the benefit.

How do I get transfer credit for my military training?
You must provide an official copy of your military record (DD Form 214, AARTS, SMART or CCAF) during the admissions process along with your prior college transcripts so it can be evaluated.

What are approved courses?
All of the academic programs at MU have been approved for Veterans Education Benefits. However, only those courses that are required for your declared major can be approved for your benefits, and electives if needed.

Can I change my major?
Yes. We recommend you first consult with your Academic Advisor. You must change your major with the Registrar's Office and then complete a VA Form 22-1995, Request for a Change of Place/Program form.

What if I want to double major?
You may be approved for a minor or dual major but you must have at least 50% of your major requirements completed before you can be certified outside your declared major. You should also confer with your Academic Advisor before adding a minor or additional major.

The Business Office says I need to take a form to them to clear. How do I get that?
This only applies to chapter 33 beneficiaries. This letter will be completed for you in the Office of Veteran Services after your Request for Certification has been approved.

Is there a veteran's organization on campus? Is it open to family members?
There are two veterans' organizations. Student Veterans of America - MU Chapter, open to all veterans and their family members; and Chi Delta Chi, the Veterans' Honor Society, open to all MU students who have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applications for both groups are available in the Office of Veteran Services.

Will VA pay the additional fees if I take a directed study or independent study class?
Possibly, if you are using the Post 9-11 GI Bill and the course is required for graduation and you can document that you cannot take it any other time. Submit a written request from yourself and a memo verifying the conditions from your academic advisor or department chair. Requests should be addressed to the NC State Department of Veteran Affairs, Education Division and will be forwarded through the Office of Veteran Services.

My instructor says I need a specific type of (brush, calculator, instrument, etc.), will VA pay for that?
The Post 9-11 GI Bill will pay required fees such as applied music lessons for music majors, PGM fees for golf majors and tennis fees for tennis majors; but required equipment must be purchased using your book and equipment allowance that is sent to you, not charged to the school

I am not doing very well in my class, should I withdraw?
That would be your decision, however, it you drop a course after the add-drop period you will have to reimburse VA for what they paid (not what MU charges).

But if I stay in the class I might fail then I'd have to pay VA back too, right?
No, an F means you attended class but did not score high enough to pass; VA will pay for the course and pay for you to re-take it and replace the failing grade; however you must maintain the Standards of Academic Progress as described in the MU catalog.

What if I just stop going to the class?
In that case you should be awarded a WF which is a punitive grade. It would affect your GPA the same as an F and you would have to pay the VA for that course.

But I had family problems and was unable to attend, why am I going to be punished?
The VA will consider extenuating circumstances if they are made known. You should withdraw from the class in accordance with MU procedures and provide your reasons to the Office of Veteran Services with your drop slip to include the LDA (last date of attendance). If they accept your extenuating circumstances, they might pay for the class up to the LDA but not for the entire term.