FAQs

The Central Veterans Affairs Office is in Willard-DiLoreto Hall, room 201. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Veterans Drop In-Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Our office provides various services and programs for veterans, dependents, and military members. Besides processing VA educational benefits, we provide information on services such as academic advising, disability services, financial literacy, class registration, and career fairs, and VA events on and off campus. In addition, we conduct social events such as student pizza social, indoor shooting range, or more activities such as the football and basketball military appreciation day. Our office supports and plans information activities for all interests. Finally, we provide social, study, and computer lab space for students to meet or focus on academics at the Veterans Drop-In Center in DeLoreto Hall, Room 201.

Veterans and current military members (National Guard or Reserves) are welcome to email us, call us, or come in person to talk with us about their military service so that we can advise them on what federal or state VA educational benefits they qualify for. A DD-214 Member 4 document is highly encouraged to have with them during the visit.

Absolutely. The Central is committed to evaluating military education utilizing the American Council of Education’s standards with existing Central courses to provide the best match-up where possible. You can obtain your military transcript by emailing the Department of Defense Joint Services Transcripts (JST) and submitting your military transcripts to the Central Admissions Office for evaluation.

The Central Veterans Affairs Office is a Veterans Affairs Work Study program member. We encourage students receiving federal VA benefits to talk with our office about available VA Work Study opportunities.

Veterans and students in the military can apply for VA Educational Benefits online at http://gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application, and for additional information by calling 1 (888) 442-4551.

Yes. Central waives the application fee to all veterans and current military members who provide a copy of their DD-214 Member 4 document and to those who present their military identification card to the Admissions Office Counselor.

A new incoming veteran student or current military member must provide their VA eligibility certification letter and a copy of their DD-214 Member 4 document to the Central Veterans Affairs Office before the beginning of the academic semester.

Yes. Students under federal VA educational benefits can take classes at another university or community college while attending Central. They must first meet with a Central Certifying Official to be approved for doing so.

Whether you’re in the Guard or the Reserves and you are called up on Active Duty Orders, or you’re leaving Central for military training, there are some steps you will need to take to take a leave of absence from the University, which will also make it easier for you when you return. Once you know the dates that you will be on orders, even before you receive those orders, you should take the following steps:

• Contact the Office of Veterans Affairs to get the process started. They will help you understand:
  • At what point during the semester are you leaving and how that impacts your classes
  • When you will return from your responsibilities in the military and when you want to return to Central.
  • Provide us with a copy of your orders once one becomes available.
  • If there is more than one semester of leave, you will need to fill out a Leave of Absence with the Registrar’s Office. Provide a copy to the Office of Veteran’s Affairs via email vetaffairs@ccsu.edu.
• We will be able to discuss how your military orders will impact your Educational Benefits, particularly if you’re using Federal VA Benefits while attending school.
• Contact the Dean of Students Office (undergraduates) to have them notify them of your absences due to extenuating circumstances and flexibility regarding attendance policies and the possibility of makeup assignments.
• For Students NEW to Central: if you’re planning to enroll in classes at Central, but haven’t started yet, please email Admission’s Office at admissions@ccsu.edu to request a deferral.

• What if I’m going away for only a week or two for training?

  Rather than withdrawing, it’s best to work with the Dean of Students and the Office of Veterans Affairs, along with your professors, to get work ahead of time when possible.

• Can I take an “Incomplete” for my classes when I leave and complete the classes when I return?

  Yes, but please be sure to work with your professor(s) and the Office of Veterans Affairs to determine whether taking an “incomplete” is the best option for you. Students typically only have until the 3rd week of the following semester to resolve any “incomplete” grade on their transcript before it gets changed over to an F.

• What documentation may I be asked to provide when I leave / return?

  The Office of Veterans Affairs may ask you to provide a copy of your military orders when you request to leave. Upon return, The Office of Veterans Affairs may also ask for a copy of your paperwork associated with your deployment/mobilization/training (i.e. DD-214, etc.), particularly if there are changes to your benefits. (Please Note: Always be sure to keep your own copies of these documents, as you may need to provide them elsewhere too).

• How will my VA Benefits be impacted when I leave the University?

  Normally, when students using Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits drop classes after the drop/add period, the VA may generate a debt (that you must repay) which can include all the money paid toward your tuition, fees, book stipend, and BAH. However, unanticipated active military service (including active duty for training), qualifies as a mitigating circumstance and may reduce your debt. Regardless of what benefit you are using, it’s important to notify the Office of Veterans Affairs your need to drop classes due to military orders.

• What should I do regarding other Financial Aid that I have outside of Veterans / National Guard Benefits before I leave?

  Be sure to review and follow the guidance by the Office of Veterans Affairs, particularly if you are receiving any scholarships or student loans.

• When I return, what do I do if I’ve earned additional GI Bill® Benefits on my most recent time on Active Duty?

  You will want to get a new COE (Certificate of Eligibility) with your updated benefits level or types. (Note: You can get an updated statement of benefits by contacting the VA GI Bill® Hotline at 1-888-442-4551).

• What should I do about on-campus housing, especially if I’m out on orders and won’t have access to apply / select housing?

  Students who participate in military training or active duty may not have access to personal computers/internet during Residence Life processes or application deadlines. Please contact Residence Life directly to request updates or to make changes to your account. Residence Life does not always know when you will be away from your computer/internet for extended periods of time.

  If you have specific questions about this housing or process, please contact Residence Life at reslife@ccsu.edu.