Veterans Services

Students called to active service during the course of a semester must choose one of the following options before departing for active service:

• Any student called to active service during the course of a semester may elect to withdraw from the university with a full refund of all academic tuition and segregated fees and the prorated refund of room and board fees. Under this circumstance, no course credit and no course grades will be awarded.
• Students called to active service on or prior to the last date to drop a full-term course (end of the eighth week) must withdraw with the full refund of academic tuitions and segregated fees and the prorated refund of board and room fees.
• Students called to active service after the last date to drop a full-term course (end of the sixth week) may elect to take the grade of "Incomplete" in all courses. The time period allowed to satisfy the Incomplete Contracts would not, under this circumstance, begin until the date of release from active service. At any time within six months of the date of release from active service, the student may elect to withdraw from the university for the term in which he/she was called to active service. Students who elect this alternative are not eligible for the refund of academic tuition and segregated fees, but are eligible for the prorated refund of board and room fees.  The student will work directly with the instructor/s on their "contract agreement"- the INSTRUCTOR typically assigns a due date and conditions. Most incompletes typically allow undergraduates one full semester of extension and graduations 2 full semesters, unless the instructor specifies a different date.
• Students called to active service after the last permissible day to withdraw from the university, as published in each semester's Schedule of Classes, may elect, with the permission of the course instructor, to accept the grades earned to that day in each of their courses. Under this circumstance, normal University policy for the award of "Incomplete" grades would apply. The time period allowed to satisfy Incomplete Contracts would begin at the date of release from active service. Students who elect this alternative are not eligible for the refund of fees.
• Students called to active service keep their admission, e-mail and computer access open at UWW for two years from the date of their mobilization. After two years absence, students will have to reapply for admission.

County Veterans Service Officers of Wisconsin

WICVSOA Brochure

Jefferson County

Yvonne Duesterhoeft

Phone: 920-674-7240

yvonned@jeffersoncountywi.gov

Rock County

Paul Crawford

Phone: 608-757-5552

rockcvso@co.rock.wi.us

Walworth County

Nathan Bond

Phone: 262-741-4222

nbond@co.walworth.wi.us
veterans@co.walworth.wi.us

Students shall not be penalized for class absence due to unavoidable or legitimate required military obligations not to exceed two (2) weeks unless special permission is granted by the instructor.  Students are responsible for notifying faculty members of such circumstances as far in advance as possible and for providing documentation to the instructor to verify the reason for the absence.  The faculty member is responsible to provide reasonable accommodations or opportunities to make up exams or other course assignments that have an impact on the course grade.  For absences due to a student being deployed for active duty, please refer to the University's Active Duty Call-Up Procedure.

Events held at UW - Whitewater, UW - Rock County and off campus will be posted and update here.

UW - Whitewater Campus

Operation Job Ready Veterans: Conducting resume, interviewing, and job searching workshops at UWW campus for student veterans, dependents, and spouses that are on campus.

February 24, 8am-4pm

Veterans Lounge located in the Anderson Library

UW - Rock County Campus

No events scheduled at this time.

Off Campus

No events scheduled at this time.

FAFSA

It is highly recommended that all military members including dependent and spouses file a FAFSA application each school year.  This is where the free money lives (grants) and you will need to file a FAFSA to get access to this money.  Just because you file a FAFSA does not mean you need to use these loans.  In order to have Federal Student Aid applied to your account you would need to manually go in and accept the loans.

Types of Aid

Grants: A grant is gift aid, which means the funds do not need to be repaid.  Most grants are based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Loans: A loan is a form of financial assistance which must be repaid and should only be accepted with full realization of that responsibility.

Scholarships: A scholarship is also gift aid which does not need to be repaid.  Scholarships are usually merit based, and the criteria to receive a scholarship varies considerably dependent upon the scholarship provider. 

The FAFSA is the financial aid form for accessing grants, federal student loans and work-study funds.  Filling out the free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is one of the most important steps students and their families can take to pay for college. If you submit your FAFSA early, you’ll have a better chance at more federal aid or school financial aid.  The FAFSA application can be submitted for the next year of college starting October 1.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  If you are receiving the WI GI Bill Waiver, along with other grants and loans through completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), your Financial Aid Offer may be reduced once the Financial Aid Office is notified of your WI GI Bill Waiver amount.  If you receive a refund from your grants and loans prior to your WI GI Bill Waiver being applied to your account, you may owe some or all of your refund back to UW-W.  If you have completed or will be completing the FAFSA, please complete the “Scholarship & Resource Notification Form” available at https://www.uww.edu/financialaid/forms#miscellaneous-forms and return it to the Financial Aid Office so they can adjust your financial aid accordingly. 

Veteran's benefits may also include tutorial assistance, if there exists a documented deficiency in any subject required for completion of a degree program. Contact the Veterans' Coordinator for an application.

Refer to the Undergraduate or Graduate Catalog for the academic performance criteria that are expected from all UW-W students, including those individuals receiving VA benefits. In addition to those rules and regulations, veterans who are receiving VA benefits should be aware of these considerations:

• Taking a course on a satisfactory/no credit (undergrad) basis may result in an overpayment of benefits for that term if the veteran receives no credit for that course.
• Courses taken off-campus or at another school may not count toward enrollment certification. If taking courses at two schools concurrently, veterans must notify the Veterans' Coordinator if they wish to use benefits at both schools.
• Audit credits do not count as credits for benefit certification purposes.
• A repeat enrollment of a "D-" or higher grade may not count for benefit level determination.
• The University is required to notify the VA on any change of enrollment, withdrawal, and probation or academic dismissal in order to determine the effect on future and past benefit eligibility. Unless the veteran claims "migitating circumstances", they may be liable for repayment of the benefits. The Veteran should contact the Veterans' Coordinator to determine the effects of the change before the action is taken, and if "mitigating circumstances" can be claimed, file a statement of those circumstances. The veteran may be required to return benefits paid for the pursuit of the course or courses from the start of the term, not from the date the course was dropped or the withdrawal was processed.

• Veterans/dependents must contact the Veterans' Coordinator to receive continuous pay each term.

Federal Benefits Summary

Chap 30 Montgomery GI Bill ® (for Active Duty Personnel and Veterans since 1985)
Chap 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment
Chap 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill ® Program
      -The Yellow Ribbon Program
Chap 35 DEA (Dependents' Educational Assistance Program - Spouses and Children)
Chap 1606 Montgomery GI Bill ® (for Reserve and Guard Members Since 1985)
VA Work Study Program
VA Tutoring Program

Veterans Choice Act

STEM

Useful Links

Benefit Comparison Chart
Chapter 33 Transferability Process
MyCAA Fact Sheet

Federal Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.  Each branch has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process' and restrictions.  This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.  Additionally, active duty members may elect to use the GI Bill “top-up” in addition to their service provided TA to cover high cost courses.  Students need approval from their ESO, military counselor, or Service branch before registering for classes.  Click on your branch below for guidance on how to apply for tuition assistance.

• Air Force Tuition Assistance  
• Army Tuition Assistance
• Navy Tuition Assistance  
• Marines Tuition Assistance
• Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
• National Guard Tuition Assistance
• Tuition Assistance 'Top-Up' Program

If you are not a current student apply to UW Whitewater as “Special No Credential” or “Degree Seeking”  

• Academic Advising 
• Four Year Plans
• Graduate Studies 
• Financial Aid
• Career Center

Cost Verification Documents

• Cost Estimator Worksheet

• Tuition and Fees

UWW is approved by the State Approval Agency.  Veterans may receive a minimum of four (4) elective units if they received an honorable discharge after six months or more of service or if they were discharged into the National Guard or Reserves.  The discharge certificate (DD214) must be submitted to the Admissions Office to obtain these units.  Credit may be granted for military training and experience if the guide compiled by the American Council on Education so recommends.  Students should consult the Admissions Office about this type of credit.  Students submitting the AARTS, SMART or Community College of the Air Force transcripts may be evaluated to receive additional elective or degree credits.

Get credit for your military training: To request your Official Joint Service Transcript, you will need to login or register for an account. Once you have your account follow the steps below.

• My Transcript
• Request Official Transcript
• School Search: University of Wisconsin or University of Wisconsin (Rock County)
• For UWW you will need to scroll down until you see UWW address (800 West Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190)
• Click on the one you need (it will not state University of Wisconsin Whitewater in the title of the one going to UWW)
• Check the box: I have read and agree with the above consent statement
• Click on: SEND OFFICAL TRANSCRIPT
• Send a copy of your DD214 to Veteran Services Team and Admissions Office

Monthly Student Verification/Wave Verification
1-877-VA-ECERT (1-877-823-2378)

Admissions
Academic Advising
Adult & Non Traditional Student
Career and Leadership Development
Center for Students with Disabilities
Financial Aid
Financial Services
Graduate School
University Health and Counseling Services

Veteran and Service Members Organization

At UW-Whitewater, you will have the opportunity to join the Veterans and Service Members Organization. The student-run campus organization is involved in social, academic, informational and community services. The group aims to assist members with the transition to campus and academic life, build morale and promote fellowship. For more information, email the student president at: vetclub@uww.edu

Federal Government Websites

Department of Veterans Affairs
Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) DANTES Test Centers
Department of Labor
eBenefits
Federal Jobs for Veterans
Foreign Training Approval
Library of Congress
Military.com
My HealtheVet
National Science Foundation
National Veterans Foundation
Post 9/11 GI Bill
Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND)
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate
The White House
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
Veterans ON-line Application (VONAPP)
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) Home  

Financial Aid

SallieMae

Reimbursement

Licensing and Certification Test Reimbursement through the VA
National Testing Reimbursement Program through the VA

Scholarships (Branch Specific) and Grant Sources

Air Force Association
Army Emergency Relief
Coast Guard Foundation
Fry Scholarship Q&A Info and Form
National Guard
Navy-Marine Corps Relief
Purple Heart.org
Fleet Reserve Association USN/USMC/USCG

Membership or Relation to Member Required   

American Legion
American Legion Auxiliary
Veteran College Scholarships
Student Veterans of America

Additional Scholarship Links  

AMVETS
Armed Forces Communications and Electronic Association
Military Children Scholarship
Military Magazine Online - veterans & spouses
Military Officers Association of America
NMFA Joann Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship
The Pat Tillman Foundation
ThanksUSA.org
SMART Scholarship Program

State Veteran's Benefits and Departments of Higher Education

State National Guard Tuition Assistance Programs
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

The University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Leadership and Military Science department develops students to become leaders in either the Army, Air Force or civilian career fields. There are three paths to obtain a minor in Leadership, and those paths are specific to the individual student on their desires to either work in the Army, Air Force or Civilian career path. 

For those students interested in the ROTC Program, UW Whitewater offers leadership electives as well as a leadership minor. There are several additional opportunities in the leadership department to include; scholarships, Basic Course, Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), and Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD). 

https://www.uww.edu/coeps/departments/leadership-and-military-science-rotc

S.A.L.U.T.E. is the only national honor society recognizing and honoring the service and the scholastic achievements of student veterans. SALUTE stands for Service, Academics, Leadership, Unity, Tribute, and Excellence. Members inducted into SALUTE are those who have shown courage, strength, leadership, excellence, and perseverance in their military endeavors and now are showing that same commitment to their academic careers. Each student selected for recognition through membership in SALUTE will receive a military style challenge coin and a membership certificate suitable for framing, opportunities for scholarships through SALUTE.

Members include retirees, disabled veterans, active duty military, National Guard and reservists returning to higher education, starting second careers, or helping fund their college careers with military service.

S.A.L.U.T.E. Minimum Standards

Undergraduate Students

• Be currently enrolled as a student.
• Have served or currently serving in the military, National Guard, or Reserves (If no longer serving, must have an honorably discharged from service). Applicant must submit a DD-214 Member 4 copy that displays the character of service (honorable discharge). Applicants serving on active duty or in the Guard or Reserves must submit a copy of orders for their current duty assignment.
• Must have completed 12 credits
• 3.00 cumulative GPA or higher. The undergraduate GPA tiers are broken down according to the following:
  • Alpha Tier GPA: 3.75 - 4.00
  • Bravo Tier GPA: 3.50 - 3.74
  • Charlie Tier GPA: 3.25 - 3.49
  • Delta Tier GPA: 3.00 - 3.24
• Maintain the highest ethical standards

Graduate Students

• Be currently enrolled as a student
• Have served or currently serving in the military, National Guard, or Reserves (If no longer serving, must have an honorably discharged from service). Applicant must submit a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4) that displays the character of service (honorable discharge). Applicants serving on active duty or in the Guard or Reserves must submit a copy of orders for their current duty assignment.
• Must have completed 9 credits
• Completed a minimum of 20 community service hours.
• 3.50 cumulative GPA or higher
• Maintain the highest ethical standards

Graduation Regalia & Memorabilia

SALUTE National is pleased to announce our online marketplace with graduation regalia and memorabilia available here.

Application

Applications accepted until April 1 for the Spring semester and October 15 for the Fall semester.

Step 1. Fill out the application and submit to vetservices@uww.edu.

Step 2. Pay a one-time $35 fee for life membership online here.

Applicants who have not paid the membership by the application deadline will not be processed. A confirmation email will be sent to the email provided by the application.

For more information, contact Amy Moore at moorea@uww.edu

S.A.L.U.T.E. - SCHOLARSHIPS

Step 1. Fill out the application.

Step 2. Email completed application package to SALUTE_National@mail.colostate.edu.

Wisconsin State Benefits Summary

Wisconsin GI Bill Tuition Waiver Program
WDMA National Guard Tuition Grant

To get more information on the listed Wisconsin State Military Education Benefits, please go to their respective tabs.

Student – Veterans & Military Services mission is to help make your transition from military culture to academic excellence as smooth as possible while making your college experience rewarding and meaningful. Our dedicated staff and resources are here to help you on your journey.

Kris McMenamin

Coordinator of Student Veterans & Military Services

(262) 472-5236

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
1-888-442-4551
eBenefits

UWW Veterans and Service Members Lounge is a place for students who have served or are serving in the military to study and socialize with each other.  Located in the Anderson Library, room 2208A, this lounge includes two (2) computers, study space, television, mini-fridge, microwave and separate meeting room for veterans to use.  The Veterans and Service Members Organization meets in this Lounge on a regular basis.

At UW-Whitewater, you will have the opportunity to join the Veterans and Service Members Organization. The student-run campus organization is involved in social, academic, informational and community services. The group aims to assist members with the transition to campus and academic life, build morale and promote fellowship. For more information, email the student president at vetclub@uww.edu.

Veterans Club
A  place where veterans on campus can come together to discuss events, personal issues, current veterans issues affecting them and get needed peer support. Possible activities may include conducting community outreach and bringing education and awareness to those on campus interested in learning about current issues that affect veterans. For more information contact Kristin Fillhouer. 

*Chapter 33 recipients: half-time enrollment (Undergraduates - 6 units or less; Graduates - 4.5 units or less) any time during the term (Fall/Spring only) will result in the loss of your MHA/BAH.

Please Note: Per VA directive, a Winterim course, Summer Session courses and courses that do not meet for the full semester will only count during those weeks that the course(s) meet.

Veterans Week is held every year in early November to honor all service members not only in the UWW student population, but all service members in the Whitewater area. A multitude of Veterans Week events have included Veteran themed art shows in the Roberta Art Gallery, military panel presentations, and the Veteran Honor Tree - a silent way to say thank you to many different groups that have been affected by past and present wars. For additional information about Veterans Week, please contact Kris McMenamin at 262-472-5236.

 Veterans Recognition Week November 6-11, 2023

In recognition of veterans and military service members, UW-Whitewater's Veterans Services office has several in-person activities planned.

• Veteran Appreciation Football Game, November 11, 2023 at 1PM (UW-Whitewater Veteran's Alliance will be tailgating at 10:00am in Parking Lot 11)
• Tie a ribbon to the Honor Tree located in the Anderson Library Lobby at the Whitewater campus or in Hyatt Smith Hall on the Rock County campus as a silent way to show appreciation to those affected by past and present wars.
• UW-Whitewater Veteran's Alliance 2nd Annual Bowling Competition at the Warhawk Alley located in the UC - Tournament will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 and starts at 4:00pm. 
• Coffee with the Chancellor at 10 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023 in the UC - Old Main Ballroom. Coffee and pastries provided by Veteran Services.
• Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023 in the UC - Old Main Ballroom. Watch virtual ceremony here. 
• Meeting number: 2632 623 0202 Meeting password: VSbwDgvH428

Veterans Day Ceremony Program

Master of Ceremonies

Kris McMenamin, Coordinator of Military and Veteran Student Services

11:00 am Color Guard and National Anthem

UW-W ROTC and UW-W Student Brass Quintet

MC

11:05 Welcome and Land Acknowledgment Statement.

Mark Zimmermann, Student Veteran Alliance President

MC

 Veteran Poem

Amy Moore, Veterans Benefits Coordinator

MC

Opening Remarks

Chancellor Corey King

MC

 Guest Speaker 

VFW Vice Commander Ty Letto

 Concluding Remarks

Kris McMenamin, Coordinator of Military and Veteran Student Services

WDVA has instituted an online application process for this benefit.  Although the form WDVA 2030 is now done electronically through myWisVets, the form WDVA 2029 with the school logos is still done by paper and turned into the school.  Please download the WDVA 2029 below, complete, and return to the Veterans Benefits Coordinator.

WDVA 2029
myWisVets
WI GI Bill FAQs  

Cumulative GPA Requirement:

• Effective January 2014, any student using the WI GI Bill must maintain a minimum 2.0 UWW Cumulative GPA in order to remain eligible for the WI GI Bill benefits.
• Transfer students will have their transfer cumulative GPA applied for the first term, if necessary, of enrollment.  Thereafter, the UWW Cumulative GPA will only be used.

Please Note: The WIGI Bill does not cover all educational costs (i.e. textbook rental, special course fees, etc.).  Information on what programs and the amount of tuition and fees costs that are covered can be found at the following website: Wisconsin GI Bill FAQs. You can also check with either the Veterans Certifying Official (262-472-1570) or Student Accounts (262-472-1373) to determine which tuition/fees are not covered.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  If you apply for FAFSA, please be aware that the WIGI Bill needs to be applied to your account before Federal Student Aid is applied to your account.  If Federal Student Aid drops first, this will cause a debt on your account and you will owe money back to the school.  To avoid this from happening it is very important that you submit your Veteran Services Information Sheet immediately after you register for classes.  You will do this every semester.

Please fill out the Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant Application Form and email back to Amy Moore within 2 weeks from the start of the semester.  Forms need to be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs from the UW-Whitewater veterans office no later than 90 days from the last day of each semester.  

Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant Application Form

Policies and Procedures

Criteria

• Be admitted to UWW in good academic standing
• Be enrolled at least 30 days prior to the term beginning
• Maintain good academic standing at UWW or return to good academic standing after one term*
• Maintain good conduct
• Adhere to campus attendance policies

*Good academic standing is at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

As a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program, UWW has agreed to fund 50% of the remaining unmet tuition & fee charges, the other 50% being funded by the Veterans Administration. Awards are made to a total of 10 qualified non-resident undergraduates, including continuing students who are already receiving Yellow Ribbon Program benefits from previous semesters. Applicants are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. The amount each student will receive from UWW will vary according to the cost of their degree program and any tuition specific scholarships or grant they may have been awarded.

Please Note: the Yellow Ribbon Program award cannot be combined with other UWW institutional awards to result in a surplus for the student. This program is available to qualified non-resident undergraduate students in all degree programs offered at UWW.

Yellow Ribbon Program applications are available in the Registrar's Office.

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, submit the following to apply:

• A completed Yellow Ribbon Program application
• A copy of the Certificate of Eligibility*
• A copy of the DD214 (Veterans only, not Transfer of Entitlement applicants)

*Students must forward their Certification of Eligibility (CoE) as soon as it becomes available. Funds will not be disbursed until the CoE is received by UWW's Veteran's Services Office.

If selected for the Yellow Ribbon Program at UWW, students will be funded each year as long at UWW continues to renew its agreement with the VA. UWW has the right to reduce awards or discontinue the program at the end of each academic year.

Continuation Requirements

To remain in the Yellow Ribbon Program students must:

• Remain continually enrolled each fall and spring semester (exceptions will be made for those called up for military duty)
• Maintain good academic standing at UW-Whitewater or return to good academic standing after one term*
• Maintain good conduct
• Adhere to campus attendance policies

*Good academic standing is at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average

Additional Information

Yellow Ribbon Program contributions will not be adjusted after the last day to drop classes without a W assigned; this is typically the end of the second week of classes. Any costs accrued due to adding or dropping classes after that date will be the responsibility of the student. For additional information about the Yellow Ribbon Program, please see the GI Bill website.