Pullman Veterans Affairs

8/26/21 Afghanistan: Let's Talk About It

Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan. The VA Department has provided a list of common reactions and means of coping that can be found here.

8/25/21 Interest Rate Benefits Granted to Over 47,000 Service Members

The office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has waived interest on loans for more than 47,000 current and former active-duty service members. Read the full article here for more information.

8/18/21 Changes or Withdrawal of Classes & Student Debt

Changes or Withdrawal of Classes may affect potential student debt. More information can be found here.

8/12/21 Intercampus Enrollment, Change of Campus and Special Enrollment Requests

The Global Campus is receiving a high number of requests for Intercampus Enrollment, Change of Campus, and Special Enrollment Requests. Please keep in mind that unless a student is requesting a Change of Campus, the student will not be advised by Global Campus Advisors. Review the attached PDF for more information.

6/18/21 Holland and Terrell Library Open with Limited Services 12 July

The Holland and Terrell libraries will be open to the public starting 12 July, with limitations on some services. Hours will be Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. This will allow student and visitor access to the Veteran’s Center in Holland Library starting on 12 July! Libraries plan to add more services and hours as they transition back to a regular in-person schedule.  Please review current university COVID Health and Safety protocols prior to your visit. 

6/15/21 Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant

The 2021-22 application for the Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant is now open for all active members of Washington's Army or Air National Guard in good standing. The application is open year-round. Please select this link for further information.

6/7/21: Rounding out your last term

The practice of “rounding out” provides eligible GI Bill students in their last term with the option to take additional classes to bring their course load to full-time and receive a full-time monthly housing allowance. In accordance with law, VA is only authorized to pay GI Bill benefits for classes that are part of an approved program of education and count toward completion of that approved program of education.

Beginning on Aug. 1, 2021, students can “round out” in their last term only ifthey are taking classes that are approved for their program of education. Classes approved for a program of education means those that can be used to satisfy the graduation requirements of the program as specified in the curriculum.  Classes that have been previously completed cannot be used to round out the student’s course load. 

To obtain full-time enrollment in their last term, they will be allowed to select from the other courses in that category. 

To give an example, a student pursuing a degree in political science may have the choice to take two of four courses in government as a graduation requirement. If the student does not need a third or fourth government class for graduation but wants to round out, VA will allow the student to take those additional government courses because they are included in the student’s program of education. Chosen classes must be specified by name in the curriculum. 

The Post-9/11 GI Bill has been fundamentally transformed into a lifetime learning benefit allowing for remaining entitlement to be used in the future to obtain a higher level degree, train for a career change, stay abreast of changes within a vocational field, or obtain a related vocational certification or license. 

We encourage students to work with their School Certifying Official to answer any questions they may have regarding Rounding Out and how they may use it during their last term. If you are aware of any GI Bill students who require assistance with their GI Bill benefits, please have them contact the Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday to speak with a representative. 

3/10/21: National Guard Grant - New Resources Available

Applications are still being accepted for the National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant for the 2020-2021 academic year. New resources are available for students. Please see the attached National Guard Grant Program Guide and an updated FAQ. 

2/24/21: 2021 WSU Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students' Symposium

The 2021 WSU Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students' Symposium is being held virtually March 23 starting at 9 a.m. Pacific Time. This year’s theme is “The Power of a Veteran Ready College". All those interested in military-affiliated and veteran student issues at WSU are invited to attend virtual events throughout the day, including great speakers and presentations.

Please select this link to register by Zoom. 

2/18/21: Overpayment and Debt Provision Update of New Law (SCO Update)

A recent change in enrollment resulted in an overpayment of tuition and fees and/or Yellow Ribbon benefits. VA will collect these amounts from students' schools. In turn, your school may require you to pay any outstanding balance for tuition and fees and may contact you regarding this debt. It is important that you work with your school to resolve this matter. A pdf document with full information is available here .

1/13/21: Raytheon Missiles & Defense SPY-6 Scholarship

The Raytheon Missiles & Defense SPY-6 Scholarship is now open! Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to U.S. Navy student veterans demonstrating leadership in their local community. Click here to view the application form.

12/3/20: VA Suicide Prevention Resources

On November 16, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a partnership with non-profit organization America Salutes you to to raise awareness of mental health resources for service members, Veterans and their loved ones. Download the news release here.        

10/27/20: VA Using New Electronic Health Record System

On October 24, the Department of Veterans Affairs began using a new electronic health record system in select VA facilities in the Pacific Northwest and Las Vegas. Download the news release here.

10/2/20: Extension of VA Student Benefits to 12/21/2021

The President signed the “Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act” (H. R. 8337) into law on 9/30/2020. Two provisions (contained in Section 5202) are of great significance to the VA beneficiaries that we serve, as follows:

SEC. 5202. EXTENSIONS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW.

(a) Extension Of Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act Of 2020. —Section 2 of the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–140) is amended by striking “December 21, 2020” and inserting “December 21, 2021.”

(b) Extension Of Period For Continuation Of Department Of Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance Benefits For Certain Programs Of Education Converted To Distance Learning By Reason Of Emergencies And Health-Related Situations. —Section 1(b) of Public Law 116–128 is amended by striking “December 21, 2020” and inserting “December 21, 2021."

9/21/21: National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant

This grant helps cover the cost of tuition, fees and school supplies for members of the Washington National Guard. Download this pdf for more information.

7/21/20: Changes Made to Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Changes made to the Post-9/11 GI Bill increase benefits for veterans with fewer months of service, effective August 1, 2020. Read more about it.

7/16/20: VA Extends Debt Relief

The Department of Veterans Affairs is extending debt relief for veterans through the end of 2020. Read more about it.

4/9/20: VA Debt Options During COVID19

The VA Debt Management Center (DMC) is suspending all actions on Veteran debts for sixty days. Read more about it.

3/31/20: CARES Act Student Relief

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law H.R.748, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” or “CARES Act”. This bill provides much-needed relief for students across the country. While additional support will be needed, this legislation will help students now as they grapple with the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Depending on a student’s circumstances, they may expect direct cash payments, expanded unemployment insurance, additional financial aid, continued work-study payments, and student loan relief. Read more about the CARES Act in this pdf.

3/23/20: Federal Emergency GI Bill Passed!

S. 3503, a bill that clarifies how the Department of Veterans Affairs should treat in-person courses of study that convert to distance learning formats due to health-related situations and other emergencies, was signed into law on Saturday, March 21, 2020.

8/23/18: "Forever" GI Bill

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - The "Forever GI Bill" - brings significant changes to Veterans' education benefits over the next few years.  Stay informed of these changes and the effects they will have on your college career: Forever GI Bill Fact Sheet