Military Connected Student Policies
This policy outlines guidelines for federal and state military benefits for students who qualify for educational assistance.
Veterans and certain eligible dependents may be entitled to educational benefits under various programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs. Moraine Park Technical College has been approved by the Wisconsin State Ap-proving Agency for training of qualified individuals under approved programs and is subject to all public laws pertaining to Veterans educational benefits. Moraine Park assists with the certifying process and serves as a liaison between various Federal and State agencies, the College, and students. Service members should speak with their Educational Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within their military service regarding their plans prior to enrolling at Moraine Park Technical College. Once approval has been given from their service for tuition assistance, the student can enroll in classes.
This policy has been established to outline the federal and state benefits available for Military Connected Students and to ensure they are administered in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations such as Title 38 (38 CFR) and Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 45.
Tuition Benefits by Category
Federal GI Bill Benefits
Under Title 38 US Code, the Department of Veterans Affairs administers the education benefit programs in conjunction with Moraine Park. Students apply at the Veteran Affairs Website. To utilize the Federal GI Bill benefits at Moraine Park, a certification request must be submitted to the Veterans Certifying Official each semester.
Covered individuals who provide their certificate of eligibility for either Post 9/11 or VA Vocational Rehabilitation are to be held in classes without penalty for 90 days, in accordance with the Veterans Benefits and Transaction Act of 2018.
Wisconsin GI Bill Benefits
The Wisconsin GI Bill is a state of Wisconsin program enacted in 2005. According to Wis. Stats. §36.27(3p) Wisconsin veterans may be eligible for a remission of program (tuition) and material fees for themselves and for qualifying dependents of a Wisconsin veteran with a service connected disability rating of 30% or greater. To be eligible to receive the WI GI Bill tuition remission, spouses and children of eligible veterans must themselves be residents for tuition purposes (as defined by Wis. Stats. §36.27.2). Non-resident children and spouses are not eligible for WI G.I. Bill benefits. Additional information including eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply for the Wisconsin GI Bill program, can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs website.
Any student using the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, whether it be the Veteran, the spouse or the child of a Veteran, must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher to remain eligible for the Wisconsin G.I. Bill benefits.
The WI GI Bill does NOT waive 100% of tuition and fees; it only waives the ‘program’ and ‘class-room material’ fees. Students will be responsible for paying the uncovered portion including but not limited to online fees, supplemental fees, uniform fees, and text books.
Appeal Policy
Students must apply for the WI GI Bill within 14 days of the term start date. Applications (WDVA 2029) submitted within the term but after the 14th day will not be approved for that semester but may be used at Moraine Park Technical College in the following term. If there are extenuating circumstances that caused a student to not apply within the 14-day deadline, an appeal may be filed with Moraine Park.
VetEd Reimbursement Grant
The Veterans Education (VetEd) grant program provides a reimbursement grant for tuition and fees following successful course completion. The application (WDVA form 2200) must be completed by the veteran as well as the School Certifying Official, and submitted to the WDVA no later than 60 days after the course or term start date.
Wisconsin Retraining Grant
Recently unemployed or underemployed veterans may receive up to $3,000 per year, for a maximum of two years, if they have a financial need while being retrained for employment. The amount of the grant is determined by the applicant's financial need as calculated by the WDVA. The applicant must be currently enrolled in a technical education program or engaged in a structured on-the-job training program that will be completed within two years of the date that the application is received by the WDVA. Veterans should reach out to their County or Tribal Veterans Service Office to complete the application.
Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant
The Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant provides a reimbursement of program fees for eligible Wisconsin National Guard members. The application must be submitted to the WDVA no later than 90 days after the course or term end date. The student is required to maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to qualify for the reimbursement. In addition to accessing the form online, student may obtain a copy of the application from the Veterans Certifying Official at Moraine Park Technical College. Service members are encouraged to work with their Education Service Officer within their unit for more information.