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For Our Military

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) helps veterans and active military students transition into college life and academic success.

The VRC offers assistance in accessing VA benefits and VA healthcare through the Veteran Success on Campus (VSOC) and Veterans in Transition to Academic Leadership (VITAL) programs. These programs serve as the on-campus face of the VA to address the unique needs of Veterans in college.

About VRC

Keep your Student record updated

Meet with my academic advisor

  • Make sure you’re going to meet all of your degree requirements.

Keep your student record updated.

History

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) was established in November 2013, under the Student Services Division. The VRC was created as a campus resource to enhance our veteran and military-connected services. Alongside the center, the Student Veterans of America (SVA) – Leeward CC Chapter was created in early 2012 for social and academic support to build our veteran community.

Members

Who Is Welcome: Any student who has been or is currently a member of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard, or ROTC Cadets. We also welcome any spouse and dependents of a military service member who may need help or support regarding military educational benefits.

Mission

The Veterans Resource Center of Leeward CC is dedicated to helping veteran students transition from active duty service to civilian education. We aid in providing student support services, focusing on the special needs and requirements of today’s military veterans, active duty service members, dependents, and survivors. The VRC guides students in navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other military-connected sources to access VA benefits or other military funds to accommodate the completion of a degree.

Keep your Student record updated

Meet with my academic advisor

  • Make sure you’re going to meet all of your degree requirements.

Keep your student record updated.

Goals of the VRC
  • To increase awareness of veterans assistance offered by Leeward CC, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and other military assistance programs.
  • To be a centralized place for servicing the needs of veterans students (Veteran Counseling, VSOC, VITAL).
  • Increase veteran enrollment & onboarding support of the West Oahu side of the island and through community organizations.
  • Increase veteran retention for current and returning students towards student success towards graduation.
  • Increase collaboration within the military-connected programs within the University of Hawaii System.
  • Provide support systems for special needs and disabled veterans.
  • To be a home for veterans on campus to connect with their peers.
Services Provided
  • Military and Veterans Counselor: The Military and Veterans Counselor serves as the point-of-contact who provides informational service regarding Dept. of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits, Federal Tuition Assistance, outreach, academic counseling, and advising to military veterans.
  • Veteran Success on Campus Program (VSOC): The VSOC Counselor provides student veterans assistance with guidance in the Veterans Readiness Program & Employment Program (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment, VRE), such as: submitting a disability claim, the direction in processing eligibility for use of the GI Bill®, and Career Counseling for veterans.  The Counselor is able to also give specialized service in the process for the VRE.
  • Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership Program (VITAL): The VITAL Psychologist provides counseling for PTSD, relationship or academic concerns, and other behavioral health conditions. The Psychologist is also able to assist vets to access VA healthcare services.
  • Peer Facilitator: The Peer Facilitator is a student peer and offers additional help for veteran students needing academic support. They also assist the VRC personnel with the daily operations of the VRC.  Additional peer staffing is stationed at the Welcome Center.
  • Lending Library: The program is designed to provide new veteran students the opportunity of using textbooks. This program provides the option for new veteran, dependent, and military students to use textbooks while waiting to receive their VA or TA funds.  
  • VRC Events: Events are held twice a semester, where veterans receive information, socialize and participate in activities.
  • Additional Services: The VRC has PC laptops during hours of operation, to be used in the VRC, and allows students to print up to 10 pages.
  • Relax Zone Lounge: The VRC has a student lounge area with access to a refrigerator, microwave, coffee, and relaxing sofas to help maintain a supportive environment while studying.

Contact Us

Mondays – Thursdays: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, walk-ins welcomed pending staffing availability. Counseling & Advising appointments are preferred. Fridays: VRC Closed, Counseling & Advising by appointment only

Location: BS 103
lccvrc@hawaii.edu
(808) 455-0410

Leeward CC VA Certifying Official
Connie Herrera
conniedh@hawaii.edu
Phone: (808) 455-0644

Veteran Counselors

MILITARY & VETERANS COUNSELOR
LeeAnne Egan
leeanne@hawaii.edu
(808) 455-0274

Office Hours: Mondays – Thursdays: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Contact me to schedule an appointment by phone, email, video chat or in person.

I can help you with...

Academic counseling, seeking out and applying for various military and Veterans benefits, transcripts, and connecting you to resources that help you with college and career opportunities.

VSOC COUNSELOR
Selina Higa
Direct Phone: (808) 433-0569
VRC office phone: (808) 455-0313
selina.higa@va.gov
Office Hours: by appointment only

I can help you with...

All things VA and for Veterans only: accessing your benefits, referrals for medical and health services, career and employment services, and claims for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VRE). I will help ensure that your health, education, and VA benefit needs are fulfilled.

VITAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Eunice Yap
eunice.yap@va.gov
Office Hours: by appointment only, request by email.

I can help you with...

On-campus clinical counseling for student veterans with PTSD and other concerns that impact adjustment to civilian life. Accessing VA healthcare and other benefits. Through Leeward and VA services I can provide information about PTSD and mental health to faculty and students, increasing our student Veteransʻ potential for academic success.

Programs Offered

VetSuccess on Campus Program (VSOC)
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) VetSuccess on Campus program (VSOC) places experienced vocational rehabilitation counselors on college campuses to assist the growing number of Service members, Veterans, and dependents attending school under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and other VA educational programs.

Leeward VSOC counselors provide academic and vocational guidance to Veterans and help connect them to other VA benefits, including healthcare and mental health services. They maintain close relationships with local VA Vet Centers and VA medical facilities. They can refer Service Members, Veterans, and dependents as needed while also providing assistance in applying for VA medical and non-medical benefits.

Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) Program

Providing Eligible Student Veterans With:

    • Free on-campus counseling and psychotherapy sessions
    • Assistance with accessing VA Healthcare or other VA services
    • Advocacy/Consultation with faculty or staff to support student veterans’ academic performance and success

What is VITAL?
The Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program is a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and local universities and colleges across the country. The VITAL program is comprised of VA mental health professionals, who can assist both Student Veterans and their universities/colleges by providing or assisting with various services, resources, and support. VITAL’s mission is to help Veterans achieve their academic and career goals.

To learn more please visit the VITAL webpage on the VA Campus Toolkit.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the Leeward Community College Veterans Resource Center (BS-103) by Phone: (808) 455-0410 or email.

Military and Veterans Coordination Program
The Military and Veterans Coordination Program is an on-campus program designed to assist Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Military Veterans, and their dependents with their educational goals at Leeward by providing resources, information, and support services from “registration to graduation.”

Military and Veterans Pop-Up Events
Come join us for special sessions just for the Military and Veterans community! Free food, free information, and guest speakers! Meet fellow Military and Veteran students. Visit the Veterans Resource Center at BS-103 for more information.

Mobile Vet Center
The Vet Center of Honolulu and West Oahu will be visiting Leeward’s Pearl City campus once a semester in their Mobile Vet Center. Look for the Mobile Vet Center on the campus concourse, in front of the Learning Commons building. Visit the Veterans Resource Center at BS-103 for more information.

Student Veterans of America-Leeward CC Chapter
A nationally recognized veteran student leadership organization to provide support, activities, and fellowship for members of the association, and to provide services to veterans within the college.

For more information and interest in leadership positions please contact the faculty advisor:

LeeAnne Egan
leeanne@hawaii.edu
(808) 455-0274

Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program was established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (such as colleges, universities, and other degree-granting schools) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the tuition and fee amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

As an approved participant, Leeward CC can contribute a specified dollar amount of those expenses, and VA will match the contribution, not to exceed 50% of the difference.

You must be enrolled in an approved program at Leeward CC to receive Yellow Ribbon Program benefits.

Am I eligible?
You may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit if you:

    • Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months and were honorably discharged
    • Were discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
    • Are a dependent who received benefits transferred from an eligible Service Member

How does the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit me?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays all in-state tuition and fee charges at public schools and tuition and fees not to exceed a national cap at private and foreign schools. Out-of-state students and those attending private or foreign schools may receive additional funds to help cover unmet costs under the Yellow Ribbon Program. To see the current national maximum or “cap” please visit our website. If your charges exceed the tuition and fee amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and you are enrolled at a participating school, additional funds may be available to you through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Institutions of higher learning that enter into a Yellow Ribbon Program Agreement with VA will choose the number of funds they will contribute toward your tuition and fees. VA will match that amount and issue payment directly to the institution on your behalf.

What must my school agree to?
The school must agree to:

    • Enter into an official agreement with VA
    • Provide contributions to eligible individuals who apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program on a first-come-first-served basis
    • Make contributions toward the program on behalf of the individual in the form of a grant, scholarship, etc.
    • State the dollar amount that will be contributed for each participant during the academic year
    • State the maximum number of individuals for whom contributions will be made in any given academic year.

How will I know if my school is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
You can search for Yellow Ribbon Program schools on the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® website.

How will I know if I can use the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Your school will let you know –

    • If you are accepted to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program
    • The maximum amount that may be provided to you on a yearly basis

How do I apply?
You must contact your School Certifying Official to apply for Yellow Ribbon Program benefits.

Can you give me examples of how the Yellow Ribbon Program works?
You are a student attending a public school as an out-of-state student and your in-state tuition and fees for the year are $16,000. The in-state tuition and fee charges for the school are $10,000. Your total tuition and fees exceed the amount payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® by $6,000. VA will pay a total of $10,000 to your school for your tuition and fees. You are responsible for the $6,000 charged to out-state students.

If your school offers $3,000 in Yellow Ribbon contributions, VA will also pay $3,000 to the school, and your full amount will be paid. If your school offers $2,000 in Yellow Ribbon contributions, VA will pay $2,000 to your school, and you will be responsible for the remaining $2,000.

For Additional Information
Visit the Veterans Affairs GI Bill website for additional information on the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and other education programs.

Military Tuition Assistance

Follow these steps to receive Tuition Assistance

To get started, meet with an Education Counselor at the Education Center located at the military base (Pearl Harbor, Hickam, Schofield, Kaneohe Bay, Tripler).

Following acceptance into Leeward CC:
  1. Request a TA Degree Plan (also known as the Academic Plan or/& Course Planner). After receiving your acceptance email from the Leeward CC Admissions & Records office, you will need to schedule an appointment with your assigned Program Counselor or the Military & Veterans Counselor. The Counselor will create a personalized degree plan for you.
  2. Upload the TA Degree Plan to your TA portal. Go to your TA Portal and upload the TA Degree Plan. Contact the TA Personnel to review your document and wait for the approval. It can take one to three weeks for approval.
  3. Register for Classes. Once your TA Degree Plan is approved, you may register for classes at Leeward CC. You will also need to upload the info of the registered classes on to your TA Portal, see next step. (This is done every semester.)
  4. Request authorization (Payment voucher for registered classes). After registration of classes, you will need to input information about your registered classes on your TA Portal to seek an authorization document (Note: The TA Authorization document is like a payment voucher). You will input class info, like class title, start date, end date, credits, cost, etc. The TA Authorization document may take one week for approval and it will be a PDF document accessed on your TA Portal and/or sent to you by email.
  5. Email TA authorization to Leeward CC Cashier’s Office. Prior to the start of the class, and once you receive the TA Authorization document, you will need to email it to the Leeward CC Cashier’s office. For more guidance, please reach out to the Cashier’s Office at (808) 455-0308.

The process of receiving approval for a TA Degree Plan & a TA Authorization document have to happen PRIOR to the start of classes.

Follow these steps to receive  MYCAA Scholarship

Certain steps and eligibility criteria are required to receive the maximum amount of MYCAA funds ($4000). You’ll find more information through the MYCAA Fact Sheet.

You should first apply to Leeward and, once you are accepted, you will be able to move forward with the MYCAA funding steps. View more information at the Military OneSource Spouse Education & Career Opportunities website.

Following acceptance into Leeward CC:
  1. Request an MYCAA Degree Plan (also known as the Education and Training Plan). After receiving your acceptance email from the Leeward CC Admissions & Records office, you will need to schedule an appointment with your assigned Program Counselor or the Military & Veterans Counselor. The Counselor will create a personalized degree plan for you.
  2. Upload the MYCAA Degree Plan to the MYCAA Portal. Go to the MYCAA Portal and create an account. This site is also referred to as “Spouse Education & Career Opportunities” through Military One Source. Upload the MYCAA Degree Plan. Contact the MYCAA Personnel to review your document and wait for approval. This can take about one to three weeks for approval.
  3. Phone interview with MYCAA Education Counselor. You will need to schedule a phone interview to discuss your MYCAA Degree Plan. Some questions to assist in the preparation of the discussion are:
    • What is your PCS exit date?
    • What degree are you pursuing – Associates or Certificate?
    • What career do you plan on pursuing or will make you marketable for?
  4. Register for Classes. Once your MYCAA Degree Plan is approved, you may register for classes at Leeward CC. You will also need to upload the info of the registered classes onto your MYCAA Portal, see next step. (This is done every semester.)
  5. Request Authorization (Payment voucher for registered classes, also known as “Financial Aid Authorization” document). After registration of classes, you will need to input info on your registered classes on your MYCAA Portal to seek an authorization document. (Note: The “Financial Aid Authorization document” is like a payment voucher.) You will input class info, like class title, start date, end date, credits, cost, etc… The MYCAA Authorization document may take 1 week for approval and it will be a .pdf document accessed on your MYCAA Portal or/& sent to you by email.
  6. Email MYCAA Authorization Document to Leeward CC Cashier’s Office. Prior to the start of the class and once you receive the MYCAA Financial Aid Authorization document, you will need to email it to the Leeward CC Cashier’s office. For more guidance, please reach out to the Cashierʻs Office at (808) 455-0308.

VA Benefits

Leeward CC’s Veterans Affairs provides assistance to eligible student Veterans, Active Servicepersons, Dependents, Reservists, and National Guard Members with state and federal educational benefit programs.  The VA staff is committed to servicing all qualified and disabled veterans and their dependents in their educational pursuits.

Leeward CC is an approved institution for education and training under the Veteran’s Educational Assistance Act (GI Bill®) and the Dependent’s Act.  Information regarding eligibility, entitlement and types of training authorized may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or contacting the VA Western Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma at 1-888-442-4551 (toll free).

Chapter 30:  Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Program: Provides benefits that may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.

Chapter 31:  Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans with Service-connected Disabilities Program: Provides vocational rehabilitation for disabled veterans to become independent in daily living and to the extent possible, to select, prepare for, secure and maintain employment.

Chapter 33:  The Post 9/11 GI Bill® Program: For individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.  Veteran must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® became effective for training on August 1, 2009.  Active service members who qualify for this program may transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children.

Chapter 35:  Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program: Provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty from a service-related condition.  These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

Chapter 1606:  Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Program: Available for members of the Selected Reserve which includes the Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine Corps/Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard.  This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship, on-the-job training and correspondence courses.

Important Reminder: Students are responsible for tuition payments owed to the college, this includes following the VA processing procedures shown on the “CERTIFICATION PROCESS” tab.

CH. 30 – MONTGOMERY GI BILL – ACTIVE DUTY

  • Used by: Active Duty Service Members
  • Ebooks/TextBooks are to be paid by student
  • After enrollment certification, STUDENT RECEIVES MONEY FROM VA AND NEEDS TO PAY FOR TUITION TO COLLEGE

CH. 31 – VET READINESS/VOC REHABILITATION & EMPLOYMENT (VRE)

  • Used by: Veterans w/Service-Connected Disability rating
  • Housing & Book stipend is received directly from VA
  • Ebooks/TextBooks are paid by VA w/PO AUTH
  • After enrollment certification & received VRE PO Authorization, VA PAYS COLLEGE DIRECTLY FOR TUITION (CONTACT CH. 31 VRE COUNSELOR)

CH. 33 – POST 911 GI BILL

  • Used by: Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, Transferred to Dependents
  • Housing & Book stipend is received directly from VA
  • Ebooks/TextBooks are to be paid by student
  • After enrollment certification, the VA PAYS COLLEGE DIRECTLY FOR TUITION

CH. 35 – DEPENDENTS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

  • Used by: Dependents (whose military sponsor is 100% disability rating)
  • Ebooks/TextBooks are to be paid by student
  • After enrollment certification, STUDENT RECEIVES MONEY FROM VA AND NEEDS TO PAY FOR TUITION TO COLLEGE

CH. 1606 – MONTGOMERY GI BILL – SELECTIVE RESERVE/GUARD

  • Used by: Reserve/Guard Service Members
  • Ebooks/TextBooks are to be paid by student
  • After enrollment certification, STUDENT RECEIVES MONEY FROM VA AND NEEDS TO PAY FOR TUITION TO COLLEGE

Important Reminder: Students are responsible for tuition payments owed to the college, this includes following the VA processing procedures shown on the “CERTIFICATION PROCESS” tab.

New Students/First-time Users of VA Benefits:

    1. If you have not done so, please apply for your VA Education Benefit online.  Veterans who plan to give their dependents all or some of their Education benefits must apply online for Transferred Education Benefits.
    2. Apply and be accepted to Leeward Community College.  Please visit our page on “How to Apply” and the necessary admissions requirements.
    3. Must provide Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by uploading onto Admissions Application or email COE to leeapply@hawaii.edu.
    4. After registration of classes, complete the Veterans Student Enrollment Information (eForm).

Transfer/Returning Students – Previously used VA benefits at another college/university:

    1. Apply and be accepted to Leeward Community College.  Please visit our page on “How to Apply” and the necessary admissions requirements.
    2. Complete and submit a transfer evaluation request form to leetrans@hawaii.edu and have your official transcripts sent to our institution including military transcripts.
    3. Order military transcripts at:
      Joint Services Military Transcript, all branches except Air Force
      Air Force
      Defense Language Institute
    4. After registration of classes, complete the Veterans Student Enrollment Information (eForm). Be prepared to upload your COE to the VSEI eForm.

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)/Vocational Rehabilitation Students:

    1. Apply and be accepted to Leeward Community College. Please visit our page on “How to Apply” and the necessary admissions requirements.
    2. After registration of classes, complete the Veterans Student Enrollment Information (eForm).
    3. Contact your VR&E Counselor to request a Veteran Readiness & Employment Authorization for all campuses you registered for. Once received, VR&E students are responsible to submit the .pdf copy to the Leeward CC SCO at lccvrc@hawaii.edu or upload the VR&E Authorization onto the VSEI eform (see above).

An added note to all:

  • ALL changes in enrollment (add, drop, withdraw, course cancellation), regardless of who initiated it, MUST be reported to the School Certifying Official.  Failure to report enrollment changes promptly may incur debt on your behalf to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • To ensure on time VA payments students need to submit for certification (VSEI eForm) at least a month in advance prior to the beginning of the Semester. Any requests for certification after the beginning of the Semester may cause a delay in VA payments.
  • For any questions regarding processing, course enrollment, required documents or Veterans Counseling please contact the Leeward CC VRC at (808) 455-0410 or lccvrc@hawaii.edu.
  • Probation, Suspension, Dismissal rule for VA benefits user –
    • Probation – If GPA is below 2.0 – only able to use VA benefits for 2 “Probation” semesters only.  If GPA is still below 2.0 after 2 “Probationary” semesters, students CAN NOT use VA benefits to certify, nor can VA pay for classes.  Students will have to pay out-of-pocket or use alternate funding.
    • Suspension – CAN NOT use VA benefits until GPA is 2.0 or higher. Students will have to pay out-of-pocket or use alternate funding.
    • Dismissal –  CAN NOT use VA benefits until GPA is 2.0 or higher. Students will have to pay out-of-pocket or use alternate funding.
  • Remedial/Developmental class – After the placement test identifies placement lower than 100-level classes, there are “Remedial/Developmental” classes  (99-level and below, i.e. ENG 22, MATH 82X, etc.). VA benefits using students are being required to take “in-person/face-to-face” classes only. If the class is “fully online” (Zoom/Google Meets only or Asynchronous online), this class will not be certified and VA cannot pay for this class.   Students will have to pay out-of-pocket or use alternate funding.
  • “F” grades – VA requires the college to verify the last day of attendance for failed grades. When you receive a “F” grade, the instructor assigns a last day of attendance. If the last of attendance is prior to the last day of the term, it must be reported to VA. If you stop-out prior to the end of the term, this may result in a debt of tuition & housing monies that you are required to payback to VA.

WORK-STUDY
Designed for veterans who would like to earn additional income by working while obtaining their education (if positions are available). The work will be VA related unless stipulated otherwise by the work-study supervisor. To be eligible, you must be enrolled at least ¾ time and may work a maximum of 20 hours per week.

To be considered for work-study:

  1. Visit Leeward’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) in BS 103 or call (808) 455-0410.
  2. Submit a copy of your resume
  3. Wait to be contacted for an interview with the VRC Staff
  4. Selected individuals will complete the VA work-study contract with the work-study supervisor

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:
VA Educational Call Center

1 (888) 442-4551 (toll-free)
Monthly Verification of Enrollment 
1 (877) 823-2378
Direct Deposit enrollment/changes 
1 (877) 838-2778

VA website

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.)

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