Veteran's Benefits

Welcome to the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Transitioning from the military to campus life can be challenging. We are here to ensure your transition to campus is a smooth one. UWEC has one of the largest and fastest growing populations of veterans in the state and we stand ready to assist you.

One of the challenges you face as a veteran, active-duty military member or dependent is paying for your college education.  If you plan on using either state or federal VA or DOD education benefits to pay for school, we advise you to follow the steps below and schedule a meeting with us at veterans@uwec.edu.

Step 1: Research your benefits

The university does NOT evaluate your service record to determine your benefits eligibility; that is the role of a VA.  However, if you have a question regarding education benefits please do not hesitate to contact us at veterans@uwec.edu

• Federal Education Benefits
• State Education Benefits

Step 2: Apply for admission to UWEC

• Office of Undergraduate Admissions
• Office of Graduate Studies

The goal of the university is to recognize your efforts in uniform and translate those accomplishments to academic credit. By providing your Joint Service Transcript or Community College of the Air Force transcript Admissions will review military transcripts utilizing American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations to determine how additional transfer credits can be awarded.  Military automatically grants 1 credit of physical activity credit and waives the 30-hour service-learning requirement.  Submit the above-mentioned items to Admissions for review and possible awarding of additional academic credit for military training.

To request an official military transcript, simply log on to the Joint Service Transcript page.

Step 3: Apply for benefits

Federal Benefits:
 

• If using benefits for the first time, complete the application for benefits on the VA website: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
  • Please note that when applying for the Post 9.11 GI Bill® you may be asked to relinquish another benefit which cannot be reversed, so if you are unsure contact our office for guidance.  
• If Federal Education Benefits have been used before, complete the Request for Change of Program or Place of Training - VA Form 1995

 These forms can be completed online at: www.va.gov

State Benefits:

• If applying for the WI GI Bill® for the first time, register to create an account and upload the appropriate documents on the WDVA Mywisvets website:  https://applications.dva.wisconsin.gov/myWisVets
• If the WI GI Bill® has been used before, complete only the WDVA 2029 found in the WDVA B0105 and provide to our office by mail or email. 

Step 4: Submit proper documentation to Veteran Services Office (Blugold Central, Old Library 1108)

Once you have received approval for veteran education benefits, you simply need to bring documentation to Blugold Central for verification. The university will then notify the VA of your status as an enrolled student.

*Students who depend on these benefits to meet their living expenses should bring enough money to cover expenses for at least eight weeks while the first benefit payment is processed.   All students are encouraged to submit an application for federal financial aid:  www.fafsa.gov 

** It is the students' responsibility to alert the Veteran Service Office of any changes in credit status throughout the term in order to avoid potential debts with the VA.  

Veteran Student Resources

UWEC is home to a Student Veterans of America chapter.  Please join our Facebook page as the first step to meeting fellow veterans and finding ways to be active on campus and in the community!

Veterans Resource Center

UWEC has a newly renovated, dedicated lounge for military-connected students to use for studying, relaxing, etc.  There are computers, lockers, television, comfortable couches and a kitchenette with lots of amenities including fridge, microwave, air fryer, espresso/coffee machine.  We provide coffee at no cost to you as well as light snacks in case you need a bite to eat between classes.  This is a great place to you to meet other students who share your experience being a part of the military. Click here for more about the Veterans Center!

Yellow Ribbon Program

UWEC participates in the VA Yellow Ribbon program to assist with nonresident tuition for qualifying students. Please contact the veteran services office to learn more about this program: veterans@uwec.edu

Military Leave of Absence

If you’re called to active duty after the term begins, you have options:
1. Withdraw and Get a Full Refund: 
Drop your courses for a full refund of tuition and fees.
Withdraw from classes first, then submit the Military Leave of Absence eForm with a copy of your activation orders.

2. Stay Enrolled in Some or All Courses
Request an Incomplete and finish coursework after you return, or
Request a final grade based on work completed to date.
Check with your instructor — some courses may work better

Housing Contracts
If you live in the residence halls, you can cancel your housing contract and get a refund for the unused portion of your room and board. Contact Residence Life to arrange this.

When You Return
You can re-enroll with the same academic standing you had before deployment and will receive a priority registration date.