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New Students at UW-Eau Claire

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 is paying for your college education.  If you plan on using either state or federal veterans 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

Step 2: Apply for admission to UWEC

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, Community College of the Air Force transcript or DD214 Admissions will review military transcripts utilizing American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations to determine if 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 Education Benefits - VA From 22-1990
  • 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, complete the appropriate forms in the WDVA B0105.
  • If the WI GI Bill has been used before, complete only the WDVA 2029 found in the WDVA B0105.

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 the following documentation to Blugold Central for verification. The university will then notify the VA of your status as an enrolled student.

  State Benefits Federal Benefits
Veteran  Current WDVA 2029  Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Spouse

 Marriage Certificate  Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
-to include VA file number
Child Birth Certificate
Current WDVA 2029

 Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
-to include VA file number

*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 check is processed. 

** It is the students' responsibility to alert the VRC of any changes in credit status throughout the term. 

  • Credit by Exam Learn if your CLEP or DSST credits are accepted at UWEC
  • Ranked a

    Best College for Veterans

    U.S. News & World Report 2024

    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 dedicated lounge for veterans to use for studying, relaxing, etc.  There are printers available (along with free printer paper), a kitchenette with lots of amenities, and an office staffed by three VA worker students who can assist with frequently asked questions, etc. 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

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