I recently e-mailed the Union rep about the possibility of using VA-MGIB benifits while working on a PhD program. The reply wasn't promising. "... to date we have not had a learner receive VA benefits at the Ph.D. level. I would be glad to discuss the possibility. We have had many discussions with the VA on the subject and it would be very difficult to put all that in writing, fell free to contact me to discuss in further detail." Registrar Union Institute & University 440 E. McMillan Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45206-1925 Does anybody know why this persists? ZERO PhD students have utilized the most popular educational benifit in US history? I assume it is because Union doesn't offer incremental classes traditonally. Maybe it is an issue with documentation? At over $16,000 a year I need to utilize my earned VA benifit If I can even hope to get a doctorate, as I have a family to support. Unfortunately, RA seems to mean little to the VA. It is a little premature to will engage the registrar (I ommitted his name for privacy) yet, as Ive got at least two-three years before I can really start a program. (My wife is mandating a one-year break after I finish my M Ed)
I am going to take a stab at this question... Maybe because your benifits get exhausted shortly after using it for your bachelors and possibly part of your masters? That's most benifits users' situation, I would think.. Ok maybe you paid for bachelors using tuition assistance while on active duty, but I don't think TA covers graduate work right? So, you would start your beni's at the masters level which would probably be used up fairly quick. Maybe the school just never had anyone who had benifits left (or never used them until their PHD). Bill
No, Thats not the issue, and it is not correct. The fed is very generous with us. I've used TA for my BS and my M Ed. TA is a different program. I've still got 36 months of VA benifits valued at at $28,000. But the VA must not deem the UIU program worthy becuase it is so untraditional, even though it is RA.
VA only requires that the institution be accredited. Therfore there should be no problem with UIU. I think the official at UIU made a mistake in thinking just because no one has received TA from the VA at the doctoral level yet, no one else could especially with so much money left in your VA benefits. I would have UIU certify VA form 2290 (I hope I am correct about the form number; have not used it since 1995) and send it to VA after registration for the benefits. The courses have to be broken down into semester or quarter hours and UIU must certify that you are a full time, half time, etc to receive benefits. If UIU can't do that, it may be difficult for VA to calculate your benefits. Congratulations for having so much money left in your benefits. I only have less than 10 months left in mine and I am saving it for the future although I plan on begining a PhD program soon. I don't see any problem with your using VA at UIU. Perhaps you already know that you can call the VA directly at 800-827-1000 from any U.S.time zone and try to talk to someone at the VA. Godwin
If you find out, please post your findings. I am saving mine for JD work, but if I don't go JD and do MA instead I will probably save it for Ph.D. I have not looked into using it for a Ph.D (I assumed it would not be a problem), but I was told by several admissions offices that I would have no problem using my MGIB for an MA or JD. Curious about Ph.D though...?
I see David Andersson (Anderson?) has returned. Does the TOS include posting under multiple identities? "Professional competence" has nothing to do with it. According to the VA, the school must apply to participate, set up their VA program, and appoint and train a representative to process applications. It is up to the school to decide whether or not to do this. Neither David nor I can say whether or not Union will do so, or why. (Can't help this one, it's too ironic: "Competance" is spelled "competence." A school at a slightly higher level of professional competence would have taught that. An elementary school, that is.)
