Welcome to Athens State University. As a veteran, you are entitled to certain benefits, and are eligible to participate in certain programs. The following information should serve as a brief overview of these programs and your benefits, but if you require additional information, please contact the Office of Veterans Affairs at Athens State University. The information below is for federal benefits. For state benefits contact our business office at 256-216-3315.

Office Hours/Location
Main Campus
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Sandridge Student Center
Lisa C. Payne, Director, Transfer Center/Veterans Affairs
Phone: 256-233-8274
Fax: 256-233-8279
E-mail: Lisa Payne

Jean Martin, Secretary,Transfer Center/Veterans Affairs
Phone: 256-233-8271
Fax: 256-233-8279
Email: Jean Martin

Official website for the Department of Veterans Affairs
www.gibill.va.gov
1-888-442-4551- National Call Center for Veterans Education Benefits

Athens State University VA Forms

Veterans Educational Assistance Programs
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 30)
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) - (Chapter 1607)
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

Approved Programs
An excellent way for veterans to use their educational benefits is pursuing a VA approved course of study at an institution of higher learning. All programs of study must be approved by the State Approving Agency in order to be certified by VA for payment of benefits. All degree programs at Athens State University are currently approved by the State Approving Agency.

How to Apply
All prospective students must complete the appropriate application for admission to Athens State University . Transfer applicants must provide official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Once acceptance to the university is granted, contact the Office of Veterans Affairs to apply for benefits. The chapter under which you are filing will determine the documentation required by the VA to certify your benefits.

If you have previously received benefits at another institution, you must submit a "Change of Place of Training" Form, a "Change of Address" Form.

Course Load
A full-time course load for a student receiving veteran's benefits is twelve hours or more; a three-quarter time course load is nine hours, a one-half time course load is six hours.

If a veteran fails a required course, he/she may repeat that course with pay. However, he/she cannot repeat a course just to improve a grade and receive payment through the Veterans Administration.

Academic Progress
Veterans must attend classes regularly and continue to show satisfactory progress. Benefit payments will not be made for courses from which you withdraw unless mitigating circumstances exist.

Accelerated Courses
A veteran's monthly check for educational benefits could change if an accelerated course (weekend, one week, one month, etc.) is taken. See the Veterans Affairs Office on campus for additional information.

Disability Statement
Athens State University will make every reasonable attempt to provide special services needed by persons with disabilities. Services will consist of working with the Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Alabama Department of Education to provide special equipment, modifying facilities, and any other reasonable measures available to provide a satisfactory learning environment.

It is the responsibility of the student to notify the University of disabilities which have special needs. If you have a disability that might require special materials, services, or assistance, please make this known so that special arrangements can be made for you.