Posted on Dec 15, 2015
Did you know that according to college officials, your military orders may have expired?
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In order to fall within the TA rates, I applied to take some classes at the local community college. I sent in a signed form that the college provided me to verify my military assignment. The college was provided this form (signed by my commander) and a copy of my military orders. This form even lists the earliest date I may leave my current assignment.
A week later the college notifies me that my orders were expired, and they would need an 'extension letter' from my command. Shockingly, I have found no expiration date on my military orders, and from further inquiry I found that the college deems orders to be 'expired' based on their 'experience' of when service-members normally rotate duty stations.
Despite meeting all the admission requirements, the college refuses to allow me to register for classes until I've verified my military status, which according to them is only to be used for tuition purposes. So why can't I register as an out-state student and get it verified later? Does it frustrate anyone else that a non-DOD entity claims to 'know' how the military works? Has anyone else experienced similar issues?
A week later the college notifies me that my orders were expired, and they would need an 'extension letter' from my command. Shockingly, I have found no expiration date on my military orders, and from further inquiry I found that the college deems orders to be 'expired' based on their 'experience' of when service-members normally rotate duty stations.
Despite meeting all the admission requirements, the college refuses to allow me to register for classes until I've verified my military status, which according to them is only to be used for tuition purposes. So why can't I register as an out-state student and get it verified later? Does it frustrate anyone else that a non-DOD entity claims to 'know' how the military works? Has anyone else experienced similar issues?
Tuition assistance
College
Education
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 2
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Not sure if your campus has a "Veterans/Military Affairs" office --or, something similarly named. If so, I'd recommend you start there. These offices usually have a veteran's liaison that knows how to translate military documents into a digestible form for the school. If not, I'd recommend a trip to the office that declined your orders. They should be able to more specifically explain "what" their requirements are and "why" your documents have been declined. The person who declined your application may not understand what they've been provided. Don't take "no" for an answer. Have them explain, with supporting, documents/policy, how they came to the current decision.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
Thank you, sir. My command is attempting to write a memorandum that appeases them without providing the inaccurate information they are asking for. Unfortunately, the school is so small the same office runs admissions, registration, and veterans affairs. They process everything through postage mail, and you're lucky if you can get them on the phone after half a dozen attempts. You'd think they'd be happy with me showing up in uniform and letting them check my CAC card. My other option is to pay $2,000 out of pocket for classes at the University.
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SGT Kristin Wiley here is what you have to do. As terrible as it is. Bring all the issues you're having as well as documentaries correspondence between you and the school to the Ed center and show them what kind of games the school is playing at.
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