Military & Veterans Service Center

M&V Service Center Covid-19 FAQ

Click to reveal the answer

IHL – S.3503 Enacted: What impact does the enactment of this Senate Bill have on Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)?

Based on legislation (Senate Bill 3503, signed into law March 21, 2020), an IHL which converts an approved residence training modality course to an online training modality for that course (distance learning), should not submit changes when the conversion is the only factor. The law first authorized this special authority from March 1, 2020, to December 21, 2020. However, in the fall of 2020, these laws were extended by PL 116-159, section 5202, applying special COVID-19 rules until December 21, 2021.

Simply stated, there will be no changes made to certifications of all face-to-face courses that have been converted over to online.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Beneficiary – Monthly Housing Payments: How will the changes in courses due to COVID-19 affect my monthly housing allowance?

Based on the new law, Post 9/11 GI Bill students who are registered in face-to-face courses that have converted over to online, will not see a change in their monthly housing allowance rate. It is also important to note that other changes to your enrollment status (i.e. dropping a class and falling below the 50% rate of pursuit or withdrawing from school) may affect your payments.

Will VA education students be allowed to continue or start developmental level courses at Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) who convert to an online modality due to COVID-19?

Based on the new law, an approved educational institution which converts an approved resident developmental course to an online training modality for that course (distance learning), may continue to certify these credit hours to the VA as resident credit hours during the initially authorized timeframe: March 1, 2020 to December 21, 2020. However, in the fall of 2020, these laws were extended by PL 116-159, section 5202, applying special COVID-19 rules until December 21, 2021.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31): How do I order my textbooks and supplies that I need for my EFSC courses?

All students can order their required textbooks through the bookstore website with free ground shipping when orders meet the required level. For VR&E students, select financial aid as payment and use your Barnes and Noble Authorization# in the Student ID# field when required.

I have registered for EFSC courses; how do I certify with the VA?

New students using VA Educational Benefits for the first time at EFSC and students that are not enrolled in our Canvas course can contact Military & Veterans Services at MVRS@easternflorida.edu. All other students that are enrolled in our Canvas course can certify online.

See Also