Veterans - Military Personnel

Military Legislation
Obtaining your military transcripts
How Colleges and Universities Evaluate Military Credit and Experience
General Assistance Links
Educational Assistance Links
Educational/Financial Aid Assistance Links
Family/Financial Aid Assistance Links
Educational Institution Links

Educational opportunities exist to further your military career or prepare for a civilian career, whether you’re active duty or retired, stateside or abroad.

You may be eligible to receive credit for your military training and prior learning experiences that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE).

Military Legislation:

Minnesota Military Legislation

Minnesota Statute 197.775 passed in 2006 regarding the recognition of military courses.

Obtaining your military transcripts:

You may obtain military transcripts to be evaluated for credit. Have your military transcript sent from the appropriate following site to the college or university you are planning to attend. The college or university will then evaluate your military transcript for transfer to the program you intend to pursue. It may be necessary to obtain additional descriptions of the course(s) you took to determine equivalencies with courses at the college or university.

AARTS (Army, National Guard) transcript http://aarts.army.mil/	Service members must have separated or retired on or after 1981. Service members with credits/training for the Army pre-1981 must request a DD295 and submit it for your college credit award review.
Air Force transcript http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp	Links are available for Civilian Transcripts; Retired/Separated Personnel; Active Duty/Guard/Reservists; and Online Service available to everyone.
U.S. Coast Guard transcript http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgi/ve/official_transcript.asp	Provides a link to obtain your transcript and a documentation page to assist you.
Sailor/Marine American Council on education Registry Transcript-SMART https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/transcript.html	SMART is now available to document American Council on Education (ACE) recommended college credit for military training and occupational experience. SMART is an academically accepted record that is validated by ACE. The primary purpose of SMART is to assist service members in obtaining college credit for their military experience. SMART has replaced the DD295, the Application for Evaluation of Learning Experiences during Military Service, which is the form currently submitted to colleges by Sailors and Marines to verify their military experiences. The DD295 may still be necessary to document some training and experience that is not contained in and cannot be added to current personnel and training databases.

If you have attended a college or university that provides classes to the US Armed Forces (e.g. University of Maryland University College, Central Texas College, City Colleges of Chicago, etc.) you should request to have your academic transcript sent directly from that institution to the institution(s) you plan to attend.

How Colleges and Universities Evaluate Military Credit and Experience:

Most U.S. colleges and universities use A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services as a guide to award credit for military learning. Check with your College or University Admissions Advisor or Registrar for institutional policies:

ACE Net Military Guides (for Army, Navy, Marines)
http://www.militaryguides.acenet.edu/index.htm
http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=College_Services

For more than a half century the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services has been the standard reference work for recognizing learning acquired in military life. Since 1942, the American Council on Education has worked cooperatively with the US Department of Defense, the armed services and the US Coast Guard in helping hundreds of individuals earn academic credit for learning achieved while serving their country.
ACE Net Frequently Asked Questions

DANTES- Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support

DANTES mission is to support the off-duty, voluntary education programs of the Department of Defense and to conduct special projects and development activities in support of education-related functions of the Department. For more information:
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/danteshome.asp?Flag=True

The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) program is an extensive series of examinations in college subjects that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in undergraduate courses. ACE recommends 3 semester hours of credit per test. DANTES funds DSST testing for eligible Service members and personnel at DANTES military Test Centers. The DSSTs are now also available for use by civilians at universities and colleges throughout the country. To see a list of the DDSTs:
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/examinations/DSST.htm

General Assistance:

Activation/Mobilization Checklist http://www.soc.aascu.org/socguard/Checklist.html	To ensure proper credit and to prevent any financial loss to the soldier, these steps must be completed prior to departure.
88th Regional Readiness Command website http://www.usarc.army.mil/88thrsc/stpage.asp	To exercise command and control of assigned units, ensure operational readiness, provide area support services, and support emergency operations.
Glossary of military terms http://www.iseek.org/sv/10017.jsp	Provides definitions of military terms.
Higher Education Veterans Programs http://www.mymilitaryeducation.org/	The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs was tasked with providing coordination and specialized assistance to all Minnesota campuses. As a result, the Higher Education Veterans Programs Office was created, consisting of a director and regional coordinators located throughout the state.
Higher Education Veterans Programs - Regional Coordinators http://www.mymilitaryeducation.org/	Click on the HEVP Regional Coordinators for additional information.
Military Statutes http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getpub.php? pubtype=STAT_CHAP&year=current&chapter=190	Provides military legislative statutes
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs http://www.minnesotaveteran.org/	This website was developed to provide Minnesota Veterans, their families and employers a one stop location for information or links available for veterans.
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Veterans Services http://www.mnscu.edu/students/veterans/	The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities provides a page on its Web site that summarizes the various services provided for veterans in the state.
Programs for Veterans http://www.iseek.org/sv/44440.jsp	Provides programs for veterans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development offices and contact information.
U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs-GI Bill website http://gibill.va.gov/	Provides information about military benefits and information for returning servicemembers and veterans.
U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs http://www.va.gov	Provides links for Healthcare, Benefits, Burial and Memorials, VA Jobs, Board of Veteran Appeals, Public Affairs, Congressional Affairs, Business Opportunities, Partners, Veteran Data, Kids Page

Educational Assistance:

Army Management Staff College http://amscportal.belvoir.army.mil/	To educate and prepare Army civilian and military leaders to assume leadership and management responsibilities throughout the sustaining base. To provide consulting services and conduct research in support of the sustaining base.
Army National Guard Education Support Center	Civilian Education National Guard soldiers are encouraged in their efforts to pursue higher education. Educational goals may be closer than expected because many military courses and specialties can be credited toward a degree. The Education Support Center http://www.virtualarmory.com/education/ can assist in evaluating existing credits and military experience. The links on the right of this web page http://www.virtualarmory.com/education/index.aspx can help soldiers toward enhancing both civilian and military education. Military Education Training ARNG soldiers involves unique challenges such as geographic dispersion, competing civilian employment demands and travel costs. There are many military training opportunities for Army National Guard soldiers. Distributed Learning (DL) is a growing program in the ARNG that uses information age technologies to overcome some of the training challenges. DL helps increase the number of soldiers trained and therefore supports the readiness of ARNG units. Visit Distributed Learning on this site http://www.dls.army.mil/ for more information about this program. http://www.arng.army.mil/SoldiersResources.aspx
Credit for Prior Learning http://www.iseek.org/sv/20121.jsp	Credit for Prior Learning programs are designed to give college credit for activities or classes taken outside the normal college routine. Some programs are based on classes that substitute for college work. Other programs allow students to meet college requirements by taking tests or by substituting related work or life experiences. Paid work experience, military service, volunteer work and self-directed learning all provide related experience. Credit for Prior Learning programs translate these experiences into academic credit which can apply toward a college degree. These programs can cut down on the time and cost of getting a college education.
Joint Forces Staff College http://www.jfsc.ndu.edu/	To educate military officers and other national security leaders in joint, multinational, and interagency operational-level planning and warfighting, to instill a primary commitment to joint, multinational, and interagency teamwork, attitudes, and perspectives.
Sample Letters to College Administrators http://www.soc.aascu.org/socguard/SampLetters.html	Provides sample letters to college administrators, lending institutions and apprenticeships/OJT.
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges http://www.soc.aascu.org/	Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium colleges and universities are dedicated to helping service members and their families get college degrees. Military students can take courses in their off-duty hours at or near military installations in the United States, overseas, and on Navy ships. Recognizing the problems faced by military students whose jobs require frequent moves, SOC member schools make it easier to obtain college degrees by the following: Limiting the amount of course work students must take at a single college to no more than 25% of degree requirements. Designing transfer practices to minimize loss of credit and avoid duplication of course work. Awarding credit for military experience Awarding credit for tests such as CLEP, RCEP, and DSST national testing programs. Colleges and universities that participate in the network degree programs for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps agree to: Guarantee to accept each other's courses in transfer within curriculum areas such as management, computer studies, interdisciplinary studies, and others Award credit for military service schools and occupational experience Act as "home colleges" and issue a Student Agreement that serves as a degree plan for enrolled students. To find colleges and universities that participate in SOC: http://www.soc.aascu.org/socgen/Coll_UnivList.html
Virtual Armory http://www.virtualarmory.com/education/	Here you will learn about the continuing education opportunities available to you and your family through the Army National Guard. Opportunities include college benefits, tuition assistance, scholarships, and a variety of other programs.

Educational/Financial Aid Assistance:

Educational and Tuition Assistance for Army http://www.GoArmyed.com	GoArmyEd is the virtual gateway to request Tuition Assistance (TA) online, anytime for classroom, distance learning, and eArmyU online college courses. GoArmyEd is a dynamic online portal that automates many of the paper-based processes you historically conducted with your Army Education Counselor. GoArmyEd is your one-stop location for managing your college education and using TA benefits. GoArmyEd gives you access to many regionally accredited colleges and universities and over 1,000 available degree plans. GoArmyEd is also the new way to access eArmyU and its 28 partner colleges and universities and 145 degree and certificate programs, including the eArmyU Technology Package (Laptop) Option. GoArmyEd is used by: Soldiers to pursue their postsecondary educational goals Army Education Counselors to provide educational guidance Colleges to deliver degree and course offerings and to report Soldier progress Using the GoArmyEd portal for your educational needs puts you one click closer to obtaining the finest education, anywhere you are, anytime you want it.
Financial Aid for Veterans/Dependents http://www.finaid.org/military/veterans.phtml	This section of FinAid discusses student aid programs for veterans and their dependents. A discussion of the student aid treatment of veteran's education benefits and the definition of a veteran for student aid purposes can be found in the Veterans and the FAFSA section of FinAid.
GI Bill and Student Loan Information for Activated Guard-Reservists http://www.soc.aascu.org/socguard/Disposition.html	Provides steps to take when you are activated with regards to your GI Bill, school, loans and financial aid.
Minnesota Army National Guard Benefits http://www.www.mnarng.com/Educationbenifits.htm	The Minnesota Army National Guard can help you pay for college, by paying up to 150% of your college tuition cost for most Minnesota colleges (This includes Community and Technical Colleges).

Family/Financial Aid Assistance:

Family Issues Assistance http://www.strongbonds.org	Strong Bonds has specialized programs for single Soldiers, couples and families. Those Soldiers being deployed or redeployed can also learn special coping tactics. Strong Bonds empowers Soldiers and their loved ones with relationship-building skills, and connects them to community health and support resources. It is a holistic, preventative program committed to the restoration and preservation of Army families, even those near crisis. The program is initiated and led by the Army Chaplains. More than 90% of those who have attended the program rate it positively. With Strong Bonds, participants not only bond with their loved ones. They bond with other Army families, chaplains and the Army community as a whole. In turn, our Soldiers realize that they're not in this alone. They have an entire Army of support, both on duty and off.
Financial Aid for Veterans/Dependents http://www.finaid.org/military/veterans.phtml	This section of FinAid discusses student aid programs for veterans and their dependents. A discussion of the student aid treatment of veteran's education benefits and the definition of a veteran for student aid purposes can be found in the Veterans and the FAFSA section of FinAid.
Services for American Troops and Families http://www.militaryonesource.com	Provides support and services for military spouses and families http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/ MilitaryHOMEFRONT is the official Department of Defense web site for reliable Quality of Life information designed to help troops and their families, leaders and service providers. Whether you live the military lifestyle or support those who do, you'll find what you need!
Virtual Armory http://www.virtualarmory.com/education/	Here you will learn about the continuing education opportunities available to you and your family through the Army National Guard. Opportunities include college benefits, tuition assistance, scholarships, and a variety of other programs.

Educational Institutions:

Alexandria Technical College
http://web.alextech.edu/web/Default3.aspx?pid=1599
Veterans Certifying Official: Kathy Kloehn
320.762.4417
kathykl@alextech.edu

Bemidji State University
http://www.bemidjistate.edu/students/services/veterans/

Capella University
http://www.capella.edu/armed_forces/armed_forces_index.aspx

Central Lakes College
http://www.clcmn.edu/veterans
Veterans Certifying Official: Wendy Antolak
218.855.8032
wantolak@clcmn.edu

Dakota County Technical College
Veterans Certifying Official: Kerry Lurken
651.423.8278
kerry.lurken@dctc.edu

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
http://phpserve.fdltcc.edu/registration/files/veterans.html
Veterans Certifying Official: Leah Leno
218.879.0813
leah@fdltcc.edu

Hibbing Community College
http://www.hibbing.edu/payCollege/veteranAffairs/

Inver Hills Community College
http://www.inverhills.edu/StudentResources/VeteransServices.aspx

Metropolitan State University
http://www.metrostate.edu/admissions/

Minnesota State University, Mankato
http://www.mnsu.edu/registrar/TRANSFER.html
Veterans Certifying Official: Diane Schmidt
507.389.5251
diane.schmidt@mnsu.edu

Minnesota State University Moorhead
http://www.mnstate.edu/veterans/

Minnesota West Community and Technical College
http://www.mnwest.edu/registration/veteran.htm
http://www.mnwest.edu/registration-records/veterans-services/

North Hennepin Community College
http://www.nhcc.edu/Student_resources/Student_services/Veteran_affairs_office/index.cfm
Veterans Certifying Official
763.424.0921
veterans@nhcc.edu

Northland Community and Technical College