Veterans and Military Education Benefits

The Veterans Representative, located in the Registrar’s Office, serves as the primary point of contact for students using U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits or Tuition Assistance (TA) through the U.S. Department of Defense (D0D).

Tuition Assistance policies vary by military branch and service component and may differ based on a service member’s status (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard). Before enrolling at Truman State University, prospective students should consult with their Educational Services Officer (ESO), military counselor, or branch of service prior to determine eligibility and approval requirements.

Students who are eligible for VA education benefits should contact the Veterans Representative for procedural instructions to initiate their certification of enrollment at Truman State University.

Veterans Representative

Kaytee Wood
McClain Hall 104
Phone: 660-785-4145
Email: kwood@truman.edu

Students using VA education benefits for the first time must submit the following to the Veterans Representative:

  • Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
  • DD-214 or DD-220 (if applicable)
  • Intent to Enroll Form

These documents are required before Truman State can submit the student’s initial enrollment certification to the VA.

For each subsequent semester, students who are receiving VA education benefits must complete and submit an Intent to Enroll Form before their enrollment certification can be submitted to the VA for processing. Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office (McClain Hall 104) and are emailed to students each semester.

Benefit payments are issued either directly to the student through the bank account designated when applying for GI Bill® benefits or directly to Truman State University, depending on the benefit chapter.

Reporting Changes

To avoid delays or interruptions in VA education benefits, students must promptly notify the Veterans Representative of any of the following changes:

  • Changes in academic schedule: adding/dropping from course(s) or withdrawing from the semester/University
  • Change of major
  • Change of address
  • Academic probation or dismissal
  • Intent to transfer from Truman State University

Monthly Attendance Verification

Students receiving VA education benefits must complete monthly attendance verification as required by their benefit program. Failure to complete required attendance verification may affect benefit eligibility or payments.

Using Tuition Assistance (TA)

Students planning to use Tuition Assistance must receive approval from their ESO, military counselor, or branch of service before enrolling at Truman State University and before creating an ArmyIgnitED account.

After receiving approval, students should:

  1. Notify the Student Accounts Office or Veterans Representative that they will be using Tuition Assistance.
  2. Submit their Tuition Assistance request through ArmyIgnitED.

Helpful Resources:

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits is available through the official VA website.