Veterans Services Office

There is a variety of Veterans Administration (VA) educational programs established to assist military personnel and veterans with acquiring an education. All military personnel and veterans may be eligible for VA educational benefits.

Service members, veterans, and their dependents seeking to use their VA educational benefits at National Park College should complete all the necessary paperwork for admission and financial aid, but should also contact the VA Coordinator in the Veterans Services Office on the second floor of the Student Commons Building prior to enrolling in classes to ensure all information is reported to the VA Regional Office for processing. Individuals using Veterans Administration education benefits are required to follow their chosen degree plan which must be in a “VA Approved” program to receive VA education benefits. Veterans and dependents are also required to keep the VA Coordinator informed of any changes in enrollment, rate of pursuit, or degree plan throughout the semester.

NPC Institutional Policy on the Return of Unearned Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Funds

Purpose

This policy outlines National Park College’s (NPC) compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) regulations requiring the return of unearned Tuition Assistance (TA) funds on a proportional basis through the 60 percent point of the enrollment period.

Policy Statement

NPC will return any unearned Military Tuition Assistance (TA) funds to the appropriate military branch when a service member withdraws from a course prior to completing 60 percent of the period for which the TA was provided. The return amount is determined on a proportional basis, reflecting the portion of the course completed.

Scope

This policy applies to all students receiving TA funds who withdraw from a course prior to completing at least 60 percent of the course duration.

Procedure

Calculation of Return:
The percentage of TA earned is calculated by dividing the number of days completed by the total number of days in the course.

Percentage of TA earned = (Days completed / Total days in course) x 100

If a student withdraws before completing 60 percent of the course, the NPC will return the unearned portion of TA funds to the respective military service branch.

Schedule for Return:
- Withdrawal before completing 60 percent of the course: Unearned TA funds will be returned proportionally.
- Withdrawal after completing 60 percent or more of the course: No return of TA funds is required; 100 percent of the TA is considered earned.

Student Notification and Responsibilities:
- Students must notify the Registrar’s Office of their intent to withdraw.
- Withdrawal dates will be determined based on the student’s official notification or, in the absence of notification, the last date of attendance as determined by the institution.
- Students may be responsible for any balance owed to NPC resulting from the return of unearned TA funds.
Institutional Responsibilities:
- The Registrar’s Office and the Office of Financial Aid will collaborate to calculate the return amount and process the return of funds.
- Documentation of the return calculation will be maintained in the student’s financial aid record.
Appeal Process:
Students wishing to appeal a decision regarding the return of TA funds must follow the institution’s general appeal procedures, as outlined in the NPC Student Handbook / NPC Catalog].

Effective Date

This policy is effective as of July 1, 2024 and applies to all courses and programs offered by National Park College.

Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to maintain compliance with Department of Defense regulations and institutional practices.