Veteran Services

Veteran Services Center

Building of Academic and Student Services (BASS), Room 132
7101 University Avenue
Texarkana, TX 75503
Phone: 903-334-6602
Fax: 903-223-3119
Email: veterans@tamut.edu

Hours of Operation

Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

About the Veteran Services Center

The Veteran Services Center (VSC) at Texas A&M University–Texarkana provides support and guidance to United States military members (Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard), veterans, and their eligible dependents as they pursue their educational goals and transition from military to civilian life. The VSC assists students in understanding and utilizing federal VA education benefits, Department of Defense Tuition Assistance, and State of Texas military education programs.

Information and benefits counseling are available in BASS Room 132, through the Veteran Services Center website, or by emailing veterans@tamut.edu.

The VSC certifies enrollment to the appropriate agency after students register for classes and submit the required documentation. Any student enrolled at Texas A&M University–Texarkana who may be eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits or State of Texas military education benefits should contact the VSC to determine the documentation required to establish eligibility.

Military Education Transcripts

In addition to civilian education transcripts, military students must submit their military education transcript to the Texas A&M University–Texarkana Office of Admissions for evaluation of potential transfer credit.

  • Students who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) should submit a Joint Service Transcript.
  • Students who served in the Air Force or Space Force (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) should submit a Community College of the Air Force transcript.

Students needing assistance requesting military transcripts may contact the Veteran Services Center at 903-334-6602 or veterans@tamut.edu.

Priority Registration

During registration periods, registration for classes opens to students based on classification. The first phase opens to doctoral, graduate, and senior students, followed by juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.

Verified military-affiliated students may be eligible to register beginning with the first phase of registration regardless of classification. This is accomplished through an Alternate Registration PIN provided by the School Certifying Official. Notifications will be sent to students’ ACE email accounts prior to registration periods.

Military-affiliated students are encouraged to register early to allow sufficient time to submit required benefit documentation to the Veteran Services Center, ensuring timely processing and benefit disbursement.

For more information about priority registration, please contact the Veteran Services Center at 903-334-6602 or veterans@tamut.edu.

FERPA & Third-Party Communication

Due to federal privacy laws (FERPA), the VSC can only discuss student records with the student unless written authorization is provided.

Campus Locations

Classes are offered at the following locations:

  • Main campus: 7101 University Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75503
  • Texas A&M University–Texarkana at RELLIS: 3100 TX-47, Bryan, TX 77807

Benefits Certification

Students using VA or State of Texas education benefits must provide accurate information and required eligibility documents to the Veteran Services Center (VSC). Students must request certification each semester they wish to use benefits, as the VSC does not automatically process benefits.

Any changes to a student’s major, minor, enrollment, address, or benefit eligibility must be reported to the VSC as soon as possible so updates can be submitted to the VA or State of Texas in a timely manner. These changes may result in a balance on the student’s account and/or a debt with the VA, so timely and accurate updates are critical.

The VA will not pay for repeated courses that have already been successfully completed unless a higher grade is required for the student’s program.

Federal Veterans Education Benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Eligibility criteria and information for each benefit chapter are available by selecting the benefit title below. Additional information is available on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training website. Students may also use the VA GI Bill® Comparison Tool to estimate benefits and review approved programs.

Texas Veterans Hazlewood Act (Texas Education Code §54.2001)

Under the Hazlewood Act, eligible Texas veterans may receive up to 150 credit hours of tuition and fee exemption at Texas public institutions of higher education. Under certain circumstances, the exemption may be transferred to a spouse and/or children.

Eligibility criteria are available through the Veteran Services Center (VSC) or the Texas Veterans Commission website. Applications for the exemption are available through the VSC.

In accordance with Texas Education Code §54.2001, continuing and transfer students must meet the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements while enrolled in a degree or certificate program.

Minimum GPA requirements are:

  • Undergraduate students: 2.0
  • Graduate students: 3.0

If a student does not meet SAP requirements, eligibility for the Hazlewood Exemption may be suspended until standards are met. The Texas A&M University–Texarkana Financial Aid SAP policy applies in these situations, including the option to submit an appeal for documented mitigating circumstances.

General Forms Requirements

To ensure benefits are processed accurately, students may be required to submit the following documents to the VSC. This is a general list, and some benefits may require additional documentation.

  • Certificate of Eligibility: This document is obtained from the VA Education Regional Office or online through the VA education website.
  • DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Member 2 or higher version (not Member 1): This document is required to assess “covered individual” status under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.
  • Request for Certification: This document is required every semester a student wishes to use benefits. Enrollment will not automatically be submitted to the VA.

For Chapter 33 students to receive the book stipend prior to the start of the term, all required documents should be submitted at least 30 days before the first day of the term.

For Chapter 31 students, the TAMUT bookstore must receive authorization from the VR&E Counselor before textbooks and supplies can be issued. Students are encouraged to communicate this requirement to their counselor.

Students should contact the VSC for assistance with required documentation.

Hazlewood Documentation Requirements

There are three categories for the Hazlewood Exemption: Veteran, Dependent (Spouse or Child), and Legacy (Child). Each category requires a different set of documents; however, the primary document used to determine eligibility is the Veteran’s DD214 (Member 2 or higher copy). A Request for Certification and an updated Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Hours Log are required each semester the exemption is used. The Hazlewood Exemption is not automatically applied.

Students should contact the Veteran Services Center (VSC) for assistance with required additional documentation and eligibility requirements.

Housing Allowance (Chapter 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® housing allowance is based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents using the university ZIP code (75503) for students attending in-person courses.

Students enrolled exclusively in online courses receive a housing allowance equal to one-half of the national average BAH rate.

Housing allowance payments are prorated based on the student’s rate of pursuit, and students must be enrolled more than half-time to receive a housing allowance.

Current rates are available through the Defense Travel Management Office BAH Calculator: https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm

Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program

Texas A&M University–Texarkana participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program. Students classified as nonresidents who are not considered “covered individuals” under Section 702 of the Choice Act may be eligible. Texas A&M University–Texarkana accepts up to 35 students per academic year into the Yellow Ribbon Program on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the VA Education and Training Yellow Ribbon Program website for eligibility criteria and additional information. Participation and funding levels are determined annually and are subject to change.

Students should contact the VSC to sign up for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Monthly Enrollment Verification Requirement (VA Education Benefits)

Students using certain VA education benefits, including Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty), Chapter 1606 (MGIB–Selected Reserve), and Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance), may be required to verify enrollment each month in order to receive benefit payments.

Enrollment verification is completed at the end of each month and confirms that the student remained enrolled in certified courses. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not process monthly payments until enrollment is verified. Once verified, payment processing typically takes 5–7 calendar days.

Students may verify enrollment by text message, if opted in, online through ask.va.gov, or by calling the VA Education Call Center at 888-442-4551.

Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020

Section 1019 of this Act requires that institutions, rather than students, are responsible for returning tuition and fee payments made directly to the school under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, and advance payments of initial educational assistance when adjustments occur. This applies regardless of whether the overpayment resulted from an error by the school or the student.

Changes in enrollment, including dropping or withdrawing from courses after the census date (12th class day for fall and spring semesters), may result in an adjustment to tuition and fees that could create a balance on the student’s university account. The amount of any balance will depend on the adjustment required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Students are responsible for resolving any outstanding balance on their account before registering for future terms.

Allowing Veterans to Attend or Participate in Course Pending VA Payment (Title 38 U.S.C. §3679(e))

In accordance with federal law, Texas A&M University–Texarkana will not impose penalties on students using Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits while payment from the VA is pending.

TAMUT will not:

  • Prevent the student’s enrollment;
  • Assess a late penalty to the student;
  • Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
  • Deny the student access to resources, including classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, available to any other student who has satisfied tuition and fee obligations to the institution.

To qualify for this provision, students may be required to:

  • Provide the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the VSC by the first day of class,
  • Submit a Request for Certification to the VSC,
  • Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies,
  • Complete a Texas Veterans Commission Tuition Payment Deferment form (see section titled "Tuition Deferment for Veterans and Family Members").
Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act)

The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 requires that eligible students be charged in-state tuition rates. Texas A&M University–Texarkana complies with all requirements of Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. This section requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to disapprove programs of education for payment of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty at public institutions if the institution charges “covered individuals” tuition and fees in excess of the resident rate for terms beginning after July 1, 2015.

Section 301 of the Choice Act was later amended to include Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment) beneficiaries as “covered individuals” effective March 31, 2019. The Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act further amended Section 702 to include Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance) beneficiaries as “covered individuals” effective August 1, 2022.

A “covered individual” is defined in the Choice Act as:

  • A veteran who lives in the state where the institution of higher learning is located, regardless of formal state of residence, and enrolls after discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  • A spouse or child using transferred benefits who lives in the state where the institution of higher learning is located and enrolls after the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  • A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state where the institution of higher learning is located and enrolls following the service member’s death in the line of duty after serving at least 90 days of active-duty service.

Individuals who initially meet these requirements will maintain “covered individual” status as long as they remain continuously enrolled at the institution of higher learning. Texas A&M University–Texarkana will require the student to establish Texas resident status after residing in the state for one year. For more information on the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, visit the VA Education and Training Choice Act website.

Use of VA Benefits/Hazlewood Exemption with Financial Aid

VA education benefits and the State of Texas Hazlewood Exemption may be used concurrently with financial aid. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application as soon as it becomes available each year.

  • VA Education benefits: Do not report VA education benefits as income on the FAFSA, as this may reduce eligibility for need-based aid. Tuition and fees paid directly to the university by the VA will be applied to the student account prior to the disbursement of financial aid grants and loans when required documentation is submitted to the Veteran Services Center in a timely manner.
  • Hazlewood Exemption: The Hazlewood Exemption is considered a financial aid resource and may affect a student’s aid eligibility. Because the exemption amount is based on actual enrollment each semester, it is important for the exemption to be applied before financial aid is disbursed. Students should contact the VSC and submit the required documentation as early as possible to avoid potential over-awards from the financial aid office.

Tuition Deferment for Veterans and Family Members

Under Texas H.B. 846 (85th Legislature), institutions may not impose additional fees, obligations, or burdens related to payment or registration on students eligible for federal or state military-related financial assistance beyond those required to receive that assistance.

If VA or State of Texas education benefits are expected to be delayed by less than 60 days, students may request a Tuition Payment Deferment through the Veteran Services Center. If approved, students may remain enrolled in classes for up to 60 days from the first class day of the term without making a payment or enrolling in a payment plan while benefits are processed. By the end of the 60-day period, tuition and fees must be paid in full. If the account balance is not resolved by the end of the deferment period, a hold may be placed on the student’s account, which may prevent registration for future classes, obtaining official transcripts, and other administrative actions.

Students who are unsure whether their benefits will be processed within the 60-day period are encouraged to consider enrolling in a payment plan at the beginning of the term, as the payment plan option will no longer be available at the 60-day point of the academic calendar.

For more information or to request a deferment, contact the Veteran Services Center.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

DOD Tuition Assistance (TA)

Texas A&M University–Texarkana proudly supports military service members (Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard) in the use of Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA). The Veteran Services Center (VSC) assists students in navigating the TA process for their specific branch of service and serves as a central point of contact to coordinate academic requirements.

Per Department of Defense policy, a service member seeking to use TA must first contact their unit’s Education Services Officer (ESO) for approval. This approval must be obtained prior to enrolling in courses. If a service member enrolls before receiving TA approval, the service member is responsible for all tuition and fees if TA is not approved.

Each military branch has its own TA application process. After contacting the ESO, service members should access their branch’s virtual education center or portal to complete the application.

DOD Compliance

Texas A&M University–Texarkana complies with all requirements of the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, as well as ED (34 C.F.R. 668.71–668.75 and 668.14) regulations related to misrepresentation, recruitment, and incentive compensation. In accordance with these requirements, Texas A&M University–Texarkana will:

  1. Prohibit inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item of monetary value (beyond a de minimis amount), to any individual or entity, including its agents, third-party lead generators, or marketing firms, for the purpose of securing enrollments of service members or access to Tuition Assistance (TA) funds, except for salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in accordance with applicable laws. Educational institution-sponsored scholarships, grants, and tuition reductions available to military students are permissible; and
  2. Refrain from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to individuals or entities involved in recruiting, admissions, or financial aid decisions; and
  3. Refrain from high-pressure recruitment tactics, including multiple unsolicited contacts (three or more) by phone, email, or in person, or same-day recruitment and registration intended to secure enrollments.
Transfer Credits

Military service members using Tuition Assistance or any VA education benefit must submit an official military education transcript (Joint Services Transcript or Community College of the Air Force transcript), along with transcripts from all previously attended institutions to the Texas A&M University–Texarkana Office of Admissions.

Credits earned at regionally accredited institutions are accepted as recorded on official transcripts. However, due to differences in degree requirements and course content, some credits may not apply toward specific degree programs at Texas A&M University–Texarkana. Military transcripts are evaluated using the American Council on Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

For more information, visit the Transfer Credit Policy section of the catalog. For assistance requesting transcripts, contact veterans@tamut.edu.

Transfer credit from both civilian and military education transcripts is evaluated at the time of admission. All evaluated credits are reflected in DegreeWorks, available through the Web for Students portal. DegreeWorks allows students to track academic progress, review completed requirements, and plan remaining coursework.

Use of Military TA with Financial Aid and VA Education Benefits

Service members may be eligible for Department of Defense Tuition Assistance, VA education benefits, and federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). These funding sources may be used together to support educational expenses.

Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility and consult with the Veteran Services Center for guidance on maximizing available benefits. When applicable, Military TA is applied to the student account prior to financial aid and VA education benefits.

For more information, visit the TAMUT Financial Aid webpage.

Readmission

Texas A&M University–Texarkana will promptly readmit service members to the same academic status they held prior to a military-related interruption of their education. Students must submit an application for readmission for tracking purposes and contact the Veteran Services Center as soon as possible to coordinate required documentation and communication with faculty.

Texas A&M University–Texarkana complies with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas A&M System policies that protect the readmission rights of students called to active military service, including those who withdraw or are admitted but do not begin attendance. The university also provides excused absences for students called to required military service for a reasonably brief duration. Options available to service members are outlined in TAMUS 13.99.99 (Military Leave and Service for Students) and TAMUT 13.99.99-H1 (Military Leave and Service Students).

Prior to departure, students must provide a copy of their military orders or official written notice from their unit to the Veteran Services Center. The VSC will assist in coordinating with campus offices and faculty.

Drops/Withdrawals While Using Military Tuition Assistance

If a student using Military Tuition Assistance (TA) drops a course or withdraws from the term, the university will return TA funds in accordance with Department of Defense policy:

  • Up to the start date for the term, all Military TA funds will be returned if the service member does not:
    • Begin attendance at the university; or
    • Start a course, regardless of whether other courses are started.
  • If a course is dropped prior to the term census date, all Military TA funds for that course will be returned to the military service.
  • Military TA funds will be returned for any course that is canceled by the university.
  • For complete withdrawal from a term, Military TA is earned on a prorated basis. For example, if 30% of the period of enrollment is completed, 30% of the approved TA is earned and 70% is returned to the military service. Once more than 60% of the period of enrollment is completed, 100% of the approved TA is considered earned and no funds will be returned.
    • The amount of earned Military TA is calculated by dividing the number of calendar days attended by the total number of calendar days in the term (excluding scheduled breaks of five days or more). This percentage is then multiplied by the total amount of TA approved for the term to determine the earned amount.
    • Any unearned portion of Military TA must be returned to the military service. Returned funds may result in a balance on the student’s account. The Veteran Services Center will notify students of any resulting balance, and students are responsible for payment in accordance with the TAMUT refund policy.