Recent News Coverage

A recent article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia will ask the General Assembly to appropriate an additional $58.7 million in undergraduate financial aid over the next two years.  Council members hope this increase will offset the decrease in state support that has resulted in higher tuition, which is especially difficult for students and parents in the current economic climate.

To learn more about SCHEV’s plans, check out the full article at the RTD website.

Free College Admissions Workshop at SBC

On Saturday, October 3, Sweet Briar College will host a free how-to clinic on the college application process for high school students and their parents. The College Admissions Workshop will be held from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the Florence Elston Inn & Conference Center on the Sweet Briar campus.

Admissions and financial aid professionals from six colleges in Central Virginia will lead several workshop sessions, including one on financial aid, as well as other topics listed below.

Registration is encouraged but not required, and interested citizens may attend some or all of the clinic sessions. To register or for more information, contact Sweet Briar’s admissions office at (800) 381-6142 or email admissions@sbc.edu.

“Opportunities of Starting College at a Community College,” Ashley Pearson, Central Virginia Community College.

“Overview of the College Search Process,” Laika Tamny, James Madison University.

“Proper Implementation of FERPA Regulations,” Terrell Elam and Krystal Tucker, Liberty University.

“Hints on How Colleges Use the SAT/ACT, Curriculum, Grades,” Sharon Walters-Bower, Lynchburg College.

“Writing the Perfect College Essay,” Margaret Blount, Randolph College.

“Mock Admissions Committee,” Ken Huus, Sweet Briar College.

“Financial Aid Basics for College,” Bobbi Carpenter, Sweet Briar College.

“What I Wish I had Known During My College Search,” by a panel of current students from the sponsoring institutions.

New Benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill expands the number of people who qualify for education support from the VA.  For the first time in history, service members enrolled in the program will be able to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children starting Aug. 1, 2009.

Children of service members:

• May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces.
• May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
• May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age.
• Are entitled to the monthly stipend and books and supplies stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty.
• Are not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning (IHL) and approved for GI Bill benefits. Additionally, tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement are approved under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.

For more information, visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ web site.