Frequently Asked Questions
We know that the veteran experience is unique and so we tried to anticipate the various questions you may have. If your question is not answered below, please reach out to our office.
Academic Questions
What can I do if I need academic accommodations?
If you need academic accommodations and support, contact Disability Resource Center
Why do I need to send all my school transcripts to The University of Memphis?
The Office of Admissions require official transcripts from all previous colleges attended to best assist you in your academic goals.
I am having difficulties in class what should I do?
Visit the Educational Support Programs to learn about tutoring and ways to improve your academic performance.
I am taking partially online class/ I am only taking online classes; do I still qualify for BAH and GI Bill benefits?
The monthly housing allowance is payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible students enrolled for MORE than ½ time (pursuing training at a rate of pursuit greater than 50%) and enrolled in at least one in-residence course per semester. Students who are enrolled in all online or distance learning courses with method of instruction listed as Web, Hybrid, TNecampus, TN eCampus (formerly RODP) courses receive 50% of the National average BAH. Visit Veterans Benefits for more information.
Deployment
What should I do if I am given orders to deploy while enrolled in classes?
- Let us at Veteran and Military Student Services (veterans@memphis.edu) know. You'll be asked to provide a copy of your orders or a memorandum from your unit listing approximate dates of active duty.
- Talk with your academic advisor, inform them of your deployment, and discuss any impacts it may have on your academic plan.
- After meeting with the transition specialist and your academic advisor weigh your options, come to a decision, and inform the transition specialist.
- Notify your housing office and make appropriate arrangements for your deployment or your families housing.
- When you are ready to return to school notify VMSS with an updated date of return. (If possible, please give us a heads-up before you get back.) You do not need to complete a re-admission application. You'll be given permission to register for classes for the semester following your return. You can also wait out a semester, if you'd like. Your academic standing at the time of re-entry to the University shall remain as it was prior to serving on active duty. Academic Departments, particularly those with sequential curriculum such as Nursing or Law, will make every effort to place you into a new cohort. You do not have to re-apply to enter a program provided you departed for active duty in good academic standing.
I must stop out because I am being deployed, what can I do about my student loan repayment?
Students who are being deployed need to contact their loan servicer(s) and file the appropriate paperwork with them to have their student loans deferred for their deployment period. Please see Student Loan Benefits for Members of the Armed Forces for more information.
Funding Questions
Are dependents of veterans eligible for benefits?
Yes, some dependents of veterans are eligible to receive VA benefits under certain
chapters.
Reach out to our Veterans Educational Benefits and Certification office to see if
you or your dependent are eligible:
https://www.memphis.edu/registrar/vetedben/benefits.php
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Do you offer free or reduced admissions application fees to military connected students?
Unfortunately, currently we do not offer free or reduced admission application fees to military connected students.
How do I receive a copy of my DD214?
Request a copy through the website linked below and note that the Member 4 copy, which
shows the character of your discharge, is preferred for most educational purposes.
After obtaining your DD214, be sure to keep this document in a safe place. Also note
that it is not advisable to register for your DD214 through a county courthouse since
doing so makes the process a public record, which could then lead to identity theft.
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
Are you a Yellow Ribbon school? How does Yellow Ribbon work?
Yes, The University of Memphis participates in Yellow Ribbon. See the VEBC Office
for more information and the links below for more information:
https://www.memphis.edu/registrar/vetedben/benefits.php
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon.asp
Can I use financial aid and my VA benefits?
You might be eligible for financial aid from the federal or state governments. Your
GI Bill may not cover all your educational expenses, so it's always good to have something
to fall back on if that is the case. Student veterans using Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits
should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid
can be offered in addition to Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, and options can possibly
include grants, scholarships, work study, and student loans. Visit the link below
to apply:
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
https://www.memphis.edu/financialaid
Do I qualify for Federal Tuition Assistance?
FTA is available to eligible members serving on active duty in all five branches of the Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Most branches also include Reserve members and National Guard personnel serving on active duty for 120 days or more, however, eligibility ceases once off active duty.
How does FTA work?
Under the FTA program, the student's military branch falling under the DOD pays 100 percent of the tuition up to the maximum amount, along with most fees, directly to the school. Because the Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security and not the DOD, their payment guidelines are different. They can only pay up to 75% of tuition and only lab fees.
How do I get approved for FTA?
Applying for TA varies between the various branches. However, in each branch, it starts with an application of some sort. All branches but the Coast Guard use some type of online application process. Contact the Registrar to gain more information on how to utilize your FTA: https://www.memphis.edu/registrar/vetedben/notices/911-fedta.php
When I filled out the FASFA, it was based on my military income. Now that I am a student my income situation has changed, what can I do?
student my income situation has changed, what can I do?
Contact the University of Memphis financial aid office and ask how they can help you
make changes to your FASFA.
https://www.memphis.edu/financialaid
Where can I find scholarships?
Military connected student scholarships can be found on the VMSS website: https://www.memphis.edu/veterans/paying/scholarships.php
Departmental and University scholarships can be found on Tiger Scholarship Manager:
https://www.memphis.edu/scholarships/opportunities.php
Can I receive scholarships while I'm using my G.I. benefits?
It is important to determine the scholarship's specifications when applying for it. If the scholarship is not tuition specific than you should be able to use it in conjunction with your benefits. If you are not sure contact the VEBC Office.
I am active duty and am stationed elsewhere. Do I qualify for in-state tuition?
An active duty military personnel whose 'Home of Record' is Tennessee but who is stationed elsewhere is considered an in-state student for fee paying purposes.
I am struggling financially. What can I do?
Here at the University of Memphis we understand that sometimes things are difficult,
and it is vital to ask for help. Reach out to the VMSS so we can support you in your
time of need. Below you can find campus and community resources for food insecurity,
housing, and more.
https://www.memphis.edu/deanofstudents/crisis
Prior Learning Credit Questions
Does your school accept JST/CCAF forms, CLEP scores, and DSST scores as college credit?
Yes, we have many options for military experience credit. The Experiential Learning Office will evaluate the official documentation of JST forms, CLEP scores, and DSST scores. https://www.memphis.edu/innovation/elc/experiential_learning.php
How do I get my Joint Services Transcript evaluated?
- Request an official copy to be sent to the Admissions Office.
- https://jst.doded.mil/smart/signIn.do
- Once Admissions has completed a formal evaluation of the military transcript, the military transcript re-assessed through Experiential Learning.
- ELC Office will email you an official award letter.
- Bring your award letter and an unofficial copy of your JST to your academic advisor.
- Have your advisor post the credits that transfer to your degree program.
How many credits can I receive from my JST/CCAF?
The most credits you can apply towards your degree from your JST/CCAF is 30 credits.
What is CLEP and should I CLEP out of courses?
The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) offers you the opportunity to receive
college credit while saving time and money. Depending on your University, examinees
are able to earn qualifying scores on up to 33 introductory-level college subject
examinations. CLEP helps you save time and money by allowing you to test out of certain
subjects that you have knowledge in.
https://www.memphis.edu/testing/services/clep.php
Miscellaneous
I've never been to college before or it has been a long time and I have no idea where to start, Help!
Congratulations for taking on college and we are here to support you through this transition process. Reach out to our transition specialist (veterans@memphis.edu). They can assist you in the admissions process, navigating the My Memphis website, and ease any of the concerns you are having. Also, check out our Military Student Enrollment Checklist to see a step by step guide for pre and post acceptance. https://www.memphis.edu/veterans/resources/checklist.php
Does the University of Memphis have a Student Veterans Organization?
Yes! We have a Student Veteran Organization that can be found at the following links:
https://memphis.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/uofmveterans
https://www.facebook.com/UofMSVO/
I need to use my CAC where can I go?
We have four CAC readers located within our office for student use.
