Welcome to the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs

Making the Admissions process easy for Military and Veteran applicants

Berkeley College is dedicated to assisting veterans, service members, and their families in achieving their educational goals.

If you’re a veteran or dependent who is planning to receive educational assistance benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you should get VA approval prior to enrollment. Veterans may apply for their GI Bill® benefits at the Veterans Affairs eBenefits website at ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/apply

To process benefits most effectively, Veterans are required to submit copies of their Certificate of Eligibility (or a screenshot of your eBenefits Educational Summary) and DD214 Member 4 or Service 2 copy during the Admissions process. GI Bill® students must request certification for their benefits each term. In addition, Berkeley College:

• Participates in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program
• Accepts Tuition Assistance for eligible service members, and MyCAA for eligible spouses

For more information about MyCAA for eligible spouses, visit https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/. (To avoid a security certificate warning, this must be viewed in Firefox.)

Office of the Military and Veterans Affairs Contact Information

Contact Us: 646-930-6874

Mrs. Tami Pichardo

Senior Director, SCO

• TMM@BerkeleyCollege.edu

Gabrielle Peralta

Financial Aid and VA Coordinator

• Gabriell-Peralta2@BerkeleyCollege.edu

Education Benefits

What benefits will benefit you most? We can guide you. In addition to preparing you for your new mission as a college student, we’ll make sure you thoroughly understand the educational benefits for which you’re eligible and how they work. And don’t worry, you won’t be tested on this information—it’s all to make your journey more efficient and more affordable.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of information regarding the many benefits from the VA Department and Department of Defense—we’re here to help! We work closely with students (and family members) and we look forward to helping you get the most from your Berkeley College experience. from each branch of the service and almost all of the possible benefits offered for men, women, and families. Read more about your benefits and remember—we’re with you every step of the way.

Apply for Benefits

GI Bill^® Benefits and Eligibility

Military Tuition Assistance Grant

Veteran/Military Enrollment Certification Request and Billing Agreement

Important things to know about your VA Benefits:

Your VA Benefits are an important part of your college journey. To make sure that you receive the maximum amount to which you’re entitled, please remember these critical details. Doing everything “by the book” will also ensure that your funds are in place in time for each semester. And always remember—we’re here to help.

• You must complete and submit the e-form each semester.
• You’ll need the same login information that you use for Engage.
• You must have a course schedule to request your VA benefits.
• Your request will either be approved or denied.
  • If denied, you will notified of the reason and what is needed. You’ll need to resubmit once the documents have been obtained.
  • If approved, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Once you are approved, you will move to clearing through Student Accounts.
• Once you have been certified, you will receive a confirmation email with a cert ID (the cert ID verifies the VA has received the submission. It takes the VA 24 hours to see and begin processing the request.)

NOTE: Chapter 31-Voc. Rehab: You may be denied if we do not have an updated PO from your case manager. Once an updated PO for the upcoming semester is provided, you will receive an email from OMVA prompting you to submit the cert request/billing agreement.

Important things to know about TA and Military Spouse Benefits:

The same details apply to military spouses. Keeping on top of the process will help keep you on your educational path and working toward your next goals. 

• This must be completed and submitted each
• You will need the same log in utilized for Engage.
• You must have a course schedule to request benefits.
• You must submit 30 days prior to the start of the semester with a current Leave and Earning Statement/LES attached.
• If you have a TA voucher, you can attach it and upload it at this time.
• The request will either be approved or denied.
  • If denied, you will notified of the reason and what is needed.
  • You’ll need to resubmit once the documents have been obtained.
• You will receive a confirmation email with a code once submitted
• You will receive a confirmation email for either or denial.
• Once you are approved, you will move to clearing through Student Accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• General Benefits
• Advisement
• Student Accounts
• Financial Aid

Who do I meet with or reach out to about resources or any assistance for students that are veterans, military, or family?

Hi! Come chat with us. You can reach out to Tami Pichardo (Senior Director in the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs or contact Gabby Peralta (Coordinator of OMVA). Here’s our contact info:

Tami Pichardo
TMM@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Ext: 4393
Direct Line: 973-200-1164
Main Campus: Woodland Park

Gabby Peralta
Gabriell-Peralta2@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Ext: 4394
Main Campus: NYC; 43rd Street

How can I apply for my benefits if I have never utilized them before?

It’s nice and easy on the eBenefits website Home - VA/DoD eBenefits

A few helpful hints for applying:

1. Give yourself about 30-45 minutes to complete
2. Have your banking/routing information easily accessible
3. Be sure to select a date to start your benefits at least a few days to a week before a semester begins

I have used my benefits in the past, but it’s been a while and I’d like to double check a few things about my remaining education benefits. What is the best way for me to reach the VA?

So awesome of you to be proactive when it comes to your benefits. There are two ways to contact the VA for assistance:

1. GiBill^® Hotline 888-442-4551
2. Ask.VA.gov | Veteran Affairs

How does the VA know I am enrolled?

The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs utilizes a Certification/Billing Agreement eform that must be completed and submitted for each semester. This form is your request for us to certify you in Enrollment Manager for the semester. This form also moves you forward in clearing with Student Accounts.

I’m utilizing TA; how do I receive the reduced tuition rate?

The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs utilizes a TA/Billing Agreement eform that must be completed and submitted each semester. When submitting this form, you will need to attach your TA vouchers or an LES (Leave and Earning Statement) that is dated within 30 days of the semester. This form moves you forward in clearing with Student Accounts and receiving the reduced tuition rate of $250/credit.

How many credits do I have to take each semester in order to be considered full-time in the eyes of the VA and receive the maximum allowance for housing when utilizing chapter 33 or 31?

The VA processes by rate of pursuit. With that being said, you must be enrolled in 12 credits each semester (throughout the entire semester) in order to receive the maximum housing allowance.

How do I know who my advisor is?

Students can log into engage and click on the “My Profile” tile to view who their assigned Academic Advisor is. Contact information will also be there.

Do I meet with my advisor in person to create my schedule/change a schedule/change my program?

If you want to create a schedule, make any changes to your schedule, change your program, etc., you should meet with your Academic Advisor. Your Academic Advisor is available via phone, email, and for virtual, and in-person appointments, depending on availability. You should log into Engage and click on the “Schedule Academic Advisement Appointment” tile. This will direct you to your assigned Academic Advisors bookings page with availability. It will prompt you as to what kind of appointment you would like to set, for example phone or in-person.

How will I know when it is time to register for the upcoming semester?

Your Academic Advisor will email you when registration for the next semester begins. Please be sure to check your preferred email address for important information from your Academic Advisor. A notice will also appear on the home page in Canvas.

How can I obtain my transcripts?

Transcript Request:

• Go to BerkeleyCollege.edu
• Click on Student Life
• Click on Student Support
• Scroll down the gray box on the right of the screen, and click on Registrar
• Scroll down to Transcript Requests, and click on Berkeley College and Dover Business College Transcript Request Form
• You will be directed to National Student Clearinghouse and will follow the prompts on the screen to order a transcript
• Please note:
  • If you have a block with Student Accounts, Official Transcripts cannot be processed
  • PDF transcripts are encrypted messages; these are only sent as Official Transcripts
  • If you are requesting an unofficial transcript, please include a comment under Special Instructions at the end of the form

Currently Enrolled Students and recent Graduates Students can access their Unofficial Transcripts through Engage:

• Go to: engage.berkeleycollege.edu
• Log in using your User Name and Password
• Click on Self-Service on the Engage Home Page
• On the menu on the left, click on Self Service
• Click on Student Center
• Under Academics, click on the drop box and select Transcript: View Unofficial

What if I need to take a leave of absence?

You should schedule an appointment to meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss how taking a leave of absence will affect your graduation date and other areas of your degree completion. Once you speak with your Academic Advisor, you can complete the Leave of Absence Request form by logging into Engage – Click on the Eforms/Documents tile – then click on Eforms – then scroll down and click on the Leave of Absence form under Academic Advisement.

Can a student take a 7-week course?

These are the configurations where a student can take a 7-week course(s) and still be considered full-time:

• Three 15-week courses and one 7-week session 1 and one 7-week session 2 course
• Four 15-week courses and one 7-week session 1 course
• Four 15-week courses and one 7-week session 2 course

Can a student “round up” in their final semester?

• VRRAP students are not permitted to round up
• Other students can add only one class to round up to be full-time (this means students with 6 or less credits remaining their final term cannot add two courses)
• Students with six credits should round up to nine for max housing benefits
• Students can only round up once, and the course should be a course within their major (for example a Management major should take a Management course)

Can Chapter 33 and 31 students take online courses?

Yes, but they need to be enrolled in at least one fully on-site or hybrid course in order to receive the full benefits you are entitled to when it comes to your BAH.

Can a Chapter 31 student change their program or plan?

If a student wants to change their program or plan, they should be informed that they should check with their case manager for approval before making change.

Can a Military/Veteran student take MBA courses while earning their Undergrad degree? BS/BBA – MBA

Military/Veteran students cannot take graduate-level courses to satisfy undergraduate requirements.

I’m utilizing TA; do I have to be full-time?

Students utilizing tuition assistance do not have to be full-time. You can have a schedule with one course or more if you would like.

How do I contact Student Accounts?

All Campuses:
Email: SAonline@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Phone / FAX: 973-200-1150

The Student Accounts Department is open for support:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

*Please email or call for in-person campus availability.

How do I complete the Veteran’s Billing Agreement?

All Military Aligned students must complete the Veteran/Military Enrollment Certification Request & Billing Agreement eForm every semester.

If you are not a continuing student, you need to attach your DD214 Service 2 or Member 4 as well as your Certificate of Eligibility or eBenefits Summary Screen Shot.

If you are utilizing Tuition Assistance, the forms must be attached. If you do not have TA Forms you will need to provide a valid LES, no more than 30 days before the start of the term. Please note that every semester you are using Tuition Assistance, a new LES and/or the Tuition Assistance Documentation must be attached to this form.

The form is automated and will pull the benefit that you are using. If the form does not pull a benefit or if the incorrect benefit populates, please contact OMVA at VeteranAffairs@BerkeleyCollege.edu for assistance.

https://transforms.berkeleycollege.edu/iFiller/iFiller.jsp?fref=769e4b0a-5466-41b9-8b14-6d5f928f5fb4
You will use the same username and password you use to log in to Engage

What happens if my tuition and fees are not covered in full by my benefits?

Once you have filled out the Veteran/Military Enrollment Certification Request & Billing Agreement eForm, the Office of Military & Veteran Affairs will review your account for Certification and Student Accounts will review your account for clearance. If you are not 100% covered, you will need to contact Student Accounts to make a payment and/or set up a payment plan. Any students wishing to receive federal or state Financial Aid, must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you have any questions or concerns about certification, you can Contact the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs at VeteranAffairs@BerkeleyCollege.edu.

How do I make a payment?

You can pay online in Self Service by going to the Student Center and click on “Make a payment.” From there, you will need to log in using your Engage username and password in order to get into the payment system. You can then make your payment by clicking on “Pay” in the lower right-hand corner of your Account Activity/Payment History page.

How are refunds processed?

Refunds are processed via BankMobile. To help expediate the process please activate your account and select your refund preference if you have not already done so.

To activate your BankMobile Account:

1. Login to engage.berkeleycollege.edu and click on the Self-Service icon.
2. Click on the Bank Mobile Sign In button. It is located under Finances.
3. Follow the steps to activate your account.
4. Select how you want your money delivered:
   1. Select ACH to deposit your refund into an existing bank account.
   2. Select BankMobile Vibe Checking Account to create a checking account with BankMobile. With this option you will receive a temporary virtual Debit Mastercard® to use until your physical card arrives in the mail.

If you are having issues with BankMobile you can contact them at 1-877-327-9515 or visit the FAQ Page at: https://bankmobile.custhelp.com/app/home

Please Note: If no action is taken a check will be mailed to the mailing address we have on file. Mailed checks take longer to process.

Do I need to apply for Financial Aid to get VA / Military benefits?

No, however, Berkeley College encourages all students to apply for Federal and State Financial Aid. You can begin the process here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

How do Berkeley College Scholarships affect my VA benefits?

Berkeley College is required to disclose a student’s tuition and fees, as well as all grants and scholarships that the student is receiving. The VA calculates their payments based on this information.

Do I need to take out student loans in order to come to Berkeley College with VA/Military benefits?

No, loans are optional. If you wish to borrow loans to help cover charges for tuition and fees or to help assist with other educational expenses, you must first start an application with the FAFSA https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Steps If You Are Activated

The Office of Military and Veteran Affairs is committed to supporting our students who are called to active duty service.

*Please note, if you are aware of an activation prior to the beginning of the semester contact the OMVA to discuss processes.

Students

If you are activated mid-semester, please see the check list below.

1. Notify Professors, Departments and/or Deans as soon as possible and set up a meeting to discuss course requirements.
2. Provide a copy of your orders immediately to the OMVA and your advisor. We are also here to discuss options around completion or withdrawal from classes.
3. Contact Financial Aid regarding the status of your aid and or/loans.
4. Please keep in mind that internet access may be limited at your location; this may impact your ability to participate and complete your courses.

Important Contacts:

Office of Military and Veterans Affairs:

646-930-6874

Advisement:

973-200-1066

Financial Aid:

973-200-1148

Student Accounts:

973-200-1150

Faculty

Please see the below policy which provides faculty guidance as to options and responsibilities when working with students called to active military service. This policy is in accordance with New Jersey State Law N.J.S.A. 18A:62-4.2.

MILITARY LEAVE, ACADEMIC CREDIT AND TUITION REFUNDS – UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS

A. Berkeley College will act in accordance with State Law
N.J.S.A. 18A:62-4.2, which sets forth the options available to a student at a New Jersey
public institution of higher education who is unable to complete a course because the
student is called to partial or full mobilization for State or federal active duty as a member
of the National Guard or a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States
with respect to the student’s grade for the course and the availability of refunds.

B. A student who has completed at least eight weeks of attendance in a course may choose
to:

(1) receive a letter grade; or
(2) receive a grade of pass or fail; or
(3) receive a grade of incomplete; or
(4) withdraw from the course.

C. A student who has completed less than eight weeks of attendance in a course may
choose to:
(1) receive a grade of incomplete; or
(2) withdraw from the course.

D. A letter grade or a grade of pass shall only be awarded if, in the opinion of the faculty
member teaching the course, the student has completed sufficient work, and there is
sufficient evidence of progress toward meeting the requirements of the course, to justify
the grade.

E. A grade of incomplete shall remain valid for a period of one year after the student returns
to the New Jersey public institution of higher education.

F. A student who chooses to accept a grade of pass or fail may, within one year after
returning to the New Jersey public institution of higher education, receive a letter grade
for the course by completing the work required for the course, in which case the letter
grade shall replace the pass or fail grade as the student’s grade for the course.

G. A student who chooses to withdraw from a course shall receive a full refund of tuition and
fees attributable to that course.

H. A student who has paid amounts for room, board or fees shall, except as provided in
subsection G of this section, receive a refund of that portion of those amounts attributable
to the time period during which the student did not use the services for which payment
was made.

I. Any refund payable to a student who is a financial aid recipient shall be subject to the
applicable State and federal regulations regarding refunds.

Veterans Affairs Work-Study Program

Eligibility

Looking for extra money? Find out about working with the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs! If you're a Berkeley College student, using the GI Bill^®, and enrolled full-time or 3/4-time in a college degree program, you can "earn while you learn" with a VA work-study allowance.

Job Description

• Assists with VA benefits. Facilitates the initial start-up process and distributes forms that a student must have to obtain benefits. Collects any additional material the student submits. Answers questions concerning any additional benefits that the student may receive.
• Assists with VA policies and procedures. Informs students of any VA websites, important phone numbers, publications, etc.
• Refers the students to different departments depending upon the question. If a student has questions or concerns pertaining to advisement or needs counseling, then the Work Study can refer the student accordingly.
• Works with VA students' folders for filing and intake of any VA forms.
• Works with VA students concerning campus policies and procedures. (For example, locations of buildings, questions concerning courses, registration, advisement, etc.).
• Assists in answering phone calls regarding VA questions.

Be part of the team!

To apply, please send:

• Resume 
• Form 22-8691 https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22-8691-ARE.pdf to Tami Pichardo, Senior Director, at TMM@BerkeleyCollege.edu.

Veteran Resources and Support

Financial aid for GI Bill^® Recipients

Berkeley proudly supports the GI Bill^® and Yellow Ribbon Program. We assist Veterans, Service Members, and Family Members using the GI Bill^®, and offer the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship to all eligible recipients. Veterans Affairs associates are trained in GI Bill^® regulations. We’ll help make sure you get the maximum award possible.

Programs and services that support service members and their spouses

Flexible academic programs can help accommodate your situation and schedule. Advisors with military experience are available to assist with applications and enrollment. You may also be eligible for credit for prior learning. Tutoring is available at no additional charge. We adhere to the principles of excellence and offer a scholarship to all Tuition Assistance students to reduce tuition to $250 per semester hour. Additionally, we offer scholarships to all eligible military spouses that reduces tuition to $250 per semester hour to recognize the sacrifices families make.

Veterans Resource Centers are available at numerous campuses and online, offer comfortable environments to study, connect with other Veterans, and obtain information about a wide range of Veterans’ benefits and issues. There are numerous opportunities for networking through the Student Veterans Club and special veterans’ activities sponsored by Berkeley.

Career Guidance

Many Berkeley College programs include an internship, job-related assignment, or practicum for a valuable learning experience. Berkeley graduates receive free career assistance.

Compliance with Educational Organizations

Berkeley College adheres to the guidelines of the following organizations:

• ACE (American Council on Education)
• DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
• PONSI (Program On Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction)

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