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Veteran Services

Veterans Educational Benefits

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) welcomes veteran students, active-duty service members, national guard, reservists, and military dependents. The MGCC Veteran Coordinator is available to help you navigate applying for and maintaining your VA educational benefits.

1. Benefit Certification Requirements

To receive VA educational assistance at MGCC, students must satisfy the following guidelines:

  • Approved Curriculum: You must be formally enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program.
  • Course Applicability: Only courses that directly fulfill requirements for your declared degree or certificate can be certified for VA payment.
  • Enrollment Changes: You must immediately report any drops, adds, or changes to your academic major to the MGCC Veteran Coordinator to prevent payment delays or overpayment debts.

2. VA Delayed Payment Policy (Section 103 Protections)

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, MGCC will not penalize any student using Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) or Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) benefits due to delayed disbursement funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Student Protections

Once you provide proof of eligibility (Certificate of Eligibility, Statement of Benefits, or Form VAF 28-1905), MGCC guarantees that you will not:

  • Be charged late fees on tuition and required fees.
  • Be denied access to classes, libraries, or campus resources.
  • Be required to borrow additional loan funds to cover pending VA payments.

These protections remain in place until VA payment is received by MGCC, or up to 90 days after the college certifies your tuition and fees.

3. Contact Information

MGCC Veteran Coordinator

For assistance with enrollment certification, benefit options, or academic scheduling:

  • Tim Cary — Rockbridge Regional Center Manager & Veteran Coordinator
  • Phone: (540) 261-1211 | Email: tcary@mgcc.edu
  • Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Direct Support)

For questions regarding individual benefit entitlement, monthly stipend status, or claim approvals:

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.