General Information
Missouri Western State University is approved by the Veterans Administration as a training facility for veterans and eligible persons. The Office of Veterans Affairs, located in the Registrar's Office (Eder Hall, Room 102), coordinates the services to the more than 150 veterans attending classes and receiving veteran benefits. Veterans may obtain the following services from this office: certification of enrollment for educational benefits; tutorial assistance; referrals for counseling for financial, vocational, and academic problems; veterans work study job information; information about changes in legislative regulations which affect veterans; and information about MWSU procedures. The Office of Veterans Affairs also acts as a direct liaison between Missouri Western State University and the Veterans Administration Regional Office in St. Louis regarding payment of benefits.

Forms to Complete
Veterans expecting to enroll for educational benefits administered by the Veterans Administration may obtain an application form from the Office of Veterans Affairs.  A veteran previously receiving benefits at another institution needs to complete a "Request for Change of Training Application", also available in the Office of Veterans Affairs. Returning students need only notify the MWSU Veterans Coordinator of their intentions to re-enroll and update any address and major changes.

Required Military Forms
Those veterans having served active duty should present a copy of separation papers, form DD-214, with the application for benefits. Members of the National Guard or Selective Reserves should submit a “Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)”, form DD-2384, and a copy of the Kicker Contract, if applicable, with the benefits application.

GI Bill Money and MWSU Tuition and Fees
Initial applications take the Veterans Administration 6-8 weeks to process.  In general, the first GI Bill check can be expected approximately 8 weeks after the first day of class.  A payment plan may be set up with the MWSU Business Office (Eder Hall, Room 104) if payment of tuition and fees is reliant on receipt of the GI Bill.

MWSU Credit for Military Service
Students who have completed a minimum of one year of active military service or have completed three years in the Guard/Reserves will be granted 4 hours of physical education credit.  The general education credit will be granted by the Registrar's Office upon presentation of the DD-214 or a letter from Commanding Officer stating initial enlistment date and current military status.

Missouri Returning Heroes' Education Act

On August 28, 2008, the Missouri Returning Heroes' Education Act (Senate Bill 830) became law. This law requires Missouri state institutions to offer reduced tuition at $50 per credit hour to qualified combat duty veterans. For more information on program qualifications and eligibility requirements, please visit Missouri Returning Heroes flyer or contact the Office of Veterans Affairs in the Registrar's Office, Eder Hall Room 102 (816-271-4228).

Policies and Contacts
Veterans benefit allowances, Veterans Administration programs and policies, and Missouri Western State University procedures frequently change. Students at MWSU who intend to receive VA benefits should contact the Office of Veterans Affairs in the Registrar's Office, Eder Hall, Room 102 (816-271-4228). To obtain current information about VA benefits, your eligibility for benefits, rate and method of payment, or the address of the nearest regional office, call 1-888-442-4551 or check the GI Bill website, www.gibill.va.gov.   Other helpful websites include the following:

     St. Louis Regional VA Regional Office – www.varostlouis.com
     Missouri National Guard – www.moguard.com
     U.S. Department of Veterans Home Page – www.va.gov