Veteran Resources

  1. Department Directory
  2. Military Resource Center
  3. Veteran Resources
Veteran Students

Rhode Island College stands ready to meet the educational needs of our veterans.

Our entire college community is grateful to you and your family members for your service to our country. We are dedicated to providing the services you need to be successful in your academic pursuits.

The Military Resource Center (MRC) is a clearinghouse for information on programs and services available to veterans. Members of the MRC provide guidance and advice with frequent outreach to support student veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions - GI Bill® and Certification Information 

If you have additional information, please contact the Military Resource Center and connect with one of our staff members.

Links for VA benefits Resources

 

 

 

Please visit GI Bill® Application. You can apply online right now. Just answer a few questions, and the VA will help you get started with the education benefits form that's right for you.

The most common reason your deposit may be less than the monthly rate is that it is prorated based on the number of days in the month for which you are enrolled.

Example

Your full time rate is $800.00; however, your semester starts on August 19th and continues through December 14th. Payment for the month of August would include the 19th to the end of the month. (All months are based on 30 days, so months with more or less than 30 days would not affect the rate). Thus your payment for the month of August would be approximately $320.00. Payments for September, October, and November would be $800.00 each month, and payments for December would be approximately $373.36 (prorated from the 1st to the 14th).

If you have questions about your payment or concerns that you may have a debt with the VA, please contact the VetSuccess On Campus Coordinator: Micaela Black 401-612-3470 or micaela.black@va.gov

When to Request Changes to GI Bill® or other VA Education Benefits

You’ll need to request changes to your benefits if any of these descriptions are true for you.

Request Changes to your Benefit If You:

  • Are transferring to a different school, or
  • Are changing your educational, professional, or vocational goal, or
  • Left your school or training program due to poor attendance, progress, or conduct, and you’re now reentering the same program, or
  • Were receiving VA education benefits as a Veteran, and now you want to receive benefits while on active duty

No. Any veterans’ benefits paid under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should not be reported as income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You will not receive a W-2 from the VA.

You will need to complete a VA Benefits Certification Worksheet every semester. 

Earl H. Bright III
Assistant Administrative Officer / Veteran Certifying Official
401-456-8213, ebright@ric.edu

RIC requires that you submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. You must email or hand deliver the COE to the School Certifying Official (SCO) – Earl Bright in the Records Office, ebright@ric.edu. Remember, if the SCO does not know you are using VA education benefits, you will not be certified. VA certifications are completed after the add/drop period each semester.

Monthly Enrollment Text Verification 

On the last day of each month, you will receive a text message from the VA requesting enrollment verification for that month. ` Reply “YES” to verify your enrollment. Within 24 hours, you will receive a text confirming you have verified your registration. 

If you don’t reply within six days, the conversation will close, and you will need to call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to verify your enrollment. ` If your enrollment status has changed, reply “NO.” Please contact the RIC School Certifying Official (SCO), Earl Bright (ebright@ric.edu), to ensure your enrollment record with VA has been adjusted. Email: If you opted out of text messages and have enrolled in email verification, you will receive an email requesting enrollment verification for that month on the last day of each month. ` Select “Yes, my enrollment is the same” to verify your enrollment. 

If you don’t select a response within 14 days, the conversation will close, and you will need to call the ECC to verify your enrollment. ` If your enrollment status has changed, select “No, my enrollment has changed.” Please contact the RIC SCO to ensure your enrollment record with the VA has been adjusted.

Your VA payment will not arrive prior to the start of classes. Please plan accordingly. For example, if you are using Post 911 GI Bill®, you will not have your book stipend prior to classes beginning. Also, VA monthly payments are paid in arrears. If the semester starts on September 6th, you will generally receive payment for that month in mid-September or by October 1st. The payment for the month of October will arrive on November 1st. VA payments are pro-rated, so if the semester ends on May 15th, your June 1st check will only be for the 15 days of May. If you have specific questions about your VA payment or you are concerned about payment delays, please contact the RIC VSOC Coordinator: Micaela Black at 401-612-3470 or micaela.black@va.gov

If you are using the CH33 Post 911 GI Bill®, the VA will pay tuition and fees based on your % of entitlement. For example, if you are 60% entitled, VA will pay 60% of your tuition and fees, and you will be responsible for the remaining 40%.

If using Chapters 30, 35, or 1606 – you are responsible for paying tuition upfront.

If you are using VA VR&E CH31, your tuition and fees will be paid in full. If there are any payment issues, you will need to contact your VR&E case manager directly.

If using CH30 or CH1606, you must verify your attendance with the VA every month. This can be done by phone at (877) 823-2378 or online: https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do. If you do not call to verify your attendance, your payment will not be released.

Please note: Individuals using CH33 (Post 911 GI Bill®) and CH31 (Veterans Readiness and Employment) do not have to verify attendance.

Priority Registration Available for Military-Affiliated Students 

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisors to avoid any registration holds on your account. 

If there is a universal advising hold on your account, you will need to contact your academic advisor to lift this hold and be able to register for classes.

Contact your assigned advisor directly to set up a remote meeting. To find your advisor’s name, log in to MyRIC, click the “My Academics” link on the left side of the page, and then select “View My Advisors.” If you do not see one listed, please contact the Department Chair for your major. Exploring majors should make advising appointments with their academic advisors using the Starfish feature on MyRIC.

If you have a financial hold on your account or any billing questions, contact the Bursar's office at bursar@ric.edu or (401)456-8130.

For an immunization hold, contact the health services office at healthservices@ric.edu or call 401-456-8055.

**IMPORTANT: All students using VA education benefits must submit a Certification Worksheet at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester. All students can submit their Certification Worksheets online here: VA Benefits Certification-Worksheet

Earl Bright is the RIC Veteran Certifying Official located at the Records Office. Earl Bright's contact information: ebright@ric.edu & 401-456-9770.

If you have any questions, contact the Military Resource Center by email at MRC@ric.edu or call 401-456-8449. 

When you convert your military experience into civilian college credit, you can sometimes save time and money on your education. The Joint Services Transcript provides documented evidence to RIC of professional military education, training, and occupation experiences achieved by service members and Veterans. 

Academic Credit for Training Completed During Service

The Joint Service Transcript (JST) is a uniform transcript of all military training and experience for service members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. The Air Force has its own regionally accredited transcript known as the Community College of the Air Force. This new electronic transcript service includes Officer and Warrant Officer training, joint military training conducted by other services, and DANTES funded test scores.

Requesting official military transcripts

Credit is awarded for Basic Training (4 – 8 credits for most branches). Additional credit allowance may be granted by the student’s dean in accordance with the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) when appropriate to the student’s curriculum.

Send Transcripts To:

Rhode Island College
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
The Forman Center
600 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Providence, RI 02908-1996

VetCenter

The Vet Centers are funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs and there are community-based centers. Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Bereavement counseling and counseling for military related sexual abuse or harassment is also available. Family members and/or significant others can be seen at Vet Centers for military related issues. There is no cost to the veteran or family for these services.

Providence Vet Center

2038 Warwick Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
401-739-0167

New Bedford Vet Center

73 Huttleton Ave., Unit 2
Fairhaven, MA 02719
508-999-6920 or 877-927-8387

Hyannis Vet Center

474 West Main Center
Hyannis, MA 02601
508-778-0124

Veterans Crisis Line-Suicide Helpline

1-800-273-8255

The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders.

Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, ​or send a text message to 838255 to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

The professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances—from Veterans coping with mental health issues that were never addressed to recent Veterans struggling with relationships or the transition back to civilian life.

Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 745,000 calls, 83,000 chats, and made more than 26,000 life-saving rescues. In 2009, VA added the anonymous online chat that has since helped more than 65,000 people.

The PTSD Coach app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma. Free PTSD Coach download from Outside LinkiTunes and now also on Outside LinkAndroid Market. Together with professional medical treatment, PTSD Coach provides you with dependable resources you can trust. If you have or think you might have PTSD, this app is for you. Family and friends can also learn from this app. PTSD Coach was created by the VA’s National Center for PTSD and the DoD’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology.

Gallery

Veteran Students helping local community
Coats4Vets
Veteran Students at donation site
Student Veterans Donation to the Gateway to Independence Providence
MRC Staff
Military Resource Center VA Workstudy Team
RIC Student Vet at Graduation
Student Veteran Graduate
alex and his son
Student Veteran Alex & Son
group pic
Veterans Day Ceremony 2021
bee class that takes place at Rhode island college
Bee Education with Student Veterans
vet day pictures
Veterans Day Ceremony 2021
sva event
Student Veterans of America National Conference 2022
grad pics
Commencement 2022
grad pics
Commencement 2022
pin and rope
Veteran Graduation Cord & Pin
group pic
Student Hike with Team RWB
group hiking pic
Student Hike with Team Red, White & Blue
9/11
9/11 Ceremony 2021
pics
President Sanchez Student Veteran Luncheon
social gathering
Lincoln Woods Outing 2021
donations
Cardi's Furniture Donation for Student Veterans Organization
student day
RIC Student Activities Day
backpack
Operation Backpack Donation
student vet on campus
Student Veterans On Campus
green zone logo
Green Zone Ally Training
natcon 2022
SVA NATCON 2022
Run to Home Base 2022
Run to Home Base 2022
Redd
REDD the Service Dog Visit with Student Veterans
expo
Graduation Expo
friends
Friendsgiving 2021
vet
Veterans Week 2021
axe bar
Axe Bar 2021
Bee ed
Bee Education
emerging
Emerging Leaders Recognition 2022
9/11
9/11 Memorial on Campus
school
First Day of School 2021
military
Military Affiliated Student Cookout 2021
green house
RIC Greenhouse Tour
afghan
Hearts & Homes for Afghan Refugees - Student Volunteers
afghan
Hearts & Homes for Afghan Refugees - Student Volunteers
dare
Dare to Dream Ranch
grad pics
Student Veteran Nurse Pinning Ceremony 2022
pride
Pride Day Celebration 2022
svo
Cemetery Clean-up SVO Volunteers

DoD's Tuition Assistance Program

Seek Assistance & Information

The following individual has been designated as the point of contact for academic and financial advising, including access to disability counseling, to assist Service members with completion of studies and with job search activities:

Maria Boutier
Bursar
mboutier@ric.edu
401-456-8130 

This individual will serve as the point of contact for Service members seeking information about available, appropriate academic counseling, financial aid counseling, and student support services. This individual has a basic understanding of the military tuition assistance program, ED Title IV funding, education benefits offered by the VA, and familiarity with services available to assist Service members. This individual is not exclusively dedicated to providing these services and, as appropriate, may refer the Service member to other individuals with an ability to provide these services, both on- and off-campus.

Helpful Website

The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. 

College Navigator

Next

Assistance

STAP Waiver Process

RI Air National Guard & RI Army National Guard Members

  • Student must register for classes first
  • Student completes the (online) Fillable STAP Waiver form
    • You will list your classes for the upcoming semester
    • Include your School ID # or DOB on the STAP form
    • Bursar Office will need the ID # or DOB to process the form and indicate the tuition waiver
  • Submit completed form to RI ANG or RI ARNG Education Liaison
  • Education Liaison will digitally sign on their end and send back to the student
  • Student will have to get the completed / signed form back to the school, to be emailed to bursar@ric.edu

Contact Tuition Assistance

The following individuals are the designated RIANG & RIARNG Education Liaisons.

RI Air National Guard – Education Liaison:
jorge.febus@us.af.mil

RI Army National Guard – Education Liaison:
christopher.a.toti.mil@mail.mil
wilson.a.soto.mil@mail.mil

RIC Bursar Office
bursar@ric.edu
(401) 456-8130

Helpful Website

The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. 

College Navigator

Next

Access to Financial Aid Advisor

Before offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling Service members for private student loans, Rhode Island College will provide Service members access to a financial aid advisor who will make available appropriate loan counseling, including, but not limited to: (1) Providing a clear and complete explanation of available financial aid, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; (2) Describing the differences between private and federal student loans to include terms, conditions, repayment and forgiveness options; (3) Disclosing the College’s student loan Cohort Default Rate (CDR), the percentage of its students who borrow, and how its CDR compares to the national average; and (4) Explaining that students have the ability to refuse all or borrow less than the maximum student loan amount allowed.

Helpful Website

The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. 

College Navigator

Next

Readmission Policy

Rhode Island College allows Service members and reservists to be readmitted to a program if they are temporarily unable to attend class or have to suspend their studies due to service requirements.

Rhode Island College Follows the regulation released by ED (34 C.F.R. 668.8) regarding readmissions requirements for returning Service members seeking readmission to a program that was interrupted due to a Military service obligation, and apply those provisions to Service members that are temporarily unable to attend classes for less than 30 days within a semester or similar enrollment period due to a Military service obligation when such absence results in a withdrawal under College policies.

Helpful Website

The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. 

College Navigator

Next

Program Integrity

Rhode Island College does not participate in fraudulent or aggressive recruitment of military students including, but not limited to, providing compensation to individuals for securing military enrollments or engaging in high-pressure recruitment tactics.

Rhode Island College bans inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount, to any individual or entity, or its agents including third party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for the purpose of securing enrollments of Service members or obtaining access to TA funds. College sponsored scholarships or grants and tuition reductions available to military students are permissible.

Rhode Island College refrains from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

Rhode Island College refrains from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.

Rhode Island College refrains from automatic program renewals, bundling courses or enrollments.

Helpful Website

The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. 

College Navigator

Next

Return of TA Funds

Rhode Island College will return any TA Program funds directly to the Military Service, not to the Service member. Up to the start date, Rhode Island College will return all (100 percent) TA funds to the appropriate Military Service when the Service member does not: (i) Begin attendance at the College; or (ii) Start a course, regardless of whether the student starts other courses.

Rhode Island College will return any TA funds paid for a course that is cancelled by the College.

Rhode Island College will return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, Rhode Island College will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.

Tuition charged to a Service member will in no case exceed the rate charged to nonmilitary students, unless agreed upon in writing by both the College and the Service.

Helpful Website

The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. 

College Navigator

VetSuccess on Campus

Who Can Receive Services?

Encouraging, promoting, and supporting Veterans to be successful in their educational and career endeavors!

All student Veterans, Active Duty, and Dependents can access the Department of Veterans Affairs through a full-time VA Coordinator.

VetSuccess Coordinator

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact or visit the Rhode Island College campus coordinator. 

Email Campus Coordinator

Next

What Type of Services are Available

  • Guidance and support with your education benefits
  • Coordinating with school faculty/staff to provide Veteran specific services (i.e. VA Certifying Official, Career Center, Student Disabilities Services, Academic Advising)
  • Career exploration and assistance in selecting a suitable career / major
  • Electing your healthcare benefits with Veterans Healthcare Administration
  • Assistance in understanding common readjustment difficulties and how this may impact school
  • Accessing, understanding, and applying for other VA benefits (i.e. Disability Compensation, Life Insurance, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, and VR&E)
  • Referrals for VA healthcare, medical, and mental health services
  • Referrals for readjustment counseling services for eligible Veterans and their families
  • Job placement assistance and coordination with Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP)
  • Locating community and other resources

VetSuccess Coordinator

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact or visit the Rhode Island College campus coordinator. 

Email Campus Coordinator

Next

VetSuccess Coordinator Visiting Locations

Mondays & Wednesdays
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Rhode Island College Campus
Student Union 422
600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Providence, RI 02908

(401)612-3470

Tuesdays 
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CCRI Knight Campus
Enrollment Services, Room 0032
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 03886

(401)612-3470

Thursdays
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CCRI Liston Campus
Room 2215, Second Floor
One Hilton Street
Providence, RI 02905

(401)612-3470

Rhode Island College entrance

Contact Us

Military Resource Center

Responsible for assisting and supporting veterans and veteran dependents with applying to Rhode Island College, enrollment, VA benefits, advising and referrals to on-campus and off-campus resources.