Now that you are enrolled at GVSU
GI Bill® Certification
Our Registrar's Office certifies GI Bill® enrollment to the VA and can assist with related information.
The following individuals have been designated as primary contacts based on last names but you are encouraged to seek assistance from anyone else if the assigned person is not available.
Registrar's Office | GI Bill® Certification
Kaitlin Penney (E-K)
Cheryl Bronner (D, L-N)
Kurt Ritter (B-C, O-S)
Aida Cata (A, T-Z)
[email protected]
(616) 331-3327
Veterans Advance
Progressive Work-Based Learning Program
The Veterans Advance program is designed to acknowledge the strong, transferable skills you have learned from your service that can be used to advance your civilian career while pursuing a degree at GVSU. This unique work-study program includes 20-hours of paid work experience and a special leadership track with one of our corporate sponsors.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Scholarships and Financial Aid are available. To learn more and to view the FAQ's, visit the Veteran Scholarship Help page.
Veteran Emergency Funds
Covid 19 Emergency Funds
Recognizing the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 related to income and expenses, if you have an emergency financial need that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grand Valley's Office of Financial Aid asks you to visit the section on Special Circumstance & Financial Hardship Requests resources.
Short-Term Emergency Loans
As a service to students, the Financial Aid Office provides short-term loans to students when tuition arrangements have already been made for the upcoming semester. These limited loans ($500 maximum) are typically used for the purchase of textbooks and supplies.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid or the Regional Center that you are attending to obtain an application for a Short Term Emergency Loan, along with eligibility requirements and repayment information.
Michigan Veteran Trust Fund
The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund exists to support Michigan veterans with financial hardships, including COVID-19-related issues for qualified veterans.
To apply for emergency funds from the MVTF, contact your MVTF county committee serving the county where you reside or fill out and submit an Emergency Assistance Form or call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838)
West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance Fund
The West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance fund is a limited financial assistance program, established to address the immediate “quality of life” needs of military-connected families during a time of an unanticipated and temporary financial hardship.
Eligibility
- Furnish proof that you live within Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Lake, Kent, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, or Ottawa county.
- Be a current or former member of the U. S. Armed Forces or the spouse of a current or former member of the Armed Forces.
Required Documentation
- Supply a copy of your DD-214, Retirement Letter, NGB-22, Letter of discharge, or letter from a current unit commander if still serving, or current orders.
- Provide proof of residence ( Current driver’s license, voter registration, state ID).
- Present invoices, bills, or account statement regarding the items for which you are seeking assistance. If this is for a repair, at least 2 estimates must be submitted.
- Marriage and /or death certificate if you are a spouse who is applying.
How to Apply
- Apply online or Email Debra Unseld to request an application
- The West Michigan Veterans Coalition reserves the right to deny any request or at its discretion, only approve a portion of the requested amount.
- All payments will be made directly to the vendor that is completing the service or to whom the funds are due.
- An individual/family may only receive funds one time through the West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance Fund.
SVA-GVSU / Joseph D. Early Emergency Fund
On October 8, 2016, the Grand Valley State University community was stunned and saddened to learn that Joseph (Joe) D. Early, one of its own military-connected students, had suddenly passed away at just 32 years of age.
Joe graduated from Jenison High School in 2002, joined the U.S. Army in 2003 and served three tours of duty in Iraq as an M.P. After separating from Army, Joe enrolled at Grand Valley State University where he received his bachelor's degree, posthumously.
His parents, Judy and Tim Early, launched an emergency relief fund in his honor and loving memory which they continue to support financially. The purpose of this fund is to assist military-connected students at Grand Valley who may encounter unexpected financial hardships while completing their degree.
To apply for emergency funding or to contribute to the rolling fund, questions can be directed to the SVA-GVSU chapter.
Learn More and Apply for the Joseph D. Early Emergency Fund Application
Getting Involved
STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA (SVA)
The purpose of Laker Vets is to provide an environment for veterans and family members to gain support and guidance to continue a successful academic journey and to provide outreach to surrounding communities and the university.
For information regarding meetings, please check out the Laker Vets Facebook page. It's a general source of information for veterans attending Grand Valley, and contains information such as meeting times and locations, information regarding changes that affect veterans, or general information about events being conducted by the SVA. Use the button below to join the organization.
ROTC Partnership
Army ROTC at GVSU
Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It gives you the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition. Because Army ROTC is an elective, you can participate during your freshman and sophomore years without any obligation to join the U.S. Army. You will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.
Benefits of ROTC
- Gain valuable leadership experience
- Receive additional tuition assistance
- Earn your undergraduate degree while preparing for an officer career in the United States Army
- Enhanced incentives for those currently in the National Guard or Army Reserves
- Train with cadets from nine other colleges and universities in Southwest Michigan
Commitment after completing ROTC program
- If selected for Active duty, you will serve full time in the active Army for 3 years (4 years for scholarship winners)
- If selected or you choose for Reserve Duty, you may choose to serve part-time the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career for 6 years (8 years for scholarship winners)
Eligibility for ROTC
- Must have at least 4 full semesters remaining at GVSU (for Junior and Senior level and Graduate Students). Summer semester does not count.
- Must be free of legal restrictions.
- No major physical ailments that would prevent military service
- Must be a US citizen
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.