Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Shepherd University Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Shepherd University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Veterans


                                                    
Welcome to Shepherd University!  We are a 5 Star Challenge School!         

In November 2015, Shepherd University accepted the 5 Star Challenge-an initiative that encourages all of West Virginia’s two- and four-year institutions to adopt a set of standards to help veterans achieve an education.


Shepherd has committed to:

  • Providing a signed commitment from the Shepherd University President to adopt best practices and standards.
  • Emphasizing a focus on increasing access and affordability to higher education for student veterans.
  • Providing increased academic support, including priority registration for classes.
  • Enhancing social networks for veterans on campus.
  • Encouraging greater collaboration with community organizations working to meet the needs of military service members.

 

Apply to Shepherd

Enrollment Verification

Payment of Accounts Due

Resources

Veterans Support Services

Contacts

 

Apply to Shepherd
  • Submit application in person or online at www.shepherd.edu/admissions/apply-to-shepherd
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
  • Submit official high school transcript and ACT/SAT test scores if you have earned fewer than 24 college level credits from another institution.  (Note: If you graduated from high school more than five years ago, ACT/SAT test scores are not required.)
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

The following items are not required to be considered for admission but will be evaluated for possible transfer credit:

  • DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
  • Military Transcripts (To obtain your military transcripts, visit https://jst.doded.mil)
Enrollment Verification

To certify your enrollment with the Department of Veteran Affairs, you must first submit the following documents to the Veteran Certifying Officer (VCO) in the Office of the Registrar:


After your submission, Shepherd’s VCO will certify your enrollment with the VA approximately one month prior to the beginning of the enrolled semester.

You will receive an email from the VA to your Shepherd email when Shepherd’s VCO has certified your enrollment or verifies any changes you make to your enrollment.

Prior to each semester using benefits, you must complete a new Veteran Enrollment Certification Form and submit it to Shepherd’s VCO. 

Payment of Accounts Due

The University naturally prefers to see all student accounts paid in a timely fashion.  However, Shepherd recognizes that in some instances a veteran’s account may become past due as a result of factors not reasonably within their control.  The University always strives to do all that we reasonably can to help our veterans succeed.

All veterans (or dependents via transfer) using Chapter 31 Voc Rehab benefits or Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill™ benefits are exempted from late fees, academic/ enrollment holds, or exclusions from any services if the VA has not paid the student account and it is delinquent.  The University does not ask such veteran-status students to resort to alternative or additional funding sources.  To qualify for these specific exemptions and exclusions from University financial policies for a specific academic term, a veteran or dependent via transfer must complete all necessary steps for, and obtain, a VA Certificate of Eligibility prior to the first day of classes of that term and valid for that term.

Veterans or dependents via transfer not using the Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 programs listed immediately above may have ultimate financial responsibility rather than the VA, but the University will do all that it reasonably can to help with any challenges a veteran is experiencing.  Please contact one of the listed Shepherd University contacts listed below, for assistance.

 

Resources

For additional information related to VA benefits, visit: www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/handouts_forms.asp

 

Veterans Support Services


The Veterans Support Services office (Student Center, Room 120) is here to support you during your time at Shepherd.


Here are some programs and services that are available to you:

 

  • Student Veteran Organization. The Student Veteran Organization fosters fellowship among veterans and helps to raise awareness about veterans’ issues, resources, and benefits.  Like us on Facebook!
  • Disability Support Services, Gardiner Hall Ground Floor, 304-876-5122.  Facilitates student success by providing accommodations that allow students with diverse needs to achieve their academic and social potential.
  • Counseling Services, Gardiner Hall Ground Floor, 304-876-5276.  Free confidential counseling is available oncampus to all students.
  • Programs and Events. Specific programming for veteran students.
Contacts


Office of Admissions
William Bell
Assistant Director of Admissions
Office of Admissions
Ikenberry Hall
304-876-5212
wbell@shepherd.edu


Office of Financial Aid
Danielle Duvall
Financial Aid Counselor
Office of Financial Aid
Gardiner Hall, Ground Floor
304-876-5470
dduvall@shepherd.edu


Office of the Registrar
Enrollment Certification
Shannon Zimmerman
Associate Registrar for Records
Veteran Certifying Officer
Office of the Registrar
Ikenberry Hall, Room 110
304-876-5463
szimmerm@shepherd.edu


Veterans Support Services
Mary Beth Myers
Administrative Assistant
Student Affairs Office
Student Center, Room 122
304-876-5325
mwalling@shepherd.edu


Team River Runner-Shepherd
Tracy Seffers, Registrar
Veteran Certifying Officer
TRR Chapter Coordinator
Ikenberry Hall, Room 110
304-876-5463
tseffers@shepherd.edu

 

VA Customer Service
Regional Office
St. Louis, Missouri
888-442-4551