Veterans and Military Services
Atlanta Technical College’s Veteran Services is committed to providing direct assistance to student’s receiving educational benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Although, our main goal is the initiation and assured continuation of educational benefits, we are available to provide supportive services to Veterans, National Guardsmen, Reservists, and eligible beneficiaries enrolled at Atlanta Technical College.
Atlanta Technical College provides:
• Career-focused education in more than 100 fields of study
• Job readiness assessments
• Development of individual academic advisement/completion plans
• Referrals to external support programs and services
• Academic tutoring and coaching
• Resume and interviewing assistance
• Job search resources
• And MORE!
Admission Requirements for ATC
Atlanta Technical College Programs
Applying for benefits thru the VA
Applying for your VA education benefits can be done in just a few steps:
• Apply online.
• Visit your nearest VA regional office to apply in person.
• Consult with the Veteran’s Coordinator —we are located in the Student Success Center, and Financial Aid office at Atlanta Technical College. The VA Team assists students with completing their VA application forms, applying for the college, and applying for financial aid assistance.
• Call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (888-442-4551) to have the application mailed to you.
It normally takes the VA processing center 6-8 weeks to process new educational claims, so please plan accordingly.
New Student process at Atlanta Technical College
1. Never used Education Benefits? If you have not already, please apply online with VA.
- Visit www.va.gov Education tab > Apply for Education Benefits
2. After applying for admission to ATC, students should complete the Veteran’s Information form. This form is to be completed and returned to the Veterans Coordinator or Certifying Official.
3. Once accepted, please email your current class schedule and your approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which is provided to the applicant by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Also, a printable statement of education benefits from va.gov is acceptable.
4. Know your monthly education payment rate(s) for the upcoming academic year.
Returning Student process at Atlanta Technical College
1. Update Veterans Coordinator or the Certifying Official of any address changes, or academic program changes by completing a Veteran’s Information form.
2. After course registration, please email course schedule to your VA Team.
3. Know your monthly education payment rate(s) for the upcoming academic year.
Transfer Student process at Atlanta Technical College
1. Attended College, and received VA benefits.* Please complete VF 22-1995 or VF 22-5495, if not already completed online with VA.
- Visit www.va.gov Education tab > Change your current education benefits
2. After applying for admission to ATC, students should complete the Veteran’s Information form. This form is to be completed and returned to the Veterans Coordinator or the Certifying Official.
3. Once accepted, please email your current class schedule and approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which is provided to the applicant by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Also, a printable statement of education benefits from va.gov is acceptable.
4. Know your monthly education payment rate(s) for the upcoming academic year.
Transfer of Credits from Previous Institutions or the Military
There are a variety of ways that incoming students can get credit for college classes based on prior experience or learning activities, including courses taken in the military. Click here for more information on alternative credit.
VA Benefit programs available at Atlanta Technical College
Specific information on each chapter can be found on the VA’s website:
https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool
- Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30): (active duty or veteran status) must have served in the United States Armed Forces and participated in the GI Bill program. In most instances, veterans must also have been honorably discharged.
- Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606): (selected guard and reserves) must have completed all initial entry training (IET) and are now assigned to a Reserve and/or a Georgia National Guard Unit.
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31): (service-connected disabled veterans) must make application with local VA caseworker to have rehabilitation plan developed indicating a ATC degree plan.
- Post 9/11 (Chapter 33): must have active duty service on or after September 11, 2001. Benefit is based on service credits.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) students, please see link to GI Bill website on how your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is calculated by VA.
https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1480/kw/online%20classes
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter 35): Dependents and spouses of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.
Veteran Students’ Responsibility
• Students using VA Benefits at ATC have ongoing responsibilities to the VA and ATC.
• Student’s entitlement is based upon the number of credit hours for which they are certified by the Certifying Official. If changes are made after VA processes the student’s certification, the Certifying Official must be notified by the student.
• Twelve (12) credit hours is considered full-time at Atlanta Technical College.
• VA monthly payment rates can be viewed on the VA website: https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp
Students must notify the VA Certifying Official of any of the following:
1. Change of degree program
2. Change in current semester schedule
3. Change of address
4. Out more than three semesters
5. Student does not want a semester certified
Financial Aid Assistance
• Please see The Office of Financial Aid’s website for information on applying for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). School Code: 00856.
• Non Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 students are responsible for paying all tuition and fees by the first day of school, or payment deadline, whichever comes first. We encourage students to check their account summary by term (Banner Student Web) one week prior to the published payment deadline to confirm amount owed to the College. These applicants are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid Assistance.
• Georgia residents earning a Diploma/Degree program at ATC, and have not earned a Bachelor’s Degree, may be eligible for the HOPE GRANT Program.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
The Business Office will continually notify students via their student email account until their account balance is paid in full by the semester’s payment deadline.
Under the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407), Atlanta Technical College allows our GI Bill and VR&E students (Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 beneficiaries) to attend a course of education or training for up to 90 days from the date the start of the term, if the student provides a valid certificate of eligibility, or VAF 28-1905 to the VA Team.
Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) School Compliance Policy:
As part of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679 of title 38, Atlanta Technical College (ATC) complies with the requirements as outlined below:
Note: A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.
ATC permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to ATC Department of Military and Veteran Services a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33, or a Statement of Benefits from the VA website e-benefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
• The date on which payment from VA is made to ATC.
• 90 days after the date ATC certified tuition and fees following receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
ATC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to ATC due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.
In addition, the statute allows to require chapter 31 and chapter 33 students to take the following additional actions:
1. Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education.
2. Submit a written request (Certification Request Form) to use entitlement, such as the Veterans’ Information Form.
3. Provide additional information necessary to ATC for the proper certification of enrollment including Current Class Schedule.
4. Make payment for a difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefits disbursement.
ATC will hold a student responsible for any portion of tuition and other fees not covered by the VA by the published fee payment deadline.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
For Non-Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 beneficiaries, if tuition and fees payment is not received by the payment deadline, then the student’s course schedule would be removed by ATC Business Office, and the student would not have a financial penalty due to the college for tuition and fees. Students will receive a warning message from the Bursar to confirm the date of this process.
Please contact the Certifying Official if you have questions or concerns on submitting tuition and fees payment(s) by the payment deadline.
Please read carefully to review the financial agreement for Atlanta Technical College.
• Chapter 30, 32, 1606, 1607, and 35: Student is responsible for paying tuition and fees by the payment deadline.
• Chapter 33 (Post-9/11): Student will be placed on a deferment plan for 90 days from the start of the term until the Department of Veteran Affairs provides tuition and fees payment to the Atlanta Technical College.
- Vets receiving Post 9/11 benefits must have a valid COE (Certificate of Eligibility) on file in our office to qualify for the deferment plan.
- *Failure to provide Certificate of Eligibility will result in Veteran paying full tuition and fees by deadline.
• Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehab): Student will be placed on a deferment plan for 90 days from the start of the term until the Department of Veteran Affairs provides tuition and fees payment to the Atlanta Technical College.
- Vets receiving Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits must have a current VA Form 28-1905 on file from their Voc. Rehab Counselor to qualify for the deferment plan.
- *Failure to provide VAF 28-1905 form will result in Veteran paying full tuition and fees by deadline.
Academic Polices
• The Department of Veterans Affairs have mandatory regulations regarding Academic Progress and approved academic programs for which impacts students receiving education benefits. Click here to read the school’s policy concerning academic probation/suspension. ATC students receiving education benefits must adhere to the academic school’s policy.
• Twelve (12) credit hours is considered full-time at Atlanta Technical College.
• Please contact the VA team to verify if your academic program of study is approved by our State Approving Agency.
Military Tuition Assistance
Service members who intend to use Tuition Assistance should speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling at Atlanta Technical College. If Military Tuition Assistance is not approved by the Service prior to the start date of classes, the service member may be responsible for all tuition costs. Please allow for adequate processing time prior to the intended start date at the College.
Students utilizing Tuition Assistance (TA) through the Department of Defense (DOD), who withdraw from any course before the 60% point of the term, will have unearned funds returned on a proportional basis to the TA program. The calculation will be based on: number of days completed divided by total days in the enrollment period (semester).
Academic Transfer Information
• Students receiving VA Benefits are required to furnish school &/or military transcript(s) of all previous education and training, and submit a ATC Transfer of Credit Request Form to the Registrar Office.
• Army Personnel Website: http://aarts.army.mil
• Navy Personnel Website: https://smart.navy.mil
• VA does not pay for repeated coursework earned at another college. However, if a student failed a class, or if the ATC program of study requires a higher grade than the one achieved in a particular class for successful completion, that class may be repeated, and certified to VA again.
How to Purchase Books?
Financial Aid students may visit the ATC Bookstore if they have a financial aid credit on their account summary, this option is available the first two weeks of school.
Chapter 31 students may visit the Bookstore to purchase required books/supplies, up to $40, and other expenses approved on their VAF 28-1905 form approved by VRC.
Chapter 33 students receive a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.00 paid proportionately based on enrollment.
Before the start of each term, to receive your first month of eligible monthly payment(s) at the appropriate time from VA, please submit your class schedule to your VA Team no later than three weeks before the start of the term, and submit any changes that may follow, in person or via email.
Chapter 30, 35, and 1606 Monthly Verification for Students
All students receiving Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 benefits must verify their monthly enrollment no earlier than the last day of each month or after. The benefit (monetary award) will not be released by the VA until this is done. Enrollment verification can be accomplished by using the VA toll-free telephone number 1.877.823.2378 or the WAVE feature found on the VA website www.ebenefits.va.gov.
Chapter 35 students enrolled in Diploma and Certificate programs only, must verify monthly enrollment no earlier than the last day of each month or after by contacting the VA toll-free telephone number 1.877.823.2378.
Contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office
Questions regarding student eligibility and approved payment(s) should be directed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.
Phone: 1.888.GI.BILL.1 (1.888.442.4551)
Ask a Question Online: www.gibill.custhelp.va.gov, click on “Ask a Question or Find Answers".
Atlanta Technical College Veteran and Military Affairs Contacts
Student Certifying Official (SCO)
Veterans/Military Financial Advisor
Sherry Cochran
Phone: 404-225-4718
Email: Veterans@atlantatech.edu
Veterans Affairs Coordinator
Bernita Banks
Phone: 404-225-4022
Email: bbanks@atlantatech.edu
ATC Veterans Club
The ATC Veterans’ Club was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Club events may include, but are not limited to, film discussions, guest speakers, community service, field trips, and social events. Membership is open to any student, staff member, or faculty member with an interest in veterans’ issues. For more information, please contact Veterans’ Club Advisor Bernita Banks by e-mail or phone at 404.225.4022 for meeting times, and upcoming events.
Readmission of Service Members
I. Scope and Purpose
In accordance with federal regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.18 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Atlanta Technical College (ATC) will promptly readmit servicemembers who seek readmission to a program that was interrupted due to a uniformed service obligation.
II. Eligibility
This policy shall apply to:
Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for more than 30 consecutive days; and
Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for less than 30 days when such an absence would result in a withdrawal from the college.
A student is eligible for readmission under this policy if, during an absence, the student performs uniformed service, voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training or full-time National Guard (under federal authority). The cumulative length of all absences for uniformed service (service time only) must not exceed five years.
A student must provide orders, or written notice by Commanding Officer, of a Uniformed Service Obligation, such as Temporary Duty (TDY), etc., to the Office of Veteran Affairs (veterans@atlantatech.edu) as far in advance as possible, unless precluded by military necessity. Such notice does not need to indicate when the student will return to the College.
III. Notification of Intent to Return
The student must also give oral or written notice of Intent to Return to ATC within three years after the completion of the period of service. Immediately upon the student's return to school, the student must provide notice that he/she may be entitled to the tuition and enrollment benefits outlined in this policy.
The student is required to provide official military obligation documentation to the Office of Veteran’s Affairs.
IV. Tuition and Fees
A returning student must be charged the same tuition and fees in effect during the last academic year the student attended, unless veterans' education benefits or other servicemember education benefits will pay the amount in excess. For subsequent academic years, the returning student may not be charged tuition and fees in excess of what other students in the program are charged.
V. Readmission Requirements
A returning student will be permitted to reenroll in the next class(es) scheduled in the same academic program, unless the student requests a later date of reenrollment or agrees to a different program. A returning student will be readmitted into the same academic program the student was enrolled in prior to the military service obligation. If the exact program no longer exists, the student must be admitted to the program that is most similar, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program. Returning students will be reenrolled with the same enrollment status, number of completed credit hours, and academic standing as the last academic year of attendance.
If the College determines that a returning student is not prepared to reenroll in the same academic program with the same academic status or is unable to complete the program, the college must make reasonable efforts to enable the student to resume or complete the program at no additional cost to the student. If such efforts are unsuccessful or place an undue hardship on the College, the College is not required to readmit the student.
In accordance with federal regulations, returning students who receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) are not eligible for readmission under this policy. However, servicemembers who receive dishonorable or bad conduct discharge may remain eligible for readmission even though they will not be entitled to the benefits outlined in this policy.
Prohibition Against Inducements, Commission and High-Pressure Recruitment Tactics
Atlanta Technical College does not provide any inducements to any individual or entity to secure the enrollment of military service members or obtain military provided tuition assistance. Inducements include any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount.
Atlanta Technical College also refrains from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
Atlanta Technical College will not use high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, nor engage in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing military service member enrollments.