I'm in the Military, How Can Rose State College Help Me? Published November 2, 2016 by Ali Sexton

At Rose State, we understand the difficulties military personnel face when earning their degree. A drastic change in lifestyles, from veteran or active military to part-time or full-time student, can present challenges, so we strive to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Rose State is honored to help support military personnel in achieving their education goals and fulfilling their career aspirations.

Veteran Student Services Help Students Receive GI Bill® Benefits

Lance Newbold, Director of Veteran Services and Academic Advisement, shares how Rose State’s Veteran Student Services department helps veteran and active military personnel attain their benefits from the G.I. Bill® to pay for their education. Whether this is a student’s first time using these benefits, or if the student just needs help notifying the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to transfer benefits to Rose State from another school, Veteran Student Services can help in the financial support process.

“Students come to us at all stages of the process. Some come before they have done anything, while others come after they’ve applied, been accepted, and turned in their transcripts,” says Newbold. “We are happy to help at every stage, and tell students if they ever are confused or hung up on a step, come on back and we will get you straight again.”

Some students need help getting old transcripts, some need additional testing, and many other special situations arise based on each student’s particular situation. Receiving assistance from advisors who have seen many circumstances can make the process much more pleasant.

“The GI Bill® can be complicated, and that’s why we are here,” says Newbold. “We always tell students: if you are planning to use GI Bill® benefits, come and see us first.”

Veteran Student Services always recommends certain steps to begin the enrollment process. First, complete a standard application to Rose State. Second, apply for GI Bill® benefits through the VA. The second step will inevitably have a time lag, so it’s important to do it sooner rather than later. Even if students decide not to go to school that same year, they still need to get that step in motion.

“The advisors go over the degree programs, help us enroll in class and fill out forms, and give us what’s called a ‘brown form’ to fill out,” says Brittany Ward, current Rose State student and military veteran. “As veterans, you can’t take classes not on your degree program, so they make sure you don’t take classes that won’t be covered (by the GI Bill®).”

The brown form is the Rose State College VA Student Enrollment Confirmation form, which helps students receive their benefits. “The first semester was a little hectic, with a lot more paperwork, but the Veteran Student Services office has many checklists that show you step-by-step how to do it,” Ward says.

Active Military Students and Deployment

Rose State is conveniently located about two miles from Tinker Air Force Base. The base has an office for active members to receive assistance applying to and enrolling at Rose State.

Coordinator Bob Pierce works with Tinker’s active military students to make the higher education process as easy as possible. Pierce provides counseling and advising for students. As a retired serviceman, he understands the situations that active military personnel face. He believes earning a degree is an attainable goal for active military members but understands the inherent challenges. He provides support and stays in constant contact with students on duty to make sure everything is going smoothly, if they want the help.

Rose State understands the responsibilities of those on active military duty and recognizes that unforeseen circumstances can arise. We are always willing to work with students, should they have to leave or deploy in the middle of the semester, to avoid penalties.

Earning Credit Hours through Past Training or Testing

Military personnel can submit their experience or any previous military education for credit hours. Students can learn more about forms used to receive credit.

Rose State is also a military National Test Center, where military personnel can pass an exam to receive credit for certain courses. There are two types of credit-by-exams: a CLEP and DSST.

Rose State Recognized for being Military Friendly

Rose State has consecutively been named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. This honor demonstrates our commitment to helping military students succeed. Additionally, it puts us among the top 15 percent of colleges aiding America’s military service members.

As a part of our President’s Leadership program, Rose State also offers assistance for military spouses through the Tinker Federal Civic Leaders Program.Scholarship winners receive a tuition waiver for up to 16 credit hours per semester, as well as $500 per semester for fees, books, and supplies. Awarded students participate in the leadership development program, which includes a three credit hour class, additional leadership training, and community service projects.

Rose State deeply respects our servicemen and women, and we tailor our programs to make college more convenient and accommodating for military students.

If you’re a member of the armed forces and are interested in attending college or completing your degree, please contact us today and let Rose State help you get started.