Student Services

Military Affairs

Supporting the Military, Veterans, and their families

 At Saint Francis University, we are dedicated to the success of military service members past, present, and future. The university's service-focused mission aligns well with ROTC students, active duty or reservists, as well as veterans who have honorably served and are looking to transition into the classroom. The university also serves dependent children and spouses of eligible military personnel.

 

How we support Military, Veterans, and Families:

  • Evaluations of military-related experience to help veterans and active-duty military members  "fact-track" educational goals.
  • Dedicated academic advisors and faculty who understand the needs of military students.
  • Flexible online degree offerings with generous transfer credits.
  • Career services staff to help with job searches, interviewing skills, and building your resume in a way that highlights your service-related skills and your college experience.
  • Professionals to provide physical and mental health services on campus and through the surrounding communities.
  • Student Veterans of America Club to connect and discuss issues.  All veterans/current military students are encouraged to participate.Connections with physical and mental health services on campus and through the surrounding communities.

 

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Military Affairs at SFU

Military Affairs at SFU is a knowledgeable team of people from across the University who assist ROTC students, veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, and military dependents.


VA Certifying Official/Coordinator of Military Affairs
Jacob Taylor
jtaylor@francis.edu
814-472-2824                     
Scotus Hall 318

 

 

Military Benefits

Veteran, Military Students, and Dependents

Saint Francis University welcomes all veterans, eligible dependents, members of the Guard and Reserves, and Active Duty personnel. Your Veterans Affairs, Federal, and State education benefits are part of your compensation for the time you or your family member devoted to or continue to spend serving our country. These benefits are designed to help you (and your dependents) pay for a college degree.

The School Certifying Official (SCO) for Veteran Affairs is located in the Office of Registrar, which is on campus in Scotus Hall (office 318), or you may call the office at  814-472-2824 or email jtaylor@francis.edu.

Steps to Receive VA Education Benefits

There are several steps to getting you into a classroom and to graduation. You must apply for admission, enroll in courses, complete all necessary paperwork for financial aid purposes, and apply for VA benefits. The process typically involves:

  • Apply for admission to Saint Francis University
  • Complete required application for the GI Bill® or other Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits
  • After being awarded educational benefits from the VA, contact the Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official to submit all necessary paperwork, such as a DD-214 and Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Register for Classes

Educational Benefits

You may be eligible for one or more of the following:

  • Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30)
  • Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery G. I. Bill - Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606)
  • Montgomery G. I. Bill - Reserve Education Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)
  • Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
  • Tuition Assistance (TA)
  • Education Assistance Program (EAP)
  • State Grant for Veterans

Other Financial Aid

  • Additional financial aid may be available depending on your need and eligibility in the form of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal plus Loans, and college-based aid. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for these programs.

ROTC at SFU

The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, commonly known as ROTC, teaches students leadership and management skills that help prepare them for successful careers—in the US Army or in civilian life.  Saint Francis participates in the Army ROTC program in partnership with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Saint Francis students fully participate in the Military Science program on campus in Loretto with training and leadership labs at IUP. 

 

ROTC Scholarships

SFU awards financial aid scholarships to ALL students involved in ROTC if participants complete the program’s curriculum.  Students may also be eligible for full ROTC Scholarships through the U.S. Army. Unlike many other institutions, Saint Francis will award scholarships to ALL students that successfully complete the ROTC curriculum with a Minor in Military Science to accompany their Major concentration in any curriculum.

 

Learn more:


ROTC Enrollment and Scholarship Officer

Mr. Christopher L. Chavira
1-800-487-ROTC
P: 724-357-7682
C: 724-980-7598
cchavira@iup.edu
christopher.l.chavira.civ@mail.mil

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-911 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (GI Bill®).

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Under this program, the act provides payments for tuition, fees, book, and supplies stipend plus a housing allowance for veterans who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001.

 

In the program, Saint Francis University will match agreements with the VA to pay an eligible student's tuition and fee costs above those covered by the GI Bill Benefit maximum yearly amount (not to exceed the university’s maximum yearly match).