The VA certifying officials at the MCBC office are here to help you navigate the complex benefit certification process as you continue your education at the University of Arizona. By offering priority scheduling and advocacy on your behalf with the VA, we are committed to supporting military-connected students.
Each term requires re-certification of your schedule, and you can use this checklist to guide you through the process.
Step 1: Review your benefits from the Veterans Administration and make any updates to financial aid records
Review Your VA Benefits
Complete the VA Application to receive VA education benefits.
(https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/application/1…)
Step 2: Obtain your advising report. Each term you need an updated advising report
Undergraduate Students Meet with Academic Advisor
As an undergraduate student, now is when to connect with an academic advisor and create an advising report (ADVISP) prior to selecting courses for the upcoming term. The ADVISP is available in Student Center and is necessary for the benefit certification process.
Graduate Students Meet with College Advisor
As a graduate student, you now can connect with your college academic advisor and create a Plan of Study prior to selecting courses for the upcoming term. The Plan of Study is available in Student Center and is necessary for the benefit certification process.
Step 3: Register for classes during priority enrollment, and submit benefits certification request
Step 4: Processing your benefit certification
The VA can take 4-6 weeks after submission to process benefit certification and issue funds to the University. We will receive the funds and post payments to your account. You will receive two notifications: once when your benefit certification has been submitted, and once when funds have been posted to your account.
What if you change your schedule after submitting to certification?
Please notify MCBC immediately at veterans@arizona.edu if you have changed your schedule. Not notifying us to update your certification request could result in a denial of benefits or a delay in receiving payment.
Step 5: Manage your benefits
Book and Class Supply Stipend
If you are using the Post-9/11 GI® Bill, you can request a stipend for books and supplies.
BE ADVISED: Book stipends for Pay One Price or Inclusive Access are not eligible for Chapter 33 certification.
Changes in Schedule
Notify MCBC before you make changes in your schedule including dropping, adding or requesting a change in grade type (switching form regular to audit, for example). There may be financial and benefit implications to changing your credit hours. MCBC school certifying officials can guide you through schedule changes or if you need to completely withdraw for the term.
Plan ahead: classes must be certified each term!
You must have a current advising report (ADVIP) or Plan of Study in place for each term and you must request certification for your classes each term.
After your first term when an advisor will assist in registration for classes, you will be eligible for one of the first priority enrollment appointments. You will want to utilize this early registration opportunity to ensure that your request for certification is processed in time for your funds to be received and posted to your account prior to the start of classes.