Delaware National Guard

"The program had a scare this fiscal year but the bottom line is this: Even with the necessary changes, our Program is Alive and Well," said Adjutant General, Frank Vavala. A detailed briefing of the revisions to the program was scheduled for the members of both the Army and Air National Guard during June’s drill weekend. In addition several evening "Town Meetings" will be scheduled to answer questions.

"I encourage all guard members to take advantage of this program and attend at least one of these briefings, said MG Vavala. "The Delaware National Guard owes special thanks to Governor Ruth Ann Minner, the Office of Budget and our State Legislators for continuing to support this program to the fullest extent."

"The Education Review Board will do its job to ensure that all interested and eligible applicants are reimbursed to the fullest amount possible"
-- Education Review Board President, Colonel Louis McCloskey.
The Delaware National Guard State Tuition Program is open to all participating members of the Delaware National Guard for Fall 2001 semester. Changes to the program have been made in order to accommodate all Guard students who want to use this benefit.

The program will be a Reimbursement Program for primarily Fall and Spring semesters. The possibility for reimbursement for the Winter and Summer semesters will be evaluated once an overall cost factor is established for the program. Reimbursement will be based on a maximum allowable fair percentage, which ties directly to the dollars appropriated and to the number of applications received.

"The Education Review Board will do its job to ensure that all interested and eligible applicants are reimbursed to the fullest amount possible," said Education Review Board President, Colonel Louis McCloskey. "Also, the Education Board will strictly enforce Application and Reimbursement submission deadlines."

"There will be new application and reimbursement forms available at the members units in the next few weeks," State Education Program Manager, TSGT Bob Csizmadia. "All students should be aware that they are primarily responsible for all application and reimbursement procedures."

The Application submission cutoff date for all sessions in Fall 2001 will be 1 August 2001. The student is responsible to file for reimbursement of tuition by submitting proof of completed course(s), grade(s) or transcripts with cumulative GPA, official school invoice, student payment receipt and DNG 600-4 (RE) Reimbursement Form to the SEAPM within 45 days upon (semester or block) completion date. Failure to file within 45 days will result in Reserved Funds being forfeited and returned to the General Fund for other student’s use.

"I would be happy to answer any questions regarding this revised program and can be contacted at (302) 326-7012," said Csizmadia.

STATE TUITION GUIDELINES:

This education assistance program is subject to the limits of the total funding appropriated by the legislature and approved by the Governor for that purpose.

Students are limited to only one degree at each level of study (associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or certificate program). If a student has a bachelor’s degree he or she will be ineligible for the program.

Education assistance may be used at a post –secondary college financially supported by the State or located in the State of Delaware.

Each student must apply for and use all other reasonable available education assistance programs such as scholarships, grants and civilian employer education programs.

If a student is attending a State supported institution, tuition only shall be reimbursed based on the maximum allowable fair percentage formula which ties directly to the dollars appropriated and to the number of applications received. The full amount expended, not to exceed the in-resident rate. Out of state residents may have to pay out of state tuition.

Any student attending a Delaware private college, the amount of the benefit may be equal to the average tuition of the Delaware post-secondary public institutions. The rate for private colleges was $130 per credit hour.

Keep in mind that books and fees are not covered. The G.I. Bill should be used to offset these costs.

The students are responsible for the entire application and reimbursement process. Failure to meet application and reimbursement deadlines will result in ineligibility and/or forfeiture of reserved funds. Any member who misses more than six-periods of scheduled unit training periods in the twelve months preceding the appropriate application deadline will be ineligible.

The unit is not responsible for submitting or forwarding students applications.

Late applications will be returned to the member without action. He or she must also keep in good standing with their unit as far as PT, weight, and any other adverse action will not be tolerated.

Information in this table was collected by Spc. James Pernol, 444^th MPAD. Staff Sgt, Deborah Welch also contributed to this article.