By Wyatt Crosher, Assistant Director of Communications for Student Affairs
Connecting UNC Charlotte’s veteran students with various forms of assistance is one of many resources provided by Military & Veteran Services (MVS).
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, also known as Chapter 31, is a lesser-known benefit from the G.I. Bill that was established back in the 1940s. It allows eligible veterans with a service-connected disability to be assigned a caseworker from the VA that will do an evaluation of their skills, interests and employment history. This helps veterans make connections for future employment opportunities, and at the college level, VR&E can help pay for tuition.
While the benefits have been available for many years, Charlotte students have been utilizing Chapter 31 now more than ever before.
“Looking back at the earliest data we can track, in 2006 there were 24 students using this program. This fall semester, we supported 146 students,” Chris Brasel, director of MVS, said. “This group of students is awarded an estimated $3.5 million per calendar year in tuition and fees, housing allowance, tech packages and parking passes. The money helps educate, train and acclimate veterans to the workforce.
Brasel said the growth in the use of VR&E — over 500% from 2006 to now — has been twice as fast as the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), which helps veterans pay for school while training for a job. Past the monetary benefits, he said the networking that VR&E opens up can be equally beneficial.
“We work closely with local VR&E counselors, bringing them to our events and connecting our students to these programs,” Brasel said. “Making that-in person connection to these counselors does a lot to demystify the VA educational process. The additional training and benefits are critical for students looking to get a leg up before entering the workforce.”
Tyler Thomas, MVS program manager, has seen the benefits of Chapter 31 first hand. While going through his undergraduate program, Thomas was struggling with mental health issues that stemmed from a previous deployment to Afghanistan. A former supervisor who had utilized VR&E told him about the program and how he was qualified for the benefits.
“When I exited the military, I was informed of Chapter 31, but not in a way that made it seem like it was a benefit that was applicable to me,” Thomas said. “I feel like many veterans have had a similar experience. After all, we aren't ‘disabled,’ but the VA uses that term in reference to the wear and tear service members go through, mentally or physically.”
Thomas was granted education benefits, which allowed him to finish out the remainder of his undergraduate degree, along with his entire master’s degree, all at Charlotte. In addition, he was paid a monthly stipend to assist with housing and received his textbooks and parking pass for free.
Chapter 31 also allowed him to have his time that was previously used for the Post-9/11 GI Bill restored because of his VR&E eligibility.
“What this meant for my journey was that undergrad and graduate degrees were paid for and I now have 36 months of Chapter 33 to use towards additional education such as a Ph. D.,” Thomas said. “That was a real game-changer.”
Eligible veterans may be allowed up to 48 months of full-time benefits, and they generally have 12 years from the date they are notified of their entitlement to use their benefits. More information on the Veteran Readiness & Employment benefit, as well as other accepted benefits for current students, can be found on the Military & Veteran Services website.
“Successful transition from military service to the civilian workforce often requires veterans to get additional training,” Brasel said. “We want our students to take full advantage of their earned benefits to set them up for success post graduation. VR&E is another valuable tool that veterans can use to better their lives.”
MVS is celebrating UNC Charlotte’s veterans and military-affiliated students for Veterans Week from Nov. 11-15. The Veterans Week schedule can also be found on the MVS website.