Military News from the Office of Distance Learning
Post 9/11 GI Bill Recipients - Did You Know?
Students who enroll in at least one class per semester at an ODU off-campus location may qualify for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) under the new GI Bill.
If your entire enrollment is online/videostream, you are not entitled to the BAH portion of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. However, if just one of your classes each semester is categorized as "in-residence" (at an ODU off-campus location), you could receive a housing allowance equivalent to an E-5 with dependents. The allowance is based on the cost of living in your area. Here's a link to the Department of Defense BAH page where you can enter your zip code to find the BAH at your place of residence: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html
For details on available ODU programs and courses, contact the nearest ODU off-campus location through this link: http://dl.odu.edu/locations/index.shtml
Find information on all aspects of Veterans Benefits through the ODU Veterans Services Office and VA Certifying official at (757) 683-4425; by email at vaservices@odu.edu; or via their webpages at http://www.odu.edu/ao/registrar/mss/news/index.shtml
Check it all out; it could be financially beneficial to you as a student.
ODU Selected as a Top "Military-Friendly School"
Old Dominion University has been named one of the top "military-friendly schools" for 2010 by G.I. Jobs magazine. The designation recognizes ODU's effort on behalf of the many current and former military members and families who attend the university. The list will be featured in G.I. Jobs September issue, and ODU will be profiled in the October issue.
Attention Spouses of Active Duty Military Members
As we've been reporting, the Department of Defense is expanding their Military Spouse Career Advancement Account initiative which provides financial assistance to eligible military spouses. Such funding supports spouses seeking licensing, credentials and/or education for employment in portable career fields. Spouses married to an active duty or activated Guard or Reserve Service member are eligible to participate in MyCAA. For more details on application procedures check the MyCAA Flyer
Nurse Practitioner Programs Adds Locations, Increases Online Courses
Beginning Fall 2009, the MSN options in Family Nurse Practitioner and Women's Health Practitioner will be offered for the first time in locations outside of Virginia. The new sites are at Olympic College (Bremerton, Washington) and Yavapai College (Prescott and Clarkdale, Arizona). In addition, most courses will be offered online, allowing increased flexibility to busy professionals. For more information, please contact the site staff at your nearest location or the School of Nursing at 800-572-2762.
Coming to Campus?
Please note that there is now a central office on campus to serve visiting military, veterans and their families. The office is located in Rm 108a, Rollins Hall. The number is 757-683-4473. ODU offices at Naval Station, Little Creek, Dam Neck, Langley AFB, Ft Eustis, Ft Monroe, and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth are also open to serve the military community. Check out the web site for service hours at these and other ODU military base offices. Anyone needing assistance can also call 1-800-968-2638. We are 'military friendly'.
Continue Changing Lives .... Become a Teacher!
If you want to be a teacher, Old Dominion University has the program for you, the Military Career Transition Program (MCTP). Affiliated with Troops to Teachers, MCTP offers a Bachelor's Degree in Technology Education or a Master's Degree in Education, each with Virginia teaching licensure. It also includes credit for military service, offers courses on base, and equips you to continue making a difference in the lives of others, in the classroom. Please visit the MCTP website to learn more about this program. You can also attend one of our monthly briefings on these bases:
NCO Dam Neck
every third Monday. 12:00 noon in the Navy College Office, Walker Hall, Bldg. 199, Room 228, Phone: 492-8109
Langley AFB
every third Tuesday, 12:00 noon in the Langley Education Center, Room 130. Phone: 722-8543
Naval Station Norfolk
every third Tuesday, 12:00 noon in the Navy College Office Annex, Bldg. CEP-87, Room 206. Phone: 440-4015
NAB Little Creek
every third Wednesday, 12:00 noon in the Navy College Office, Bldg 3016, Room 251. Phone: 363-3885
NAS Oceana
every third Thursday, 12:00 noon in the Navy College Office, Bldg 531, Room T102. Phone: 491-5109
Did you know? CLEP Exams are reimbursable by the VA!
Veterans can now request reimbursement for the cost of CLEP exams and any test center administration fees from the Veterans Administration. Visit the GI Bill website for details.
Online Course in Cultural Competency
Interested in Honing Your Cultural Competency Skills? ODU now offers an online course tailored specifically for military professionals and others with either a personal or professional interest in global affairs. The course is six weeks in duration and can be used in fulfillment of general education or elective requirements. See course outline. Call us with questions or send email to military@odu.edu
Veterans Benefit Enhancement (New GI Bill)
The new GI Bill-the most significant change in veterans education benefits since WWII, has been signed into law and will become effective 1 August 2009. The bill provides a powerful incentive for servicemembers or eligible spouses or dependents to further their educations at degree-granting institutions. The VA is encouraging everyone to access their web site for the latest information http://www.gibill.va.gov. ODU staff at its main campus in Norfolk and at sites throughout Virginia, Arizona and Washington State are gearing up to better serve the needs of veterans and their families under this enhanced benefit. Watch this web site and the ODU News section for periodic updates. The Director of VA Education Services Keith Wilson recently spoke at an information session hosted by ODU on the new GI Bill. View his comments here
MCB Quantico Offers Ph.D. Programs in Education
ODU offers two new Ph.D. programs in Education via Interactive Television (TELETECHNET) at MCB Quantico. These Education programs include Community College Leadership and Occupational and Technical Studies. At the undergraduate level, an interdisciplinary program in Work and Professional Studies is available through distance learning. Contact the ODU office at MCB Quantico at (703) 630-2226 or military@odu.edu.
Old Dominion University Scholarship Opportunity for Severely Injured or Disabled Service Members
Old Dominion University is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for DOD military personnel who have been severely injured or disabled in the line of duty. The scholarship is in the amount of $1,000, and will be applied toward the cost of tuition for degree programs at Old Dominion University for either full-time or part-time study. One scholarship will be awarded annually. Download the application form
to review the eligibility rules. For further information, call 800.968.2638 or email military@odu.edu.
