Registration for Spring 2025 is now open for all students. Once you have registered please do not forget to submit your RFC and follow up with your advisor. Additionally If you completed the FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year and are using Financial Aid, the FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year is now available online through the FAFSA website: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Fall Graduation
Mark your calendars for December 11th and our Fall Graduation Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial from 4pm-6pm.
We have a veteran student in need of assitance with a survey for our African American military and veteran community. Please see details below and when completing, please indicate if you are active duty, seperated/retired or On Campus ROTC.
If you aren't familiar with our very own Stephen Ross's amazing flags, here is a great article highlighting his amazing and creative skills. We have a raflle runing right now to get your hands on one of two flags we have in the office on display.
Check out the below flyer for details on how to enter the raffle which is open until December 11th. Winners will be announced at our White Elephant Holiday Event on the 12th.
School Certifying Official Updates
Hopefully you have all had a chance to register for Spring 2025 classes! A few quick reminders on getting your benefits going for next semester
If you are using Federal benefits such as the Post 9/11 Gi Bill, Chapter 35, Chapter 1606, Chapter 31 or Chapter 30, please be sure to submit your online “RFC” to request your benefits for the Spring term You can access the RFC site here: go.vcu.edu/militarystudents You can always log back into your RFC to check on your benefit request stats.
If you are using “T/A” benefits as a Guard/Reserve member, please be sure to log into your branch T/A portal to authorize the benefit at least 30 days before the start of Spring classes.
If you are planning on using the "Installment Payment Plan" (IPP) for the Spring semester, the VCU Student Accounting Office opens the IPP sign up in early January. The IPP would be for students who expect to have a remaining balance after your benefit is applied. The IPP can break down your remaining balance into installments and is a good way to keep any registration holds off of your account. Information on the IPP can be found here:https://sfs.vcu.edu/billing-and-payments/installment-plan/
Prorated Payments: For those students receiving Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill or Chapter 35 monthly cost of living payments, you will receive prorated payment amounts for December and January as you are not in classes for the full month.
Remaining Benefits: As a reminder… it is your responsibility to track how much you have in remaining benefit time. You can check and see how much you have in your Federal benefit by logging into your education portal at va.gov/education. For VMSDEP students you can check your remaining number of semesters at https://vmsdep.dvs.virginia.gov/user/login
Financial Aid: If you completed the FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year and are using Financial Aid, the FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year is now available online through the FAFSA website: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. While you are home for the holidays, be sure to submit your FAFSA again for the 2025-26 school year.
We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and are ready for exams!
Go Rams!
Employment, Internship, and Volunteer Opportunities
The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open in a phased roll out in October 2024 to a limited number of participants. For more up to date information please visit the FAFSA site here.
Be sure to regularly check theRAMS Scholarship Hub for scholarship opportunities that are open to VCU students.
Don’t forget that the Military Student Services’ website also lists several scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for veterans, service members, and their families: https://militaryservices.vcu.edu/scholarships-and-aid/
SVA and MSS Updates and Events
Mark Your Calendars:
Resiliency Training: Discovering what resilience truly means and how it can transform your academic and personal life. Learn practical strategies and tools that you can apply immediately to enhance resilience. Share experiences and build connections with fellow military-affiliated students who share similar journeys. Register Here
Fall Veteran and Active Duty Graduation:Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success Office of Military Student Services would like to recognize and congratulate our veteran and active-duty students for their service to our country, and their academic success approaching graduation from VCU on December 11. RSVP Here
Holiday White Elephant Gist Exchange and Potluck: Mark your calendars for our festive White Elephant Gift Exchange and Holiday Gathering. We will kick off the festivities at 12 in room 3122 Harris Hall. Please bring a gift in value of no more than $15.00. The quirkier the better. This is a super fun event so don't miss out. Register Here
Extras
Free access to the great outdoors!
Veterans and their families are eligible to free lifetime access to all U.S. national parks.
“Join us as we explore critical topics to forge a holistic understanding of Special Warfare, and the role of Army Special Operations Forces of the past, present, and in the future of our National Defense.”