Military Service Educational Benefits
The Financial Aid office at Reformed Episcopal Seminary (RES) is ready to help you identify and utilize your educational benefits. Many education benefits are available to help eligible veterans, servicemembers, spouses, and dependents advance their theological education.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance benefits are a way for the military services to provide education benefits to service members on active duty. Tuition Assistance benefits are administered by each branch of service (each branch determines its own award amounts, eligibility, restrictions, and application process) and are typically earned based on service. General assistance can be found at TADecide. Service-specific tuition assistance information and processes can be found at these links:
Contact Us
Please call our office at 610-292-9852 or email [email protected] and our Director of Financial Aid can assist you with any questions concerning your financial aid needs. RES requires contact with our Financial Aid office prior to offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling in Federal or private student loan programs. (NOTE) Before enrolling at RES, all servicemembers should contact their military service Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor at their unit/base for information on service specific benefits and requirements.
Applying for Tuition Assistance
Start your Tuition Assistance request prior to the beginning of each semester. Each service has a specific requirement for the number of days prior to the semester that TA requests are due. If this is your first time using TA, your service may also require that you gain commander approval to use TA and complete training on the TA process and TA requirements. In general, you will need to do the following to initiate your tuition assistance request and to apply your tuition assistance funds to your RES tuition bill:
TA Billing and Student Schedule Changes (drop or withdraw)
Once the Tuition Authorization form is received by the Business Office, RES will adjust the student’s tuition bill to show the expected TA payment and the student will be responsible for the outstanding balance on the tuition bill. If the student drops or withdraws from any course where TA was used to pay for the course credit hours, the student must immediately notify the Business Office so they can make adjustments to what was billed to that service and adjust the student’s Populi account. Failure to do so may result in fees and registration hold.
In accordance with the DoD MOU, if tuition refunds are due from dropped or withdrawn courses, RES must reimburse the DoD for the servicemember’s unearned tuition assistance first, before the servicemember is refunded any remaining portion of the tuition from their student account. Depending on when a class is dropped, the student may either have a refund once the unearned TA is returned to the DoD or a debt resulting from the portion of the tuition that the university returned to the DoD as unearned TA. Students can view the tuition adjustment that results from dropping a class by accessing Populi student account.
If a course is dropped during the regular Drop/Add period of a regular session (1-7 days), 100% of the tuition will be refunded with tuition returned to the DoD for unearned TA and the balance to the student. If a course is dropped after the regular Drop/Add period but before the 60% class completion point (65 days for a standard semester), a pro-rata schedule will be used to calculate the percentage of unearned TA returned to the DoD based on the number of days the student was enrolled in the course during the semester and the total number of days in the semester. Beyond the 60% class completion point (66+ days for a standard semester), no tuition will be refunded to the DoD for unearned TA. The student will be responsible for any balance due after the return of unearned TA funds to DoD.
If a student withdraws from all courses for the semester under the RES Military Duty Withdrawal policy, 100% of the tuition will be refunded and tuition will be returned to the DoD for TA and the balance to the student.
GI Bill® benefits
Many education benefits are available to help eligible veterans, servicemembers, spouses, and dependents to advance their theological education.
GI Bill®
The term GI Bill® refers to any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefit earned by members of active duty, Selected Reserve, and National Guard Armed Forces and their families. The benefit is designed to help service members and eligible veterans cover the costs associated with getting an education. The GI Bill® has several programs and each is administered differently depending on a person’s eligibility and duty status.
Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® page to learn more.
If you are a veteran, active duty service member, or dependent of either, you may be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits applicable to veterans with a brief description of each.
GI Bill® benefits for Veterans
Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits for veterans with a brief description of each.
GI Bill® benefits for Servicemembers
Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits for military members who are actively serving with a brief description of each.
GI Bill® & Veteran Education Benefits – Spouses/Dependents
Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits applicable to dependents with a brief description of each.
Reformed Episcopal Seminary encourages service members to speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or other appropriate counselor within their specific branch of service prior to enrolling in any educational training program and to continue utilizing them as a resource during their education at RES should they choose to enroll in the seminary.
Additional Resources
Military Leave of Absence
RES has policies that support the demands of military service by providing for both short-term and long-term absences. When service members receive unexpected military orders during the semester that will interrupt their academic pursuit by requiring a short-term absence (absences affecting less than 2 weeks during the current registered semester), we have a short-term absence policy that facilitates working with the course instructor when possible to accommodate the absence, or if not possible due to course requirements, not penalize the student service member who is activated for military duty. Please see the complete policy below.
- Learn more about Tuition Assistance
- Learn more about GI Bill® benefits for Veterans
- Learn more about GI Bill® benefits for Servicemembers
- Learn more about GI Bill® benefits for Dependents
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance benefits are a way for the military services to provide education benefits to service members on active duty. Tuition Assistance benefits are administered by each branch of service (each branch determines its own award amounts, eligibility, restrictions, and application process) and are typically earned based on service. General assistance can be found at TADecide. Service-specific tuition assistance information and processes can be found at these links:
Contact Us
Please call our office at 610-292-9852 or email [email protected] and our Director of Financial Aid can assist you with any questions concerning your financial aid needs. RES requires contact with our Financial Aid office prior to offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling in Federal or private student loan programs. (NOTE) Before enrolling at RES, all servicemembers should contact their military service Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor at their unit/base for information on service specific benefits and requirements.
Applying for Tuition Assistance
Start your Tuition Assistance request prior to the beginning of each semester. Each service has a specific requirement for the number of days prior to the semester that TA requests are due. If this is your first time using TA, your service may also require that you gain commander approval to use TA and complete training on the TA process and TA requirements. In general, you will need to do the following to initiate your tuition assistance request and to apply your tuition assistance funds to your RES tuition bill:
- Gain commander’s/services approval to use TA.
- Complete your TA request online through your service-specific voluntary education portal.
- Select Reformed Episcopal Seminary as your academic institution (OPE-ID # 00337500)
- Submit your TA request to your service.
- Your service will notify you when they have approved your request. If you have not received approval in a timely manner, call your Unit/Base Education Office to enquire on the TA request status.
- Once your service approves your TA, send the approved TA authorization form to the appropriate RES Business Office:
Reformed Episcopal Seminary
Business Office
Attn.: Military Funding
826 2nd Ave.
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Email: [email protected]
If you have questions, call (610) 292-9852.
TA Billing and Student Schedule Changes (drop or withdraw)
Once the Tuition Authorization form is received by the Business Office, RES will adjust the student’s tuition bill to show the expected TA payment and the student will be responsible for the outstanding balance on the tuition bill. If the student drops or withdraws from any course where TA was used to pay for the course credit hours, the student must immediately notify the Business Office so they can make adjustments to what was billed to that service and adjust the student’s Populi account. Failure to do so may result in fees and registration hold.
In accordance with the DoD MOU, if tuition refunds are due from dropped or withdrawn courses, RES must reimburse the DoD for the servicemember’s unearned tuition assistance first, before the servicemember is refunded any remaining portion of the tuition from their student account. Depending on when a class is dropped, the student may either have a refund once the unearned TA is returned to the DoD or a debt resulting from the portion of the tuition that the university returned to the DoD as unearned TA. Students can view the tuition adjustment that results from dropping a class by accessing Populi student account.
If a course is dropped during the regular Drop/Add period of a regular session (1-7 days), 100% of the tuition will be refunded with tuition returned to the DoD for unearned TA and the balance to the student. If a course is dropped after the regular Drop/Add period but before the 60% class completion point (65 days for a standard semester), a pro-rata schedule will be used to calculate the percentage of unearned TA returned to the DoD based on the number of days the student was enrolled in the course during the semester and the total number of days in the semester. Beyond the 60% class completion point (66+ days for a standard semester), no tuition will be refunded to the DoD for unearned TA. The student will be responsible for any balance due after the return of unearned TA funds to DoD.
If a student withdraws from all courses for the semester under the RES Military Duty Withdrawal policy, 100% of the tuition will be refunded and tuition will be returned to the DoD for TA and the balance to the student.
GI Bill® benefits
Many education benefits are available to help eligible veterans, servicemembers, spouses, and dependents to advance their theological education.
GI Bill®
The term GI Bill® refers to any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefit earned by members of active duty, Selected Reserve, and National Guard Armed Forces and their families. The benefit is designed to help service members and eligible veterans cover the costs associated with getting an education. The GI Bill® has several programs and each is administered differently depending on a person’s eligibility and duty status.
Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® page to learn more.
If you are a veteran, active duty service member, or dependent of either, you may be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits applicable to veterans with a brief description of each.
GI Bill® benefits for Veterans
Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits for veterans with a brief description of each.
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®: Active duty and veterans; not transferable to dependents.
- Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness & Employment: Veterans who have at least a 10 percent disability rating are eligible to apply; however, approval is not guaranteed; up to 48 months of entitlement possible.
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®: Active duty and veterans may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit. This benefit may be transferred to qualifying dependents, with restrictions.
GI Bill® benefits for Servicemembers
Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits for military members who are actively serving with a brief description of each.
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®: Active duty and veterans; not transferable to dependents.
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®: Active duty and veterans may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit. This benefit may be transferred to qualifying dependents, with restrictions.
- Chapter 1606: National Guard and Reserves who have completed the initial active duty for training and 180 days of service in the Selected Reserves; may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit.
- Tuition Assistance Top-Up: If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program (also known as Federal Tuition Assistance – FTA). Check with your local Educational Assistance office for eligibility and enrollment requirements. If you are eligible for FTA, you can use FTA in conjunction with your VA education benefit to cover part of the remaining expenses when TA does not cover 100% of tuition and fees.
GI Bill® & Veteran Education Benefits – Spouses/Dependents
Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits applicable to dependents with a brief description of each.
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®: Active duty and veterans may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit. This benefit may be transferred to qualifying dependents, with restrictions.
- Chapter 35: For spouses and children of 100-percent service-connected disabled veterans or of veterans who died in service; up to 45 months of entitlement are allowed.
Reformed Episcopal Seminary encourages service members to speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or other appropriate counselor within their specific branch of service prior to enrolling in any educational training program and to continue utilizing them as a resource during their education at RES should they choose to enroll in the seminary.
Additional Resources
Military Leave of Absence
RES has policies that support the demands of military service by providing for both short-term and long-term absences. When service members receive unexpected military orders during the semester that will interrupt their academic pursuit by requiring a short-term absence (absences affecting less than 2 weeks during the current registered semester), we have a short-term absence policy that facilitates working with the course instructor when possible to accommodate the absence, or if not possible due to course requirements, not penalize the student service member who is activated for military duty. Please see the complete policy below.
RES Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Policy
Policy Statement
The Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding between Reformed Episcopal Seminary and the Department of Defense Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness articulates the commitment and agreement the Seminary provides to the Department of Defense by accepting funds via each Military Service’s Tuition Assistance program in exchange for education services. To ensure compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding, Reformed Episcopal Seminary (also RES) adheres to Department of Defense Voluntary Education program guidelines related to recruiting, marketing, and advertising; financial matters; accreditation and credentialing; and academic counseling and post-graduation employment opportunities.
The Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education (VolEd) program seeks to shape quality educational experiences that result in meaningful value for Military Service members, the Services, and society. Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s Department of Admissions, Recruiting, and Financial Aid assists students who are eligible for Veterans educational benefits, including Veterans, active-duty personnel, and members of selected reserves and the National Guard.
Reformed Episcopal Seminary solely offers graduate programs in theological education and complies with the federal/state/accrediting requirements thereof.
Recruiting, Marketing, and Advertising
In accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1322.25, Voluntary Education Programs, paragraph 1.c.(1)(b), Reformed Episcopal Seminary, as an institution providing education programs through the DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) Program, does not use unfair, deceptive, and abusive recruiting practices. Any staff, faculty, or administrative personnel found in violation of this policy may be subject to the institution’s disciplinary policy.
In accordance with DoD Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) paragraph 3.j.(2), Reformed Episcopal Seminary refrains “from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.” Any staff, faculty, or administrative personnel found in violation of this policy may be subject to the institution’s disciplinary policy.
In accordance with DoD MOU paragraph 3.j.(3), Reformed Episcopal Seminary refrains “from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (three or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.” Any staff, faculty, or administrative personnel found in violation of this policy may be subject to the institution’s disciplinary policy. The seminary removes any person or entity from our mailing and solicitation lists upon request.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.e.(2)-(3), “DoD personnel are entitled to consideration for all forms of financial aid that educational institutions make available to students at their home campus.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s financial aid officers provide information and application processes for Title IV student aid programs, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans to DoD TA recipients. Service members identified as eligible DoD TA recipients have their TA benefits applied to their Reformed Episcopal Seminary account prior to the application of their forms of funding.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.d.(1), “if an eligible Service member decides to use TA,” Reformed Episcopal Seminary “will enroll [them] only after the TA is approved by the individual’s Service.” Veterans are referred to School Certifying Officials (SCO) by staff during orientation sessions and advising inquiries. Veterans are asked to complete relevant forms before being certified by an SCO. In addition, any student applying for Veterans benefits must provide all official transcripts (high school, high school equivalency, and college). All students, including Veterans, follow the seminary’s general admissions procedures. For support during the admission and enrollment processes, Veterans who decide to use the TA program are directed to meet with an SCO and speak with their Educational Services Officer or counselor within their Military Service prior to completing their enrollment.
Reformed Episcopal Seminary focuses on supporting students who are Veterans and refrains from high-pressure recruitment tactics for the purpose of enrolling Service members. The seminary refrains from providing any incentives based on securing enrollments to any person or entity involved in student recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding financial assistance for students.
Financial Matters
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.h.(1) and (4), “before offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling Service members for…student loans, [the seminary will] provide Service members access to an institutional financial aid advisor who will make available appropriate loan counseling, including… providing a clear and complete explanation of available financial aid, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended…[and] explaining that students have the ability to refuse all or borrow less than the maximum student loan amount allowed.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary students are encouraged to speak with a financial aid officer in order to fully understand the cost and funding of a seminary education.
Per DoDI 1322.25, Voluntary Education Programs, paragraph 3.d.(1)(a), institutions will “provide meaningful information to students on the financial cost of attendance at an educational institution so Military students can make informed decisions on where to attend school.” DoD MOU paragraph 3.n.(5) requires that institutions “disclose basic information about the educational institution’s programs and costs, including tuition and other charges to the Service member. This information will be made readily accessible without requiring the Service member to disclose any personal or contact information.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary publishes this information on the Tuition & Fees page.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.h.(3), “before offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling Service members for…student loans, [the seminary will] provide Service members access to an institutional financial aid advisor who will make available appropriate loan counseling, including…disclosing the educational institution’s student loan Cohort Default Rate (CDR), the percentage of its students who borrow, and how its CDR compares to the national average. If the educational institution’s CDR is greater than the national average CDR, it must disclose that information and provide the student with loan repayment data.” Veterans are directed to meet with an SCO as they enter the Seminary; the SCO and financial aid advisors discuss all forms of financial aid with new students and disclose the CDR to students interested in discussing loans. Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s most recent official CDR is available via the Seminary’s website. Place CDR on our site under compliance section.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.f.(2)(d), institutions are required to “have an institutional policy that returns any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the sixty percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a Military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s institutional policy on the return to the government of unearned TA funds is as follows: When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. Reformed Episcopal Seminary will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through the sixty percent portion of the period for which the funds were awarded. These funds are returned to the government, not the student. When a student stops attending due to a Military service obligation, Reformed Episcopal Seminary will work with the Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion. The refund guidelines for semester courses are as follows: If a course is dropped during the regular Drop/Add period of a regular session (1-7 days), 100% of the tuition will be refunded with tuition returned to the DoD for unearned TA and the balance to the student. If a course is dropped after the regular Drop/Add period but before the 60% class completion point (65 days for a standard semester), a pro-rata schedule will be used to calculate the percentage of unearned TA returned to the DoD based on the number of days the student was enrolled in the course during the semester and the total number of days in the semester. Beyond the 60% class completion point (66+ days for a standard semester), no tuition will be refunded to the DoD for unearned TA. The student will be responsible for any balance due after the return of unearned TA funds to DoD.
Accreditation and Credentialing Requirements
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.b and 3.l, institutions are required to “be accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by [the Education Department] … [and to] obtain the approval of their accrediting agency for any new course or program offering, provided such approval is required under the substantive change requirements of the accrediting agency…before the enrollment of a Service member into the new course or program offering.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). However, The seminary does not ordain, credential, or accredit students for ministry other than providing an accredited degree in theological training according to the standards of Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), and the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC.) All students seeking credentialing or ordination are advised to contact and work closely with their sending body or those agencies responsible for accrediting, certifying, or recognizing their call to ministry.
Academic & Financial Advising
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.c.(1) and (4), institutions are required to “disclose general degree requirements for the Service member’s educational program (evaluated educational plan) to the member and [their] Service before the enrollment of the Service member at the educational institution…[and] degree requirements in effect at the time of each Service member’s enrollment will remain in effect for a period of at least one year beyond the program’s standard length, provided the Service member is in good academic standing and has been continuously enrolled or received an approved academic leave of absence.” Refer to the Seminary Course Catalog for academic information and degree requirements.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.n.(1), institutions are required to “disclose its transfer credit policies and articulated credit transfer agreements before a Service member’s enrollment. Disclosure will explain acceptance of credits in transfer is determined by the educational institution to which the student wishes to transfer and [will] refrain from making unsubstantiated representations to students about acceptance of credits in transfer by another institution.” The Transfer of Credit Policy for Reformed Episcopal Seminary states, “At the discretion of the Academic Dean, Registrar and Faculty, credit may be given for graduate level courses taken at other accredited institutions approved by the ATS or another accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. A minimum grade of ‘B’ must be earned for consideration. Students are required to present an official transcript and a catalogue of the year in which they took the course(s). The grade for transfer courses will appear as ‘XFER’ or “TR” and will not be averaged into a student’s GPA. Courses taken more than ten years previously may not be transferred to RES. No more than one-third of degree credit may be applied through transfer.”
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.g, institutions are required to “designate a point of contact or office for academic and financial advising, including access to disability counseling, to assist Service members with completion of studies and with job search activities.” Students should contact the Dean of Students Office or Department of Financial Aid for assistance in these areas. The Dean of Students and Financial Aid job descriptions have been developed and are periodically reviewed to ensure staff are highly qualified for their positions.
Military Leave of Absence
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.i.(1), institutions are required to “have a readmission policy for Service members that allows Service members and reservists to be readmitted to a program if they are temporarily unable to attend class or have to suspend their studies due to Service requirements.”
Reformed Episcopal Seminary is committed to working with services members should the need for leave arise and our policies support the demands of military service by providing for both short-term and long-term absences.
When service members receive unexpected military orders during the semester that will interrupt their academic pursuit by requiring a short-term absence (absences affecting less than 2 weeks during the current registered semester), we have a short-term absence policy that facilitates working with the course instructor when possible to accommodate the absence, or if not possible due to course requirements, not penalize the student service member who is activated for military duty.
Short-term Absence (Military)
When service members receive unexpected military orders during the semester that will interrupt their academic pursuit by requiring a short-term absence, the service member must notify their course instructor(s), the Dean of Students, and registrar by email as soon as possible. The service member should discuss with the course instructor(s) options to complete work in advance, make up missed work, or other options available to mitigate the absence that are within reason to meet course requirements.
If the service member is unable to make arrangements with the instructor(s) to mitigate the absence, they can request assistance from the Dean of Students to formulate a solution. If a resolution cannot be achieved with the instructor(s) and Dean of Students, service members who provide the verified orders for the absence can have the course(s) administratively canceled and 100% of the tuition for the course(s) refunded.
For orders requiring absences lasting longer than two weeks, students may pursue a military withdrawal directly through the University Registrar’s Office.
If military duty requires a long-term absence due to mission requirements, Reformed Episcopal Seminary makes the break in studies and the return to school a simple and flexible process. Leave of absences are normally approved for a period not to exceed one year, but under special circumstances (e.g. military deployment in a branch of the U.S. armed services), a leave of absence may be approved for a maximum of five years.
Withdrawal for Long-Term Absence (Military)
We understand the need to be flexible. If active-duty service members receive orders to relocate or deploy, they or their spouse can receive a military withdrawal. No tuition will be charged for that semester. You can return to the same major and campus when you want to re-enroll, with no fees.
If service members receive orders to relocate or deploy, they or their spouses can request a military withdrawal. No tuition will be charged for that semester. They can return to the same major and campus when they want to re-enroll, with no fees.
Military withdrawal is available to students who:
Contact the campus Registrar and present a copy of your military orders with formal correspondence on unit letterhead signed by the commander requesting military withdrawal from RES due to orders. The formal correspondence must include the unit commander’s contact information and verification of the duration and location of the pending assignment.
Readmission of Service Members
Reformed Episcopal Seminary readmission policy guarantees the prompt readmission of a service member with the same academic status they had when last attending the school or accepted for admission to the school when the student cannot attend school due to military service in compliance with Chapter 3, Volume 2 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook.
Students should seek to give the school’s admissions office as much possible notice of their leaving, their length of absence, and their intended time to return in order for RES to best assist you with your educational needs.
Students who process a military withdrawal:
Policy Name: RES Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership
Department of Financial Aid: Shawn Riley, Director
Seminary Dean: Rev. Matthew Harrington
Implementation: 7/1/2024
The Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding between Reformed Episcopal Seminary and the Department of Defense Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness articulates the commitment and agreement the Seminary provides to the Department of Defense by accepting funds via each Military Service’s Tuition Assistance program in exchange for education services. To ensure compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding, Reformed Episcopal Seminary (also RES) adheres to Department of Defense Voluntary Education program guidelines related to recruiting, marketing, and advertising; financial matters; accreditation and credentialing; and academic counseling and post-graduation employment opportunities.
The Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education (VolEd) program seeks to shape quality educational experiences that result in meaningful value for Military Service members, the Services, and society. Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s Department of Admissions, Recruiting, and Financial Aid assists students who are eligible for Veterans educational benefits, including Veterans, active-duty personnel, and members of selected reserves and the National Guard.
Reformed Episcopal Seminary solely offers graduate programs in theological education and complies with the federal/state/accrediting requirements thereof.
Recruiting, Marketing, and Advertising
In accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1322.25, Voluntary Education Programs, paragraph 1.c.(1)(b), Reformed Episcopal Seminary, as an institution providing education programs through the DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) Program, does not use unfair, deceptive, and abusive recruiting practices. Any staff, faculty, or administrative personnel found in violation of this policy may be subject to the institution’s disciplinary policy.
In accordance with DoD Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) paragraph 3.j.(2), Reformed Episcopal Seminary refrains “from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.” Any staff, faculty, or administrative personnel found in violation of this policy may be subject to the institution’s disciplinary policy.
In accordance with DoD MOU paragraph 3.j.(3), Reformed Episcopal Seminary refrains “from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (three or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.” Any staff, faculty, or administrative personnel found in violation of this policy may be subject to the institution’s disciplinary policy. The seminary removes any person or entity from our mailing and solicitation lists upon request.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.e.(2)-(3), “DoD personnel are entitled to consideration for all forms of financial aid that educational institutions make available to students at their home campus.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s financial aid officers provide information and application processes for Title IV student aid programs, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans to DoD TA recipients. Service members identified as eligible DoD TA recipients have their TA benefits applied to their Reformed Episcopal Seminary account prior to the application of their forms of funding.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.d.(1), “if an eligible Service member decides to use TA,” Reformed Episcopal Seminary “will enroll [them] only after the TA is approved by the individual’s Service.” Veterans are referred to School Certifying Officials (SCO) by staff during orientation sessions and advising inquiries. Veterans are asked to complete relevant forms before being certified by an SCO. In addition, any student applying for Veterans benefits must provide all official transcripts (high school, high school equivalency, and college). All students, including Veterans, follow the seminary’s general admissions procedures. For support during the admission and enrollment processes, Veterans who decide to use the TA program are directed to meet with an SCO and speak with their Educational Services Officer or counselor within their Military Service prior to completing their enrollment.
Reformed Episcopal Seminary focuses on supporting students who are Veterans and refrains from high-pressure recruitment tactics for the purpose of enrolling Service members. The seminary refrains from providing any incentives based on securing enrollments to any person or entity involved in student recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding financial assistance for students.
Financial Matters
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.h.(1) and (4), “before offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling Service members for…student loans, [the seminary will] provide Service members access to an institutional financial aid advisor who will make available appropriate loan counseling, including… providing a clear and complete explanation of available financial aid, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended…[and] explaining that students have the ability to refuse all or borrow less than the maximum student loan amount allowed.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary students are encouraged to speak with a financial aid officer in order to fully understand the cost and funding of a seminary education.
Per DoDI 1322.25, Voluntary Education Programs, paragraph 3.d.(1)(a), institutions will “provide meaningful information to students on the financial cost of attendance at an educational institution so Military students can make informed decisions on where to attend school.” DoD MOU paragraph 3.n.(5) requires that institutions “disclose basic information about the educational institution’s programs and costs, including tuition and other charges to the Service member. This information will be made readily accessible without requiring the Service member to disclose any personal or contact information.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary publishes this information on the Tuition & Fees page.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.h.(3), “before offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling Service members for…student loans, [the seminary will] provide Service members access to an institutional financial aid advisor who will make available appropriate loan counseling, including…disclosing the educational institution’s student loan Cohort Default Rate (CDR), the percentage of its students who borrow, and how its CDR compares to the national average. If the educational institution’s CDR is greater than the national average CDR, it must disclose that information and provide the student with loan repayment data.” Veterans are directed to meet with an SCO as they enter the Seminary; the SCO and financial aid advisors discuss all forms of financial aid with new students and disclose the CDR to students interested in discussing loans. Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s most recent official CDR is available via the Seminary’s website. Place CDR on our site under compliance section.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.f.(2)(d), institutions are required to “have an institutional policy that returns any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the sixty percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a Military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s institutional policy on the return to the government of unearned TA funds is as follows: When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. Reformed Episcopal Seminary will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through the sixty percent portion of the period for which the funds were awarded. These funds are returned to the government, not the student. When a student stops attending due to a Military service obligation, Reformed Episcopal Seminary will work with the Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion. The refund guidelines for semester courses are as follows: If a course is dropped during the regular Drop/Add period of a regular session (1-7 days), 100% of the tuition will be refunded with tuition returned to the DoD for unearned TA and the balance to the student. If a course is dropped after the regular Drop/Add period but before the 60% class completion point (65 days for a standard semester), a pro-rata schedule will be used to calculate the percentage of unearned TA returned to the DoD based on the number of days the student was enrolled in the course during the semester and the total number of days in the semester. Beyond the 60% class completion point (66+ days for a standard semester), no tuition will be refunded to the DoD for unearned TA. The student will be responsible for any balance due after the return of unearned TA funds to DoD.
Accreditation and Credentialing Requirements
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.b and 3.l, institutions are required to “be accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by [the Education Department] … [and to] obtain the approval of their accrediting agency for any new course or program offering, provided such approval is required under the substantive change requirements of the accrediting agency…before the enrollment of a Service member into the new course or program offering.” Reformed Episcopal Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). However, The seminary does not ordain, credential, or accredit students for ministry other than providing an accredited degree in theological training according to the standards of Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), and the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC.) All students seeking credentialing or ordination are advised to contact and work closely with their sending body or those agencies responsible for accrediting, certifying, or recognizing their call to ministry.
Academic & Financial Advising
Per DoD MOU paragraph 4.c.(1) and (4), institutions are required to “disclose general degree requirements for the Service member’s educational program (evaluated educational plan) to the member and [their] Service before the enrollment of the Service member at the educational institution…[and] degree requirements in effect at the time of each Service member’s enrollment will remain in effect for a period of at least one year beyond the program’s standard length, provided the Service member is in good academic standing and has been continuously enrolled or received an approved academic leave of absence.” Refer to the Seminary Course Catalog for academic information and degree requirements.
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.n.(1), institutions are required to “disclose its transfer credit policies and articulated credit transfer agreements before a Service member’s enrollment. Disclosure will explain acceptance of credits in transfer is determined by the educational institution to which the student wishes to transfer and [will] refrain from making unsubstantiated representations to students about acceptance of credits in transfer by another institution.” The Transfer of Credit Policy for Reformed Episcopal Seminary states, “At the discretion of the Academic Dean, Registrar and Faculty, credit may be given for graduate level courses taken at other accredited institutions approved by the ATS or another accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. A minimum grade of ‘B’ must be earned for consideration. Students are required to present an official transcript and a catalogue of the year in which they took the course(s). The grade for transfer courses will appear as ‘XFER’ or “TR” and will not be averaged into a student’s GPA. Courses taken more than ten years previously may not be transferred to RES. No more than one-third of degree credit may be applied through transfer.”
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.g, institutions are required to “designate a point of contact or office for academic and financial advising, including access to disability counseling, to assist Service members with completion of studies and with job search activities.” Students should contact the Dean of Students Office or Department of Financial Aid for assistance in these areas. The Dean of Students and Financial Aid job descriptions have been developed and are periodically reviewed to ensure staff are highly qualified for their positions.
Military Leave of Absence
Per DoD MOU paragraph 3.i.(1), institutions are required to “have a readmission policy for Service members that allows Service members and reservists to be readmitted to a program if they are temporarily unable to attend class or have to suspend their studies due to Service requirements.”
Reformed Episcopal Seminary is committed to working with services members should the need for leave arise and our policies support the demands of military service by providing for both short-term and long-term absences.
When service members receive unexpected military orders during the semester that will interrupt their academic pursuit by requiring a short-term absence (absences affecting less than 2 weeks during the current registered semester), we have a short-term absence policy that facilitates working with the course instructor when possible to accommodate the absence, or if not possible due to course requirements, not penalize the student service member who is activated for military duty.
Short-term Absence (Military)
When service members receive unexpected military orders during the semester that will interrupt their academic pursuit by requiring a short-term absence, the service member must notify their course instructor(s), the Dean of Students, and registrar by email as soon as possible. The service member should discuss with the course instructor(s) options to complete work in advance, make up missed work, or other options available to mitigate the absence that are within reason to meet course requirements.
If the service member is unable to make arrangements with the instructor(s) to mitigate the absence, they can request assistance from the Dean of Students to formulate a solution. If a resolution cannot be achieved with the instructor(s) and Dean of Students, service members who provide the verified orders for the absence can have the course(s) administratively canceled and 100% of the tuition for the course(s) refunded.
For orders requiring absences lasting longer than two weeks, students may pursue a military withdrawal directly through the University Registrar’s Office.
If military duty requires a long-term absence due to mission requirements, Reformed Episcopal Seminary makes the break in studies and the return to school a simple and flexible process. Leave of absences are normally approved for a period not to exceed one year, but under special circumstances (e.g. military deployment in a branch of the U.S. armed services), a leave of absence may be approved for a maximum of five years.
Withdrawal for Long-Term Absence (Military)
We understand the need to be flexible. If active-duty service members receive orders to relocate or deploy, they or their spouse can receive a military withdrawal. No tuition will be charged for that semester. You can return to the same major and campus when you want to re-enroll, with no fees.
If service members receive orders to relocate or deploy, they or their spouses can request a military withdrawal. No tuition will be charged for that semester. They can return to the same major and campus when they want to re-enroll, with no fees.
Military withdrawal is available to students who:
- are actively serving members (active duty and reserve duty components) of the U.S. armed services (not a contractor or civilian working for the military), and
- are ordered to relocate and, as a result, are unable to meet class attendance and other participation requirements, including web-based activities.
Contact the campus Registrar and present a copy of your military orders with formal correspondence on unit letterhead signed by the commander requesting military withdrawal from RES due to orders. The formal correspondence must include the unit commander’s contact information and verification of the duration and location of the pending assignment.
Readmission of Service Members
Reformed Episcopal Seminary readmission policy guarantees the prompt readmission of a service member with the same academic status they had when last attending the school or accepted for admission to the school when the student cannot attend school due to military service in compliance with Chapter 3, Volume 2 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook.
Students should seek to give the school’s admissions office as much possible notice of their leaving, their length of absence, and their intended time to return in order for RES to best assist you with your educational needs.
Students who process a military withdrawal:
- will not be charged tuition for the semester of withdrawal when properly processed.
- are eligible for “military re-enrollment” to the seminary, assuring the student access to the same major as was assigned at the time of their withdrawal.
- will not be required to enroll should their absence from the seminary extends past 365 days.
- will have a notation placed in their transcript indicating a “military” withdrawal.
Policy Name: RES Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership
Department of Financial Aid: Shawn Riley, Director
Seminary Dean: Rev. Matthew Harrington
Implementation: 7/1/2024
