Approved by President
Effective Date: February 11, 2020
Responsible Division: Business and Finance
Responsible Office:  Business and Finance
Responsible Officer:  Associate Vice President, Business and Finance

I. Purpose

This policy establishes the process for educational assistance programs offered by institutions governed by the Board of Regents, state-supported universities, and University of Tennessee systems.

II. Veterans’ Dependents’ Post-Secondary Education Program

A.  T.C.A. § 49-7-102 provides that every dependent child in this state under the age of twenty-three (23) years, whose parent was killed, died as a direct result of injuries received, or has been officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action, while serving honorably as a member of the U.S. armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict, or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances, or the spouse of such veteran, is entitled to a waiver of tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, and required registration or matriculation fees, and shall be admitted without cost to any institutions of higher education owned, operated, and maintained by the state. A full-time student load (twelve [12] semester hours or equivalent) is required.

B.  Employees of any state supported college or university, qualifying as a spouse or dependent for benefits under this program, shall use this program first and shall not be simultaneously eligible for benefits under other programs in this policy.

C.  Exceptions: Grant-in-Aid Program recipients. For purposes of this program, the following definitions are provided:

1.  Dependent Child. A natural or adopted child or stepchild of a veteran or service member who is claimed as a dependent for income tax purposes.

2.  Parent. The parent of a natural or adopted child or stepchild whom such parent claims as a dependent for federal income tax purposes.

3.  Qualifying period of armed conflict. Any hostile military operation for which U.S. military campaign medals, as listed in T.C.A. § 49-7-102, are authorized.

4.  Service member. A Tennessee resident who is engaged in active U.S. military service.

5.  Served honorably. The character of service condition, as reported on Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Department of Defense Form 214).

6.  State institution(s) of higher education. Any public post-secondary institution.

7.  Veteran. A Tennessee resident who has entered and served honorably in the U.S. armed forces.

D.  Eligibility

1.  The office responsible for veteran’s affairs services shall be responsible for determining eligibility and providing application forms to those wishing to obtain benefits under this program.

2.  To be eligible for educational assistance benefits under this program, a dependent