Sinclair can provide you with a copy of the requirements and procedures for an official academic withdrawal from courses or an administrative withdrawal or you can review it online at: https://catalog.sinclair.edu/policies/Academic/Official-Withdrawal-from-College-Policy
If you have questions about your Title IV program funds, you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 4-FEDAID (800-433-3243). TTY users may call 1-800-730-8913. Information is also available on Student Aid on the Web at: www.studentaid.gov
All information contained in the Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Funds Policy is subject to change based on changes to federal law, regulation, or Sinclair’s policy and procedure. If changes are made, students must abide by the new policy.
Note: In many instances, the student will owe a balance to Sinclair based on the returns made by Sinclair to the U.S. Department of Education. Please see a Sinclair Financial Aid Officer for additional information.
Military-affiliated Educational Benefits
Sinclair is proud to assist our military affiliated students. Educational benefits for military affiliated students come in several forms: Military Tuition Assistance (TA) programs, Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits (also known as the GI Bill ®), Scholarships and Ohio Funding. In general, Military TA programs provide funding to currently serving members of the United States Armed Forces, VA Education Benefits are determined by service information found on the the service member’s DD214, and other benefits are determined by military-affiliation.
The best way to get information about using these benefits is to contact the Military Family Education Center (MFEC). You can contact the MFEC by phone at (937) 512-2586, or by email at mfec@sinclair.edu. Students can find updated information and forms to process education benefits at www.sinclair.edu/mfec.
VA Education Benefits
VA education benefits are administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Students who meet VA eligibility criteria will apply to use their benefits by first obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Information regarding the criteria for receiving benefits and current payment rates may be found at: www.gibill.va.gov.
Once a student has received their COE from the VA, they can use their educational benefits by registering with Sinclair’s MFEC. Each semester students wishing to use their VA educational benefits at Sinclair will submit eligibility and enrollment information to the MFEC. It is recommended that students submit their information as soon as course registration is completed in order to allow ample time for their benefits to be processed at the VA. Students are also responsible to provide an updated schedule to the MFEC when any schedule changes are made.
Repayment of VA Educational Benefits
Under certain circumstances, students may be required to repay all, or part of the benefits received in each semester to the VA. Please see the following list of possible repayment situations.
- Dropping from courses
- Non-attendance of courses
- Punitive grades for courses (Z, F, U grades)
To best avoid these situations, students are advised to report any schedule changes immediately to the MFEC. If a student has questions about making changes to their schedule or withdrawing from classes, it is recommended that they speak with a staff member from the MFEC to discuss the impact of their situation on their education benefits.
End of Term Reports
The MFEC is required to track information and progression for each student using the GI Bill ® to maintain compliance standards. These reports are submitted within 30 days of the end of the full-term. The following reports are submitted by the MFEC:
- Academic Dismissal Report: The MFEC reports students that have previously been on Academic Probation and have been escalated to Academic Dismissal status within the term. This required reporting could cause a debt with the VA and/or drop of future registered classes.
- F/Z/U Grade Report: F/Z/U grades that are considered unearned by the VA. Unearned grades are defined as failing grades with a last date of attendance (LDA) before the end of the term. This required reporting could cause a debt with the VA and/or the college.
- Graduation Report the MFEC reports students that earn a degree within the term.
Transition Act of 2018
Sinclair’s Statement of Compliance for the Veteran Benefit Transition Act of 2018 In accordance with the Veteran Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Sinclair College has enacted a policy that protects military-affiliated students using Chapter 33 Post 9/11 and Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation from being penalized for any delay in payment from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for tuition or fees. Military-affiliated students that provide an updated Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or VA Form 28-1905 (Tungsten Form), showing eligibility for the current term in question, will not accrue any late penalties, purging of current term classes, restriction of access to any institutional facilities (i.e.; Library, Tutoring & Learning Center), or be required to borrow additional funds to meet the financial obligation while waiting for funding from the VA.
To learn more about the Veteran Benefit Transition Act of 2018, please visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2248/text
Courses and Programs of Study
To help students reach their educational goals, those that have earned college credits outside of Sinclair or served in the U.S. Armed Forces, must have official transcripts sent to Sinclair. Transcripts will be evaluated by the office of Registration & Student Records. Once the credits have been evaluated, the school will send the student a letter informing them of the number of credits accepted. This information is essential for students and advisors to create an academic plan that accurately reflects the best path to success.
For assistance with creating an academic plan, students need to meet with an Academic Advisor. A degree plan is required before the MFEC can certify any VA educational benefits.
Sinclair’s developmental (remedial) courses are approved for VA educational benefits if these courses are recommended through placement testing and are taken in-person.
The following is a listing of programs and courses that are not approved for VA educational benefits:
- All one-year and short-term technical certificate programs
- Courses that cannot be credited toward graduation in an approved associate and/or bachelor’s degree program
- Developmental courses taken in an online format (no face-to-face class meetings required)
- Real Estate courses for students not enrolled in the Real Estate associate degree program
- Professional Pilot courses for students not enrolled in the approved Professional Pilot associate/ bachelor’s degree program(s)
Remember: Assistance may be received in course selection, but final course selection is the student’s responsibility. Students should follow the course outline as contained in the college catalog and communicate regularly with their academic advisor.
Aviation Students Using the GI Bill®
Best Practices Process: Advising Students in the Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot program that are using the GI Bill ®
Students that are in the Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot program and are utilizing GI Bill® benefits should be made aware that the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) does not pay for certificates within the program, they will only pay for a degree. This means you are advised to take general education classes mixed with flight classes showing intent to complete the program.
GI Bill ® Trademark
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government Web Site at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/
Military Tuition Assistance (TA)
Each branch of the United States Armed Forces offers Tuition Assistance (TA) programs for their active duty members, national guard members and its reservists. Programs are administered by the individual service branches, and typically require coordination through the service member’s command structure. Students with questions about using their Military TA at Sinclair can contact the Military Family Education Center (MFEC). The MFEC (formerly Veteran Services), is located in Building 10, Room 10444, Dayton Campus. You can also contact the MFEC by phone at (937) 512-2586, or by email at mfec@sinclair.edu.
To use your TA at Sinclair, students need to provide their Branch’s TA program with an Academic Plan. Requirements for academic plans vary by service branch, but in general the plan must be created and signed by a Sinclair Academic Advisor, list all of the courses required for the degree or certificate being sought by the student, show all transfer courses that have been accepted by Sinclair and are applicable to course requirements of the student’s program. Students must submit a request to use TA each semester through their Branch’s online education portal.
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP)
The ONGSP is provided to all Air and Army National Guard members serving in the Ohio National Guard. This is a state benefit that covers tuition for approved national guard members. To apply, please visit ONGSP.Ohio.gov for each term that you would like to use these benefits.
Once these benefits are approved each term, please send the official document to the MFEC at mfec@sinclair.edu. For questions regarding this process, please contact the MFEC at (937) 512-2586.
Current Military Access Scholarship (CMAS)
Military TA and ONGSP programs do not cover college fees. To minimize out-of-pocket costs, Sinclair has established the Current Military Access Scholarship (CMAS) program that pays up to $250 in non-tuition fees per semester for students using Military TA. Funds are awarded directly to student accounts after TA has been applied. Students do not need to apply for this scholarship.
My Career Advancement Account (MYCAA)
The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship Program is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 ($2,000 per year) of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation. For more information about MyCAA and to apply go to https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa. For questions regarding MyCAA, please contact the MFEC at (937) 512-2586.
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship (OWOS)
The Ohio WOS Program awards tuition assistance to the children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict. For more information about OWOS and to apply go to https://www.ohiohighered.org/ohio-war-orphans. For questions regarding OWOS, please contact the MFEC at (937) 512-2586.
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