From the Director of Military and Veteran Student Success
WELCOME to Spring 2026!!!
Welcome to the Spring 2026 semester!!! The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success is excited to have you back on campus this semester and we are honored to support you as you begin this new term.
As you move forward this semester, remember that our office and the Military and Veteran Success Center are here to support you through every stage of your journey – from academic success and career readiness to wellbeing, transition, and engagement. These are all components of the new CASTLE framework we will be rolling out this Spring. I encourage you to stay connected, take advantage of available resources, and lean on our community when challenges arise. We are proud to walk alongside you this spring and look forward to celebrating your achievements!
GO KNIGHTS!!!
Stay updated with MVSS and join our community on Campus ESP .
Michael Kepner, MS.
Director, MVSS
michael.kepner@ucf.edu
School Certifying Official Corner
SPRING 2026 DINING SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED!
The Office of Military and Veterans Student Success is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for awarding 12 Dining Scholarships for military-connected students for the upcoming semester. These scholarships are designed to help ease the financial burden of food expenses and ensure that students have reliable access to meals while focusing on their academic success.
What the Scholarship Covers: Recipients will receive assistance that can be used toward campus dining plans or approved dining options, helping to support daily nutritional needs throughout the semester.
How to Apply: Interested students can submit an application through the Office of Military and Veterans Student Success website.
Application Deadline:15 February 2026! We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this valuable resource. If you have any questions about the Dining Scholarship or need assistance with your application, please contact our office at [insert email] or visit us in person during regular business hours.
Your service matters—and your success matters to us. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Tuition and Fees Deferment Information
Effective August 1, 2019, schools are not allowed to penalize or prohibit a GI Bill student from attending or participating in courses while awaiting VA payment (for up to 90 days). The law allows schools to require students to submit a COE in order to qualify for the protections listed in the law. If a student does not comply with their school’s requirement, the student is not protected and the school is allowed to charge a late fee. That late fee, which is due to the student’s failure, will be owed by the student. Even if the student ultimately submits a COE and VA pays tuition and fees, the late fee cannot be reimbursed to the student.
The most effective way to ensure you receive your deferment and avoid Late Payment Fees is to certify your benefit EARLY! At UCF, we open the certification window approximately 45 days prior to the commencement of the next semester. For example: Summer 2026 semester begins 13 May 2026, therefore we will start accepting your certifications on or about 1 April 2026. Remember: you must be registered for your classes before you can certify your information.
VA Education Benefit Processing Times
The VA education benefit processing varies, but generally, initial applications take about 30 days, with subsequent certifications faster (2-4 weeks), though payments can be delayed if verification is missed or issues arise, requiring communication with your school’s VA rep; apply 60-90 days before school starts to give the VA time. Monthly payments (MHA) arrive after enrollment verification and can take up to 5 days to deposit, usually around the first of the month.
Processing Times Breakdown:
- Initial Application: Around 30 days for the VA to send a decision letter and Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Tuition & Fees: After COE, schools certify enrollment, with payment often arriving 2-4 weeks later.
- Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): Processed monthly after you verify your enrollment (via text/email/WAVE), arriving up to 5 days after the first of the month.
Key Factors & Tips:
Delays: Amendments, changes, or missing info can cause delays, so stay in contact with your school.
Apply Early: Submit applications 60-90 days before classes start to allow for processing.
Verify Enrollment: Crucial for receiving monthly payments; failure to verify for two consecutive months may pause your benefits.
School Certifying Official (SCO): Your school’s VA rep is your best resource for updates and issues.
Check VA.gov: Log in to your account to view your status and payment history.
IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AID DATES AND DEADLINES
SPRING 2026 SEMESTER:
- Classes begin: January 12, 2026
- Add/Drop deadline: January 16, 2026
- Tuition and Fee Payment Deadline: March 27, 2026
- ***You must certify by this date to guarantee your deferral***
- VA/GI Bill Deferral payment deadline: April 27, 2026
- Last Day to Remove Incomplete: April 27, 2026
- Last day of classes: April 27, 2026
- Final Exams: April 26 – May 5, 2026
- Commencement: May 7 – May 9, 2026
Please visit the UCF Academic Calendar for updated university dates and deadlines
