From the Director of Military and Veteran Student Success
Happy Birthday America!!!
As our Nation celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary, we honor the generations of Americans who have answered the call to serve. For 250 years, the strength of our country has been built not only through our founding ideals, but through the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who have defended them. Military service represents a promise to something greater than oneself…a dedication to protecting the freedoms and opportunities that define our great Nation.
At the University of Central Florida Office of Military and Veteran Student Success, we are proud to serve those who have served our country, as well as the families who stand beside them. America’s 250th is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history while reaffirming our commitment to helping today’s military-connected students continue their legacy of service through education, leadership, and community impact. As they transition from military service to academic and professional success, they continue strengthening our Nation in new and meaningful ways.
On behalf of our entire MVSS team, thank you to every service member, veteran, military spouse, and family member for your unwavering commitment to our country. May this historic milestone inspire all of us to honor the past, serve with purpose in the present, and help shape an even stronger America for generations to come.
GO KNIGHTS!!! CHARGE ON!!!
Stay updated with MVSS and join our community on Campus ESP .
Michael Kepner, MS.
Director, MVSS
michael.kepner@ucf.edu
School Certifying Official Corner
FALL 2026 VA EDUCATION BENEFIT CERTIFICATIONS
Students planning to use VA education benefits for the Fall 2026 semester must submit a request for certification to their institution’s School Certifying Official (SCO) prior to the term start date, ensure they are registered in eligible courses that apply to their declared program of study, and provide any required documentation such as a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or updated benefit status. Certification processing for University of Central Florida can be found here: https://access.ucf.edu/military/home/benefits-certification/
Students using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (Chapter 33) must also verify enrollment as required and understand that payments for tuition, housing, and books are tied to enrollment status and eligibility tier (https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/), while dependents using Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) must confirm eligibility and maintain enrollment in an approved program (https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance/).
All students are responsible for initiating certification each term, monitoring their VA account, and promptly responding to any requests from their school or the Department of Veterans Affairs to avoid delays in payment or enrollment certification.
Contact MVSC@UCF.EDU for more information.
Understanding Your VA Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) & Semester Hours
If you’re using Post 9/11 or VRE education benefits, your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is directly tied to how many credit hours AND the modality of classes you’re enrolled in each term. Knowing how this works can help you maximize your benefits and avoid unexpected changes in your payment.
How Semester Hours Affect Your MHA: Your enrollment level determines how much of the MHA you receive:
Full-Time (100%): Typically 12+ credit hours (undergraduate standard)
→ Receive 100% of MHA
¾ Time (75%): Usually 7–11 credit hours
→ Receive prorated MHA
Half-Time (50%) or Less Than Half-Time: 6 credit hours or less
→ No MHA payment
**Graduate programs and accelerated terms may have different credit requirements—always verify with your school.
Online vs. In-Person Classes
Fully Online Students: Receive a reduced MHA rate (national average). For the University of Central Florida, this is a reduction from $2595/full month to $1115/full month of classes.
At Least One In-Person Class
Eligible for full MHA based on school ZIP code
IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AID DATES AND DEADLINES
FALL 2026 SEMESTER:
- Per UCF Academic Calendar:
- Classes Begin: August 24, 2026
- Add/Drop Deadline: August 28, 2026
- Withdrawal Deadline: October 10, 2026
- VA/Third Party Deferral Payment Deadline: November 27, 2026
- Last Day of Classes: December 3, 2026
- Final Exam Period: 4 – 10 December, 2026
- Commencement: 11 – 12 December 26
Please visit the UCF Academic Calendar for updated university dates and deadlines
