Porterville College
March 20, 2020 11:30 AM
Student Veterans will continue to receive their GI Bill benefits under S. 3503, which President Trump signed into law March 21.
The law enables VA to continue providing the same level of education benefits to students having to take courses online due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The law gives VA temporary authority to continue GI Bill payments uninterrupted in the event of national emergencies. This allows for continued payment of benefits even if the program has changed from resident training to online training.
Thanks to the law, GI Bill students will continue receiving the same monthly housing allowance (MHA) payments they received for resident training until Dec. 21, or until the school resumes in-person classes.
In the wake of COVID-19, thousands of students nationwide have been converted to distance learning as many educational institutions are transitioning to technology-based lesson delivery.
“I commend President Trump and Congress for their work on this important law,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “It will give Veteran students certainty as they continue their education.”
Students receiving GI Bill benefits are not required to take any action. Benefits will continue automatically. VA will work closely with schools to ensure accurately certified enrollments and timely processing. Updates will be provided to students via direct email campaigns and social media regarding VA’s effort to implement these new changes.
Students with specific questions can contact the Education Call Center at: 888-442-4551 between 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.
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Porterville College honors and supports the sacrifices of those who have served in our nation’s military and is approved as an institution of higher learning for the training of veterans and dependents of veterans who are entitled to educational assistance.
To assist our veterans with their transition from the military to the classroom, Porterville College provides a Veterans Resource Center (VRC) located in the Academic Center building, room 116. The VRC is a relaxing place for student veterans to gather, meet with the veterans’ counselor, study, talk with representatives from veteran service providers, or just enjoy the camaraderie of fellow veterans on campus. In addition, the center provides a copy machine for veteran use, a study room with computers, and a lounge area to have lunch or just take a break.
Veterans are also encouraged to participate in the Student Veterans Organization (SVO). The SVO is the student club that advocates for veteran issues on campus and provides a social group setting to help veterans become successful in their adjustment to the college and civilian life. The SVO meets regularly and all veterans are encouraged to come to the meetings or join in its various activities.
The VRC is a centralized location and hub of activities for the veterans on campus. It provides a place for academic support services, camaraderie, and wellness. The services include:
Download the "Supporting Student Veterans" Brochure
A Mike's Pass is a free parking pass given to all veterans their first semester of enrollment at Porterville College. (Mike's Passes for subsequent semesters can be "earned" - see the VRC coordinator/counselor for more information on how to earn an additional Mike's Pass).
Method of Funding
Mike's Passes are funded through the generous donations of individuals, businesses or agencies in the community. Donations are made to a foundation account established for the specific purpose of providing this additional support to Porterville College veterans.
How to Register for a Mike's Pass
In order to obtain this free parking permit, veterans need to:
The mission of the Porterville College Veterans Resource Center is to provide assistance and support to veterans and their dependents as they transition from the military to the completion of their academic goals.