Veterans Affairs
First-time Applicants
Prior to using GI Bill benefits for the first time, one must apply for benefits to the Regional Processing Office (RPO). The RPO for Louisiana is located in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Apply for benefits online at the GI Bill website, www.gibill.va.gov.
Veterans, National Guard, and Reserve members must complete VA Form 22-1990. Those students who had benefits transferred from their sponsor need to complete a VA Form 22-1990E after their sponsor has transferred entitlement to them. Other qualifying dependents must complete VA Form 22-5490.
After the RPO processes the application (processing time is approximately 8 to 12 weeks), they will send a letter stating eligibility status, qualifying chapter, and number of months of benefits (Certificate of Eligibility). When letter is in receipt, please bring to the Registrar’s Office so a copy can be placed in your VA folder. There are additional local forms that must be completed for Southern University at Shreveport. These forms are available on the Registrar’s Office web page.
Southern University at Shreveport does not participate in the advance payment program. Chapter 31, Chapter 33 and LA State Exemption are the only chapters of the GI Bill that pay the university for tuition and fees. All of the other chapters pay the student monthly and in arrears. As a result, the student is responsible for paying all tuition and fees upfront.
Transfer Applicants
For students who have already applied for their benefits or have used their benefits at a different institution, one must complete VA Form 22-1995 (for Chapters 30, 31, 33, 1606, and 1607) or VA Form 22-5495 (for Chapter 35), as well as the local forms located in the Registrar’s Office or online. National Guard and Additional State Benefits for Louisiana Residents National Guard: The state of Louisiana has additional benefits for LA National Guard (LANG) troops. For additional information, please contact unit Education Officer.
Dependents of a Disabled Veteran
The state also offers benefits to certain dependents of veterans who were state residents prior to entering the military, and are disabled or died in the line of duty or by service connected causes. Contact the local State Veterans Affairs Office for the parish in which one resides.
Important Notes
- All students are required to submit a degree plan signed by the academic advisor to the Registrar’s Office. The degree plan shows the classes required to obtain a degree at Southern University at Shreveport and will also show any transferred classes that apply toward degree.
- All students are required to fill out the local Enrollment Certification VA Data Form every semester. This form is a request for certification and is authorization that one is continuing education at Southern University at Shreveport. Classes will not be certified to the RPO until the Registrar’s Office is in receipt of the Enrollment Certification VA Data Form and a curriculum sheet; if one is not on file.
- If one adds or drops a course or changes a course from credit to audit during the semester, please notify the Registrar’s Office by submitting the Add/Drop form for processing.
Contact Information For questions concerning the use of VA benefits at Southern University at Shreveport, contact the Veteran Affairs representative in the Registrar’s Office.