Once you get registered for classes, you should bring a copy of your class schedule to the Veteran's Representative located in room 1207 on the main campus. The Vet Rep will validate your attendance and send a certification to the appropriate VA Regional Office (the office varies depending on the type of benefits you are receiving). This is called the Enrollment Certification Process. The VA rep will certify your attendance one time each semester, and then periodically make sure that you remain a student throughout the rest of the term. The main point here is that you cannot be paid for your benefits until the VA rep certifies your enrollment, and he or she cannot certify your enrollment until he has your class schedule, so don't forget to drop it off in room 1207.

The Certifying Official for WVU at Parkersburg has to report, within 30 days of change, any enrollment changes that will affect your monthly check amount. If you withdraw from school or drop classes that causes a change in your enrollment status, you must notify the Veteran's Representative in Room 1207 within three days of that change. Failure to do this can result in loss of future benefits, so please report any changes promptly.

If you have been approved for VA educational benefits and then decide to transfer to another school and/or change programs or majors, you must complete a Request for Change of Program or Change of Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995 or VA Form 22-5495 depending on your program). You can get this form from the Vet Rep in room 1207 or download them from the VA's web site: http://www.gibill.va.gov .

Address changes and changes of Banks should also be reported to the Department of Veteran Affairs. This is because a change in address may delay benefit checks, because the VA WILL NOT forward your benefits checks to a new address. If you close a bank account without first informing the VA, they will send your benefit payment to the old bank account. If the bank refuses the payment and sends the check back, it goes to the U.S. Dept of Treasury and takes about two weeks to get reposted. You can change your payment information on the verification form or via telephone at the Department of Veteran Affairs phone number: 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GI-BILL1).

You may request advance payment by completing items 16A, 16B, and 16C of the paper Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999). You may apply no sooner than one hundred twenty days before the semester begins but no later than 45 before the semester begins. The advance payment check is mailed to the WVU at Parkersburg business office, Room 1112.

Eligible veterans who have a course deficiency may be eligible to receive reimbursement for payment to a tutor for individual tutoring. The veteran, tutor, course instructor, and WVU at Parkersburg VA Certifying Official must complete parts of the tutorial forms. Contact the Regional VA Office to obtain a tutorial form, 1-800-827-1000.

The Veteran's Representative will provide you with the proper applications and explain the procedures involved in receiving educational benefits. If this is your initial claim, complete an Application for Benefits (VA Form 22-1990), take application, along with your copy of the DD Form 214 to the Veteran's Representative at WVU-P. He or she will assist you as needed, and then will send the Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999) to the Veteran's Affairs Regional Office. If you have previously filed for VA Educational Benefits, and have received a Certification of Eligibility (CE) from the VA or if a CE is pending, then have the Vet Rep send them the Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999). It is important to remember that the Enrollment Certification (VA Form-1999) cannot be sent unless you are pre-registered and/or registered. It is very important for you to do this within 120 days of the beginning of the enrollment period for which the enrollment certification is being done.