Elective Limits
Normally, the VA will not pay for courses that do not apply toward a degree program. Elective limits are listed in the SCF Catalog which was current at the time you first enrolled, re-enrolled after a break of two major semesters, or when the state legislature enacts a new statute. Once the elective limit has been reached, benefits for additional electives can only be paid in one of the following three ways (Chapter 31 Vets should see your case manager):
- During the last semester prior to graduation, students may "pad" their schedule with elective courses in order to have enough hours to be full time. This can be done only once per degree. The elective courses may not be ones that were successfully completed in a previous term.
- After earning 60 credit hours towards an A.A. degree, a student may transfer to a university and attend there as well as at SCF. Or a student may transfer to another community/junior college as a dual enrollment student to make up required missing credit. A dual enrollment letter is needed from the parent school usually the from the university the student will be attending and then processed through the Financial Aid Office at SCF Bradenton or SCF Venice on its respective campus.
- If, after earning an A.A. degree, there are remaining, required prerequisite courses a student will need to complete before becoming a degree seeking student, at the junior level. The following steps must be taken:
- Apply to the senior institution. Please note: You do not have to wait to be accepted to start the process.
- After the senior institution reviews the SCF transcript, at your request it will issue a letter stating what courses are required prior to your being accepted. The letter must be presented to the Financial Office, SCF Bradenton or SCF Venice, before any further certifications can be processed. The letter must be on school letterhead or a specified form designed by the senior institution and signed by the Associate Vice President of Student Services, Academic Dean, or the VA certifying official and must include:
- The name for whom certification is being made.
- Specific courses required by course number, code and title
- Notice that full credit must be granted for those courses upon transfer
- Notice that the courses will be accepted in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements for the bachelor's degree
- For those students who have applied to the University of Central Florida (UCF), all that is needed is a photocopy of the page listing the required prerequisites for your particular degree listed in the UCF transfer manual. UCF is the only university that has had its transfer manual approved by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. This may also be obtained from the UCF web site.
