Veteran and Military-Connected Benefits FAQ

Who do I contact about military benefits at URI?

For general inquiries:

  • Nancy Paquette, URI Certifying Official
    Email: uriveteran@etal.uri.edu 
    Enrollments Benefits Coordinator:  401-874-5382

For specific questions about:

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Who do I contact to have JST or other college credits posted to my transcript?
Zak Pereira (875-2973) can assist you with credit posting. He can be reached at zakary_pereira@uri.edu. Another useful took is the Transfer Evaluation System or TES that will list the classes by college that transfer into URI. A grade of “C” or better is needed to earn credit.

Which documents/materials will I need to determine my eligibility for benefits?

Do I need to submit a form every semester to maintain my eligibility?
Yes. In order to receive funding, you do need to submit a Student Verification Form each semester. Please see the dates on the above link.

What benefits are available through the VA?
The University accepts all VA Benefits including Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, Chapter 35, as well as the State Tuition Waiver (STAP) for our RI National Guard, and the Disabled American Veterans Tuition Waiver (DAV). 

If you are eligible for their maximum benefit, the VA will pay the full cost of public, instate tuition and fees. For veterans and dependents who are out-of-state, we also offer residency reclassification in the following circumstances: 

  • An Active-Duty member or the spouse or dependent of an active duty member of any branch of the Uniformed Services who has been on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, or any Active-Duty member who is injured while on active duty and whose injuries cause him/her to be on active duty for a period of less than 30 days.
  • A copy of active duty orders required
  • Dependents must provide proof of R.I. residency as well (a housing deposit or copy of a lease suffices)
  • A veteran of the Uniformed Services who is eligible for federal GI Bill® benefits, or any other individual who is eligible for transferred federal GI Bill® educational benefits or the Fry Scholarship
  • A copy of the student’s Certificate of Eligibility is required
  • Dependents must provide proof of R.I. residency as well (a housing deposit or copy of a lease suffices)
  • A dependent eligible for DEA/Ch. 35 benefits for which a copy of the student’s Certificate of Eligibility is required.

What does the VA need from me in order to determine benefits?
You need to apply for benefits online on the VA website. Please submit VA form 22-1990 online.

All students applying for VA Benefits for the first time should visit https://www.va.gov/. Click “Education Benefits” towards the bottom left, and then “Apply for Education Benefits.” 

After applications are approved, the VA issues a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) to qualified individuals. The certificate will contain basic eligibility information including months of entitlement, period of eligibility, and benefit level. Email your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to vabenefits-group@uri.edu. 

What is a Yellow Ribbon School? Is URI one? Why or why not?
The University of Rhode Island (URI) provides full tuition coverage for Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients, making it an outstanding choice for military-connected students. NOTE: URI does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, which waives a portion (or all) of tuition costs that exceed the GI Bill® maximum reimbursement; however, our commitment to veterans is just as strong. We encourage you to compare our competitive reimbursement package with any other school. 

As a state flagship and land-grant university, URI ensures that veterans and their families receive the financial support they need to pursue higher education without the burden of additional tuition costs. With dedicated resources through the Center for Military and Veteran Education (MAVE), URI offers a supportive environment where veterans can excel academically and transition seamlessly into civilian careers.

I am new to campus-where do I park and how do I get a parking pass?
You will need to register your car and get a parking pass. URI has also designated 5 parking spots specifically for Veterans. Please contact TAP with any questions.