December 11, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode of Dragon Talk, we’re honoring our veterans and military families at HCC. Join host Ryan Record as he sits down with Assistant Registrar, Lauren Nelson-Smith, VA Cohort Liaison, Jean Melvin, as well as veteran student and Dragon Podcast intern, John Fry, to break down your VA benefits, campus support and resources. Whether you're a veteran beginning your educational journey, a military family member looking for guidance, or a campus community member wanting to better understand veteran life at HCC, this episode offers clarity, connection, and encouragement. Tune in to learn how HCC proudly stands beside those who served—every step of the way.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
[Music]
Hello listeners and welcome to Dragon Talk where we highlight the diverse stories, voices,
and experiences that shape our HCC community. I'm your host, Ryan Record, and today's episode
is dedicated to our veterans, service members, and military families. The heart of a community built
(00:23):
on service, resilience, and pride. Whether you're just getting started, coming back to finish up,
or exploring your next chapter, you're not doing it alone. Today, we'll be talking with
the incredible team from the veteran and military services here on campus who help make that support
possible. We're going to be diving into the resources that are available, how to use your
(00:46):
education benefits, and how to find connection and community here at HCC. Our first guest,
a veteran and father here who has experienced the process of becoming a student after his military
journey. He also happens to be an intern here with Dragon Podcast and whose insight helped bring
this episode to life. I'd like to welcome John Fry to the podcast. Hey Ryan, how are you? I'm
(01:12):
doing great John and it's a pleasure to have you here. Thank you for all of your hard work so far.
And I think this is a very interesting topic to dive into for all the veterans out there looking
to use their benefits wisely. I agree. It's also one thing that's never really covered and really
spoken out about. I mean, you're absolutely right. I had never considered it as, you know,
(01:32):
a civilian, but the veterans process can be a bit convoluted and confusing as you may know.
So tell us a bit about your background as to why you ended up here at HCC. So Ryan,
when I was 18, I joined the Marine Corps. Once I got out, I joined the local fire department
and became an EMT and did that for 12 years up in Pennsylvania. And when I came to HCC,
(01:56):
everybody was here to support me. Heather Boswell, the adviser, told me everything I needed to know.
everything about how to use my benefits, everything about getting early registration,
early access to classes by vets, all these extra things that are available to us was
never explained to me before. So once that was all explained to me, how to use my benefits, what the
(02:18):
payments like, how to pay for school, who's paying for it, how to get the purchase orders, once that
was explained to me, I actually enjoyed going to school again. I'm glad you ended up here pursuing
something that you're passionate about. So tell us about how your experience has been with the VA
at HCC so far. It's been phenomenal. I couldn't have asked for a better place to learn about my
(02:40):
benefits and education. They again, Heather Boswell to the registrar's office, everyone
that's behind the scenes helps. Everybody behind the scenes ensures that you're taken care of as
a student and especially as a non-traditional student, as a veteran, as an adult learner,
you are taken care of and guided because going back to school for me was terrifying. When I
(03:03):
came here and switched my major, everything fell in line. So, do you know what kind of student
veteran organizations are available or that you would recommend? Right now, HCC is lacking in
that one way of supporting the veterans. By not having a veteran student organization,
there's no representation amongst the students. And there's four steps and it's pretty simple from
(03:25):
what has been explained to me. To get recognized, you need an official governing document to plan
out your chapter, recognition by your institution as a registered student organization, an elected
group of student leaders, your president, your vice president, treasurer, etc., and a member of
your faculty or staff serving as an adviser, which we do have somebody willing to be the faculty. We
(03:47):
just need the students to do that. Would that be something that you would be interested in
assisting with? I would love to assist in that. Right now, I'm about to have shoulder surgery,
so it's not something I'm willing to take on right at this moment, but I'm here to
support them and get them any, you know, word out there about the organization. So, I understand we
have like a student veteran lounge here at the college. Could you tell us a bit about it? Yeah,
(04:10):
you just need to go up to the military compliance and reporting specialist who is Remi Tafflan. She
will have the cards to the lounge where you have access to printers, you have access to computers,
and the best part is you have access to snacks and community in that room. There's a handful of
people that I know that go in there, but outside of that, I wish more students knew about it. Yeah,
(04:31):
man. That's so cool. I had no idea that something like that existed either. So, it's good to know
that there is a nice quiet nook for veterans to go that's their own space. So, could you share with
us like a success story that highlights the impact that the veteran and military services here at HCC
has helped you with? Yeah, in order for me to come be the intern here, it took them certifying me. It
(04:54):
took them explaining everything to me. That's my success story is that I'm here doing an internship
for Dragon Podcast, which is my ultimate goal is to do podcasting. And without the support of the
VA, without support of the Veterans Administration within the HCC, I don't think I would be here. I
think I would have quit school. I would have quit my Chapter 31 benefits and never gone to
(05:16):
school again. Could you tell us a bit about like what Chapter 31 is and how it's helped you? Yeah,
I can. Uh, Chapter 31 is is veterans readiness and education. It is separate from the GI Bill. So, in
order for me, I have a disability rating with the VA, which gave me access to vocational education.
So going from being an EMT for 12 years, I got into audio video media production through that.
(05:41):
Cool. Well, John, thank you so much for being the insight to starting this episode and for sharing
your insights about how awesome the veteran and military services here are at the college. Thanks,
Ryan. Our next guest is Jean Melvin from Academic Advising. Veteran and military affiliated students
(06:05):
often have unique pathways and timelines. We're grateful to have you here to speak on what can
be expected once they officially enroll. Joining me today is Jean Melvin, the VA cohort liaison,
VA adviser for others. Welcome. How are you doing today? I'm doing great, thanks. It's a pleasure
to have you. and if you could start by telling us a bit about your background and and how you got
(06:28):
into this job. So I was in education for a long time and decided I wanted to change and from a
military family. So originally I came to HCC to work as the SEO for VA benefits but after being
there for a while decided to kind of pivot and now work in advising and really enjoy that as well.
(06:53):
That's awesome. What do you wish that every new veteran student knew coming in on day one? I
checked in with the SEO that's here now, Remy, and we kind of put our heads together for this.
I guess the first thing is know that you are here to use your benefits and you want to actually do
something with them. Have an idea of what you want to be using the benefits to aim you towards. That
(07:19):
being said, just know that it is a great benefit and if you use it wisely, it can take you places.
If you're not sure what you want to do with it, I would never say education is a waste of money,
but if you spend a lot of time here changing your major and not getting towards a goal,
um, you're not using the benefit the way that it was meant to be used. That's interesting. But for
(07:41):
reference, are students, veteran students, allowed to adjust their major? and and just curious how
many times can you do that before the VA is like well you've had your time. The VA will let you
do that and we do have students who have multiple changes of major. So I mean you just need to think
if you're here after five semesters, six semesters and you are only halfway towards an associates
(08:04):
degree in something that you need to start making some conscious choices about where you
want your education to bring you. Right. Right. So, for students looking to use their benefits,
can you explain what that process looks like? So, the first thing you're going to do is get
your certificate of eligibility from the VA. Once you have your certificate of eligibility, you come
(08:27):
to HCC, meet your SEO, fill in the paperwork for us. We need the COE. If you are a vet yourself, we
usually ask for the DD214. And then really, that's all you have to provide in the beginning. Okay.
Every semester you need to submit a promissory note that is telling the SEO that yes,
(08:49):
please use my benefits for this term. People do it the first semester and then don't remember
to do it after that. And here's the thing, it's the benefits is like your bank account and Remy
is not going to go into your bank account and take money unless you ask her to. So every semester you
have to request that the benefits be utilized. I know when I was the SEO and I know Remy now,
(09:12):
we chase a lot of people every semester. Are you using benefits this term? Do you want to
use benefits this term? And she'll also wanted me to tell you, check your HCC email because
we send that email to the HCC email that if you're not checking, you don't see. I mean,
that does seem like it would be common sense, but you're also throwing a lot of acronyms around. And
(09:33):
as somebody that's not in that field, I'm I'm kind of like, hm, what is this DDT and and this this
SEO? So COE is certificate of eligibility. Okay. And that is from the the VA makes a decision at
somewhere more important than we are. Yes, you are getting benefits. They decide the percentage
of benefits based on how many years you were in service. Once that certificate of eligibility, you
(09:57):
get that and you come here. your DD214 if you're a veteran that's your like paperwork for getting
out. It means you're out of the service and SEO is a school certifying official and that is the
person who actually sends your benefits to the VA. Gotcha. Gotcha. Thank you for the clarification.
Sure. I know. Yeah. Military lots of acronyms. So what documents or information should students
(10:21):
have ready before meeting you in your office? So for the SEO, it's what we just talked about, the
COE and your DD214. For an advisor, when you're going to an appointment as an advise, you need
to know which program, which area of study you're using because your certification goes to the VA
based on what program of study you have and your classes have to fit in that program of study. So,
(10:48):
if you're changing a program of study, you need to talk to your SEO and let her know. The promissory
note should have a spot where you're talking about which program of study you're using. So, you know,
if you go to an adviser and say, I want to do all visual arts classes, but what the SEO has on
file is that you are a business major, then those classes are not in your program of study. So, you
(11:10):
need to make sure that what you're choosing each semester fits the program of study that you have.
Okay. Yeah. Yeah, that definitely makes sense. If you want to concentrate on more than one thing,
you are allowed to have a dual major. Okay? So, and this happens sometimes with the students who
are in allied health, you only can take a certain number of courses because a lot of the courses are
(11:32):
in sequence. If you need to take your 100-level biology and you take your math and maybe,
you know, at some point you don't have any more credits in that program of study for a semester.
Maybe all you have left are four credits, but you want to be full-time to get your full housing
allowance. So, what we can do is add a general studies major and you can choose classes that fit
(11:57):
both. And when the certification gets sent to the VA, it will note that you are using a dual major.
No, that makes sense. And yeah, it's great to have that flexibility. So, good to know you all
can work some magic up there. We try. We try. So just curious, is there a minimum GPA requirement
to keep your benefits? And if so, what is that threshold? So there's really not as long as you
(12:22):
are in good standing at the college, then we can certify you. Okay. Um so whatever the standing is
that you are progressing through your degree at HCC, as long as you meet those requirements, we
can send your certifications to the VA. Right on. So, do students have to pay back their benefits
if they like withdraw or fail a course? Good question. Um, something that we talk about all the
(12:45):
time with students. So, there's an earned F and there's an unearned F. So, if you earn the F, if
you go to class, if you finish out the semester by attending, that is considered an earned F and you
do not have to pay that back, there's no change to the VA, and you're allowed to retake the class and
the VA will pay for it. Okay? But if you have an unearned F, if you have an NA for never attended,
(13:09):
if you have an FW for failed to withdraw, your instructors will report a last date of attendance.
And your SEO has to report that last date of attendance to the VA. So if you stopped going to
class in November, 3 or 4 weeks before your class ended, we report that date to the VA and there may
(13:32):
be a debt. So, you would owe HCC the remainder of the payment for class because they'll have to pay
the VA back for the money the VA sent. You also may owe book money and your um MHA, your military
housing allowance, you may owe some of that back as well. Interesting. That's definitely good
information to know. Hey, I mean, life happens and and and yeah, and so it's important to talk to the
(13:59):
SEO if you're having issues. Obviously, always talk to your instructors, but let the SEO know
what's going on and kind of ask. You know, one of the biggest issues is students don't ask the
questions. They just kind of either stop going and let that decision be their inactivity. And
it can be a lot of money. The housing rate in this area is like $2,500 a month. And if you stop going
(14:22):
to class in February because you have stuff going on, which we understand a lot of people have stuff
going on, but if you don't report that to the SEO and the SEO doesn't end your certification,
you would owe $2,500 for March, $2,500 for April, and that's a big amount of money to pay back,
right? Yeah, that definitely adds up. So, yeah, transparency is key. Just let y'all know if
(14:46):
something's going on. 100%. Gotcha. Gotcha. So, how should students determine if the GI bill or
the VR and E suits them best? So, we are not the experts on that at all. You need to do that at
the like VA level. But I will say most people would tell you that use your VR and E first
(15:11):
and then go into using your GI bill. Okay. Um, but you know, talk to your counselor if you are
a VR and E student and just make sure that's kind of what's going to be best for you. So, how should
students check with you to make sure like their classes are VA approved degree requirements? So,
when you as a student are in your my progress, when you're looking at your major, if you scroll
(15:38):
all the way down to the bottom, there's a section that says other. If your classes are in other,
it could be because you failed it and it's still sitting there. That's normal. Your labs should
go down there cuz most of them have a zero credit and so they go down to the other section. But if
you selected business management and it shows up down there, like we need to figure out why. Um,
(16:02):
another way is to, you know, talk to your advisor. they can look and look in the program and see, but
mainly it's using the my progress and just make sure everything slots into a spot in your planner.
Yeah, that's great. Also, you can request a review from your advisor in your my progress. There's a
little button that says request review and it sends a a note to your adviser and if they see
(16:26):
there's something not in your program of study, they would contact you. It's great information.
So, just curious, how do summer or accelerated coursework affect veterans housing allowance? So,
it does have an effect. So, right, for a 15-week term, 12 is full-time. With the 7-week terms,
it's less. So, any shorter term, you need less credits to be full-time. Usually,
(16:50):
over the winter term, it's just the one class because winter term is only 21 days. So,
choose accordingly if you're picking a class for winter. But for the 7-week terms, you are getting
your housing allowance for those 7 weeks. So in spring from 1/26 to 3/14, then there's a break.
It starts on 3/23. So between March 14th and March 23rd, there is no housing paid. Certifications are
(17:17):
sent via date. So if you have uh I like to call them 7A, 7B just to keep them separate.
If you have a 15-week class and a 7A class and a 7B class, three certifications go to the VA, three
different ones. Um, so they make the adjustments on their end about housing and how it overlaps.
(17:39):
So if you do have only one 15-week class and then you have some seven weeks, that period in between,
you may not get housing. It's definitely important to know. And Jean, that's all the questions I have
for you. Thank you for coming on Dragon Talk to share your expertise. Well, thank you for having
me. I appreciate the chance to tell the veterans what's going to help make them successful.
(18:05):
We appreciate all that valuable information, Jean. That support and guidance is very important in
shaping the students experience and helping them move confidently towards their goals.
And our next guest will share with us how the process works behind the scenes. [Music] I
(18:26):
have the privilege of sitting down with Lauren Nelson-Smith, the assistant registar to tell us
a bit more about the lovely benefits that we offer here. Tell us about your background and
why you chose this career. I've been in education since about 2005. I started at John Hopkins. I've
worked in career services, disability support for international students as well as veterans.
(18:48):
I majority of my time I want to say I've been a registar. I've been in this role since September
15th. So it's still a bit new to me how it works here. So I'm just happy to be here. You certainly
have the experience that speaks for itself, but to step into such like I guess it's not new shoes
per se, but you know a new role at a new place and just hit the ground running. Do you have like the
(19:09):
resources you need to be successful here? The face of the VA department right now has mainly been
our military compliance specialist, Remi Tafflan, who's in 218B. So, majority of the time when new
students come, they're actually meeting with her face to face going over what they need to submit,
benefits they would qualify for. But I do make time to like go to the lounge, see what students
(19:30):
in there, replenishing. I have been sending out emails just to let them know everything that's
been going on, especially during the shutdown cuz that was a long time of uncertainty and I know a
lot of people worried. Some students weren't getting their housing allowance, which I know
can be quite a headache and something makes you nervous and anxiety. I understand all that. So,
during a government shutdown, how are benefit payments affected? So, the regular tuition fees,
(19:56):
those still go through um because we're still able to certify. The main affected would be
like our VRE students, our chapter 1 students, unfortunately, they can't get their funding
until their counselor actually send us their PO number. And unfortunately those counselors
all furlough during that time frame. So if and when like the VA payments are delayed what kind
(20:19):
of support network or system does HTC provide to the students so they're not penalized. We do defer
their payment. So one key thing before start of each term a student must fill out the promissory
note. Promissory note is probably one of the most important things to do. Right on. So tell us like
(20:39):
what does the veterans and military services do here at the college? The main things we make sure
the students are getting the correct benefits for those are new. We have those that are dependent
of our veterans. So basically their mother, father, whomever has passed down their benefits,
educational benefits to them. A lot of times when students come to us since we are a community
(21:02):
college, they've already been a role manager but we have to transfer over. So, what forms
and deadlines should student veterans be aware of each semester? Before the term starts, they need
to fill a promissory note, which is found on our website. So, we have to put your information in 30
days within it. Any changes have to be submitted within 60 days. If you're dropping a course,
(21:23):
if you think you might have to move and you might just need to put yourself on pause or transfer,
if you're taking courses at another school as well. So any changes you make, we need to know.
Even in your trouble of failing class or anything like that, like still let us know. In regards like
having to repeat classes, having to drop classes or even change the programs like that as a major.
(21:44):
I always tell students to go online first. Check the VA website. It will give you a link to our
school for the programs that are approved, which is key. We're here to assist you basically as
much as we can and we're very transparent. I'm a very blunt, direct individual, so like I'm
not going to sugar coat. I'm just going to tell you the way it is. Remi seems to be very direct
as well. She got a lot more jokes though, kind of more just straightforward. So, which is why
(22:09):
she's more or less the facing of it, too. So, yeah, transparency once again, it's everything.
And and Jean was saying that uh they can work some magic, but coming in with like a goal,
a plan helps immensely, right? It does. It does. Also, I've noticed just for any people they're
just starting, like especially the dependents and they're coming in um with their parents and a lot
(22:33):
of times they don't speak what they want to say if their parents here cuz we have those parents that
want to be like, "Oh, they're doing this and and the student doesn't want to." So, we always say,
"Okay, well, we'll have you come back. We'll reach out to you so they can let us know what
they really want to do." if it's even a different degree program or they're thinking about how many
credits they really feel they can take. Like we want to make sure they do what they need to do and
(22:55):
stay on task and we want them to feel comfortable enough to come to us. Like I said, sometimes it's
without the parents and we totally get that. We want to make sure you're doing what you want to
do. So they might be dependent but they're still adults and you know sometimes their parents want
to be all over their lives but it's good to know they have the flexibility to be themselves here.
So, as an outsider hearing about all these different chapters, chapters 31, 33, 35, I was
(23:22):
like, what is all this about? So, I'm just curious like what determines a student's eligibility for
each of these chapters. Could you explain that? Yes. So, chapter 31, it's the vocational readiness
program. Those are more career placement. Those are ones that receive like majority of the housing
allowance. Um, we have our chapter 33 and chapter 35 which are more or less the dependents, the
(23:47):
spouses of military veterans which their benefits are passed down from, like I said, either a
spouse, guardian, there's parents, whatever. But I mean, the great thing about all the benefits here,
like I said, their tuition and fees are paid for as long as they submit that promisary note. And
I want to say it is a bit confusing, but on our website, which breaks down everything,
(24:08):
what chapters they what we have, how you'll be eligible, where to go to find information regards
to everything from what you qualify for, what you don't qualify for, any additional fees that might
have to come out of pocket, as well as deadlines, resources for the career counseling, any type of
mental assistance you might need. Just everything is very detail- oriented outline our website. Like
(24:30):
the only thing I would probably change in there is just to put our location actual location so
they know like said as you know the different parts of school are under construction. So
we're pretty much a mosh pit between advising um financial aid just everybody all in one section.
I'm sure there's a lot of bumping elbows in those offices. Could you go into like what expenses
(24:54):
can be covered under each chapter? So pretty much everything is covered. It's just a matter
of full-time, part-time to see how much you're getting covered. And then it outlines, I mean,
there are certain things that won't be covered, like the housing allowance. Some of them do get
house allowance, some of them don't get house. There's also some that get moving allowance as
well. So, it depends on what chapter. Like I said, it's broken down on the website and then we can go
(25:16):
over that when you come in one by one, too. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's a lot. We could be here all day
talking about all the expenses, right? And last question. what tutoring, counseling or career
placement are available to students and dependents here? So, because our school is smaller, we don't
have a dedicated tutoring system that is only privileged to the VA students as well as career
(25:42):
services. So, we still direct them to the services that everyone else uses. So, we will look into
services for you like depending on your chapter. If it's something where you need one-on-one
tutoring and you feel like you need more than what is here for you for free, we will reach out to see
if you can get the allowance to pay for that as well. Awesome. And Lauren, thank you so much for
coming on the show today. Absolute privilege and pleasure to have you. Thank you. Oh, thank
(26:06):
you for having me. It's very nice to meet you. Sorry I couldn't find this sooner, but now that
I know. Yeah. For those that don't know, we're hiding in a cave in a basement somewhere. [Music]
And that wraps up another special episode of Dragon Talk. A huge thank you to our veteran and
military services team for all the incredible work they do every day. And to all of our veterans and
(26:32):
military families for your service, sacrifice, and continued contributions to our community. If you'd
like to learn more about HCC's veteran resources, visit howardcc.edu/veterans edu/veterans or
reach out directly to the Veteran and Military Services Office here on campus for some one-on-one
guidance. At HCC, we don't just welcome veterans, we support you, we stand with you, and we walk
(26:58):
beside you every step of the way. And if you'd like to hear more about what's happening in Dragon
Country, be sure to subscribe, share, and stay connected. You can find Dragon Talk on Spotify,
Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean, wherever you get your podcasts. Just search Dragon Podcasts. Thank
you for tuning in and we'll see you next time on Dragon Talk. This is Ryan Record signing out.
(27:30):
[Music]
[Music]
Hello listeners and welcome to Dragon Talk where we highlight the diverse stories, voices,
and experiences that shape our HCC community. I'm your host, Ryan Record, and today's episode
is dedicated to our veterans, service members, and military families. The heart of a community built
(00:23):
on service, resilience, and pride. Whether you're just getting started, coming back to finish up,
or exploring your next chapter, you're not doing it alone. Today, we'll be talking with
the incredible team from the veteran and military services here on campus who help make that support
possible. We're going to be diving into the resources that are available, how to use your
(00:46):
education benefits, and how to find connection and community here at HCC. Our first guest,
a veteran and father here who has experienced the process of becoming a student after his military
journey. He also happens to be an intern here with Dragon Podcast and whose insight helped bring
this episode to life. I'd like to welcome John Fry to the podcast. Hey Ryan, how are you? I'm
(01:12):
doing great John and it's a pleasure to have you here. Thank you for all of your hard work so far.
And I think this is a very interesting topic to dive into for all the veterans out there looking
to use their benefits wisely. I agree. It's also one thing that's never really covered and really
spoken out about. I mean, you're absolutely right. I had never considered it as, you know,
(01:32):
a civilian, but the veterans process can be a bit convoluted and confusing as you may know.
So tell us a bit about your background as to why you ended up here at HCC. So Ryan,
when I was 18, I joined the Marine Corps. Once I got out, I joined the local fire department
and became an EMT and did that for 12 years up in Pennsylvania. And when I came to HCC,
(01:56):
everybody was here to support me. Heather Boswell, the adviser, told me everything I needed to know.
everything about how to use my benefits, everything about getting early registration,
early access to classes by vets, all these extra things that are available to us was
never explained to me before. So once that was all explained to me, how to use my benefits, what the
(02:18):
payments like, how to pay for school, who's paying for it, how to get the purchase orders, once that
was explained to me, I actually enjoyed going to school again. I'm glad you ended up here pursuing
something that you're passionate about. So tell us about how your experience has been with the VA
at HCC so far. It's been phenomenal. I couldn't have asked for a better place to learn about my
(02:40):
benefits and education. They again, Heather Boswell to the registrar's office, everyone
that's behind the scenes helps. Everybody behind the scenes ensures that you're taken care of as
a student and especially as a non-traditional student, as a veteran, as an adult learner,
you are taken care of and guided because going back to school for me was terrifying. When I
(03:03):
came here and switched my major, everything fell in line. So, do you know what kind of student
veteran organizations are available or that you would recommend? Right now, HCC is lacking in
that one way of supporting the veterans. By not having a veteran student organization,
there's no representation amongst the students. And there's four steps and it's pretty simple from
(03:25):
what has been explained to me. To get recognized, you need an official governing document to plan
out your chapter, recognition by your institution as a registered student organization, an elected
group of student leaders, your president, your vice president, treasurer, etc., and a member of
your faculty or staff serving as an adviser, which we do have somebody willing to be the faculty. We
(03:47):
just need the students to do that. Would that be something that you would be interested in
assisting with? I would love to assist in that. Right now, I'm about to have shoulder surgery,
so it's not something I'm willing to take on right at this moment, but I'm here to
support them and get them any, you know, word out there about the organization. So, I understand we
have like a student veteran lounge here at the college. Could you tell us a bit about it? Yeah,
(04:10):
you just need to go up to the military compliance and reporting specialist who is Remi Tafflan. She
will have the cards to the lounge where you have access to printers, you have access to computers,
and the best part is you have access to snacks and community in that room. There's a handful of
people that I know that go in there, but outside of that, I wish more students knew about it. Yeah,
(04:31):
man. That's so cool. I had no idea that something like that existed either. So, it's good to know
that there is a nice quiet nook for veterans to go that's their own space. So, could you share with
us like a success story that highlights the impact that the veteran and military services here at HCC
has helped you with? Yeah, in order for me to come be the intern here, it took them certifying me. It
(04:54):
took them explaining everything to me. That's my success story is that I'm here doing an internship
for Dragon Podcast, which is my ultimate goal is to do podcasting. And without the support of the
VA, without support of the Veterans Administration within the HCC, I don't think I would be here. I
think I would have quit school. I would have quit my Chapter 31 benefits and never gone to
(05:16):
school again. Could you tell us a bit about like what Chapter 31 is and how it's helped you? Yeah,
I can. Uh, Chapter 31 is is veterans readiness and education. It is separate from the GI Bill. So, in
order for me, I have a disability rating with the VA, which gave me access to vocational education.
So going from being an EMT for 12 years, I got into audio video media production through that.
(05:41):
Cool. Well, John, thank you so much for being the insight to starting this episode and for sharing
your insights about how awesome the veteran and military services here are at the college. Thanks,
Ryan. Our next guest is Jean Melvin from Academic Advising. Veteran and military affiliated students
(06:05):
often have unique pathways and timelines. We're grateful to have you here to speak on what can
be expected once they officially enroll. Joining me today is Jean Melvin, the VA cohort liaison,
VA adviser for others. Welcome. How are you doing today? I'm doing great, thanks. It's a pleasure
to have you. and if you could start by telling us a bit about your background and and how you got
(06:28):
into this job. So I was in education for a long time and decided I wanted to change and from a
military family. So originally I came to HCC to work as the SEO for VA benefits but after being
there for a while decided to kind of pivot and now work in advising and really enjoy that as well.
(06:53):
That's awesome. What do you wish that every new veteran student knew coming in on day one? I
checked in with the SEO that's here now, Remy, and we kind of put our heads together for this.
I guess the first thing is know that you are here to use your benefits and you want to actually do
something with them. Have an idea of what you want to be using the benefits to aim you towards. That
(07:19):
being said, just know that it is a great benefit and if you use it wisely, it can take you places.
If you're not sure what you want to do with it, I would never say education is a waste of money,
but if you spend a lot of time here changing your major and not getting towards a goal,
um, you're not using the benefit the way that it was meant to be used. That's interesting. But for
(07:41):
reference, are students, veteran students, allowed to adjust their major? and and just curious how
many times can you do that before the VA is like well you've had your time. The VA will let you
do that and we do have students who have multiple changes of major. So I mean you just need to think
if you're here after five semesters, six semesters and you are only halfway towards an associates
(08:04):
degree in something that you need to start making some conscious choices about where you
want your education to bring you. Right. Right. So, for students looking to use their benefits,
can you explain what that process looks like? So, the first thing you're going to do is get
your certificate of eligibility from the VA. Once you have your certificate of eligibility, you come
(08:27):
to HCC, meet your SEO, fill in the paperwork for us. We need the COE. If you are a vet yourself, we
usually ask for the DD214. And then really, that's all you have to provide in the beginning. Okay.
Every semester you need to submit a promissory note that is telling the SEO that yes,
(08:49):
please use my benefits for this term. People do it the first semester and then don't remember
to do it after that. And here's the thing, it's the benefits is like your bank account and Remy
is not going to go into your bank account and take money unless you ask her to. So every semester you
have to request that the benefits be utilized. I know when I was the SEO and I know Remy now,
(09:12):
we chase a lot of people every semester. Are you using benefits this term? Do you want to
use benefits this term? And she'll also wanted me to tell you, check your HCC email because
we send that email to the HCC email that if you're not checking, you don't see. I mean,
that does seem like it would be common sense, but you're also throwing a lot of acronyms around. And
(09:33):
as somebody that's not in that field, I'm I'm kind of like, hm, what is this DDT and and this this
SEO? So COE is certificate of eligibility. Okay. And that is from the the VA makes a decision at
somewhere more important than we are. Yes, you are getting benefits. They decide the percentage
of benefits based on how many years you were in service. Once that certificate of eligibility, you
(09:57):
get that and you come here. your DD214 if you're a veteran that's your like paperwork for getting
out. It means you're out of the service and SEO is a school certifying official and that is the
person who actually sends your benefits to the VA. Gotcha. Gotcha. Thank you for the clarification.
Sure. I know. Yeah. Military lots of acronyms. So what documents or information should students
(10:21):
have ready before meeting you in your office? So for the SEO, it's what we just talked about, the
COE and your DD214. For an advisor, when you're going to an appointment as an advise, you need
to know which program, which area of study you're using because your certification goes to the VA
based on what program of study you have and your classes have to fit in that program of study. So,
(10:48):
if you're changing a program of study, you need to talk to your SEO and let her know. The promissory
note should have a spot where you're talking about which program of study you're using. So, you know,
if you go to an adviser and say, I want to do all visual arts classes, but what the SEO has on
file is that you are a business major, then those classes are not in your program of study. So, you
(11:10):
need to make sure that what you're choosing each semester fits the program of study that you have.
Okay. Yeah. Yeah, that definitely makes sense. If you want to concentrate on more than one thing,
you are allowed to have a dual major. Okay? So, and this happens sometimes with the students who
are in allied health, you only can take a certain number of courses because a lot of the courses are
(11:32):
in sequence. If you need to take your 100-level biology and you take your math and maybe,
you know, at some point you don't have any more credits in that program of study for a semester.
Maybe all you have left are four credits, but you want to be full-time to get your full housing
allowance. So, what we can do is add a general studies major and you can choose classes that fit
(11:57):
both. And when the certification gets sent to the VA, it will note that you are using a dual major.
No, that makes sense. And yeah, it's great to have that flexibility. So, good to know you all
can work some magic up there. We try. We try. So just curious, is there a minimum GPA requirement
to keep your benefits? And if so, what is that threshold? So there's really not as long as you
(12:22):
are in good standing at the college, then we can certify you. Okay. Um so whatever the standing is
that you are progressing through your degree at HCC, as long as you meet those requirements, we
can send your certifications to the VA. Right on. So, do students have to pay back their benefits
if they like withdraw or fail a course? Good question. Um, something that we talk about all the
(12:45):
time with students. So, there's an earned F and there's an unearned F. So, if you earn the F, if
you go to class, if you finish out the semester by attending, that is considered an earned F and you
do not have to pay that back, there's no change to the VA, and you're allowed to retake the class and
the VA will pay for it. Okay? But if you have an unearned F, if you have an NA for never attended,
(13:09):
if you have an FW for failed to withdraw, your instructors will report a last date of attendance.
And your SEO has to report that last date of attendance to the VA. So if you stopped going to
class in November, 3 or 4 weeks before your class ended, we report that date to the VA and there may
(13:32):
be a debt. So, you would owe HCC the remainder of the payment for class because they'll have to pay
the VA back for the money the VA sent. You also may owe book money and your um MHA, your military
housing allowance, you may owe some of that back as well. Interesting. That's definitely good
information to know. Hey, I mean, life happens and and and yeah, and so it's important to talk to the
(13:59):
SEO if you're having issues. Obviously, always talk to your instructors, but let the SEO know
what's going on and kind of ask. You know, one of the biggest issues is students don't ask the
questions. They just kind of either stop going and let that decision be their inactivity. And
it can be a lot of money. The housing rate in this area is like $2,500 a month. And if you stop going
(14:22):
to class in February because you have stuff going on, which we understand a lot of people have stuff
going on, but if you don't report that to the SEO and the SEO doesn't end your certification,
you would owe $2,500 for March, $2,500 for April, and that's a big amount of money to pay back,
right? Yeah, that definitely adds up. So, yeah, transparency is key. Just let y'all know if
(14:46):
something's going on. 100%. Gotcha. Gotcha. So, how should students determine if the GI bill or
the VR and E suits them best? So, we are not the experts on that at all. You need to do that at
the like VA level. But I will say most people would tell you that use your VR and E first
(15:11):
and then go into using your GI bill. Okay. Um, but you know, talk to your counselor if you are
a VR and E student and just make sure that's kind of what's going to be best for you. So, how should
students check with you to make sure like their classes are VA approved degree requirements? So,
when you as a student are in your my progress, when you're looking at your major, if you scroll
(15:38):
all the way down to the bottom, there's a section that says other. If your classes are in other,
it could be because you failed it and it's still sitting there. That's normal. Your labs should
go down there cuz most of them have a zero credit and so they go down to the other section. But if
you selected business management and it shows up down there, like we need to figure out why. Um,
(16:02):
another way is to, you know, talk to your advisor. they can look and look in the program and see, but
mainly it's using the my progress and just make sure everything slots into a spot in your planner.
Yeah, that's great. Also, you can request a review from your advisor in your my progress. There's a
little button that says request review and it sends a a note to your adviser and if they see
(16:26):
there's something not in your program of study, they would contact you. It's great information.
So, just curious, how do summer or accelerated coursework affect veterans housing allowance? So,
it does have an effect. So, right, for a 15-week term, 12 is full-time. With the 7-week terms,
it's less. So, any shorter term, you need less credits to be full-time. Usually,
(16:50):
over the winter term, it's just the one class because winter term is only 21 days. So,
choose accordingly if you're picking a class for winter. But for the 7-week terms, you are getting
your housing allowance for those 7 weeks. So in spring from 1/26 to 3/14, then there's a break.
It starts on 3/23. So between March 14th and March 23rd, there is no housing paid. Certifications are
(17:17):
sent via date. So if you have uh I like to call them 7A, 7B just to keep them separate.
If you have a 15-week class and a 7A class and a 7B class, three certifications go to the VA, three
different ones. Um, so they make the adjustments on their end about housing and how it overlaps.
(17:39):
So if you do have only one 15-week class and then you have some seven weeks, that period in between,
you may not get housing. It's definitely important to know. And Jean, that's all the questions I have
for you. Thank you for coming on Dragon Talk to share your expertise. Well, thank you for having
me. I appreciate the chance to tell the veterans what's going to help make them successful.
(18:05):
We appreciate all that valuable information, Jean. That support and guidance is very important in
shaping the students experience and helping them move confidently towards their goals.
And our next guest will share with us how the process works behind the scenes. [Music] I
(18:26):
have the privilege of sitting down with Lauren Nelson-Smith, the assistant registar to tell us
a bit more about the lovely benefits that we offer here. Tell us about your background and
why you chose this career. I've been in education since about 2005. I started at John Hopkins. I've
worked in career services, disability support for international students as well as veterans.
(18:48):
I majority of my time I want to say I've been a registar. I've been in this role since September
15th. So it's still a bit new to me how it works here. So I'm just happy to be here. You certainly
have the experience that speaks for itself, but to step into such like I guess it's not new shoes
per se, but you know a new role at a new place and just hit the ground running. Do you have like the
(19:09):
resources you need to be successful here? The face of the VA department right now has mainly been
our military compliance specialist, Remi Tafflan, who's in 218B. So, majority of the time when new
students come, they're actually meeting with her face to face going over what they need to submit,
benefits they would qualify for. But I do make time to like go to the lounge, see what students
(19:30):
in there, replenishing. I have been sending out emails just to let them know everything that's
been going on, especially during the shutdown cuz that was a long time of uncertainty and I know a
lot of people worried. Some students weren't getting their housing allowance, which I know
can be quite a headache and something makes you nervous and anxiety. I understand all that. So,
during a government shutdown, how are benefit payments affected? So, the regular tuition fees,
(19:56):
those still go through um because we're still able to certify. The main affected would be
like our VRE students, our chapter 1 students, unfortunately, they can't get their funding
until their counselor actually send us their PO number. And unfortunately those counselors
all furlough during that time frame. So if and when like the VA payments are delayed what kind
(20:19):
of support network or system does HTC provide to the students so they're not penalized. We do defer
their payment. So one key thing before start of each term a student must fill out the promissory
note. Promissory note is probably one of the most important things to do. Right on. So tell us like
(20:39):
what does the veterans and military services do here at the college? The main things we make sure
the students are getting the correct benefits for those are new. We have those that are dependent
of our veterans. So basically their mother, father, whomever has passed down their benefits,
educational benefits to them. A lot of times when students come to us since we are a community
(21:02):
college, they've already been a role manager but we have to transfer over. So, what forms
and deadlines should student veterans be aware of each semester? Before the term starts, they need
to fill a promissory note, which is found on our website. So, we have to put your information in 30
days within it. Any changes have to be submitted within 60 days. If you're dropping a course,
(21:23):
if you think you might have to move and you might just need to put yourself on pause or transfer,
if you're taking courses at another school as well. So any changes you make, we need to know.
Even in your trouble of failing class or anything like that, like still let us know. In regards like
having to repeat classes, having to drop classes or even change the programs like that as a major.
(21:44):
I always tell students to go online first. Check the VA website. It will give you a link to our
school for the programs that are approved, which is key. We're here to assist you basically as
much as we can and we're very transparent. I'm a very blunt, direct individual, so like I'm
not going to sugar coat. I'm just going to tell you the way it is. Remi seems to be very direct
as well. She got a lot more jokes though, kind of more just straightforward. So, which is why
(22:09):
she's more or less the facing of it, too. So, yeah, transparency once again, it's everything.
And and Jean was saying that uh they can work some magic, but coming in with like a goal,
a plan helps immensely, right? It does. It does. Also, I've noticed just for any people they're
just starting, like especially the dependents and they're coming in um with their parents and a lot
(22:33):
of times they don't speak what they want to say if their parents here cuz we have those parents that
want to be like, "Oh, they're doing this and and the student doesn't want to." So, we always say,
"Okay, well, we'll have you come back. We'll reach out to you so they can let us know what
they really want to do." if it's even a different degree program or they're thinking about how many
credits they really feel they can take. Like we want to make sure they do what they need to do and
(22:55):
stay on task and we want them to feel comfortable enough to come to us. Like I said, sometimes it's
without the parents and we totally get that. We want to make sure you're doing what you want to
do. So they might be dependent but they're still adults and you know sometimes their parents want
to be all over their lives but it's good to know they have the flexibility to be themselves here.
So, as an outsider hearing about all these different chapters, chapters 31, 33, 35, I was
(23:22):
like, what is all this about? So, I'm just curious like what determines a student's eligibility for
each of these chapters. Could you explain that? Yes. So, chapter 31, it's the vocational readiness
program. Those are more career placement. Those are ones that receive like majority of the housing
allowance. Um, we have our chapter 33 and chapter 35 which are more or less the dependents, the
(23:47):
spouses of military veterans which their benefits are passed down from, like I said, either a
spouse, guardian, there's parents, whatever. But I mean, the great thing about all the benefits here,
like I said, their tuition and fees are paid for as long as they submit that promisary note. And
I want to say it is a bit confusing, but on our website, which breaks down everything,
(24:08):
what chapters they what we have, how you'll be eligible, where to go to find information regards
to everything from what you qualify for, what you don't qualify for, any additional fees that might
have to come out of pocket, as well as deadlines, resources for the career counseling, any type of
mental assistance you might need. Just everything is very detail- oriented outline our website. Like
(24:30):
the only thing I would probably change in there is just to put our location actual location so
they know like said as you know the different parts of school are under construction. So
we're pretty much a mosh pit between advising um financial aid just everybody all in one section.
I'm sure there's a lot of bumping elbows in those offices. Could you go into like what expenses
(24:54):
can be covered under each chapter? So pretty much everything is covered. It's just a matter
of full-time, part-time to see how much you're getting covered. And then it outlines, I mean,
there are certain things that won't be covered, like the housing allowance. Some of them do get
house allowance, some of them don't get house. There's also some that get moving allowance as
well. So, it depends on what chapter. Like I said, it's broken down on the website and then we can go
(25:16):
over that when you come in one by one, too. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's a lot. We could be here all day
talking about all the expenses, right? And last question. what tutoring, counseling or career
placement are available to students and dependents here? So, because our school is smaller, we don't
have a dedicated tutoring system that is only privileged to the VA students as well as career
(25:42):
services. So, we still direct them to the services that everyone else uses. So, we will look into
services for you like depending on your chapter. If it's something where you need one-on-one
tutoring and you feel like you need more than what is here for you for free, we will reach out to see
if you can get the allowance to pay for that as well. Awesome. And Lauren, thank you so much for
coming on the show today. Absolute privilege and pleasure to have you. Thank you. Oh, thank
(26:06):
you for having me. It's very nice to meet you. Sorry I couldn't find this sooner, but now that
I know. Yeah. For those that don't know, we're hiding in a cave in a basement somewhere. [Music]
And that wraps up another special episode of Dragon Talk. A huge thank you to our veteran and
military services team for all the incredible work they do every day. And to all of our veterans and
(26:32):
military families for your service, sacrifice, and continued contributions to our community. If you'd
like to learn more about HCC's veteran resources, visit howardcc.edu/veterans edu/veterans or
reach out directly to the Veteran and Military Services Office here on campus for some one-on-one
guidance. At HCC, we don't just welcome veterans, we support you, we stand with you, and we walk
(26:58):
beside you every step of the way. And if you'd like to hear more about what's happening in Dragon
Country, be sure to subscribe, share, and stay connected. You can find Dragon Talk on Spotify,
Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean, wherever you get your podcasts. Just search Dragon Podcasts. Thank
you for tuning in and we'll see you next time on Dragon Talk. This is Ryan Record signing out.
(27:30):
[Music]
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Bobby Bones Show
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.