Polaris

Veterans Education Benefits

Welcome to Polaris Career Center! Please see the information and links below for information regarding using your VA Education Benefits.

Step 1: All students planning to utilize Veterans Education Benefits will need to provide the Veterans School Certifying Official (VSCO) with a recent “Certificate of Eligibility.” Students are also encouraged to apply for Federal Financial Aid. Please see below for instructions on how to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. 

Step 2: Veteran students are encouraged to apply for Federal Financial Aid. Please see instructions in the guide below:

Principles of Excellence

Polaris Career Center (PCC) will comply with the Principles of Excellence (Executive Order 13607) following guidance set forth by the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Education, and the Department of Defense. PCC currently complies with the Principles of Excellence in the following ways:

  • Each veteran student is provided with Program Information Sheet with program sequence, cost, and program outline during the advising process.

  • Students are provided with consumer information through direct emails and the school’s website for future students.

  • Students using VA Educational Benefits are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and explore Federal and State financial aid opportunities in addition to Veterans Educational Benefits before seeking loans.

  • The Financial Aid Coordinator offers a student financial aid orientation to answer any financial aid questions and concerns.

  • The School Certifying Official is the Veteran student’s main contact for any VA Educational Benefit concerns.

  • PCC adheres to all Title IV policies related to federal financial aid and refunds.

  • PCC will accommodate service members and reservists absent due to service requirements.

  • In compliance with participation with federal programs, PCC will refrain from fraudulent and aggressive marketing practices and techniques. This policy applies to the recruitment of all students.

Evaluation of Prior Credit (Veterans receiving benefits)
Polaris Career Center will collect and evaluate academic and military transcripts, as well as any credentials held, from all veterans and eligible recipients of veterans benefits and determine if credit is applicable to the student’s program of study. Academic and/or military transcripts from previous institutions of training must be provided to Polaris Career Center within 30 days of the student enrolling for a VA-eligible program. Evaluations will take place by the Adult Education Director or designee. The student will be notified via email within one week of receipt of all transcripts and informed if any prior credit will be applied. If credit is granted, the program will be shortened and the cost will be prorated accordingly.

Veterans Receiving Benefits Policy for Academic and Attendance
Attendance for all students will be taken daily and evaluated weekly by the Director of Adult Education or designee.  Veteran students failing to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) (70% or “C” grades) at the time of their official SAP program evaluation will be placed on academic warning. A Veteran student placed on academic warning will be notified of the status. The Director of Adult Education or designee will meet with the Veteran student and discuss what changes need to be made in order for the student to be meeting SAP at the end of the following payment period. SAP will be evaluated at the end of the following payment period. 

If at any time it becomes mathematically impossible for a student to meet the SAP requirements, they will be subject to withdrawal from the program. Upon official SAP review at the end of the following payment period, if the Veteran student still does not meet satisfactory academic and attendance requirements, the Veteran student will be removed from the program. The Polaris Career Center Withdrawal/Refund policy will apply. 

Veteran students will follow the Veterans Policy for Evaluation of Prior Credit if wishing to re-enroll in the program. 

Veterans Receiving Benefits Policy for Late Fees
In accordance with the Veterans Benefits and Transitions Act of 2018, Polaris Career Center does not charge late fees, restrict access or impose penalties on the Veteran student for delayed payments by the VA. Late payments that are due from the student will follow the Tuition Payment Plan Policy.

Resources

Contact Information:

Allison Smith

Veterans School Certifying Official
Email Allison Smith
440-891-7668

Polaris Career Center
7285 Old Oak Blvd
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

VA Education Benefits Student Hotline: 1-888-442-4551