VETERANS SERVICES
Welcome to Veterans Services
Nicholls State University is committed to providing outstanding service to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces both while on active duty and after separation. We believe that members of the military and veterans enhance the campus community and provide a wealth of insight both inside the classroom and through interaction with fellow students. Whether your service has been foreign or domestic, we thank you for your contribution and promise to make sure that your enrollment experience is as seamless as possible.
Members of the military and veterans can expect priority service when enrolling at Nicholls State University. We have exempted admissions criteria for veterans who are eligible for GI Bill® benefits and who have received a discharge for any reason other than dishonorable. You also will be allowed priority registration, meaning you can register before the general student population. We encourage our veterans to utilize resources and services available at Nicholls, including the University Counseling Center. We have also identified a group of individual advisors that serve as veterans advocates.
If this is your first time at Nicholls, and you never took the ACT in high school, we will administer a Compass exam to assess your placement in English and Math. We will need transcripts from your high school or any previous colleges you attended. Other than your transcript, an application for admission is the only thing that should be completed. After you are admitted, you will need to complete the student request for VA benefits EVERY Semester!
If this is your first time at Nicholls and you plan to utilize either your Post 9/11 GI benefits or will continue on the Montgomery GI Bill®, welcome to Nicholls! We are here to serve you! The individuals listed below are ready to work with you!
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) will utilize the knowledge skills and abilities of veterans and their families by engaging them in AmeriCorps national service positions Individual post-secondary institutions have the opportunity to engage with a LaVetCorps member for a term of service in Americorps. LDVA’s LaVetCorps program is a peer-based program, which augments established veterans’ programs on college campuses in Louisiana.
LaVetCorps members will serve up to 30 hours a week, spending time on service projects, outreach and direct service to the student veteran population. Recruited from the local community, the LaVetCorps member will have unique knowledge of how aspects of your community and campus affect student veterans and how the LaVetCorps member may best serve their needs. As a result, the LaVetCorps members will conduct community service projects, veteran club meetings, veteran gatherings, which will enable them to make a positive difference in their community, and improve the quality of life as a civilian for their fellow veterans and themselves.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP!
We realize that you may be in another part of the world when you are completing the enrollment process, so we would be happy to work with you via email, fax, or phone. Below is a short directory of important contact information of the professionals that are ready to help you begin or continue your studies:
Gilberto Burbante
Veterans Services Coordinator
gilberto.burbante@nicholls.edu
Phone (985) 448-4208
Fax (985) 448-4929
Courtney Cassard
Director of Enrollment Services
courtney.cassard@nicholls.edu
Phone (985) 448-4405
Fax (985) 448-4929
Casie Triche
Director of Financial Aid
casie.triche@nicholls.edu
Phone (985) 448-4077
Fax (985) 448-4124
MEET OUR COORDINATOR OF VETERANS SERVICES
“My biggest thing about coming into college was I didn’t know what was going on about the admissions process or a syllabus. Our veterans organizations here explains the whole college system and they teach you. A lot of veterans have families, bills and lives so coming back to college can be tough. It’s nice to have this mentorship along with the opportunities it brings,”
Brenner Ledet
Interim Coordinator of Veterans Services
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
- You must apply or reapply for admission. If you were forced to leave Nicholls because of a deployment, upon presenting the Office of Admissions a copy of your orders or your DD214, the $20 application fee will be waived. We will process your application immediately if registration is occurring. As per the Board of Regents and National Guard Policy Section II 8.2, we will make every possible effort to place you back into your academic studies track as close as possible to the same place you occupied when mobilized/activated.
- If this is your first time at Nicholls, you must apply for admission and submit the $20 application fee.
- You should make arrangements to visit with Courtney Cassard in the Office of Admissions. She will be happy to guide you through the enrollment process and discuss your financial aid package with you.
- Gilberto Burbante will be your Veteran’s Affairs liason. He can be reached at 985-448-4208
- When applying for your GI Bill® benefits online, please use PO Box 2004, Thibodaux, LA 70310 as the school mailing address.
MISSION
Nicholls State Veterans Services provides military-connected students with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed within higher education and beyond. The department encourages this student population to assist their peers with transitioning from military to college life with department-lead mentoring initiatives, interest measures, rapport, and participation in on-campus and community activities. Nicholls State Veterans Services our mission gives our warriors academic purpose.
VISION
Nicholls State Veterans Services will be the comprehensive department for military-connected students to obtain the vigor and direction necessary to be dynamic members of the bayou community.
This space represents a safe place where veteran students can meet with other veteran students. A common characteristic throughout time has been that only other veterans can understand what it’s like to serve in a war. With so many of our students having faced significant combat experience, they just want to be able to discuss those experiences with others who have faced the same thing. With so many of our Iraq/Afghanistan veterans returning with both physical and emotional scars, it is important they talk about what they face every day. The lounge is a place where our licensed counseling staff can meet with veterans to talk about techniques that will help them not just get a degree, but cope with everyday stressors. It is also a place where Disabled Student Services can have a presence, via brochure or otherwise to highlight the accommodations, individualized, are available to the veterans.
Tuition for Nicholls CCAF undergraduate courses is $250 per credit hour. All courses are three credit hours, costing you $750 a course.
Undergraduate Fee Structure
| Credit Hour | Cost Per Credit Hour | Total Cost |
| 1 | $250 | $250 |
| 2 | $250 | $500 |
| 3 | $250 | $750 |
| 4 | $250 | $1,000 |
| 5 | $250 | $1,250 |
Out-of-state fees are not charged to Nicholls CCAF students. Some courses may require additional fees. Please check with instructor to find out about additional costs.
This question can be very complex due to the several different criteria for eligibility and the changes that can occur to legislation concerning these benefits. The best way to determine your eligibility is to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly at 1-888-GIBILL1 or 1-888-442-4551. The Nicholls Office of Veterans Services does not have access to all the records that are needed to determine eligibility and thus cannot make the final judgments on eligibility. More specific information concerning each chapter of the GI Bill® is available below.
CHAPTER 30 – MONTGOMERY GI Bill® – ACTIVE DUTY
CHAPTER 31 – VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
CHAPTER 33 – POST 9/11 GI Bill®
CHAPTER 35 – SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
CHAPTER 1606 – MONTGOMERY GI Bill® – SELECTED RESERVE
CHAPTER 1607 – RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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 website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/
These are the basic steps you should follow to begin using your GI Bill® benefits.
Step 1: Application
The first step toward receiving your VA educational benefits is to fill out an application. We strongly encourage you to utilize the online application available here. It will spped up the VA’s processing if you scan a copy of your DD214 and submit it with your application. For veterans, the form that you should fill out is a VA Form 22-1990. For the dependent of a veteran, you should fill out VA Form 22-5490.
Step 2: Apply to Nicholls and schedule your classes
You will need to follow all of the steps required by our Office of Admissions. This includes submitting an application, paying the application fee, and scheduling.
Step 3: Certify your classes with the VA Counselor
Each semester you will need to certify that you are attending classes. You can do this by submitting a Request Form for VA Benefits. This form is also available at the counter of the Office of Veterans Services. This is something you will need to do each semester you want to receive your VA benefits.
Step 4: Verify your attendance with the VA
For chapters 30, 1606 and 1607 of the GI Bill, it is required that you verify that you are attending your classes. You can do this by calling 1-877-823-2378 or online. Once you verify your attendance, your payment will then be processed.
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance prescribed by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed Service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets within the United States when government quarters are not provided. A uniformed service member stationed outside the U.S. , including U.S. territories and possessions, not furnished government housing, is eligible for Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA).
For further information CLICK HERE.
How do I apply for the GI Bill?
The first step is to complete the application VA Form 22-1990 or VA Form 22-5490. This form is available online or through your VA counselor. Once completed, submit this form to the VA regional office via fax, mail or electronically. Some supporting forms may be required to complete the application. (e.g. DD-214, N.O.B.E., proof of $600 kicker). Once you have submitted your application, you will receive correspondence from the VA about your approval or rejection as well as entitlement details. When applying for your GI Bill benefits online, please use 906 E 1st street, Thibodaux LA as the school mailing address.
What do I need to do to get my benefits started?
Students need to contact the Nicholls State University Office of Veterans Services in person or telephone to request processing of enrollment certifications. By contacting the VA Counselor each semester, students will provide our office with current information regarding addresses, degree objectives, etc.
I just transferred from another school. What do I need to do to get my benefits?
You will need to complete a request for certification as well as a VA-22-1995 or VA-22-5495 depending on your VA chapter type. Also, a recent award letter would be helpful, but is not required. This form can be found here or at the VA Counselor’s office.
What do I do after I apply for the GI Bill?
Please bring a copy of the application (VA Form 22-1990 or VA Form 22-5490) or letter of acceptance to the VA counselor for file purposes. Once you have your finalized class schedule, fill out a request for certification and return it to the VA counselor. However, please make sure you are aware of the “You Register, You Owe” policy.
Is there a form that I need to fill out each semester?
Yes. Each semester you will need to complete and sign a request for certification form and return it to the VA counselor’s office. This form is used to submit a VA-22-1999 form to the VA. It also gives the VA counselor permission to discuss and release your information to your academic advisor and/or fee collection when needed.
Do I need to call the VA each month?
If you are a veteran receiving chapter 30, 1606 or 1607 benefits, please call 1-877-823-2378 or go online to here verify your attendance each month. This verification can be completed as early as the last calendar day of each month.
What happens when I withdraw from a course(s) or resign?
The VA will reduce the student’s rate of pay if this withdrawal changes the student’s enrollment status. If the withdrawal occurs during the drop/add period, as defined by the VA, an adjustment is made on the rate of pay. If the withdrawal occurs after the drop/add period, the reduction may create an overpayment, unless there are mitigating circumstances.
When will I get paid?
Normally, your payments will come at the beginning of the month; however, in some cases, this may be delayed due to processing. Also, if you are applying for the first time, it can take a few weeks for the VA to process your application. You will receive payments for the full semester; however, those payments may be delayed. If you have questions regarding the amount or time of payments, please call the toll free number at 1-888-442-4551.
How much will I get paid?
This differs depending on what chapter of VA benefits you are receiving and how many hours you are taking. The GI bill will pay different rates for full time, ¾ time, ½ time or less than ½ time. Also, these rates get adjusted from time to time. The updated rates are available online here.
What is considered full time, ¾ time, ½ time or ¼ time?
Full Time = 12+ hours
¾ Time = 9-11 hours
½ Time = 6-8 hours
Less than ½ time = 4-5 hours
Less than ¼ time = 1-3 hours
Can I get my payments accelerated?
At this time Nicholls State University has not adopted the accelerated payment option.
What courses will the VA pay for?
The VA will NOT pay for courses that are not required in the student’s degree plan. If students wish to take courses that are not required, we will certify only the required courses. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the courses apply toward their degrees.
Does the VA pay for repeated courses?
The VA will pay for repeated courses as long as they are required and the grades previously earned do not meet degree requirements. Enrolling again in a course from which a student withdrew is not considered a repeated course.
Does the VA pay for remedial courses?
The VA will pay for a remedial course if the student has a deficiency in the subject. The VA will not pay for refresher courses.
What do I do if I change my major?
Please contact the VA Counselor, as this may cause your enrollment certification to change. You need to complete a VA 22-1995 (for veterans) or a VA 22-5495 (for dependents) with the VA counselor.
Can I have a double major or a minor?
No. The VA will only pay for one major and does not pay for a minor. If you wish to do this, you will be responsible for the classes.
Can I change my major in the middle of the semester?
If you change your major in the middle of the semester, your classes will need to be re-approved. If not approved, any money you have received from the beginning of the semester, including book stipend and tuition and fees for Chapter 33 Post 9/11, will have to be returned to the VA. If you must change your major, please try to change it at the very end of the semester or before the beginning of the next semester. When you change your major, you need to complete a VA 22-1995 (for veterans) or a VA 22-5495 (for dependents) and give it to the VA counselor.
I am taking a class for another major or for fun. Will the GI Bill pay for it?
No. The VA will only pay for classes that count towards your degree. If a class is not on your degree plan, it will not be certified. Prerequisites and developmental courses will be accepted.
I don’t have enough classes required for my major to make me full time. What do I do?
The VA will only pay for courses that count towards your degree plan. Just because you have 12 hours does not mean that those 12 hours will all be certified. If 9 hours count towards your degree, 9 hours will be certified. Only during your last semester the VA will pay for extra courses as long as one class counts toward your degree plan.
What will happen if I drop a class?
If you drop a class, please contact the VA counselor. This will need to be reported to the Department Veterans Affairs, and they will contact you concerning the change. However, it will only be reported if your status changes. Also, if you are receiving Chapter 33 Post 9/11, it will be reported to the VA.
Does the GI Bill make a payment for my tuition and fees?
Only for those receiving Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Those who receive any other benefits, no. You are expected to make payments before the fee deadline or pay late fees. Please remember the “You Register, You Owe” policy.
Financial aid is asking for proof that I received the GI Bill. What do I do?
Call 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551). They will be able to send the required form to you. The VA counselor does not write these letters.
I’m in the National Guard. How do I get my tuition exemption?
Tuition exemption is NOT a GI bill program. This is a state program for the Louisiana National Guard. To use this benefit you must contact your unit and notify them to send the proper paperwork to the Nicholls Fee Collections Office. The VA counselor does NOT handle this program. You can call Sgt. Carter at 225-255-8304 to have your information sent to the Nicholls Fee Collections Office.
I’m the dependent of a veteran. What do I need to do to get tuition exemption?
This is NOT a GI bill benefit. Instead, this is a Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs program that entitles some dependents of disabled or deceased veterans to receive tuition and fee exemption. For more information on this program, contact the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs or your local VA representative in your community to apply for the State Tuition Exemption fee certificate. Once you receive it, please provide a copy of it to the school VA certifying official. The Nicholls Fee Collections Office needs the original certificate in order to process the exemption after registering your classes, but before the fee deadline. This certificate does NOT cover all tuition and fees. For information regarding what is covered, please contact Melissa Rivere in Fee Collections.
Nicholls State University understands that veterans routinely encounter extraordinary obstacles in their college careers. A 19-year-old freshman can be called up in the middle of a semester and be forced to drop their entire schedule of classes. Returning from oversees deployment, you must re-enter the academic world with a workload that appears insurmountable. You don’t feel like a “traditional” student, and you aren’t-you have chosen to serve your country.
The following individuals are aware of the special challenges facing veterans and would like to help. Our Veterans Advocates are faculty that veterans can call on for information, advice, understanding, or just help working their way through university rules and regulations. Feel free to contact any of the Advocates listed below.
| Name | Department |
| Scott Beslin | Math |
| Ellen Barker | Languages & Literature |
| Randy Cheramie | Culinary Arts |
| Jean Donegan | Art |
| Amy Hebert | University Studies |
| Todd Keller | Nursing |
| Ray Giguette | Computer Science |
| David Zerangue | Interdisciplinary Studies |
| John Griffin | Manufacturing Technology |
| Gerard White | Allied Health |
| Brandy Burbante | Library Science |
| Marilyn Macik-Frey | Management & Marketing |
| Margaret Stacom | Languages & Literature |
| Linda Stanga | Languages & Literature |
| Joseph Thysell | History |
| Keri Turner | Languages & Literature |
| Ianna West | Math |
| Paul Wilson | History |
Department of Veterans Affairs
LA Department of Veterans Affairs
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Defense Agencies
JST – Joint Services Transcript
Community College of the Air Force
State
Click here to obtain military records
Other
The GI Bill’s Frequently Asked Questions Web site
The GI Bill’s online application
Useful Web site for military documents including information on how to obtain for DD-214
Basic Allowance for Housing website
This Web site gives information about National Guard Tuition Exemption
NEWS & EVENTS
New Gift Expands Scholarship for Combat Veterans
THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association are excited to announce the expansion of a scholarship that helps veterans transition
Nicholls Recognized for Going Above and Beyond for Veterans
THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University has been named a Military Friendly® School by G.I. Jobs Magazine and Victory Media for the 11th year in
Nicholls Offers New Scholarship for Combat Veterans
THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls State University Office of Veteran Services and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association announced the creation of a new scholarship to
VETERANS LOUNGE
We have a dedicated space for our student Veterans to catch up on assignments, visit with friends in between classes, or enjoy a cup of coffee. The Veterans Lounge features a computer, wireless internet access, a 60 inch television, a refrigerator, microwave, and more.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Nicholls State University Veterans Coordinator
Gilberto Burbante
gilberto.burbante@nicholls.edu
Veterans Services
Shaver Gym
Nicholls Campus
Mailing: P. O. Box 2004
Thibodaux, LA 70310
Direct Phone: (985) 448-4208
Fax: (985) 448-4929
Lafourche Parish Department of VA
phone: (985) 447-0968303 W. 3rd St.
Thibodaux, LA 70301
Terrebonne Parish Department of VA
Phone: (985) 857-3626Fax: (985) 857-3783
8026 Main St.
Houma, LA 70360
Louisiana Department of VA
P. O. Box 94095Baton Rouge, LA 70804
225-219-5000
1-877-GEAUXVA
Fax: 225-219-5590
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 website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/
