Veterans Center

FVCC Veterans Center is here to help you meet your personal and academic goals as an FVCC student.

Returning to civilian life after active duty is an adjustment. FVCC has dedicated staff members and faculty attuned to the unique challenges when transitioning between the military and civilian environment. Some staff members are veterans themselves and are available to help you adjust to college life.

FVCC is a designated Military Friendly School.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans, service members, dependents and spouses may be eligible for more than one “chapter” of education benefits. Each chapter has different eligibility requirements and benefits.

Apply for the GI Bill

Yellow Ribbon Program

FVCC participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for those veterans using Ch.33, eligible at the 100% rate and are being charged out-of-state tuition. The college accepts 50 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit gibill.va.gov for the most updated information on the program.

FVCC Yellow Ribbon Application

Veterans Upward Bound

Veterans Upward Bound is a U.S. Department of Education program designed to help military veterans refresh their academic skills so they can successfully complete post-secondary education. The courses offered at FVCC include Introduction to Computers, Introduction to College Math and Algebra and Introduction to College Writing and Grammar Review.

For more information, connect with the FVCC Continuing Education Center.

FVCC Veterans Association

The FVCC Veterans Association is a service support-oriented student organization with the primary objective of developing a foundation of understanding between veterans and non-veterans.

Organizational activities have included active support of the Montana Veterans Home, bi-weekly meetings, fundraising, direct support of other student organization activities and internal social events.

All students, veterans and non-veterans are encouraged to participate as members of the association.

Military Residency

FVCC limits academic residency to 25 percent or less of the degree requirements for all degrees for active-duty service members and their adult family members (spouses and college-age children). In addition, there are no “final year” or “final semester” residency requirements for active-duty service members and their family members. Reservist and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.

As of August 1, 2021, the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 allows veterans and dependents who are using veterans’ education benefits to have in-state tuition, eliminating the previous 3-year time limit of the Choice Act.

Veterans Resources

FVCC Veterans Center - LRC 111

Learning Resource Center Counseling - LRC 147

Tutors (free for veterans)
Counseling (Career & Personal)
Disability Services and Accommodations
Academic Advising
Compass placement testing

Montana Veterans Resource Guide

Montana University System Veteran Resources

Forms

VA Information Sheet
Chapter 33 Signature Page
VA Certification Form
VR&E Residency Application
Choice Application

Veteran Spotlight: Brandon Barthel

As a parachute rigger in the United States Army, Brandon Barthel always felt pulled toward a lifesaving career which led him to FVCC's Paramedicine program. “The FVCC staff was very helpful in the transition from military back into school. I actually wish that the transition had been that easy for everything else, because it wasn’t, but FVCC made the transition to school very easy. Having the Veterans’ Center on campus has been so nice! This is an area that is all ours where only Vets are allowed. I was accepted with open arms here. It’s that camaraderie we had in the service that you kind of miss when you get out. I think it’s important for other veterans to know that it is easier than they think to get back into school. The Veterans’ Center is very helpful in showing you how to use your GI Bill®, how to fill everything out, and how to get everything accomplished. I’m not the only military occupational specialist that comes out of the Army like ‘okay what do I do now?’ Go back to school and figure out what you want to do.”

Veteran Spotlight: Rob Daniels

“I had a difficult adjustment period coming out of the service, and honestly, I didn’t think it was even possible for me to go to college. With the help of FVCC instructors and staff, I was able to ease into classes. The class sizes are small here, so I had individual attention when I needed it. The best part has been the camaraderie I have found through working with the FVCC Veterans’ Center. It’s like a family – I feel like a ‘part of’ again, rather than ‘apart from.’ We might have been in different branches, but we share a common bond and a common experience. If I could tell other veterans who are considering college one thing, it would be: ‘Why not?’ It’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, and it will give you a sense of self-worth and achievement. Doors are opening for my future that never would have if I hadn’t just taken that leap and had the support of the school which pushed me to keep going. I’m excited about my future again."

Connect with our School Certifying Official – VA for more information and help accessing your benefits.