Impact of non-punitive grade of unsatisfactory on military affiliated students using GI Bill® benefits

Updated April 1, 2020

Question

If I choose the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grade option for my spring 2020 courses, will a grade of unsatisfactory impact my GI Bill® benefit payment?

Answer

Based upon recent guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in light of COVID-19, the rule has been temporarily modified. Following is a quote from that guidance.

Should IHL’s report enrollment changes when they convert from a standard grade scale (A, B, C…) to a Pass/Fail or other grading system due to COVID-19 national emergency?
Although VA does not typically make payments for classes resulting in nonpunitive grades, if COVID 19 is reported as mitigating circumstances for the student’s receipt of a nonpunitive grade (i.e., Fail in a Pass/Fail class) VA will pay for the class.

The MU Student Veterans Resource & Support Center will enter COVID-19 as a mitigating circumstance for any grade of unsatisfactory.  If you have questions please consult the MU Student Veterans Resource & Support Center. The best way to reach the center is by email at veterans@missouri.edu.

Source: School Certifying Official Handbook, page 83

https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/job_aids/SCO_Handbook.pdf

For more information about MU’s response to COVID-19, visit mualert.missouri.edu.