Kentucky State University has a long history of providing high-quality, military friendly, accredited programs and exceptional delivery of services to veterans, active duty service members, reserve/guard, military dependents, and their families. At KSU, we strive to be more than just military and veteran friendly. Our goal is to be Military Ready and committed to helping you succeed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Veterans and Military Student Affairs at 502-597-6340.

Office of Military and Veteran Affairs - Mission Statement

Guided by the University's vision and mission, as well as the knowledge that Veterans offer a unique academic and social perspective to the University, the mission of the Office of Veterans & Military Student Affairs at Kentucky State University is to support all current and former members of the United States Armed Forces and their families by providing exceptional programming, delivery of services, and advocacy in attaining their educational goals and reaching their highest potential, both in the classroom and beyond.

Why KSU?

Kentucky State University has a long history of providing high-quality, accredited programs and exceptional delivery of services to veterans, active-duty service members, and military dependents.

KSU is dedicated to providing a community experience that leverages the expertise and resources across the campus in support of service members, veterans, and their family members. The KSU Thorobred Community is committed and ready to work with military students toward student success and graduation.

Here are some of the support services that set KSU apart in helping you achieve your educational goals:

• KSU will offer active service members approved for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) the per credit hour rate consistent with the Department of Defense (DoD) semester hour cap. DoD has directed a uniform per semester hour cap of $250 for tuition assistance (TA) and an annual ceiling of $4.500.
• No application fee for undergraduate veterans, active-duty service members, or military dependents
• Maximum credit hours for military experience
• Priority registration and book vouchers upon request
• Dedicated Veteran and Active Duty Supplemental Academic Advisor
• School Certifying Official to ensure federal entitlement is received ASAP
• Military-helpful withdrawal and re-admission policy

GI Bill® Education Benefit

Kentucky State University (KSU) is an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) approved for training of service members, veterans, and their eligible family members. Students can determine their eligibility for GI Bill® Education benefits by clicking on the ‘For Students’ tab at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/ or by contacting the VA directly at 1-888-442-4551.

At KSU, the Director of Military and Veteran Affairs will assist all service members, veterans, and their family members/dependents with all actions associated with eligibility determination, military-connected questions, and the enrollment certification process.

The Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (OMVA) supports all military-connected students including service members, veterans, and their family members, regardless of whether the students are eligible for GI Bill® Education benefits. Those students eligible for VA GI Bill® Education benefits are required to notify the Director of Military and Veteran Affairs of any changes to their student status during any given semester for which the student receives GI Bill® Education benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

GI Bill® Education Benefit Certification Process

All eligible students who wish to use their GI Bill® Education benefit are required to complete and submit the Military Student Enrollment Reporting Form no later than 30 days after classes begin for the semester.  That stated, the VA allows certification submissions before the term begins, but the allowed time frame depends on the benefit chapter:

• Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) | Earliest Submission: 180 days before term start
• Chapters 30, 31 (VR&E), 32, 35, 1606 | Earliest Submission: 120 days before term start

Submitting early helps prevent payment delays and allows time for corrections before benefits are disbursed.  

By signing and submitting the Military Student Enrollment Reporting Form, the student gives the School Certifying Official (SCO) on behalf of Kentucky State University permission to report enrollment to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which will result in benefit processing and subsequent disbursement upon VA validation. The Military Student Enrollment Reporting Form must be completed each semester the student wishes to be certified by the SCO. The Director of Military and Veteran Affairs will coordinate with the Accounting and Bursar Offices to ensure that GI Bill® Education benefit disbursements are applied to the appropriate student’s account in a timely manner. Students are required to report any changes to his/her enrollment to the Director of Military and Veteran Affairs immediately. Failure to report any changes may result in student reimbursement obligations to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Tuition Assistance (TA) Program

The Office of Military and Veteran Affairs will assist and provide guidance to all service members regarding both the Kentucky Tuition Assistance Program and the Federal Tuition Assistance Program. The Director, Veterans and Military Student Affairs will coordinate with ArmyIgnitED personnel as well as the student’s military unit or TA program point of contact to assist service members with applying for and receiving TA benefits. In addition, the Director, Veterans and Military Student Affairs will coordinate with the appropriate University office to ensure that all military funds to include TA benefits are applied to the appropriate student’s account in a timely manner.

Residency Status for Purposes of Tuition

Students eligible to receive Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill® Education benefits qualify for the in-state tuition rate pursuant to the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 which requires postsecondary institutions to offer in-state tuition rates to qualified veterans and their dependents, regardless of state residency status. In addition, Kentucky Law (13 KAR 2:045) states: “a person eligible for benefits under the federal Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, 38 U.S.C. 33013325, or any other education benefits provided under Title 38 of the United States Code shall be entitled to Kentucky resident status for purposes of tuition charged at state-supported institutions.” (All Kentucky State University students captured under the aforementioned Federal Statute and State Law will be certified by the School Certifying Official (SCO) at the in-state tuition rate). See additional information regarding residency status in Chapter 2 of this Catalog.

Credit for Your Military Service

Army, Navy, National Guard, Marine Corp, Coast Guard (including Reserves)

To receive credit for your military service, service members and veterans must submit an official Joint Service Transcript (JST). Visit https://jst.doded.mil/jst/, and request your transcript be sent to Kentucky State University electronically. Be advised that transcripts sent electronically may be processed faster than paper transcripts sent via US Mail.

If you choose to mail your transcript to KSU, please send to the following address:
Kentucky State University
Office of the Registrar
323 Administrative Services Building
400 E. Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601

Air Force

Air Force veterans and service members should request their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript to receive military credit. CCAF credit hours will be processed by the KSU Registrar’s Office in the same manner as civilian college transcripts.

Processing and Evaluation

All Joint Service Transcripts are processed as quickly as possible in the order they are received.

As a University Policy, KSU awards maximum credit for your military training and experience.

Class Attendance/Excused Absences – Short Term Military Obligations

Prompt and regular class attendance is the responsibility of all students. Students should be aware that excessive absenteeism, whether excused or unexcused, may affect their ability to earn a passing grade. If a student is absent from class for a University excused absence, which includes short-term military obligations, instructors are required to allow the student the opportunity to make up missed work in a fair and equitable manner without any reduction in the student’s final grade as a direct result of such action.

This policy does not supersede program accreditation requirements, and as a result, the program’s dean, department chair, and or coordinator will determine the maximum number of absences in accordance with accreditation standards.

University excused absences are grouped into the following categories:

1. University-Sponsored Activities
2. Student/Family Illness/Death
3. Military Obligations
4. Jury Duty or Subpoena for Court Appearances
5. Major Religious Holidays.

The below content addresses Short-term Military Obligations:

Short-term Military Obligations

Short-term military obligations are those that require student absence for a period of up to 30 consecutive days, and they are specific to the branch of service, including but not limited to the following: Active Component (Active-Duty – Title 10), Reserve Component (National Guard/Reserves – Title 32), and/or Military Science obligations incurred due to one's status as a scholarship and or contracted/participating cadet in the Kentucky State University/Wildcat Battalion Army (ROTC) Program or the University of Kentucky Air Force (ROTC) program.

ROTC students requesting a university excused absence, under this justification, must initially coordinate their request through their respective ROTC (Army/Air Force) Department. Requests under this category must be forwarded to the appropriate Dean of the student’s College prior to the date of the absence if at all possible.

Military Service is an acceptable university excuse, and the proper documentation from the specific branch of service must be verified. Requests under this category are submitted to the Director Military and Veterans Affairs, with final approval by the designated Vice President or designee prior to the date of the absence, if at all possible.

Process to Make-Up Missed Work

Regardless of the nature of the excused absence, the student is responsible for opening a line of communication with their instructors and completing all coursework according to the terms agreed upon between the instructor and the student.

It is the responsibility of the student to request an opportunity to complete missed work following an absence and this request should be made to the instructor no later than the next class session. Once an excuse has been granted for the absence, all missed work must be completed within the time frame agreed upon between the student and the faculty member in order for the student to receive full credit.

Missed activities will be rescheduled or, in the event that rescheduling of an activity is not practical or possible, a fair and equitable alternative way of arriving at the overall grade must be developed by the instructor. If students are allowed to drop their lowest test score in a course, the instructor cannot require the student to use a missed exam as that “drop.”

Students must be afforded the opportunity to make-up missed work within a reasonable time period upon their return.

Punitive measures must not be taken against a student who presents military orders and or notification from a Commander or the Commander’s representative.

Appeals

Students who feel that they have been unjustly penalized by an instructor's attendance policy or by the instructor refusing to accept an excuse may follow the academic grievance procedures.

Military Science Program (Air Force and Army ROTC)

Army ROTC

Kentucky State University has entered into a partnership agreement with the U.S. Army Cadet Command (7th Brigade) Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program. Students who wish to participate in the Army ROTC program have access to receive ROTC scholarship assistance by way of contractual agreement and commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.

Army ROTC provides merit-based scholarships and other financial aid opportunities for college-bound high school students and students already attending KSU. Multi-year ROTC scholarships are available on an equally competitive basis to qualified students.

The Four-Year Scholarship is for high school students planning to attend a four-year college program or for those who have just begun college. Contact your high school academic advisor or campus Military Science department for more information. Students must fulfill an eight-year service commitment with the Army, serving full-time in the Army for four years and four years with the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Selected Cadets may choose to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

The Three-Year Scholarship is available for students already enrolled at KSU with three academic years remaining. Students must fulfill a four-year service commitment with the Army. Selected Cadets may choose to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

The Two-Year Scholarship is available for those who have two academic years remaining. Students must serve full- time in the Army for four years. Selected Cadets may choose to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

The Military Science Program is open to both men and women and follows a general military science curriculum. Currently, all Army Military Science (AMS) courses are offered at KSU. Contact the University of Kentucky Wildcat Battalion Recruiting Operations Officer at 859-257-6865.

Air Force ROTC

While attending Kentucky State University, you can explore your interest in the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 290 at the University of Kentucky. The following will provide basic information about our requirements and what AFROTC can offer you.  Please be sure to click on any links in this email to view the additional information provided or check us out on Insta @UKAFROTC.

AFROTC is a college program offered at more than 1100 college campuses across the country that prepares young men and women to commission and become officers (and leaders!) in the United States Air Force and Space Force. Individuals will grow both mentally and physically while developing lifelong friendships. It is an opportunity to acquire strong leadership skills that will benefit you both as an Air Force officer and in corporate America. These are the same skills that will make you a better student and get the most from your college experience.  AFROTC may also be an opportunity to pay for school through scholarships.  Also, unlike many college students, upon completing the program and receiving your commission, you will have a guaranteed job and career awaiting you after graduation at two of the top high-tech organizations in the world - the United States Air Force and Space Force.

• Link:  Introduction to Air Force ROTC
• Frequently Asked Questions:  Air Force Det 290 Information Packet Download
• Video Link:  Air Force ROTC Program Overview
• Video Link:  Active Duty Life in the Air Force

Our program is traditionally a four-year program beginning freshman year and continues through to graduation.  Another option is to join our three-year program, which is offered for those who have already completed one year of their undergraduate degree, or college students interested in either extending three full years in undergrad or wishing to start full-time graduate study.  To participate in Air Force ROTC, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at a four-year university or selected crosstown college or university that offers the Air Force ROTC program.  Crosstown cadets attend their college/university for all other classes and attends all AFROTC classes/events at UK.  Currently, the University of Kentucky’s AFROTC Detachment 290 has crosstown agreements with Kentucky State University.

Admission Requirements:

• Attend a college that offers AFROTC (or crosstown)
• Enroll in AFROTC electives (AFS 111 / AFS 112 in fall semester, AFS 113 / AFS 114 in spring semester)
• Must maintain at least 2.0 CGPA (2.5 CGPA if on AFROTC scholarship)
• Be in good physical shape
• Have high moral character

Please visit our How To Enroll page to learn what classes you need to sign up for AFROTC through your university advisor.

Weekly Time Commitment:

• One one-hour class per week
• Two one-hour Physical Training (PT) sessions
• Two hours at Leadership Laboratory

Scholarships:

Interested in scholarships to help pay for school?  AFROTC may be able to help with that!  Please visit our Scholarships and Financial Incentives page to learn more about the Air Force’s High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) and In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP) eligibility.  Cadets do not have to be on an AFROTC scholarship to participate and commission from the program.

Service Obligation:

You are under no obligation to join the Air Force by simply applying for a scholarship or enrolling in the program. However, if you are awarded an AFROTC scholarship or complete summer Field Training (start of Junior/300 year for those not on AFROTC scholarship), you become obligated when you accept and sign your contract with the United States Air Force.  If you are under legal age in the state where the school is located, your parent or legal guardian signs this agreement.  Freshman HSSP winners may elect to discontinue their participation in AFROTC at any time during or immediately after their freshman year with no service obligation or scholarship pay-back to the Air Force. 

Physical Fitness Requirements:
All cadets are required to maintain good physical fitness routines and successfully pass a physical fitness assessment (PFA) each semester.  The PFA consists of a 1.5-mile run, a one-minute time sit-up, one-minute timed push-up, and abdominal circumference.  All cadets must meet Body Mass Index BMI standards to contract, attend Field Training, and commission.  For more information on physical requirements and fitness chart downloads, please visit our Physical Fitness page.

Thank you again for your interest in AFROTC Detachment 290 at the University of Kentucky.  If you have any questions not answered on the AFROTC website, or would like to schedule a time to visit our location and meet with one of our officers, please contact us at 859-257-7115, or via email at afrotc@uky.edu.  

Active Duty Student Checklist – for Admission and Enrollment

1. Apply to KSU.  ​Be sure to identify yourself as active-duty on your application.  This will waive the application fee for all undergraduate applicants. If you have already paid the fee, please contact the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs at omva@kysu.edu or 502-597-6196, and include your KSU student ID number.
2. Request Official copies of any Transcripts
   Request official copies of transcripts from your high school or any college where you have taken courses. High school transcripts are only required if you have completed less than 24 civilian college hours.
3. Request your ACT or SAT scoresIf you haven't taken an ACT or SAT, you also have the option to take a placement test. Pending the availability of funds, this service is free for veteran and military students.  KSU also accepts credit by exam from DANTES and CLEP, which is a great way to earn academic credit for what you know. To learn more about exams accepted by KSU, contact the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs.
4. Request your Joint Service Transcript
   To receive credit for your military service, you must submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST). Visit the JST website, and request your transcript be sent to KSU electronically. Air Force veterans and service members should request their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript to receive military credit.
5. Claim your Active Duty Status
   Verify your active duty status with the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs
   Important Information for Students
   • Students must provide verification of active duty status at the beginning of each academic year.
   • Students must verify their active duty status by the end of the Add/Drop period in their first term, as well as by the end of the Add/Drop period in the first term of each subsequent academic year. Online students registered for both terms must verify their Active Duty Status prior to the Add/Drop date for the fall term.
6. Apply for Federal Tuition Assistance
   Each branch of service has its own rules and procedures regarding Tuition Assistance, but service members may be eligible for up to $4,000 in educational benefits per year. These funds are paid directly to the university to be applied towards tuition expenses. If the cost of tuition exceeds the cap for TA, service members may be eligible to use VA education benefits for out-of-pocket costs.
   
   Military.com explains each service's TA program and provides links to each service's TA websites.
7. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
   We highly recommend you fill out your FASFA as soon as possible. Your Federal TA/VA education benefits are completely separate from Financial Aid, so we encourage you to go online now and fill out your FASFA. The FAFSA determines students' eligibility for grants and/or loans.
   Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online
8. Apply for VA Education Benefits (If Applicable)
   You can apply for VA education benefits at the gibill.va.gov website.
   If you have questions about your VA education benefits or any other questions you may contact them at:
   VA Regional Office
   Telephone: (888) 442-4551
   Website: www.vets.gov
9. Submit your Course Enrollment Form (Only if using VA Education Benefits)After you are advised and registered for classes, you must complete the Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form.
   This form allows us to certify you for your VA educational benefits. Please note the following:< >You must complete a Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form each semester after registering for classes. If you do not complete the Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form, then neither you nor the school will receive funding.If you change your major, you must complete a new Change of Program form (VA Form 22-1995) before the semester starts.  If you add, drop, or change a class after you have submitted your initial Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form, you must submit a new Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form immediately.

Reservist/National Guard Student Checklist for Admission and Enrollment

1. Apply to KSU
   Be sure to identify yourself as active duty on your application; this will waive the application fee for all Undergraduate applicants. If you have already paid the fee, please contact the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs at omva@kysu.edu or 502-597-6340, and include your KSU student ID number.
2. Request Official copies of any Transcripts
   Request official copies of transcripts from your high school or any college where you have taken courses. High school transcripts are only required if you have completed less than 24 civilian college hours.
3. Request your ACT or SAT scores
   If you haven't taken an ACT or SAT, you also have the option to take a placement test. Pending the availability of funds, this service is free for veteran and military students.
   
   KSU also accepts credit by exam from DANTES and CLEP, which is a great way to earn academic credit for what you know. To learn more about exams accepted by KSU, contact the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs.
4. Request your Joint Service Transcript
   To receive credit for your military service, you must submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST). Visit the JST website and request that your transcript be sent to KSU electronically. Air Force veterans and service members should request their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript to receive military credit.
5. Request Federal or State Tuition Assistance
   Army Reservists/National Guard on Federal active-duty: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Tuition-Assistance-(TA)
   Kentucky Army National Guard requesting State Tuition Assistance (TA): https://ky.ngb.army.mil/Register and https://ky.ng.mil/Portals/59/Education%20and%20Incentives/State%20TA%20Flyer.pdf?ver=3wllv1ZJOgiC32gOynkAEA%3d%3d
   
   Note: Deadlines for requesting State TA are 1 October (Spring) and 1 April (Summer/Fall).  For Reservists/Guard in other service branches or Air National Guard members, visit Military.com’s TA Overview for information in requesting TA.
6. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
   We highly recommend you fill out your FASFA as soon as possible. Your Federal TA/VA education benefits are completely separate from Financial Aid, so we encourage you to go online now and fill out your FASFA. The FAFSA determines students' eligibility for grants and/or loans.
   Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online
7. Apply for VA Education Benefits (If Applicable)
   You can apply for VA education benefits at the www.va.gov website.
   If you have questions about your VA education benefits or any other questions, you may contact them at:
   VA Regional Office
   Telephone: (888) 442-4551
   Website: www.va.gov
8. Submit your Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form (Only if using VA Education Benefits)
   After you are advised and registered for classes, you must complete the Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form.
   This form allows us to certify you for your VA educational benefits. Please note the following: If you add, drop, or change a class after you have submitted your initial Course Enrollment Form, you must submit a new Course Enrollment Form immediately.
   • You must complete a Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form each semester after registering for classes. If you do not complete the Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form, then neither you nor the school will receive funding.
   • If you change your major, you must complete a new Change of Program form (VA Form 22-1995) before the semester starts.

Military Dependents (Spouses and Children) Student Checklist – for Admission and Enrollment

1. Apply to KSU
   Be sure to identify yourself as Active Duty on your application; this will waive the application fee for all Undergraduate applicants.
   
   If you have already paid the fee, please contact the Office of Veterans and Military Student Affairs at omva@kysu.edu or 502-597-6196, and include your KSU student ID number.
2. Request Official copies of any Transcripts
   Request official copies of transcripts from your high school or any college where you have taken courses. High school transcripts are only required if you have completed less than 24 civilian college hours.
3. Request your ACT or SAT scores
   If you haven't taken an ACT or SAT, you also have the option to take a placement test. Pending the availability of funds, this service is free for veteran and military students.
   
   KSU also accepts credit by exam from DANTES and CLEP, which is a great way to earn academic credit for what you know. To learn more about exams accepted by KSU, contact the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs.
4. Request your Joint Service Transcript
   To receive credit for your military service, you must submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST). Visit the JST website, and request for your transcript to be sent to KSU electronically. Air Force veterans and service members should request their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript to receive military credit.
5. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
   We highly recommend you fill out your FASFA as soon as possible. Your Federal TA/VA education benefits are completely separate from Financial Aid, so we encourage you to go online now and fill out your FASFA. The FAFSA determines students' eligibility for grants and/or loans. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online
6. Apply for VA Education Benefits (If Applicable)
   You can apply for VA education benefits at the gibill.va.gov website. If you have questions about your VA education benefits or any other questions you may contact them at:
   VA Regional Office
   Telephone: (888) 442-4551
   Website: www.vets.gov
7. Submit your Course Enrollment Form (Only if using VA Education Benefits).  After you are advised and registered for classes, you must complete the Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form.

This form allows us to certify you for your VA educational benefits. Please note the following:< >You must complete a Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form each semester after registering for classes. If you do not complete the Military Student Services Enrollment Reporting Form, then neither you nor the school will receive funding. If you change your major, you must complete a new Change of Program form (VA Form 22-1995) before the semester starts.

8.  Apply for Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) Dependent Tuition Waiver (If Applicable)

A waiver of tuition is an education benefit provided by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in recognition of the military service of certain Kentucky veterans. The tuition waiver is provided for children, stepchildren, adopted children, spouses, and unmarried widows and widowers. An approved tuition waiver means a student may attend any two-year, four-year, or vocational-technical schools that are operated and funded by the Kentucky Department of Education. More information regarding the KDVA Dependent Tuition Waiver can be found at https://veterans.ky.go