Six Steps to Utilizing VA Educational Benefits at Central Michigan University

Step-by-step guide to utilizing VA educational benefits at CMU


___ 1. Apply to CMU at https://apply.cmich.edu/
If applicable, when applying to CMU, also request your Joint Services transcript or Community College of the Air Force transcript for evaluation by CMU academic advisors. Veterans should attach a copy of their DD-214 to their application to waive the application fee.

___ 2. Apply for VA Educational Benefits
Go to the Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://vets.gov to apply for educational benefits. When you click "submit" a confirmation screen will appear.  Take a screenshot of the confirmation page and save it.

___ 3. Get your global ID and password
Once you have been granted an admission status by CMU, you receive your Global ID and create a password.  Now you can access your online Enrollment Certification Request form at cmich.edu/veterans/ecr.  Go to the ECR form, sign in and attach the screenshot of your confirmation page.  Close the page.  It will save your information for you without submitting the form.

___4. Present Proof of Eligibility for VA Educational Benefits to the VRC
When you are approved for benefits, the VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility to the address you provided on the application. Attach a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility to your online Enrollment Certification Request.

___ 5. Students Transferring from another College or University
When transferring from another College or University, complete a Request for Change in Program or Place for Training form. Attach a copy of the form to your Enrollment Certification Request.

___ 6. Register for Classes and submit your ECR form
After registering for classes using CentralLink, submit an Enrollment Certification Request (ECR) form.   This allows CMU to process your educational benefits through the VA. Access the form at: cmich.edu/veterans/ecr

Link to USDVA for Benefit Descriptions:

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 Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.