VA students must report in writing any additions, drops, withdrawals or other interruptions to the St. Petersburg College (SPC) Financial Assistance Services (FAS) office. A separate change of address must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the college. Notify the DVA by using the WAVE at https://www.gibill.va.gov if you are receiving VA education benefits, by e-mailing the DVA at atlrpo@vba.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-442-4551. In addition, notify both the FAS office and the Registrar's Office of any address change. The law prohibits payment of DVA educational benefits for a course from which the student withdraws or completes and receives a grade that is not used in computing the grade point average (a non-punitive grade, i.e. "W"). Withdrawals must be reported to the Veteran Service Coordinator (VSC) at the FAS office. Payment may be allowed if the student submits evidence of mitigating circumstances that are acceptable by the DVA.

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES

Mitigating circumstances are unanticipated and unavoidable documented events that interfere with the pursuit of a course and result in the student's receipt of a non-punitive grade. Mitigating circumstances may be claimed by submitting documented evidence when a student withdraws or otherwise incurs an overpayment. Claims may be submitted on a VA Form 21-4138 with an explanation of the circumstances. The DVA considers mitigating circumstances to exist without explanation by the veteran in the first instance of withdrawal from a course or courses totaling not more than six (6) term hours. The decision to accept mitigating circumstances is made by the DVA. The following are some general categories of mitigating circumstances:

• Serious illness of the veteran or dependent.
• Serious illness or death in the eligible veteran's or dependent's immediate family.
• Immediate family or financial obligations that require a change in terms, hours or place of employment that precludes pursuit of course.
• Discontinuance of a course by a school.
• Unanticipated active duty military service, including active duty for training.
• Unanticipated difficulties with child-care arrangements.

Examples of unacceptable mitigating circumstances include - but are not limited to - withdrawal to avoid a failing grade, disliking an instructor, too many courses attempted, or a call to active duty that was anticipated before the term began.