DoD MOU Compliance

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is proud to participate in a Voluntary Education Partnership with the United States Department of Defense (DoD). As part of this partnership, the university has an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DoD. This MOU allows military-connected students to know that MGA is a good choice for them to pursue higher education. Specifically, in the MOU the university commits to following practices that are ethical and military-connected student friendly.

Recruiting, Marketing, and Advertising

MGA commits to following fair and ethical practices when recruiting students, including military-connected students. MGA follows Department of Education regulations and is in compliance with C.F.R. 668.71-668.75 and 668.14. Admissions staff follow principles of professional ethics set forth by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). AACRAO members agree to dispense complete, accurate, understandable, and truthful information and advice at all times. To this end, neither the university nor its agents will:

• Provide any bonus, commission, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance
• Engage in high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, video conference, or in person, or engaging in same-day recruitment and registration or the purpose of securing Service members enrollment.
• Tolerate inducements, including but not limited to any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis [defined as "an insignificant amount"] to any individual or entity, or its agents including third-party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for the purpose of securing enrollments of Service members or obtaining access to TA funds. Please note, this does not prevent military-connected students from being eligible for university-sponsored scholarships or grants.

Student Loans and Finances

MGA commits to providing students with reliable and accurate information regarding financial aid. All students, including military-connected students, are welcome and encouraged to access https://www.mga.edu/financial-aid/index.php to learn more about their financial aid options.

The Financial Aid office offers information about both federal student loans and private student loans. All students are encouraged to speak with financial aid counselors to determine need and best options before borrowing money. This financial aid advisor will be able to offer individual loan counseling, including, but not limited to:

1. Providing a clear and complete explanation of available financial aid, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
2. Describing the differences between private and federal student loans to include terms, conditions, repayment and forgiveness options.
3. Explaining that students have the ability to refuse all or borrow less than the maximum student loan amount allowed.

MGA financial aid counselors abide by a Code of Conduct in accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of August 14, 2008. The full Code of Conduct is available for viewing by all students and potential students, including military-connected students, at https://www.mga.edu/financial-aid/code-of-conduct.php.

MGA’s Cohort Default Rates (CDR) are listed on the Frequently Asked Questions page located at https://www.mga.edu/financial-aid/faq.php; Information regarding the CDR is also listed at https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?482158-Middle-Georgia-State-University

Unearned TA Funds Policy

The University refund policy applies to all third-party contract students which includes military tuition assistance (TA) students. Any unearned TA funds are returned to the funding source on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the University will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.

For complete information on the University refund policy and a detailed schedule of pre-rata refund percentages, please see https://www.mga.edu/bursar/refunds.php.

Active duty military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children are eligible for an Economic Advantage Waiver. Criteria for the waiver are published in the Academic Catalog. Information from the current catalog can be found at: https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2023-2024/undergraduate-catalog/student-finances/economic-advantage-waiver/.

Accreditation

MGA is accredited as an institution through the Southern Association of Colleges and schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In addition, several programs at MGA require specific accreditation by appropriate organizations to validate the degree in the work force. A full list of accreditations can be found at https://www.mga.edu/about/accreditation.php.

Degree Plans & Residency Requirements

MGA provides degree plans to all students, including Service members. The degree plans serve as an academic plan that details the courses needed for completion of certificates and degrees. All students must meet the same requirements for each degree. The Academic catalog contains the official degree requirements for all degrees offered at MGA. Graduate students will find supplemental degree maps and sequencing information in the program guides on their program's website.

Middle Georgia State University is military friendly to active duty service members. Academic residency is limited to no more than 25% of the degree requirements for all undergraduate degrees for active-duty service members. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active-duty service members are enrolled. Reservists and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.

Academic Counseling and Post-Graduation Job Opportunities

MGA provides students with knowledgeable professionals who can help them with military Tuition Assistance, Department of Education Title IV funding, academic advising, counseling, financial aid counseling, career counseling, and other institutional services.

Information on Career Counseling for Post-Graduation Job Opportunities can be found at: https://www.mga.edu/center-career-leadership-development/index.php.

Transfer Policies

MGA will accept credits from accredited colleges and universities. In limited circumstances credits may be reviewed for acceptance from alternative institutions and will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. The full Transfer Credit Policy can be found at https://mga.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2023-2024/undergraduate-catalog/admissions/middle-georgia-state-university-admission-categories/transfer-credit-policy/. Specifically regarding credit for Military Service, the policy below is in effect:

Academic Credit for Military Service

In accordance with procedures established by the University System of Georgia, MGA offers credit for military service using the following criteria (USG Academic & Student Affairs Handbook, 2.16 Credit for Military Service) and based on training courses identified in the ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training.

When a student requests academic credit based on experience in the military service, the following procedure is followed:

1. The Registrar researches the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to determine the recommendation made by that organization.
2. The Registrar advises appropriate academic department head(s) of ACE recommendation(s).
3. The appropriate academic officer advises the registrar of what credit, if any, is to be granted in that specific discipline. Credit should not be awarded for course/experiences not offered by Middle Georgia State University.
4. The Registrar records appropriate credit on official transcript and advises both the student and academic advisor of the credit that has been granted.

The total number of combined hours earned through correspondence, extension, and military experiences shall not exceed 15 credit hours. MGA will also award a maximum of 40 credit hours towards a degree through AP, CLEP, DANTES, departmental exams, and Prior Learning Assessments.

Readmission Policy

For readmissions, MGA follows the transfer student process as listed in the Academic Catalog for all MGA students including Service members.

MGA abides by 34 C.F.R. 668.8, which allows for students to interrupt their plan of study due to military service and return without penalty.

Undergraduate Admissions has a Readmission page at https://www.mga.edu/admissions/former-students.php that helps students who have not been enrolled for three (3) or more consecutive semesters return to MGA. Students who have been away for military duty and have not attended other colleges and universities do not have to pay an application fee for the readmission process.

The Graduate School works with service members on a case-by-case basis to support them when their military duties interrupt their educational endeavors. Many graduate programs use cohort models, and students who stop out often can return as part of a new cohort where they left off.

Points of Contact

DoD MOU
Stephen Svonavec
Director Commuter Campuses/Director Veterans & Military Services
478.275.6769

Tuition Assistance
Ana Evans
Bursar
877.238.8664

Compliance
Ike Taylor
Military Students Specialist
478.929.6700