Veteran Services
Our goal is to provide the pertinent information required to all our Veteran and Dependent students attending Lamar Institute of Technology. Veterans Services assists all students attending Lamar Institute of Technology using education benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance Programs and Texas Hazlewood Exemption Act in the pursuit of a certificate or associates degree.
Veterans are afforded the same rights and must meet all academic requirements and maintain the same academic standards as any student attending Lamar Institute of Technology.
The application for VA educational benefits is completed online at the VA eBenefits website: www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply
Once approved, the VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility to the student. It takes approximately 30 days from the day you apply to receive the certificate.
You may only use one educational benefit at a time for a period of service. You will have to choose which education benefit you would like to use. If you choose to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) instead of the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), you cannot switch back at a later date.
For a comparison of benefits offered by the VA, please visit here or call the VA at 888-442-4551 to discuss options available to you.
The Hazlewood Act is a tuition exemption for up to 150 credit hours for qualified Veterans and dependents. Eligibility for the Texas Hazlewood Exemption Act is for Veterans who:
- At the time of entry into active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces was
- A Texas Resident,
- or entered the service in Texas,
- During their Active Duty service, designated Texas as Home of Record.
- Have received an Honorable Discharge or a General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge as indicated on the Veteran's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).
- Served at least 181 days of Active Duty service (excluding training).
Additionally, you may use Hazlewood in conjunction with CH30, CH35 and CH1606.
You may use Hazlewood with CH33 if you are receiving CH33 at less than 100%. Also, you cannot be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas.
It is highly recommended that Veterans and Dependents sign-up for the free database on the Texas Veterans Commission website here to track Hazlewood hours used.
VA Certification
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires that the School Certifying Official verify that all registered courses are applicable to the degree plan the veteran is pursuing. Students must submit their Certificate of Eligibility to Veteran Services along with the LIT Certification Request Form. The Request Form MUST be submitted each semester at the time of enrollment.
Graduation Honor Cords
Lamar Institution of Technology celebrates our Veteran Graduates by providing a Service Honor Cord. If you are a graduating Veteran, please fill out the form below and submit it to Veteran Services. The Honor Cords may be picked up the week before the Commencement Ceremony or during Check-In for the ceremony.
Veteran Services Contact Information and Staff
Veteran Services is part of Student Services and located in the Eagles' Nest Bldg. Our email is veteranservices@lit.edu and the number is 409-880-8437.
- Eric Matthews - Veteran Liaison
- Cheryl Talbert - School Certifying Official
- Crystal Cole - School Certifying Official