VASCO Blog
Expert insights, updates, and best practices for VA School Certifying Officials
61 articles total
All Articles
Chapter 33 Updates for 2025: What VASCOs Need to Know
Key changes to Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations and payment rates effective October 2024.
How to Help Students Avoid Overpayment Debt
Proactive strategies for preventing VA overpayments, reporting requirements, and supporting students through mitigating circumstances.
10 Enrollment Manager Efficiency Tips to Save Time
Expert shortcuts and workflow optimizations to certify students faster while maintaining accuracy in Enrollment Manager.
Supporting Chapter 31 (VR&E) Students: A VASCO Guide
Everything you need to know about working with VR&E students and coordinating with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
Preparing for VA Compliance Surveys: A Checklist
Step-by-step guide to organizing documentation and responding to VA compliance surveys within the 30-day deadline.
The Complete First-Time VASCO Guide
Comprehensive guide for new School Certifying Officials covering all essentials for your first 90 days.
Yellow Ribbon Program Best Practices
Master Yellow Ribbon administration with proven strategies for tracking, calculating, and certifying YRP benefits.
The 85/15 Rule Demystified: A Visual Guide
Master the 85/15 rule with clear visual breakdowns, real calculation examples, and monitoring strategies.
Understanding the Delimiting Date: A Complete Guide
Critical information about eligibility deadlines, extensions, and how to advise students on their delimiting dates.
Mastering Your First 90 Days as a VASCO
Week-by-week roadmap for new VASCOs to build competency, establish credibility, and create lasting impact.
Data Analytics for VASCOs: Metrics That Matter
Comprehensive guide to tracking, analyzing, and leveraging data for better decision-making and program improvement.
Batch Processing Mastery for High-Volume Periods
Advanced techniques for efficiently processing large certification volumes during peak enrollment periods.
SAP Appeals That Work: Templates & Strategies
Effective approaches to Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals that increase student success rates.
Automation Opportunities for VASCOs
Identify and implement automation solutions to reduce manual work and increase accuracy.
Time Management Strategies for Busy VASCOs
Practical time management techniques to handle competing priorities during peak certification seasons.
Peak Season Survival Guide for VASCOs
Strategies and systems to thrive during high-volume certification periods without burnout.
Building Early Warning Systems for Student Veterans
Design and implement proactive intervention systems to improve veteran student retention.
Strategic Partnership Development for VASCOs
Build and maintain effective partnerships with campus departments, VA offices, and community organizations.
Remote Work Best Practices for VASCOs
Maintain effectiveness and student service excellence while working remotely or in hybrid environments.
Strategic Planning for VASCO Offices
Develop multi-year strategic plans that align with institutional goals and improve veteran services.
Building Your Professional VASCO Network
Strategies for connecting with other VASCOs, joining professional organizations, and advancing your career.
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Students
Communication frameworks for handling challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.
Mental Health Resources for Student Veterans
Comprehensive guide to supporting student veteran mental health and connecting them with appropriate resources.
AI Tools for Modern VASCOs
Explore artificial intelligence tools that can enhance efficiency and improve student services.
Certification Error Recovery Protocols
Step-by-step procedures for identifying, correcting, and preventing certification errors.
Supporting Student Veteran Organizations on Campus
Best practices for advising and supporting student veteran groups and clubs.
Document Management Systems for VASCO Offices
Implement effective digital filing systems to organize student records and improve compliance.
Cross-Training Your VASCO Team for Resilience
Build redundancy and flexibility by developing a well-trained, versatile veteran services team.
Grant Writing for Veteran Service Enhancements
Secure funding for veteran programs through effective grant proposals and budget justifications.
Benchmarking Your VASCO Office Performance
Measure and improve your office performance using industry benchmarks and best practices.
Online vs In-Person: MHA Rate Rules Explained
Understand the complex rules governing Monthly Housing Allowance rates for different enrollment types.
Transfer Credit and VA Benefits: What VASCOs Must Know
Navigate the complexities of prior learning assessment and transfer credits for VA benefit purposes.
Yellow Ribbon Program Administration Guide
Complete administrative guide for managing Yellow Ribbon contributions and reporting.
Mitigating Circumstances: Protecting Student Benefits
Document and report mitigating circumstances to protect students from benefit debt.
Certifying Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs
Special considerations and procedures for certifying vocational and technical training programs.
Financial Literacy Programming for Veterans
Design and deliver financial wellness programs tailored to veteran student needs.
Fraud Detection and Prevention for VASCOs
Identify red flags and implement controls to prevent benefit fraud and protect your institution.
Building an Internal Audit System
Develop systematic self-audit procedures to maintain continuous compliance excellence.
Clock Hour vs Credit Hour: Key Differences
Master the distinctions between clock hour and credit hour programs for accurate certifications.
Creating Standard Operating Procedures for Your Office
Document processes and procedures to ensure consistency and facilitate training.
Building Effective SAA Relationships
Work productively with State Approving Agencies for program approvals and compliance.
Success Coaching Models for Veteran Students
Implement proactive coaching programs that improve retention and graduation rates.
Prior Credit Evaluation Best Practices
Accurately evaluate and document prior learning for VA benefit purposes.
Supporting Online Student Veterans
Unique challenges and best practices for serving distance learning veteran students.
Mobile Solutions for VASCO Offices
Leverage mobile technology to improve accessibility and student communication.
Developing Peer Mentorship Programs
Create and sustain effective peer mentorship programs for veteran students.
Building a Knowledge Base for Your Team
Create searchable documentation that empowers your team and improves consistency.
Future-Proofing Your VASCO Practice
Prepare for emerging trends and changes in veteran education benefits administration.
Collaborating with Disability Services
Build effective partnerships between veteran services and disability support offices.
Decoding New VA Regulations: A VASCO Guide
Strategies for understanding, interpreting, and implementing new VA policy changes.
Cybersecurity Essentials for VASCOs
Protect sensitive student data and maintain FERPA compliance with security best practices.
Maximizing Conference ROI for VASCOs
Get the most value from professional conferences and training events.
Budget Justification for VASCO Resources
Build compelling budget requests that secure resources for your veteran services office.
Career Certification Paths for VASCOs
Explore professional certifications and credentials to advance your VASCO career.
Career Readiness Programs for Veterans
Develop comprehensive career preparation services for transitioning veteran students.
The Art of Saying No: Boundary Setting for VASCOs
Maintain healthy boundaries while providing excellent service to veteran students.
Navigating the Transfer Veteran Maze
Support transfer students through the complexities of changing institutions with VA benefits.
Supporting First-Generation Veteran Students
Specialized support strategies for veterans who are first in their family to attend college.
Presentation Skills for VASCOs
Deliver engaging orientations, trainings, and presentations to diverse audiences.
Writing for Impact: Communication Skills for VASCOs
Craft clear, compelling written communications for students, colleagues, and administrators.