Bureau of State Approving for Veterans’ Training Division of Veterans’ Benefits and Assistance

1. Florida State Approving Agency Bureau of State Approving for Veterans’ Training Division of Veterans’ Benefits and Assistance Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2540 Executive Ct.r Circle W. Douglas Bldg Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (850) 487-2836 Telephone (850) 488-5698 FAX E-Mail- TurbeeS@fdva.state.fl.us

2. SAA Areas of Responsibility 1 3 • Bureau Chief – Steve Turbee • AREA 1 - Talman Sisk • AREA 2 - Debra Davis • AREA 3 – John Wilson • AREA 4 – Susan Flake • AREA 5 – Bibi Ramos • Administrative Staff • Cora Stagner and Terri Copley 4 2 5

3. Evaluate and approve schools and programs of education. Review and approve catalogs and other school policy documents to insure continued compliance with state and federal regulations. Visit schools to insure compliance and provide on-site assistance to Certifying Officials. Provide technical assistance to schools as needed. Conduct inquiries and investigations as requested by VA or Congressional members. SAA Functions

4. Required Submittals for Continued Approval • Two (2) Catalogs each time a new edition is published. • Any off-term dates not approved with catalogs. • Any substantive changes in program curricula or school policy. • New Administrators and Faculty for Non-accredited schools. • Anything you are not sure about.

5. 1 SAA Visits to School General • Visits are conducted only at schools with veterans enrolled during the federal fiscal year (Oct. - Sept.). • Ten to 15 schools will be visited in a single week to reduce costs. • Visits are normally conducted within a specific geographic area by the program specialist for that area. • A random sample of veteran files will be reviewed to establish if there is any pattern of error. • Other school records or documents may also be examined.

6. 2 SAA Visits to School Items Inspected • Enrollment Certification. • approved calendar dates • correct program • credit for prior training • Standards of Academic Progress. • Attendance for NCD. • Tuition Charges. • Advertising. • State License and Accreditation.

7. 3 SAA Visits to School Inspection Reports • Now with laptop computers-reports can be completed on site as opposed to returning to the home office • Reports will: • identify student records reviewed • detail any discrepancies found • specify corrective actions required by school • Copies of reports will be left with the school and mailed to the VA. • All discrepancies must be corrected within 30 days.

8. SAA Provides Technical Assistance with • Approval Criteria • Policy Conflicts • Resolving Veteran Problems • Advocate for Cert Official • Correcting Discrepancies • Enrollment Certification • Training

9. Florida SAA Website • Florida SAA Website • www.floridavets.org • Easy to use, 400 Schools listed • Schools listed alphabetically by county • Programs listed by school • Address, telephone number of the VA Rep • List updated semi-annually • Encourage Veterans to use it

10. 1 !!! TEAMWORK !!! State Approving Agency VA Educational Liaison School Certifying Official