Each term is generally ten weeks in length. Individual courses are offered one at a time throughout the course of the terms. Contact PPATEC for and updated list of offerings.
Hours of Operation: Classes are offered Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM during the week. No classes are scheduled on the weekends.
| Start Date | 7/11/2022 |
| Registration Deadline | 7/1/2022 |
| End Date | 9/16/2022 |
No Classes: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
| Start Date | 1/16/2023 |
| Registration Deadline | 12/30/2022 |
| End Date | 3/24/2023 |
| Start Date | 7/10/2023 |
| Registration Deadline | 6/30/2023 |
| End Date | 9/15/2023 |
No Classes: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
PPATEC offers industry specific training opportunities to individuals and employers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Member companies contribute to coursework to help design training programs that offer students a direct, hands-on learning experience that results in strengthening the professional skills of their employees and ensure they maintain proper industry certification.
When you sign up for PPATEC training classes you are only receiving information that directly relates to your field. There are no filler courses or content. Our classes and curriculum are created by industry professionals who continuously strive to put together training programs that you will be able to directly apply when you return to the field.
PPATEC takes learning beyond textbooks to bridge the gap between a classroom and a job site. Every PPATEC class incorporates hands-on learning from equipment that would commonly be encountered in the field.
PPATEC offers classes that only cover the relevant materials attendees need to know. This efficient use of time and resources eliminates unnecessary expenses.
To promote and represent the Pennsylvania energy marketing industry by providing industry-led, employer driven workforce development training resulting in career opportunities for our graduates.
PPATEC will be a leader in industry-led, employer driven workforce development training by providing industry specific hands-on training that leads to meaningful employment.
PPATEC facilities are located at 911B South Eisenhower Boulevard, Classroom A, Middletown, PA 17057. This 5,000 Sq. foot facility is a state-of-the-art facility that recently went through a $250,000 building renovation in 2020.
The facility has a new large multi-purpose classroom that comfortably seats up to 20 students. The building includes 25+ pieces of live fire HVAC equipment and appliances which are used for hands-on training applications.
The training center has all the props and training aids students will need to see and touch the actual tools and equipment that pertain to all the classes they will be receiving instruction on. This includes: electrical boards, hydrometer, regulators, tanks, cutaways, valves, brass fittings, tools, gauges, projectors, white boards, and free WIFI.
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PPATEC expects all students to conduct themselves with dignity and to maintain high standards of responsible citizenship. Students are subject to civil authority both on and off campus. PPATEC files criminal charges in appropriate cases and cooperates with public officials in their prosecution.
Prohibited conduct shall include but not be limited to the items listed below:
When a violation of the student standards of conduct is suspected, the observer should immediately report the individual and the circumstances to the nearest faculty member. The faculty member should notify the President for investigation and follow-up action.
Individuals 18 years old or older and able to profit from further formal education, or a high school graduate under the age of 18 (with parental/guardian consent), may be admitted to PPATEC. Admission to PPATEC, however, does not ensure admission to any individual program or course or continued enrollment at PPATEC. PPATEC is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability. PPATEC may refuse admission to an applicant who poses a safety threat.
For admission, applicants must provide a completed application for admission, a copy of high school transcript or high school equivalency certificate, and a photo ID with birthdate. PPATEC reserves the right to ask for additional supporting materials.
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis as they are completed.
Certificate Programs: Applicants must be high school graduates or possess high school equivalency certificates.
Class enrollment limitations will be set for each term based on space requirements and availability as well as the availability of instructors to maintain appropriate instructor- student ratios determined by specific course of instruction.
Prior to enrollment, eligible students, veterans, and active duty military should submit written records or transcripts of previous education and training for evaluation by PPATEC for the purpose of determining whether appropriate credit should be awarded for previous education and training. For the purposes of evaluating military training, DD Form 295, Application For the Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service will be used as the template for assessing submitted documented training whether or not a signed form is submitted by the student.
Previous education and training will be assessed by PPATEC and on a case-by-case basis training may be shortened proportionately where prior proficiency has been documented. Students will be notified in writing when previous training and education has been found to meet the standards to shorten the normal course of instruction. In addition, for eligible veteran and military students, PPATEC will notify the Department of Veterans Affairs in writing of this determination.
There is no guarantee that credits completed at PPATEC will transfer.
The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association maintains a charitable organization on behalf of its membership. Institutional grants may be awarded to students based on the availability of funds. The qualifying criteria for awarding institutional grants will be applied in a consistent manner and will be established by the charitable organization’s board on a reoccurring basis based on priorities and availability of funds. The qualifying criteria for awarding institutional grants will be published by the board and information distributed to applicants at the time of application when available.
| Full Term | $8,995 |
| Other surcharges and fees: | |
| Lab Fee | $275* |
| Admin Fee | $175* |
| Facilities Fee | $125* |
| Tools | $1,850** † |
| Books | $350** |
* These Fees for non-tangible services will be refunded according to the same policies that apply to the refund of tuition in accordance with the refund regulations outlined in the catalog and enrollment agreement.
** These costs are subject to change and will be updated at least 60 days prior.
† The specific tool list published by the school is required of all students without exception or substitution. This is a tangible cost to the student and the student will keep the tools at completion or withdrawal from the program. The fee for tools is non-refundable.
Payment shall be made by check, money order, or credit/debit card transaction and/or by third party organization e.g. Veterans Administration by the following dates.
| Payment due dates | 2022 | 2023 |
| Term I | 7/1/22 | 12/30/22 |
| Term II | 6/30/23 |
Payment for the term is expected to be made in full 10 days prior to the term start date.
** Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) regarding the disbursement of tuition shall supersede billing regulations stated in this Rule for covered individuals.
PPATEC permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to PPATEC a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 of Title 38 USC.
PPATEC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to PPATEC due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to be provided by the Veterans Administration under chapter 31 or 33 of Title 38 USC.
For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 of Title 38 USC
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Refund in the event of rejection. An applicant rejected by the school is entitled to a refund of monies paid.
If a class is canceled, applicants will receive a 100% refund of monies paid.
For a student cancelling prior to the beginning of classes, monies paid to the school shall be refunded except the nonrefundable amount of the $25 application fee. The application fee is fully refundable however, if the student requests cancellation within five calendar days after signing the enrollment agreement if no classes have been attended, lessons completed, or materials used.
If a student enrolls and withdraws or discontinues after the term has begun but prior to completion of the term, the following minimum refunds apply:
Refunds shall be made within 30 calendar days of the date the student fails to enter, leaves the program or fails to return from a leave of absence.
Voluntary withdrawal: Students wishing to withdraw completely from the PPATEC initiate the process by notifying their instructor. The instructor will notify PPATEC administration to complete the withdrawal process including all necessary official notifications and refunds processed accordingly.
Involuntary withdrawal: The last date of attendance for students will be established and documented for students who stop attending classes and do not follow withdrawal procedures. A withdrawal (W) or incomplete (I) will be recorded based on the date of involuntary withdrawal and refunds processed accordingly.
Withdrawal and refund policy for reservists called to active duty: Full refund of tuition shall be granted to students who are military reservists or members of the National Guard and are ordered to active military service by the President of the United States or the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Please see the catalog addendum, “Special Policies for Veterans Administration Requirements” for specific pro rata refund policy for applicable students.
Attendees enrolled in our 10-week program will be interrupted for unsatisfactory attendance when accumulated absences, tardies, and class cuts exceed ten (10) percent of class contact hours. PPATEC is a Clock Hour institution with extremely focused curricula and therefore, attendance is a major factor in student success. Any absence must be reported to PPATEC prior to the start of the class and to the attendee’s manager, if applicable.
Please see the catalog addendum, “Special Policies for Veterans Administration Requirements” for specific attendance policy for applicable students.
Tardiness disrupts the learning environment and is discouraged. Student attendance is posted based upon the time present in class. Students who arrive late or leave class early will have those minutes deducted from their attendance.
| NR | Grade not reported (temporary grade) |
| I | Incomplete (temporary grade) |
| W | Withdrawal |
| P | Passing; 70% or higher |
| F | Fail; less than 70% |
A grade of I (incomplete) may be given for illness, accident, or other unusual hardship beyond the student’s control. This grade may be granted with the intent to resume classes once the hardship has been resolved.
Certification records are maintained online. Students have access to their online records indefinitely.
Certificates of completed training will be presented on the final day of class to students that met attendance requirements and completed the required hours for course completion. Students will be provided or mailed a certificate of completion when they passed the course in 7-10 business days.
Students must show Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward completing course objectives. All periods of enrollment count toward SAP. In order to meet SAP, students must achieve at least a 70% passing grade on certification tests. Students who fail to make satisfactory progress will be subject to a probationary period. If a student fails to meet the 70% pass standard in a given certification, they will be placed in a probationary status for a period of one week in order to retest to meet the 70% standard. At the end of the probationary period, if the student fails to show improving test scores, the student could be terminated from PPATEC.
Students whose enrollment is interrupted may apply for a leave of absence. Formal requests for leaves should be made to PPATEC administration via the course instructor.
Justifiable reasons for a leave include the following:
The following requirements apply:
Students can request to meet with school administration to develop a plan for achieving satisfactory progress. Students must wait for the next class to begin unless given approval by instructor to re-join current class.
PPATEC expects all students and faculty members to practice academic integrity. Honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility are essential building blocks in creating a vital learning community. They are also the foundation for lifelong integrity. Academic dishonesty at PPATEC is considered a serious breach of the “PPATEC Commitment to Community Standards.” Academic dishonesty is any act that misrepresents academic work or interferes with the academic work of others. It includes:
Violation of academic integrity standards may result in dismissal from PPATEC.
The academic grievance policy seeks to provide a fair and expeditious process that allows for both informal and formal resolution of conflicts. Students of PPATEC who believe that policy has not been followed with respect to academic matters may initiate the academic grievance procedure. Academic matters are those concerned with instructional activities, grading procedures or other incidents related to academic affairs.
Students should be aware that clear evidence is needed to contest a grade. Belief that a subject or test was too difficult is not grounds for a complaint. A student must have evidence that specific policy was violated or that he or she was treated in a prejudicial or capricious manner. This policy does not limit PPATEC’s right to change rules, policies, or practices.
PPATEC is licensed by the State Board of Private Schools, Pennsylvania Department of Education and questions or concerns that are not satisfactorily resolved by the person designated above may be brought to the attention of the State Board of Private Schools, Pennsylvania Department of Education, 333 Market St, 12th Floor, Harrisburg, PA, 17126-0333.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), post-secondary students enrolled at PPATEC are hereby notified of their rights with respect to their education records. They are:
The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605. FERPA further provides that certain information concerning the student, designated as “directory information,” may be released by the PPATEC unless the student has informed the PPATEC that such information should not be released. “Directory information” includes:
PPATEC does not provide student e-mail lists to public or private entities. Any student who desires that any or all of the above-listed information not be released may contact the PPATEC administration office. Questions about this policy may be directed to the PPATEC administration offices.
FERPA rights of an individual expire with that individual’s death. However, it is PPATEC’s policy not to release educational records of deceased individuals, unless required to do so by law or authorized to do so by either the executor of the deceased’s estate or the deceased’s spouse, parents or children. PPATEC may request proof of death.
The overall objectives of the program are for graduates to be prepared for entry–level employment as HVAC & Energy technicians, working in both residential and commercial applications. Graduates should be prepared for employment in the following entry level fields or occupational specialties or similar:
Career Opportunities:
Employment assistance will be offered to program graduates but employment is not guaranteed.
PPATEC will share employment opportunities with students. In addition, when the opportunity is afforded, PPATEC will coordinate networking opportunities with prospective employers. Opportunities are based on the information provided by the employer or person offering the job. PPATEC is unable to fully research the integrity of each organization or person that posts a job vacancy or guarantee that all jobs are still available at the time of student inquiry.
PPATEC makes no guarantee about positions publicized and is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or other aspects of employment. It is the responsibility of each individual job seeker to research the integrity of the organization(s) to which he/she is applying and to verify the specific information pertaining to the job posting. Job seekers should exercise due diligence and use common sense and caution when applying for or accepting any position.
The HVAC & Energy Professional Program is 10 weeks in length and is broken down as follows:
400 clock hours (147 Lab hours) (253 Lecture hours)
| ELEC 1.0 | Basic Electric Theory for HVAC Components | 40 hours (30 classroom & 10 Lab) |
| A/C 1.0 | A/C Principles, Theories, Installation & Troubleshooting | 80 hours (55 classroom & 25 Lab) |
| HEAT 1.0 | Oil Heat Principles, Properties, Theories, Oil Burners & Components | 40 hours (24 Classroom & 16 Lab) |
| HEAT 2.0 | Oil Heat Nozzles, Chambers, Draft & Venting, and Combustion | 40 hours (24 Classroom & 16 Lab) |
| HEAT 3.0 | Oil Heat Components & Controls | 40 hours (24 Classroom & 16 Lab) |
| HEAT 4.0 | Gas Heating Fundamentals of Installation & Servicing | 40 hours (24 Classroom & 16 Lab) |
| PRO 1.0 | Propane Basic Principles and Practices of Propane | 16 hours (12 classroom & 4 Lab) |
| PRO 4.1 | Propane Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distributions Systems | 35 hours (20 Classroom & 15 Lab) |
| PRO 4.2 | Propane Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation | 35 hours (20 classroom & 15 Lab) |
| PRO 4.3 | Propane Installing Appliances and Interior Vapor Distribution Systems | 34 hours (20 Classroom & 14 Lab) |
Graduates will:
ELEC 1.0 Basic Electric Theory for HVAC Components 40 clock hours
Basic Electric Theory for HVAC Components is a robust class relating to the basic electrical theory for HVAC components. This course will provide a foundation or theory, practical application, and safety principles for working with the electrical components of HVAC systems. Students will progressively develop their knowledge and skills related to apply to residential and commercial air conditioning.
The full-color Basic Electric Theory for HVAC Components course offers classroom and hands on training. This course will cover topics of: Safety & Hazard Awareness, What is Electricity, Ohm’s Law, Circuits & Components,
Conductors, Transformers, 24V Controls, Thermostats, Motors, Motor side of compressors, Motor ratings and name plate definitions, Wiring diagrams, Automated control systems for residential, and Troubleshooting.
A/C 1.0 A/C Principles, Theories, Installation & Troubleshooting 80 clock hours
AC Principles, Theories, Installation & Troubleshooting is a robust class relating to Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps that culminates in the EPA Technician Certification. Students will progressively develop their knowledge and skills related to residential and commercial air conditioning.
The full-color AC Principles, Theories, Installation & Troubleshooting course offers classroom and hands on training leading to the EPA Technician Certification. This course will cover topics of: Electrical Controls & Wiring, Electric Motors & Compressors, Air Flow & Measurement, Refrigeration, Troubleshooting, Super Heat & Sub Cooling, and much more.
HEAT 1.0 Oil Heat Principles, Properties, Theories, Oil Burners & Components 40 clock hours
Oil Heat Principles, Properties, Theories, Oil Burners & Components is a prerequisite to the more advanced classes. It is the first class in a series of four oil heat classes. Students will progressively develop their knowledge and skills related to residential oil heating.
HEAT 2.0 Oil Heat Nozzles, Chambers, Draft & Venting, and Combustion 40 clock hours
Oil Heat Nozzles, Chambers, Draft & Venting, and Combustion is the second in a series of four oil heat classes. Students will progressively develop their knowledge and skills related to residential and commercial oil heating. Oil Heat Nozzles, Chambers, Draft & Venting, and Combustion course provides information on: Nozzle Construction and Flame Patterns, Combustion Chamber Sizing, Draft Adjustments and Regulating Draft with Chimneys and Power Venters, Combustion Theory, Efficiency Testing and Troubleshooting, Causes of Carbon Monoxide, Smoke and Soot, Providing a full understanding of these subjects, for the oil heat technician.
HEAT 3.0 Oil Heat Components & Controls 40 clock hours
Oil Heat Components & Controls is the third in a series of four oil heat classes. Students will progressively develop their knowledge and skills related to residential oil heating. Oil Heat Components & Controls provides information on: Ignition Systems, Motors, Fans & Couplings, Primary Controls, Limit Controls & Thermostats, Outdoor Reset Theory & Terminology for the oil heat technician.
HEAT 4.0 Gas Heating Fundamentals of Installation & Servicing 40 clock hours
Properly Perform an Oil to Gas Conversion; Understand how to size and install Gas Piping, Gas Regulators, and Gas Valves; Understand how to size, install, and maintain Gas Orifice’s, Diffusers, and Combustion Chambers; Understand, how to perform, and adjust Combustion, Draft, and Venting; Understand the operation and how to diagnose Ignition Systems, Primary Controls, Modules, Limited Controls, and motors.
PRO 1.0 Propane Basic Principles and Practices of Propane 16 clock hours
Basic Principles and Practices of Propane is a prerequisite to the more advanced classes. The full-color CETP Basic Principles and Practices of Propane course offers an “entry level” course that provides pre-requisite instruction about propane’s physical and combustion properties, and how propane is produced and transported. Some of the other topics covered are: Organizations that influence publish or enforce codes and standards, how basic functions are performed in a bulk plant, including primary safety concerns, and customer service, Odorants and service interruptions, Complete and incomplete combustion characteristics, and much more.
PRO 4.1 Propane Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems 35 clock hours.
Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems focuses on designing and installing the exterior portions of a vapor distribution system for both residential and small commercial markets. This course addresses how to select and install containers, prevent corrosion, size and install regulators and meters, and select and install outdoor piping and tubing.
PRO 4.2 Propane Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation 35 clock hours.
Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation focuses primarily on the procedure of placing a vapor distribution system into operation. This course addresses the different system tests required for vapor distribution systems and appliances; validating the container, piping, and regulator; how and when to make the final connections; how to purge the system of air, appliance controls and safety devices; and how to adjust the burner.
PRO 4.3 Propane Installing Appliances and Interior Vapor Distribution Systems 34 clock hours.
Propane Installing Appliances and Interior Vapor Distribution Systems designed to train installation and service personnel on the interior of a piping system as well as the installation of gas appliances. The course addresses selecting and installing appliances, how to design and install interior venting systems, and designing and installing interior piping and tubing.
Program Administrator & Membership Support
Jessica Reeder
jreeder@papetroleum.org
Executive Vice President
Ted Harris
tharris@papetroleum.org
Assistant School Director
Alan Mercurio
amercurio@papetroleum.org
Director of Training & Workforce Development
Don Mumma
dmumma@papetroleum.org
Jessica Reeder has worked at the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association for over 5 years, assisting with the PPATEC training program as a Program Administrator and with other aspects and programs of the association as a Membership Support Specialist. She believes that the training PPATEC offers, and the services PPA provides to its membership, are vital to the energy industry.
Jessica is an Air Force veteran, honorably discharged as an E-5, Staff Sergeant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland, from which she graduated Magna cum Laude. Jessica is originally from Pennsylvania and currently lives in the Harrisburg area with her husband and children.
Phone: 717-939-1781 ext 104
Email: jreeder@papetroleum.org
Ted Harris has worked in the petroleum and energy industry for over 10 years. He has held senior level positions within the industry prior to joining the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association (PPA) in 2016 as Director of Marketing. He served in that role for over 3 years with a primary focus on expanding the technical training program which included introducing PPATEC in 2019.
Ted took over as Executive Vice President of PPA effective in January 2020. His current role includes managing the daily operations of the association, continuing to expand the technical training offerings of PPATEC, and working with leadership to provide strategic direction for the industry.
Ted is a Pennsylvania native. He grew up in York County and attended Shippensburg University where he earned a double BA degree in Marketing and Management. Ted currently lives in Harrisburg with his wife.
Phone: 717-939-1781 ext 110
Email: tharris@papetroleum.org
Alan Mercurio has over 30 years of industry experience in various roles including service technician, equipment sales, and service manager. Today, he is an industry author, consultant, educator, trainer, and proctor. He holds certificates as a Master Technician in the State of Pennsylvania and Silver Certificate from the PPA. He is NORA Gold Certified, and is EPA Certified by the VGI Training Center as a Type I and Type II Air Conditioning Technician. He’s the past President and Founder of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of OESP (formerly NAOHSM) and is currently on OESP’S Education Committee and a sub- committee for NORA.
Phone: 717-939-1781 ext 101
Email: amercurio@papetroleum.org
Don Mumma has worked in the HVAC Industry since 1998. He has served more than 20 years in the areas of HVAC and plumbing service and installation. He joined the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association December of 2022 as the Director of Education and Workforce Development. His current role includes design, planning, and implementation of all PPATEC training programs. He is also responsible for building relationships with educational institutions and the military community to educate candidates on the benefits of a career in the energy and HVAC industry.
Don is originally from Lancaster County Pennsylvania. He currently lives in Lititz with his wife and son. Don earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at Mansfield University.
Phone: 717-939-1781 ext 105
Email: dmumma@papetroleum.org
Alan has over 30 years of industry experience in various roles including service technician, equipment sales, and service manager. Today, he is an industry author, consultant, educator, trainer, and proctor.He holds certificates as a Master Technician in the State of Pennsylvania and Silver Certificate from the PPA. He is NORA Gold Certified, and is EPA Certified by the VGI Training Center as a Type I and Type II Air Conditioning Technician. He’s the past President and Founder of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of OESP (formerly NAOHSM) and is currently on OESP’S Education Committee and a sub- committee for NORA.
Ed brings over 40 years of industry experience to the PPATEC technical training program. Ed began his career working for a Pennsylvania HVAC company for nearly two decades. He has spent the last 25 years at APR Supply, where his responsibilities included managing training efforts for their 30+ locations. Ed’s credentials include Nortek TSA, NATE Certification in four disciplines (A/C, HP, Gas Furnace, and Oil and Gas Hydronics). He is also a member of RSES and his local OESP chapter.
A veteran of the industry, Eric has over 30 years of experience with career progression from field operations to corporate direction. He has designed, managed, and executed safety training and compliance programs for multi-state companies with up to 1,100 employees. He is a true compliance and safety specialist and is currently using his background and skill set to develop and provide valuable propane safety training services to help marketers improve their compliance and overall efficiency.
Pro-Rata refund policy: PPATEC maintains a pro rata refund policy for the unused portion of tuition, fees, and charges for veterans or other eligible persons who fail to enter the course or withdraws or is discontinued from it before completion.
Our pro-rata refund policy will not vary by no more than 10 percent from the exact pro rata portion of such tuition, fees, and other charges that the length of the completion portion of the course bears to its total length.
The exact proration will be determined on the ratio of the number of days of instruction completed by the student to the total number of instructional days in the course.
All registration fees in excess of $10 will be refunded as a pro rata rate.
All consumable instructional supplies as distinguished from laboratory fees, PPATEC will refund the exact amount of charges for supplies not consumed.
PPATEC will issue the refund to the student(s) within 40 days after the student withdraws or is discontinued from the program of education.
A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill ® benefits.
PPATEC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.
PPATEC will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 (authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
For courses, semesters, or terms beginning after July 1, 2017, PPATEC will charge qualifying veterans, dependents, and eligible individuals tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.
For courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1st, 2019, PPATEC will charge individuals using education assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) the in-state residential rate.
The term “resident” or “residency,” or any other term or expression used to designate a Commonwealth resident student, when used to determine the rate of tuition to be charged students attending community colleges, public institutions of higher learning and State-related and State-owned institutions of higher learning shall be construed to mean and include any veterans, their spouses and dependent children who do not currently reside in Pennsylvania. The term shall also be construed to mean and include military personnel [or their dependents], their spouses and dependent children who are assigned to an active-duty station in Pennsylvania and who reside in Pennsylvania and any civilian personnel [or their dependents], their spouses and dependent children employed at a Department of Defense facility who are transferred to Pennsylvania by the Department of Defense and who reside in Pennsylvania.
This attendance policy is required for institutions offering courses for veterans or other eligible persons enrolled in non-college degree (NCD) programs approved under Title 38, United States Code, 3676.
This policy is established to set minimum standards of attendance for student(s) enrolled in non-college degree programs receiving veteran education benefits. Wherever the word “veteran” is used, it is intended to include all persons receiving veteran education benefits.
Veterans enrolled in non-degree programs will be interrupted for unsatisfactory attendance when accumulated absences, tardies, and class cuts exceed ten (10) percent of class contact hours. The interruption will be reported to the Veterans Administration within 30 days of the last date of attendance (use VA Form 22-1999b).
A veteran may be re-enrolled for benefits at the beginning of the term following interruption because of unsatisfactory attendance only when the cause of unsatisfactory attendance has been removed.
Students interrupted a second time for unsatisfactory attendance will not be allowed to re-enroll for benefits in the absence of mitigating circumstances.
Mitigating Circumstances: Mitigating circumstances are those which directly hinder pursuit of a course and which are judged to be beyond the student’s control. The following are some general categories of mitigating circumstances. This list is not all-inclusive.
1. Serious illness of the veteran.
2. Serious illness or death in the veteran’s immediate family.
3. Emergency financial obligations or change of place of employment or work schedule which preclude pursuit of the course.
4. Active duty military service, including active duty for training.