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Just a week after President Bush signed into law the most expansive GI Bill since World War II, Drexel University Online announced it will begin offering tuition assistance before the new bill takes effect in 2009. The new GI Bill, titled Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, more than doubles the amount of educational benefits (from $40,000 to $90,000) available to service members. For the first time, the new GI Bill enables service members to transfer their unused college tuition benefits to their spouse and/or children beginning in August, 2009.“We are not waiting for the new tuition benefits to begin in 2009,” says Drexel Online’s Academic Director Dr. Kenneth Hartman. “The members of the military deserve our gratitude now for their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they and their families have made.” Drexel University Online will continue to offer service members, and their dependents, a significant reduction in tuition on any of the 60 fully online degree programs, including engineering, teacher education, nursing, library science, and business administration.Hartman, a former Army officer, recommends service members and their dependents consider the taking the following actions now to prepare for the new GI Bill:• Develop an academic plan for the family, one which determines who will receive what amount of the service member’s tuition benefits • Arrange a meeting with an educational advisor at a local office of the Department of Veteran Affairs to discuss the specific amount of benefits earned and the new procedure for transferring benefits to dependents • Contact the educational advisor on the military instillation assigned to discuss a proper transition plan from active duty to college, as well as the transfer of academic credit while on active duty • Military Reservist and National Guard members should contact their state headquarters to learn of any restrictions or limitations for part-time service members.Drexel University Online currently offers over $6 million in tuition reductions to military members, their families, and other partner organizations. The military makes up the largest segment of students receiving tuition reductions, which makes higher education more accessible for those serving in the military. Gary Parker, an online master’s student in software engineering and reservist in the U.S. Air Force, needs a master’s degree to stay competitive in the job market. “The job requires an advanced degree and since I cannot attend full-time, online is the best alternative,” said Parker. Robert Smith, a Drexel Online student and Naval Intelligence Officer, noted that he was searching for a reputable university and degree. “Drexel Online had the program I wanted, was ranked in the top 50, and gave a tuition discount to the military, which made it affordable to me,” said Smith. For more information about the “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act” and its implications on online learning, contact Dr. Kenneth Hartman, academic director at Drexel University Online at 215-895-0501 or email kenhartman@drexel.edu. ###News Media Contacts:Stephanie Janes, Drexel University Online 215-895-6121 or sjj25@drexel.eduNiki Gianakaris, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741 or ngianakaris@drexel.edu