The Navy's Virtual Education Center's (VEC) support hours are being adjusted, effective April 3, to match peak demand.

The new hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday - Friday. The VEC may be reached by calling (877) 838-1659 or DSN 492-4684.

"We are continually monitoring our call volume and comparing our service delivery with the needs of Sailors," said Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center Voluntary Education (VOLED) Program Director Ernest D'Antonio. "Our new hours allow us to align and adapt our staff availability to peak traffic times when Sailors need us most."

D'Antonio noted that his staff is constantly analyzing data and the VEC hours may be readjusted in the future based on demand and available staffing.

Virtual service delivery is available via chat, help request ticket, and telephone through the VEC. In addition, the My Education application, accessible through the Navy College Program website, is available 24/7 for Sailors to monitor their accounts and make sure their degree plans are current, and can be found at http://www.navycollege.navy.mil. The website also includes training, informational videos, and briefs to help Sailors navigate the VOLED process.

Sailors can submit help request tickets via http://supportsystem.livehelpnow.net/new_ticket.aspx?cid=30432.

On-site support at Navy College Offices is still available at Naval Bases Kitsap, Washington; San Diego; Norfolk; Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida and at overseas locations.

Lt. Cmdr. Nick Turner, Navy VOLED deputy director, stressed that tuition assistance (TA) money is available and Sailors should apply early to make sure all deadlines are met.

"Now is not too soon to begin planning for the summer terms," said Turner. "Sailors should plan to ensure their WebTA applications are submitted and command approved between 120 and 14 days preceding the term start date."

Get the latest information by following Navy Voluntary Education on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NavyVoluntaryEducation/.

Additional information about the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center can be found via http://www.netc.navy.mil/netc/netpdc/Default.htm.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Education And Training Professional Development And Technology Center, visit http://www.navy.mil/.