CHECKLIST:

Apply for VA Educational Benefits online at vets.gov. The VA determines eligibility and this process can take 4-8 weeks.

Apply for Admissions to MSSU ($25 fee) Submit online mssu.edu/admissions, request an application by phone, or complete at the Admissions Office.

Provide the MSSU Veteran Services Office with your DD- 214 Member 4 and the Certificate of Eligibility Letter from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Complete the MSSU Veteran Registration and Certification Form every semester you wish to use your benefits. Submit online at mssu.edu/student-affairs/financial-aid/veterans, or complete at the Veteran Services Office. Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) fafsa.ed.gov and for scholarships mssu.edu.

Send Official Transcripts to MSSU - high schools, colleges, joint services transcripts, and official GED scores.

Complete ACT OR SAT - Scores are not required if you are over 21. Scores are used for placement in math and english.

Attend Southern Welcome at MSSU

ADMISSIONS 106 Hearnes HallAdmissions@mssu.edu | 417.625.9378

ADVISING, COUNSELING, & TESTING SERVICES314 Hearnes Hall Acts@mssu.edu | 417.625.9324

BURSARS OFFICE105 Hearnes HallBursar@mssu.edu | 417.625.9381

CAREER SERVICES207 George A. Spiva Library CareerServices@mssu.edu | 417.625.9343

DISABILITY SERVICES301 Hearnes Hall DisabilityServices@mssu.edu | 417.659.3725

REGISTRAR’S OFFICE 101 Hearnes Hall Registrar@mssu.edu | 417.625.9389

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER301 Hearnes HallStudentSuccessCenter@mssu.edu | 417.659.3725

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRSva.gov / ebenefits.va.gov | 1.888.442.4551

VA VOC REHAB & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES3639 South Avenue Springfield, Missouri 658071.314.253.4100

Office of Financial AidVeteran Services

3950 E. Newman Road Joplin, Missouri 64801109 Hearnes Hall

Phone: 417.625.9325 | Fax: 417.659.4474E-mail: Veterans@mssu.edu

Website: mssu.edu

MILITARY TRANSCRIPTS

Military training and experience may apply toward your college degree. Visit these sites to request a Joint Services Transcript.

Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guardjst.doded.mil/smart/signin.do

Airforceau.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp

SVO

The purpose of this organization shall be to foster camaraderie between military service members, veterans, and dependents attending Missouri Southern State University. The goals of the organization are to support academic success, ensure veterans are aware of all eligible benefits and resources, and provide an outlet for leadership and community involvement.

“Veterans and military-affiliated students helping each other transition from boots to books.”

Camaraderie - Advising - LiaisonLeadership - Support

PAYING TUITIONEducation benefits from the VA are considered a reimbursement program except for Voc Rehab and Post 9/11.

You are responsible for paying your tuition and fees on time. Please make arrangements to pay your tuition and fees by the MSSU deadlines.

You can view your billing statement and make payments online by logging into LIONET. You can register for the payment plan at MSSU Bursar’s Office or at mssu.edu/paymybill.

Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members who intend to use State or Federal Tuition Assistance will need to provide an authorization form to the MSSU Bursar prior to every semester they have been approved for TA.

WAVEIf you receive Chapter 1606, 1607, or 30 your benefits are paid directly to you. It is your responsibility to settle your account with MSSU prior to the deadlines.

You must verify your enrollment at the end of every month in order to receive your payment from the VA.

You may call 1.877.823.2378 or log on to gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do

TRAINING TIMEYour VA education benefits are based on your rate of pursuit and/or training time.

Fall and Spring (16 week term)• Full-time = 12+ credit hours• 3/4 time = 9-11 credit hours• 1/2 time = 6-8 credit hours• < 1/2 time = 1-5 credit hours

Summer (8 week term)• Full-time = 6+ credit hours• 1/2 time = 3-5 credit hours• <1/2 time = 1-2 credit hours

STUDENT RESPONSIBIL IT IES

It is imperative that you complete a MSSU Veteran Registration and Certification Form every semester to continue receiving your VA education benefits.

In order to comply with laws governing the VA education benefits, it is your responsibility to notify the MSSU Veteran Services Office when the following occurs:

• Change major program of study • Add or drop any course • Change of address• Withdrawal

EDUCATION BENEFITS

The VA will only pay for courses that are in your approved program of study.

The VA will not pay for the repeat of a completed course unless the program requires a higher grade to continue moving forward. The VA require satisfactory academic progress. If you are placed on academic suspension your VA education benefits will be terminated.

The benefits cannot be resumed until you have met MSSU’s requirements for reinstatement.