I'm a Student: What Do I Need to Do?
Don't worry, we'll walk you through it.
This Process May Seem Daunting,
but included on this page are the forms and guidance that should get you through your certification process. Follow this page all the way to the bottom. Then, if you feel confused or just have questions that this guide doesn't cover, contact us at veterans@olemiss.edu. We'd be happy to help you.
What Do I Do First?
To start your academic journey as a veteran or military-connected student here at Ole Miss, please complete or acquire the required forms detailed below.
NEW STUDENTS
- If you are using your education benefits for the FIRST time: Start at the drop down labeled "Certificate of Eligibility (COE)" and continue through each step to the bottom of the page.
RETURNING STUDENTS
- If you have used your benefits at Ole Miss before and have changed your benefit type or need to update your contact information, please complete a new Student Information Packet and Term Approval Form.
- If you have used your benefits at Ole Miss before and have changed your major, please complete the Change of Major Packet and Term Approval Form.
- If you have not changed your contact information, benefit type, or major you should complete the Term Approval Form only. No other documents are required.
Your Certificate of Eligibility is perhaps your most important document. You must apply online to receive one, and we will keep a copy on hand. It details the benefits you are entitled to receive and is your official document to justify our certification of your benefits.
Please print the page containing your confirmation number after completing the prompts. The confirmation page may be used as a placeholder for your Core Documents for the first 30 days.
The following link contains a Student Information Packet (SIP) that will tell us who you are, and help us keep track of how best to serve you.
Note: Be sure to include your name and student ID in the file name for any documents that you attach so that we can more easily identify and file them for you.
Complete Your Student Information Packet
If you change your VA Education Benefit type, e.g., going from CH33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) to CH35 (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance), you must complete a new Student Info Packet (SIP) so that we can be aware of the change.
Student Document Submission Portal
If you have any supporting documentation that you haven’t already submitted (like a COE that's just arrived in the mail), you can submit that documentation via the following link.
Submit Supporting Documentation
Be sure to include your name and student ID in the file name for any documents that you submit so that we can more easily identify and file them for you.
I Submitted My Student Information Packet. Now What?
You're almost done, but there are a few more required documents you'll need to be familiar with.
The Term Approval Form (TAF) is required for EACH and EVERY semester, term, or intersession you wish to utilize your VA Education Benefit.
After you fill and sign this form, it will be routed to your academic advisor for approval. Once approved and signed by your advisor, this form will route to our office directly. Each party (you, your advisor, and our office) will receive a copy. Retain these copies for your records.
Complete a Term Approval Form (TAF)
IMPORTANT: Without receipt of this form, we will NOT submit anything on your behalf to the VA for certification. If the Academic Advisor determines any of the courses chosen do not apply to your degree plan, we will be unable to certify that course for VA payment. As a result, you will be required to cover all costs/fees related to that course. If you make any alterations to your classes after you submit this form, you will have to submit another TAF.
Should you decide to change your major, you must complete the Change of Major Packet.
After you fill and sign this form, it will be routed to your academic advisor for approval. Once approved and signed by your advisor, this form will route to our office directly. Each party (you, your advisor, and our office) will receive a copy. Retain these copies for your records.
Complete a Change of Major Packet
Failure to complete this form may result in errors in processing, which may ultimately create complications or delays with your education benefits.
Students who have exhausted their VA education benefits can apply for a Non-Resident Scholarship to retain the in-state tuition rate. Provided the student has remained continuously enrolled in each Fall and Spring semester since arriving here, the university will consider granting the scholarship for up to eight semesters, or until a bachelor's degree is awarded - whichever comes first.
Enrollment Verification
Quick FAQ
You should have a copy of your Joint Service Transcript (JST) sent to Ole Miss. You can do this by visiting this website:
Get Your Joint Service Transcript
If you have any additional questions, you should contact the Registrar's office.
Priority registration is given to students who are veterans and/or service members. In order to ensure that this privilege is given to those who have earned it, we require that veterans and service members submit supporting documentation to the following link:
NOTE: This link is for obtaining priority registration. Submission of DD214 is not required to receive VA education benefits.
You can check out this page from the VA website. It should help you discern which benefits you may have and which might be right for you.
Compare VA Education Benefits | Veterans Affairs
We've also prepared a chart that may help you to understand the differences.
In most cases, issues can be resolved by contacting Veterans Affairs via AskVA(https://ask.va.gov) or by calling the VA's Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.
However, you are welcome to visit the Office of Veteran and Military Services to receive assistance with your questions and concerns. You may also contact us via email(veterans@olemiss.edu) or phone(662-915-2405).
Current service members can take advantage of Tuition Assistance (TA) programs to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket tuition costs. Explore branch-specific policies, application steps, and how TA works alongside other benefits like the GI Bill on our Tuition Assistance Programs page here:
You Are Finished!
Unless any of the information on your forms changes or needs an update, you have submitted all required paperwork. From now on, be sure to submit a Term Approval Form each term you enroll and wish to use your VA education benefits. If our team needs something from you, we will reach out to you via your school email account. CHECK IT REGULARLY.
If you notice any irregularities in your benefits, don't wait for us to contact you. Contact us at veterans@olemiss.edu. If email isn't your thing, or your issue is more urgent, you can reach us via phone at: 662-915-2045