Military/Veterans

Step 1 – Apply for Admission to SSCC

• Application for Admission

There is no fee or deadline to submit the application for admission.

Step 2 – Transfer Credits

If you have attended another college or university, please have an official transcript sent to:

• Office of Admissions
• Southern State Community College
• 100 Hobart Drive
• Hillsboro, OH 45133

Earn college credits from your military training/school.

• Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard have your Joint Service Transcripts sent to SSCC.
• Air Force Veterans have your Community College of the Air Force transcripts sent to SSCC.

Step 3 – Schedule your Placement Assessment

Schedule your Placement Assessment by calling 800.628.7722 ext 2607 or 2825.

Step 4 – Apply for your Veteran Benefits

Apply for your GI Bill® at: gibill.va.gov, and send a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the Veteran/Service Member Liaison.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Step 5 – Complete your VA Benefits Intent Form

• 2025-2026 VA Benefits Intent Form

An intent form is required to be completed and submitted for each academic year you request to be certified. If you do not have a completed intent form on file, your courses enrolled cannot be certified to VA for funding.

If you are active-duty military and using Tuition Assistance, you do not need to fill out the VA Benefits Intent Form. You do, however, need to contact our Registrar, Amanda Thompson at athompson@sscc.edu. Before enrolling in courses, it is important that you speak with your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your military branch. They can provide guidance on your educational benefits.

Step 6 – Apply for Federal Financial Aid

Continue to Financial Aid.

Step 7 – Meet with an Academic/Career Advisor

Please call 800.628.7722 ext 2825 to schedule an appointment with the Advising Center. Make sure to ask your advisor if you can apply for Prior Learning Assessment credit (receive credits for your work experience).

Step 8 – Contact the Veteran/Service Member Liaison

Contact Southern State's Service Member/Veteran Liaison, Michelle Callender, at 800.628.7722 x2840, wcallender@sscc.edu, or the Certifying Office at 800.628.7722 x2616.

1. What happens if, as active or reserve duty status, I am called for training exercises (AT/TDY) for short periods during the term?

For short periods (less than 2 wks) of training exercises, let your instructors know at the start of the term that you may miss a few class meetings. Most instructors have means for you to stay connected with online resources so that you can stay current with your course.

2. What if I am deployed during the term?

If you are being deployed during the term and are not able to complete the term, you may submit your withdrawal request to the Registrar and with a copy of your deployment orders, you may appeal for a refund consideration due to Military activation.

3. Is there a fee to apply to Southern State Community College?

There is no application fee to apply to the college.

4. Is there a fee to have my Military training credits evaluated?

There is no fee to have your transfer credits evaluated for course alignment. After your transcript of courses has been evaluated, should a course not aligned as you believed to be eligible, you may appeal for reconsideration with the Records Office.

5. What if I need academic support in my courses? What services are available?

SSCC provides free academic support services through Learning Services. These services includes the Writing Center for all academic papers, an Open Math Lab for assistance and support, coaching in specific course content, coaching in academic skill development, as well as supplemental instruction for application and understanding of difficult course content.

6. Tuition Assistance and Financial Aid

Additional resources for scholarships and aid are available through SSCC's Financial Aid Office. Students are encouraged to consider completing a FAFSA document to qualify for additional aid and funding sources.

7. What other benefit resources are available to me or my family?

Two resources available for Ohio Military/Veteran families are Ohio's Department of Veteran Services and Ohio Department of Higher Education's Education for Veterans. Both of these sites provide access to educational opportunities as well as support benefits for veterans and families.

Veterans Crisis Line

Military personnel and veterans can dial 1(800)273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone now. Veterans can start a confidential online chat session at www.veteranscrisisline.net. Veterans can send a text message to 838255 to connect to a VA responder now.

VA, PTSD National Center - Awareness Resources

The National Center for PTSD promotes awareness of PTSD and effective treatments throughout the year. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov/about/ptsd-awareness/index.asp for more information.

• Southern State Community College Veterans and Service Member Policy
• Student Technology Resources
• Career Services
• Ohio Department of Veterans Services
• Ohio GI Promise
• Ohio Means Jobs: Military Service Career Center
• Student Veterans of America
• Military Veteran Benefit Options

For service member/veteran support, please contact Michelle Callender at wcallender@sscc.edu or at 937.393.3431 x2840.

15 Things Veterans Want You to Know

This brief educational video provides you with information that student veterans think you would find helpful about building a relationship with them. One may view additional modules on a variety of topics by registering here.

Ohio Higher Education Veterans Toolkit

This link to the Ohio Department of Higher Education Toolkit covers area for Faculty & Staff including: Awarding College Credit to Veterans, Military & Veterans Campus Services, Enrollment Services, Policies, and Training.

Ohio's College Credit for Military Experience and Education

A link to the state of Ohio's law and policies for awarding college credit for Military education, training, and experience. This is aligned through MTAGs, TAGs, and CTAGs and their associated Faculty Panels.

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs College Toolkit for Faculty & Staff

Faculty members are the most consistent points of contact for student Veterans and are in the best position to notice if a Veteran is facing challenges. Faculty members can help student Veterans in many ways.