Veterans

Veteran’s Benefits

East Mississippi Community College is a Principles of Excellence Institution. Military-related students who plan to attend EMCC under any type of Education Assistance Program through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should file an application with the VA Coordinator /School Certifying Official. All students, including benefit recipients, must adhere to established policies on admission and attendance (see sections on Admissions and Registration Information).

Education benefit recipients must furnish the VA Coordinator/School Certifying Official with certified or original copies of all requested eligibility paperwork, official military transcripts and any additional information that may be pertinent to the application for educational benefits.

It is the benefit recipient’s responsibility to notify the VA Coordinator/School Certifying Official of any change in enrollment status, major, or educational plans. Failure to notify the VA Coordinator/School Certifying Official of changes in enrollment could result in an overpayment of benefits, which may result in a student debt (payable to either the school or to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Benefit recipients must take courses leading toward an approved educational objective as approved by a EMCC counselor or advisor.

Recruiting and Advertising to Veterans

EMCC refrains from providing commission, bonus, or other incentive payments based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including Tuition Assistance funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance. EMCC adheres to regulations set forth by the Department of Education (34 C.F.R 668.71-668.75 and 668.14).

EMCC does not use high-pressure recruitment tactics to enroll students. EMCC does not make multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, or engage in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.

Veterans Assistance

This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Mississippi State Approving Agency. The Mississippi State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Mississippi. EMCC maintains a Veterans Office in the Office of Financial Aid. Eligible veterans are entitled to benefits which are reflected in the amount of military time served, years of service, number of dependents, type of discharge, and many other factors. Veterans who are interested in obtaining benefits under the G.I. Bill should contact the Office of the VA School Certifying Official at EMCC (662.243.7470). For a schedule of the amounts of the various scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office at:

EMCC - Scooba Campus, P.O. Box 158, Scooba, MS 39358
EMCC - Golden Triangle Campus, P.O. Box 100, Mayhew, MS 39753

Individuals entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VRE) may attend or participate in a course of education at EMCC, if the individual provides an authorization code through Tungsten provided by their VA counselor. The covered student under Chapter 31 or 33 (Post 9/11) may begin their program of education on the date the student provides a COE or authorization code until the earlier date VA provides payment to the college or 90 days after the college certifies tuition and fees. EMCC will not impose a penalty, including assessing late fees, denial of access to classes, libraries or college facilities, or require the student to borrow additional funds due to the inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution as a result of delayed payments for education assistance under Chapters 31 or 33, unless the student is less than 100% covered.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Military Related Students

A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward an educational objective. The student receiving education benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under Chapter 1606, 30, 31, 33, or 35 must adhere to the Satisfactory Progress policy of East Mississippi Community College. A benefit recipient who has been placed on probation or suspension has the right to appeal his or her academic status. For the Academic Suspension Appeal procedures, visit the catalog at Probation and Suspension.

Credit By Examination/Military Service Coursework

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) - The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students to earn College credit by examination. By successfully completing CLEP subject tests, students may earn College credit. Credit is awarded for a scaled score of 50 or above on the subject tests. East Mississippi Community College is not a testing center for CLEP. Academic credits awarded through CLEP will carry a grade of “P” and will not be used in calculating GPA.

Advanced Placement - Credit will be awarded on scores of 3 or higher on AP examinations administered by the College Entrance Examinations Board. Academic credit earned through AP will carry a grade of “P” and will not be used in calculating GPA. See Academic Advisors for further information.

This policy is subject to the following restrictions:

1. AP credit will be awarded only in subject matter areas offered by East Mississippi Community College.
2. A student must earn academic or technical credit from this institution before credit earned through the AP Examination is recorded on his permanent record.
3. The student will receive a letter of “P,” and AP credit will not be used to compute a student’s grade point average.
4. The student will be limited to up to 30 hours of AP credit.
5. Students should check with their senior college before relying on transfer credit from an AP score.

Credit will be awarded based on guidance from the Procedures Manual for the State of Mississippi Dual Enrollment and Accelerated Programs.

Military Experience - Credit may be earned for military experience as evaluated by the American Council on Education in its annual guides. Military credit must be directly related to specific courses taught by East Mississippi Community College and is limited to thirty (30) semester hours. A grade of “P” will be assigned to courses accepted. An official military transcript is required by all military students. It must be ordered and sent directly to the school.

Statement of Refund Policy for Veterans

The refund policy of East Mississippi Community College for veterans is on a pro-rata basis for the number of weeks remaining in the semester. The proper withdrawal procedure must be followed, and the refund must be requested. Students who are military personnel and receive orders for mandatory TDY (Detached or Temporary Duty) or PCS (Permanent Change of Station) may receive a full refund of fees.

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (“Choice Act”)

East Mississippi Community College is in compliance with the Choice Act, allowing that, all student training under the Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) GI Bill and MGIB – Active Duty (Chapter 30), will not be charged in excess of the rate for Mississippi resident students. For more information on the Choice Act visit the following website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/3230.

Withdrawal From College-Active Military

Students who are currently enrolled and receive active-duty orders must present to the Office of the Registrar, Admissions Office, and VA Coordinator/School Certifying the military orders with specific dates for the duty. The orders must be submitted during the semester of the duty or in the immediately following semester.

Withdrawal Policy-With Orders

If a military-student must withdraw from school due to military orders, they have several options:

- Withdraw Completely-Classes are removed resulting in no charges.
- They can take an Incomplete and that will be removed once they return (no time limits such as one semester.)
- Depending on time left in the semester, some instructors will work with the student one-on-one basis.

Readmission of Service Members and Reservists

In the event that a Service member or reservist is temporarily unable to attend class or must suspend their studies due to service requirements, EMCC will readmit service members with the same academic status they had when they last attended the institution or were accepted for admission prior to deployment. The student should submit to the VA Coordinator/School Certifying Official both notification of service and notification of intent to return.

Students should contact the VA Coordinator/School Certifying Official for assistance.