VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)

Our VetSuccess on Campus is a valuable asset to help our mission - to serve our Military Veterans, Service Members and their Dependents. Southern Miss is one out of 94 college campuses nationwide to have a VetSuccess on Campus. 

The VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program aims to help Service Members, Veterans, and eligible Dependents succeed and thrive through a coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling, leading to completion of their education and preparing them to enter the workforce in viable careers. The VSOC program operates under the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) education and career counseling program, or Chapter 36 authority, administered by VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Chapter 36 benefits offer a wide range of educational and vocational counseling services to Service Members, Veterans, and Dependents, who are eligible for one of VA’s educational benefit programs. These services are designed to provide Service Members and Veterans with personalized counseling and support to help guide career paths, ensure the most effective use of VA benefits, and achieve educational and career goals.

STUDENT VETERANS:

Services may be accessed by:

• Service Members and Veterans eligible for any of VA’s educational programs, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill

• Service Members and Veterans attending training through VA’s VR&E program

• Eligible Dependents of Veterans who are in receipt of VA education benefits, including spouses attending school through the Post 9/11 GI Bill and eligible children

VSOC COUNSELORS PROVIDE:

• Adjustment counseling to resolve problems interfering with completion of education programs and entrance into employment

• Vocational testing

• Educational and career counseling (Chapter 36)

• Expedited VR&E services

• Support and assistance to all Veterans with VA benefits regardless of entitlement, benefit usage, or enrollment status

To speak with the VSOC Counselor at Southern Miss, Steven Welch, please contact him at - Steven.Welch@va.gov or by phone (601-264-4629)