School Certifying Official

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Veteran and Military Services team is dedicated to ensuring that available benefits are correctly applied to Veterans and GI Bill-eligible dependents. We coordinate with the University and the Office of Veteran Affairs to facilitate proper processing, resulting in timely payments to both the University and the student. Our mission, priority, and commitment are driven by our unwavering desire to serve our broader military family.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Administration 

Sub-Family - Administration Operations

Career Track / Level - O2

Grade - 3

Salary Range
Commensurate with experience and education; full university benefits package included

Role Summary

Provides complex administrative support to a department or group of professionals in support of unit goals.

The University of Mississippi seeks a detail-oriented and service-driven VA School Certifying Official (SCO) to join the Veteran & Military Services team. The SCO will be responsible for certifying and maintaining records for students receiving education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This position serves as the university’s primary liaison with the VA and ensures full institutional compliance with federal regulations governing veteran education benefits.

Examples of Work Performed

Key Responsibilities

Certification & Compliance:
- Submit accurate student enrollment certifications and tuition/fee reports via VA Enrollment Manager in accordance with VA guidelines
- Monitor, report, and update any changes in student enrollment status, program of study, or academic standing
- Maintain compliance with VA, SAA, and federal regulations, including institutional and program eligibility

Student Support
- Advise veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and dependents on available VA education benefits (Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, etc.)
- Serve as a knowledgeable and compassionate point of contact for VA-related questions and support
- Coordinate with the Registrar, Bursar, Financial Aid, and Academic Departments to ensure timely processing of benefits

Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and organized records for all VA beneficiaries in accordance with VA and audit requirements (three-year retention minimum)
- Prepare for and respond to audits or compliance surveys by the VA or State Approving Agency (SAA)

Training & Outreach
- Attend required VA SCO trainings (annual updates, compliance sessions, etc)
- Assist in programming and outreach efforts for military-connected students, including orientation sessions, Veterans Day events, and graduation recognition
- Collaborate with campus and community partners to support student veterans' success and transition

Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills 
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Problem-solving mindset and empathy for military-affiliated populations
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments

Work Environment & Schedule
- Standard office hours, Monday–Friday; occasional evening/weekend events.  Exceptions can be made to standard office hours on a base-by-case basis and/or when needed
- Some travel required for VA training or regional veteran support conferences

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Schedules logistics and secures resources for meetings, conferences, travel, and work unit operations.
2. Serves as a first point of contact for individuals and groups, greets arrivals, and provides basic organizational information via phone, in person, and through other communication mediums, routing more complex inquiries to the appropriate entities. 
3. Processes, enters, tracks, and reconciles financial transaction and human resources data.
4. Collects, analyzes, and prepares various communication materials from established sources utilizing technology mediums. 
5. Sends, receives, copies, and distributes communications to the appropriate entities according to established policies and procedures under general supervision. 
6. Maintains organization and updates physical and electronic records related to work operations according to established policies and procedures.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: High Schools Degree or GED

Experience: (3) Three years of related experience

An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

Preferred Qualifications

- Prior service in US Armed Forces/Department of Defense
- Prior work experience as a School Certifying Facility
- Experience working with Enrollment Manager
- Prior work with veteran or military-affiliated students
- Knowledge of GI Bill® programs and Title IV financial aid processes

For full consideration please include a resume', cover letter and DD214 (if applicable) with your application.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.