Coronavirus (COVID-19)

VA and Federal Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Get the latest information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Veterans Crisis Line - 1.800.273.8255 and PRESS 1 - You're never alone.
• VA Care Resource Guide - Veterans and their Families, Caregivers and Survivors have many resources available to answer their questions on services related to the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the care, benefits and services available from the Department of Veterans Affairs, other agencies and non-profit organizations.
• After Action Network - AAN is a non-profit community engagement platform for veterans. Thier mission is to connect you the veteran with fun activities, classes, workshops or other opportunities in your local community.
• VA Public Health - See what the VA is doing in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Military.com - Military.com is staying up-to-date with the latest coronavirus changes and resources available from Defense Department officials.
• U.S. Department of Defense - The Defense Department is working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services and State Department to provide support in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. 

 

USM Resources and Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What about my Pell Grant, student loans, etc...?

A: For questions regarding Financial Aid contact 601.266.4774 or financial.aid@usm.edu

Q: Are Counseling Services still available?

A: Yes. Visit their website for current details.

Q: Is the Library, Writing Center and Academic Success Center still available?

A: At this time, the Library is still open visit their website for further details.

A: The Writing Center is available for virtual assistance visit their website for further details.

A: The Academic Success Center is available for virtual assistance please visit their website for further details.

Q: What if I live in the dorms on campus?

A: For these questions contact the Department of Housing and Residence Life at 601.266.4783 or reslifeFREEMississippi

Q: Will those using the GI Bill be effected by the extended spring break?

A: No.

Q: What is the impact of converting from residential to online classes?

A: There will be no impact to your VA Education Benefits for the spring semester. A bill was signed into law that covers the conversion from residential to online. Visit the VA News Release to learn more.

Q: Can I complete my VA Advisement Form fully online?

A: Yes. The VA Advisement Form has been converted to support digital signatures from you and your advisor. Note: you must download the form using Adobe Reader. Visit their website for the free download.  

Q: Will this have an impact on my summer 2020 certification? 

A: As of right now, we've been instructed to hold off on any future certification until we're told otherwise by the VA.

Q: I am dropping/withdrawing from a course(s) this semester. Will this affect my VA Education Benefits I have received for the spring 2020 semester?

A: Please email VAFREEMississippi any time you make a change to your schedule. We are responsible for reporting all changes to your schedule, including drops/withdrawals to the VA in a timely manner.

Q: What if I'm participating in the Study Aboard Program?

A: For these questions please contact the Office of Study Aboard at 601.266.4344 or studyabroad@usm.edu

Q: I’m a VA work study student. Can I still earn work study hours while classes are held online?

A: Yes. Contact your VA worksite supervisor for projects that can be completed remotely. Note: This only applies to the Hattiesburg Campus.

Q: Are there resources available to assist me with the new all online format?

A: Yes. You may visit their website or contact them 601.266.5518 or onlineFREEMississippi.

Q: What about my VA Education Benefits?

A: Feel free to reach out to us at 601.264.4629 or VAFREEMississippi 

A. To speak directly to the VA Regional Office contact 1.888.442.4551. If you'd like to send your inquiry via online visit Ask a Question.

 

For the most up-to-date information from the university visit the USM Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website.