Welcome to the Office of Military-Connected Student Services (OMCSS)!
The core mission of OMCSS at IU South Bend is to ensure that our veterans, service members, reservists, National Guard, veteran dependents, and military families who attend IU South Bend have comprehensive accessibility to the personal, professional, and academic resources they need to persist and succeed in their education and career preparation.
OMCSS strives to provide a smooth transition and serves as a one-stop support center that is a liaison to the Department of Veteran Affairs, Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, the IU South Bend campus-community, IU community, and the regional community.
In keeping with the diverse and intersectional character of the Armed Forces, OMCSS is an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.
Education for the student veteran, service member, reservist, National Guard, veteran dependents, and military families is the end goal. Nevertheless, OMCSS is committed to educating the community about the unique character of this population and empowering the student to actively engage in their academic experience.
Whether you are a new college student or transferring from another IU campus or University, we are here to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Statement of Policy and Practice
In compliance with 38 USC 3679(e) as amended by the Veteran's Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, IU South Bend allows covered individuals to attend or participate in the course of education beginning when it is scheduled to start per the published Schedule of Classes, without regard to whether they have presented a certificate of eligibility, statement of benefits, or VAF-28-1905. If certification to the Veteran's Administration (VA) reveals that an individual is not eligible for benefits either fully or partially, the student is responsible for resolving any financial debts to the school. Students must submit an in-house worksheet each semester they are requesting certification with the VA, found at https://one.iu.edu/task/iu/request-gi-bill-certification.
IU South Bend does not impose any penalty, such as late fees, denial of access to classes, libraries, or classrooms; or mandate that covered individuals borrow additional monies, because of covered persons inability to meet their financial obligations to the university due to delayed disbursement of funds from the VA under Chapters 31 or 33.
In addition, IU South Bend will not impose late fees if you are using current military entitlements such as Federal Tuition Assistance or State of Indiana Tuition Benefits such as: Tuition and Fee Exemption for Child(ren) of Disabled Veterans, Tuition and Fee Exemption for Children of Purple Heart Recipients, or Tuition and Fee Exemption for Purple Heart Recipients.