The SUU Veterans Center strives to support military-connected students across their academic journey by focusing on proactive support in student success, financial wellness, belonging, and career readiness. Whether using VA education Benefits or just needing resources available just for you, follow the links below to guide you through getting started at SUU!
Applying to SUU
Prior to applying at SUU, find out if your desired degree is approved for VA educational benefits by visiting the GI Bill Comparison Tool to search for approved Education Programs
Confirm you have given SUU a valid email and be sure to check it often for important communications from the school and the Veterans Center
Once you have been accepted, students using Chapters 31, 33, or 33TOE have the option to defer their enrollment deposit; state that you are using VA education benefits
Note: Chapters 31, 33, or 33TOE students that already paid their enrollment deposit will be reimbursed. Students that completed the deferment application will have the deposit included in their initial funding request to the VA.
Starting Your VA Education Benefits
These links include all of the information required to utilize your VA Education Benefits.
If you have not attended college, your academic advisor will register you for 12 credits the first semester.
It is important to make sure you fill out your TTQ so your academic advisor can register you for your first semester of classes based on the answers and preferences within that questionnaire. If you skip this section, all preferred courses might be full when your advisor registers you.
Every following semester, you will be responsible for registering for your classes so please meet with your academic advisor to learn about degree planning and how to register for courses sometime within your first semester at SUU and reference the Veterans Center tutorial videos on how to register for classes using the different apps
Utilize the Degree Works app located on the right side of your student portal under RESOURCES which is a great way to stay on track and ensure a timely completion of your degree. Your academic advisor uses the app to help create a whole degree plan with you of what courses you plan to take and when, all the way through to graduation. Or the Veterans Center has a tutorial video that teaches you how to create plans yourself. It is helpful to have all classes broken down by semester through to graduation which makes registration so much easier. It is also a VA requirement (if using VA education benefits) to have one saved that has all classes broken down by semester through to graduation.
If using VA Education Benefits, you MUST CERTIFY YOUR COURSES WITH THE VA EVERY SEMESTER.
You must be logged into your student portal first so your class schedule will populate on the application
Anytime you add or drop a course, please submit another certification application, CHECKING ALL COURSES again.
If you have previously attended college and have more than 12 credits, or were in the Air Force, you will not be automatically registered for courses by your academic advisor. You can register on your own or meet with your academic advisor to learn about degree planning and how to register for courses. Reference the Veterans Center tutorial videos on how to register for classes using the different apps
Utilize the Degree Works app located on the right side of your student portal under RESOURCES which is a great way to stay on track and ensure a timely completion of your degree. Your academic advisor uses the app to help create a whole degree plan with you of what courses you plan to take and when, all the way through to graduation. Or the Veterans Center has a tutorial video that teaches you how to create plans yourself. It is helpful to have all classes broken down by semester through to graduation which makes registration so much easier. It is also a VA requirement (if using VA education benefits) to have one saved that has all classes broken down by semester through to graduation.
If using VA Education Benefits, you MUST CERTIFY YOUR COURSES WITH THE VA EVERY SEMESTER.
You must be logged into your student portal first so your class schedule will populate on the application
Anytime you add or drop a course, please submit another certification application, CHECKING ALL COURSES again.
Credit for Military Training
Members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard can request an official copy of their JST to be sent to the SUU Admissions Office. The VRSC can also order on behalf of the student with just their SSN. Students must stop by or call the office to provide your SSN.
When requesting an official copy, you must create an account by clicking “Register” in the “Sign in to JST” box.
Members of the Air Force may order an official transcript to be sent to the SUU Admissions Office using CCAF'S transcript order form.
An electronic copy of a CCAF is only available through Parchment.
Official transcripts must be sent directly to SUU Admissions through the respected institutional websites. Paper copies and those sent through email will not be accepted.
Student’s will have their DD214 evaluated first, followed by the evaluation of their JST for additional credits.
NOTE: Due to policy for credit, all undergraduate student veterans utilizing VA education benefits without a previously completed BA/BS degree will need to provide a Member-4 or Service-2 copy of their DD214.
SUU’s Military Credit by DD-214
Students who have active military service may be granted PE 1098 - Wellness Dynamics to fulfill the knowledge area requirement for social and behavioral sciences plus another 7 elective credit hours.
Active Military Service requirements:
Completed Boot Camp
Completed 24 months of active service
Honorable discharge or current orders
National Guard or a Reservist requirements
Completed Boot Camp
Completed 48 months of service
Honorable discharge or current order
NOTE: If the student has “Other Than Honorable” on their DD214, the VRSC will review and may request additional information from the student
Joint Services Transcript (JST) Military Credit Evaluation
Additional credit may be granted if specific requirements are met. If you are using VA Education benefits to pay for school, it is a requirement to have them evaluated. Credits may be awarded as elective credit and certain credits may also be articulated as equivalent to SUU coursework, if applicable.
Once the semester begins, the Veterans Center will upload the student’s JST to the electronic processing application system, where the student’s advisor will be assigned to review for possible credit articulation(s). Any and all credits found to be degree applicable (whether general or specific) will be sent for review to the respective Department Chairs for further evaluation.
BE AWARE, credit is awarded solely at the discretion of SUU. Some departments at SUU will be unable to consider recommendations or approval for your specific major course requirements due to restrictive accreditation standards for those majors.
When the official review is completed, the student will receive ONE of the following notifications:
Notification One (If there was nothing to be found applicable to the student’s degree): After the review of your JST it has been determined that you do not have courses from your time in service that are applicable to your degree. Once you approve your JST evaluation, it will move forward in the process and will be marked as completed by the Registrar. By that point, no other action will be needed on your part. Please let us know if you have any questions. –SUU Veterans Resource and Support Center
Notification Two (If there were credits found to be applicable to the student’s degree): After the review of your JST, it has been determined that you have courses from your time in-service which can be applied to your degree at SUU. To understand what credits have been identified during your JST evaluation and how to apply them, you will need to meet with your academic advisor (advisor name) and a Veteran's Center representative. Once you have scheduled an appointment with your advisor, please email the Veteran's Center at veterans@suu.edu with the time and date of your appointment. If you do not email the center with the appointment information, your JST process will be stopped from further processing. Please let us know if you have any questions. –SUU Veterans Resource and Support Center
If the student was found to have applicable credit (whether general or specific) they will be notified three times throughout the semester until an appointment has been scheduled with their advisor. Failure to schedule and attend an appointment to discuss military credits will result in a VA certification hold placed on the student’s account until the appointment has been completed.
These appointments are conducted to ensure the student is made aware of the applicability of adding credits to fulfill program requirements, possible financial and VA educational benefit implications, and other factors that may impact the student’s educational goals.
Not all degree plans leave space for electives, so elective military credit may not be needed.
Once a meeting has been completed:
Students who have specific credits approved will have the ability to review their JST and place a checkmark in the box next to any approved courses they wish to add to their transcript.
Students with general credits will work with their advisor to determine how many and what kind of general credits they will need to meet degree requirements and the advisor will annotate this in the application evaluation.
ALL students who have their military transcripts evaluated will have the opportunity to review and approve the evaluation of their JSTs before the Registrar’s office completes it.
Once credits are added, they CANNOT be removed.
The Registrar’s office will then apply your credits as stated on your evaluation application. Please allow five business days to process. You can view updated changes through your Degree Works or unofficial SUU transcripts.
You can request a re-evaluation of your JST any time you change your degree.
The Community College of the Air Force or Air University is a federally chartered degree-granting institution that serves the United States Air Force's enlisted force. Since they are an accredited college all credits are transferable.
If there are credits you did not receive for a specific class and were only transferred as elective credits, you can speak with the Department Chair and provide them with a course syllabus for review.
Students must order an official copy of their transcript from CCAF and have it sent directly to SUU’s Admissions office at SUU. Learn how to order your transcript online.
Due to policy for credit, all undergraduate student veterans–without a previously completed BA/BS degree–will need to provide a Member-4 or Service-2 copy of their DD214, if they are utilizing VA education benefits.
2. Call or visit the Veterans Center to provide the following:
Utah Residency Verification (ALL Veterans and Dependents will be granted in-state residency/tuition)
DEPENDENTS will need to provide Social Security Numbers and Birth Dates for themselves and their Sponsor
VETERANS please ensure you have sent an official copy of your JST/CCAF to SUU Admissions
3. Attend the Military Connected Student Orientation
This is REQUIRED for all students utilizing VA Benefits (Fully online students or those with extenuating circumstances, please let us know. Masters students are not required to attend but welcome)
Usually held a few days prior to the start of the semester so please watch your email for date, time, and location or call the Veterans Center to check
Requesting Certification
Once the Required Documents steps 1 and 2 are complete and you have officially registered for courses, you can request certification which will initiate your VA education benefits.
Key Reminders
POST 9/11 (Chp 33): We cannot forecast when the VA will pay your tuition and fees but you will not be dropped from your courses as long as you have your certification is submitted (Ignore automated "drop" emails). Also keep in mind your monthly housing allowance will be paid at end of each month, not prior (For example, September's will be paid on October 1st)
DEA (Chp 35): Please make sure you have a payment plan set up with the Cashier's Office as your stipend is paid directly to you and not the school. This will ensure you do not get dropped from your courses for nonpayment. Contact the Cashier’s Office or set up a plan on your student portal under Balances
VR&E (Chp 31): Check with the Veterans Center to ensure that your counselor has submitted a PO (Purchase Order) to SUU
Certifications must be submitted EVERY semester in order to utilize your VA education benefits
If you add or drop a course, please submit another certification (put a checkbox by ALL courses, not just the newly added) or you may contact the Veterans Center to have your current certification returned to you to update courses
AVIATION STUDENTS: If you are waiting for a flight lab to be added to your schedule, you have the option to submit a certification with the courses you are registered for to initiate your VA education benefits and then update your certification once the lab is added
The Veterans Center offers many resources just for YOU, our military connected students!
Knowledge Locker Book Rental
The Veterans Center maintains a textbook library for our students to rent each semester for only $10! Also, if you donate a book you will receive a semester of textbook rental free! Stop by and check out our wide selection of books.
Veterans Lounge
Our lounge is located in room 122 of the Student Center, this space is just for military connected students. There are couches, work stations with computers, whiteboards, TV, coffee, snacks, and a student classifieds board. Come study, relax or just hang out with other students!
Military Connected Student Scholarship
The Veterans Center awards $250 general scholarships to four (4) outstanding students who are military-connected and may have a financial need each Fall and Spring semester. Apply for the Military Connected Student Scholarship!
Military Connected Mentor Program
The Military Connected Mentor Program delivers support, resources, and on-going services designed to assist each of our military-connected students’ needs while helping them progress towards academic, personal, and professional opportunities and goals. The Veteran Success Coordinator can assist with the following:
Semesterly Goal Planning/Accountability
Degree Planning
Campus/Community Resources
VA Education Benefits Assistance
VA Mental Health/Disability/Healthcare
And more!
Monthly Newsletter
Each month, the Veterans Center puts out a monthly newsletter with our upcoming events, academic tools/skills, a scholarship spotlight, and a “Get Outdoors” section to highlight why we are the "University of the Parks”. Also, answer the trivia question at the bottom to be placed in our monthly prize drawings!
Military Connected Resources Canvas Shell
This will appear on your Canvas once you start at SUU and serves as a one-stop shop for resources, information, and announcements that we put out to our students. Check it often to see what's happening with the Veterans Center!
Priority Registration
Veterans and currently serving students (whether using benefits or not), and dependents that are using VA education benefits are able to priority register each semester. Take advantage of this opportunity before classes fill up!
Student Veterans of America Club
We assist military connected students at SUU in reaching their academic goals, networking for post-graduation employment, and in efforts to continue "serving others before self" by providing resources and opportunities. SUUSVA is comprised of military-connected students as well as students with no military background. Moving forward together in a spirit of "we want you", the SUUSVA strives for 100% participation in chapter meetings, service projects, events and activities designed by the members, for the members. Comradery is our ethos. We take care of our own. Join the Student Veterans of America Club!
Student involvement activities
Leadership and volunteer opportunities
Participation can help with scholarships and looks great on a resume!
Networking and connecting with other military connected students and local veterans organizations
Cabinet leaders have the potential to receive VA work study pay if utilizing VA education benefits
Interested in leading or participating in SVA events? Fill out this quick survey!
VSO (Veterans Service Officer)
To provide added VA benefit claim assistance to our students and community veterans, the SUU Veterans Center in collaboration with the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs hosts two Veterans Service Officers. Our VSOs are trained and accredited to represent Utah Veterans in filing claims and appeals and work multiple days a week inside the Veterans Center. Benefits a VSO can assist with:
Service-connected disability claims
VA Claim denial/rebuttal assistance
VA pension benefits
VA Medical enrollment/assistance
Burial benefit assistance
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (Spouse/Dependents)
VITAL Program (Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership)
The Veteran Success Coordinator works with the VITAL program to help provide assistance transitioning from military to college life and help enhance academic success through:
For other available rentals, please contact the various property management companies in town as well as Facebook Marketplace and blogs. Don’t forget to check our classifieds board in the Veterans Lounge for students looking for roommates
SUU HOPE Pantry
The Southern Utah University HOPE Pantry provides essential food and toiletry items to SUU students, as well as educational opportunities to develop food budgeting, meal planning, and cooking skills. The Pantry also works to raise awareness of food insecurity and food waste, and encourages student engagement in learning and service opportunities to address these issues on our campus and in our community. Located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, Room 120
Health & Wellness Center
The SUU Health & Wellness Center improves student success by promoting holistic health and well-being of students through comprehensive programming, peer-to-peer support, and preventative education. Located next to the radio station in Suite 175 of the Sharwan Smith Student Center, the Health and Wellness Center has information and resources for all things health and wellness including:
Self Care Station Supplies
Wellness Resources
Wellness Room
Student Health Clinic
In partnership with FourPoints Health, the Student Health Clinic provides free medical care to help students while in school. Current SUU students can receive treatment in the on-campus clinic on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis.
CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
CAPS is staffed with experienced licensed mental health professionals including psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors who work with students to reduce the interference of everyday stress and also treat more serious conditions. CAPS regular services include individual counseling, couples, counseling, group counseling and workshops, and biofeedback.
Child Care
Non-Traditional Student Services provides a list of daycares, preschools, and after-school programs in Cedar City, Enoch, and St George. All of the providers listed are certified by the state of Utah however, please ensure the safety and licensing of the facility and caregivers prior to leaving your children.
Veteran students receive priority consideration for the CCAMPIS child care grant, and in some cases, it has covered up to 95% of a student’s total child care costs. Reach out to the CCAMPIS Coordinator for questions about eligibility.
Academic Resources
Degree Works
This app is located on the right side of your student portal under RESOURCES and is a great way to stay on track and ensure a timely completion of your degree. Your academic advisor uses the app to help create a whole degree plan with you of what courses you plan to take and when, all the way through to graduation. Or the Veterans Center has a tutorial video that teaches you how to create plans yourself. It is helpful to have all classes broken down by semester through to graduation which makes registration so much easier. It is also a VA requirement (if using VA education benefits) to have one saved that has all classes broken down by semester through to graduation.
Disabilities
The Disability Resource Center provides qualified students with disabilities the opportunity to have equal access to Utah academic programs as they navigate their own educational journey at our institution. Reasonable accommodations are available for students each semester.
SUU's student help center was created to answer any questions you may have, point you in the right direction, give you advice, a place to do homework and relax, and a one-stop-shop for all of your needs. There you will find the ACES, which are student peer mentors that provide you with relevant resources, connections, and helpful tips on how to succeed as a student at SUU, both inside and outside the classroom.
Registration
Visit the Veterans Center tutorial page for a video that provides a step-by-step guide on how to register for classes using the Registration app in the BANNER section of your student portal
For videos on how to register for classes using the Registration Schedule Builder, please visit the Registrar's Course Scheduler page for tutorials
SUU Library
The Gerald R. Sherratt Library has study/social spaces, professional literature in print and digital formats, portal to subscription databases, and a Copy Shop
Speech and Presentation Center
The Public Speaking Center is designed to assist students, faculty, and staff in improving their abilities to write and present speeches. The center is staffed by SUU students who provide these services. Set an appointment by either booking online, calling, emailing, or dropping by during our hours.
Tutoring Center
Tutors help SUU students deepen their understanding of course content and also provide academic coaching to sharpen your study skills and test-taking strategies. The Tutoring Center offers free drop-in tutoring, recurring tutoring, free group tutoring, and online tutoring.
Writing Center
The SUU Writing Center includes three branches: the Undergraduate Writing Center, the Graduate Writing Center, and the Writing Fellows program. Our staff of undergraduate writing tutors and graduate writing consultants are trained to assist SUU writers with all aspects of the writing process.
Financial Resources
FAFSA
We encourage all our students to apply for FAFSA as the Federal government is a large source of aid for students who need financial assistance. This aid is provided through grants, loans and work study awards. You may even qualify for a Pell Grant!
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
The Financial Aid office helps students financially by informing students about financial aid that may be available to them. This includes loans, grants, and scholarships.
Financial Wellness Office
The SUU Financial Wellness team is dedicated to promoting a culture of financial well-being by providing students and families with the financial tools needed to succeed in their academics and beyond.
If you are looking for a part time employment opportunity that works around your class schedule, the Veterans Center is looking for motivated individuals to fill VA work-study and peer mentor positions:
Federal minimum wage but tax free!
Flexible hours that work around your class schedule
Must be using at least 3/4 time VA Education Benefits
SUU often has many faculty, staff, and student jobs available right here on campus. Search SUU Job Listings.
SUU Career and Professional Development Center
The SUU Career Center offers services to help current SUU students and SUU alumni improve their job search skills and find employment opportunities.
Are you having a hard time deciding on a major and/or career? Schedule a Career Assessment Appointment to take the Strong Interest Inventory (otherwise known as a Career and Major Assessment) which is designed to help you better understand your interests and how they align with majors and careers
The purpose of the SUU Professional Closet is to ensure that SUU students have access to professional clothing and a knowledge of how to dress for important occasions (interviews, jobs, internships, etc.)
The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs is committed to easing your transition from military service to the civilian world. Whether you are seeking to advance your career or looking to start something new, there are multiple resources at the state and federal level to help.