Veterans Services
Office Hours - Monday through Friday: 09:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Student Center Building, Room 286
Mission Statement
The Office of Veteran and Military Services at SUNY Westchester Community College is dedicated to empowering our military-connected community through comprehensive, robust, student-centered support services that foster academic achievement, personal growth, and career success.
We collaborate with campus departments and external partners to expand access to a wide range of programs, resources, and benefits—ensuring a seamless and successful transition from military service to higher education.
Our military-affiliated students are encouraged to engage with our office for individualized guidance designed to strengthen their academic foundations and support their educational goals. We carefully evaluate each student’s Joint Services Transcript to award the maximum allowable transfer credits toward their chosen program of study.
In addition, we actively connect students with meaningful career and internship opportunities by leveraging campus, community, and national networks—helping them translate military experience into professional advancement.
GI Bill ® is a registered trademark of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Benefits & Resources
Additional veteran education resources are available through the State University of New York (SUNY) system at www.suny.edu/veterans
The Westchester Community College Office of Military and Veteran Services (O.V.M.S.) welcomes all Veterans, Service Members, and military-affiliated students to Westchester Community College (W.C.C.). This memorandum provides an overview of available academic support services and federal and state education benefits designed to support your educational and professional success.
Office of Military and Veteran Services (O.V.M.S.) offers flexible class schedules, including day, evening, and online courses, to accommodate the unique needs of military-affiliated students. The College provides free tutoring across many subject areas and offers a wide range of academic programs to support transfer to four-year institutions and career advancement. The Career Development Office is available to assist students with career planning and employment readiness.
OFFICE OF MILITARY AND VETERAN SERVICES (O.V.M.S.)
The Office of Military and Veteran Services is committed to serving all Military Connected population of Westchester Community College and has been recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School, reflecting its strong commitment to the military community. The O.V.M.S. staff consists of a Veterans Director, Associate Director, and VA School Certifying Official (SCO).
The mission of O.V.M.S. is to assist Veterans and military-affiliated students in achieving their academic goals by providing centralized, veteran-friendly support services. Students receive individualized guidance to develop academic plans that support degree completion and successful transition to civilian and professional life. O.V.M.S. collaborates closely with College departments to support student success, including:
- Academic Advisement
- Accessibility Resources Center
- Admissions
- College Transfer Office
- Counseling Center
- Viking Roads
- Financial Aid Office
- Academic Tutoring Support
- Bursar’s Office
- Registrar’s Office
- Business Office
- Student Life
O.V.M.S. also maintains partnerships with external Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) to enhance the range and quality of services available to the military community.
Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, Reservists, and eligible dependents may qualify for a variety of education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Information regarding VA education benefits is available at www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 1-888-442-4551. Hearing-impaired individuals may call 1-800-829-4833.
Federal VA Education Benefits include, but are not limited to:
- CH30 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- CH31 – Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
- CH33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- CH35 – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
- CH1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- CH1607 – Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
- Edith Norse S.T.E.M. GI Bill®
To apply for GI Bill® education benefits, contact the VA Education Office:
Phone: 1-888-442-4551
Online: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
Mail: Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Regional Office, P.O. Box 4616, Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
Veterans pursuing Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services must obtain approval through the VA and coordinate with a VR&E counselor at the VA Regional Office, 245 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10014.
New York State education benefits are available to eligible Veterans and Service Members, including Air and Army National Guard members using Army Ignited and AI Portal. Programs include:
- Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)
- Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP)
- Federal Tuition Assistance Program
- Credentialing Assistance
Additional information is available at http://dmna.ny.gov/education/ or by contacting:
- Ms. Kaneisha L. Chapman – (518) 786-0466 | [email protected]
- Ms. Kelly Houghtaling – Phone: (518) 786-0455 | [email protected]
- MAJ Phyonne Reynolds – Phone: (518) 786-0460 | [email protected]
All Veterans and dependents enrolled at Westchester Community College must report to the Office of Military and Veteran Services each semester with a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Required documentation includes DD Form 214 or DD Form 2384/2384-1, as applicable. Documentation of military service, marital status, and dependents is required for benefit certification.
Education Benefits and Resources
Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, Reservists, and eligible dependents may qualify for a variety of education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
New York State education benefits are also available to eligible Veterans and Service Members, including Air and Army National Guard members using Army Ignited and AI Portal.
GI Bill ® is a registered trademark of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
