The VMRC is dedicated to empowering military-connected students to discover their strengths, achieve their personal and academic goals, and thrive in a supportive community.”
The VMRC offers a welcoming space where military-connected students can access resources tailored to their needs. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing personalized support, whether it’s academic advising, career preparation, or community-building opportunities. We are here to help you succeed every step of the way.”
Questions? Please contact the VMRC.
VMRC Services
- Veteran Service Officer (VSO) onsite Mondays
- Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program onsite twice each month
- Tutoring onsite once a week
- Academic and Career Support, Health, Wellness, and Basic Needs Support
- Student Engagement and Community Building
- Campus and Community Partnerships
- Digital Services and Accessibility; and much more!
Perks
- Lounge with refreshments – Full-size fridge, TV, and video games
- Computer lab with CAC readers and Hyflex system
- Chromebook lending library
- Book lending library
- Veteran’s club and exclusive networking opportunities
- VA Work Study Program
Resources
Veterans Crisis Line – 988, Confidential Chat at: VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255
- Disability Services
- Helping Hands Food Pantry
- Tutoring Center
- Career Services
- Counseling Services
- OCC Foundation Scholarships
Veterans and service members experiencing difficulties in daily life or in distress can reach out to Check-In and trust that an advocate will find a licensed professional who can help.
Get Started
Application Process
Obtain copies of:
1-High School Diploma
2-DD-214, (can be requested through the National Archive)
3-College Education Transcripts (Military Joint Service Transcripts)
4-Certificate of Eligibility- (you can do this online through the Veterans Affairs (VA), this can take 30 days or more)
Call or visit the VMRC to begin the enrollment process. Take a tour and learn about all the campus has to offer. We are located in BLDG #8 – 2nd Floor – Room 221, 732.255.0400 ext. 2080
veterans@ocean.edu
Complete the OCC application for Admission.
Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Complete the initial Military and Veteran Forms
- VA – New Student Intake Form
- VA – Refund Policy and Enrollment Agreement
- VA – Support Document Upload Form
Please contact the VMRC for assistance or questions
Meet with VMRC or Advising to discuss your goals and plan your classes
Register for classes
Complete additional Military and Veteran Required Form.
Military and Veteran Educational Benefits Enrollment Certification Form (please note this form must be filled out prior to each semester start after you have enrolled in classes)
For questions about benefit certification and financial aid questions, please contact Harry Young, Veterans Benefits Financial Aid Coordinator, 732-255-0400 ext. 2019 or harry_young43611@ocean.edu.
Contact Disability Services to request accommodations
Ensure you can access Ocean Connect, Canvas, and your OCC email
Educational Benefits
- Chapter 30- Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty benefits
- Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness & Employment benefits
- Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits
- Chapter 32 VEAP
- Chapter 35 Dependents/Survivors Educational Assistance benefits
- Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves benefits
- Tuition Assistance
- MyCAA
- New Jersey National Guard Tuition Waiver Program
- Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Operation THRIVE
Operation THRIVE (Trust, Honor, Respect, Inclusion, and Vision in Education) is an initiative focused on holistically supporting the biopsychosocial health and educational goals of veterans, active military members, and their dependents in higher education. This program not only underlines the importance of mental, physical, and social health for our service members and their families but also supports their journey into, and through, higher education.
For more information on how to sign up for this free training, contact the VMRC at veterans@ocean.edu.
Awards & Distinctions
The Military Friendly® School designation recognizes a college’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.
The Military Times’ Best for Vets: Colleges 2023 designation is based on policies related to military and veteran students, academic outcomes, military-supportive cultures, costs, and financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a(n):
- Veteran
- Active duty member of the military
- National Guard member
- Reservist
- Spouse of any of the above
- Dependent of any of the above (includes children and individuals eligible to be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes)
If you are not a dependent and need resources, please ask us and we can direct you where to go!
Yes, you can join the Student Veterans Organization, our chapter of the Student Veterans of America.
OCC also offers a variety of other clubs and organizations you may want to join. Visit the Student Life page to learn more!
Yes, we offer a chapter of the S.A.L.U.T.E. Honor Society for Military and Veteran students.
To inquire about VA Educational Benefits, go to https://www.va.gov/education/
- Quick steps: scroll to “Get GI Bill® and other Education Benefits”
- Click “How to Apply”
- Scroll down to: “How Do I Apply” (Green Button) follow the steps
Point of Contact for VA Ed. Benefits: 1-888-442-4551
Any Chapter 31 Recipient or Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) need to work directly with their VA counselor.
The chapter recipient is responsible for retrieving their Certification of Eligibility letter from the VA and/or VA Education Counselors. This information must be submitted to Financial Aid, to have their benefits certified and receive their benefits compensation.
Students using the benefits below must verify your attendance monthly or your payments will be delayed!
- Chapter 30, 31, 33, & 1606:
- Verify Attendance Monthly at the end of each month
- Use text message verification – Call: 1-888-442-4551
Policies
If a Military Affiliated student drops or withdraws from a class, he/she may not be eligible to receive full funding from tuition assistance. Military Affiliated students will follow the refund schedule outlined in Policy# 5144.
| Drop/Withdrawal Date (Fall and Spring Semesters) | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Course(s) cancelled by the College | 100% |
| Student drops course prior to the first day of classes | 100% |
| Student drops course from the first day of classes up to and including the third day of classes | 100% |
| Student drops course from the fourth day of classes up to and including the tenth day of classes. | 50% |
| Student withdraws from course after the tenth day | None |
| For complete details – Refer to Students Withdrawal Policy #5144 |
NJ Deployment and Mobilization Policy Information – Ocean County College is committed to supporting our students who are called to active duty service. If you are activated, please e-mail your orders to the School Certifying Official, Veteran Coordinator, and Veteran Advisor to assist in your transition from OCC to active duty.
Additional Information regarding OCC’s Veteran and Military Affiliated Students Tuition and Fees can be reviewed under:
Tuition/Fee Schedule #5300
Contact Us
Telephone: 732.255.0400, Ext. 2080
Email: veterans@ocean.edu
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Student Center (Bldg 8) Room 221
Please email the Veterans Department at veterans@ocean.edu for all program initiatives and events, on or off campus, resources in non-profits, scholarships and engagements.
VMRC Team
Christina Hernandez
Assistant Director
christina_hernandez1@ocean.edu
Jessica Richardson
VMRC Coordinator
jrichardson@ocean.edu
Cost To Attend OCC
Students can estimate their individual cost of attending OCC using our Net Price Calculator tool.
Answer a few simple questions and receive an estimate instantly!