Overview
Thank you for your service!
Veterans Services at the University of Southern Maine (USM) serves veterans, servicemembers, and their families, who are accessing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits, often referred to as the GI Bill.
USM is a military-friendly campus and a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. USM is also a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC).
There are multiple chapters of the GI Bill and navigating the process can be confusing. Transitioning from combat to the classroom can be a challenge, as well. USM Veterans Services is here to help.
To learn more about the various support and services available to veterans, please review the following:
- Educational Benefits
- Admissions
- Veterans Resource Center (VRC)
- Student Success Center
- Veterans Student Organization (VSO)
- Other Campus Resources
- Community Resources
The VA certifying official, often referred to as the School Certifying Official (SCO), can help you apply for your VA educational benefits and walk you through the certification process. The SCO is located on the Gorham Campus, 100 Bailey Hall, in the Registrar's Office.
To be eligible to use your VA benefits, the courses you take must apply to an academic program. So, one of the first steps should be to apply to USM.
Applying to USM as an undergraduate.
Applying to USM as a graduate student.
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER (VRC)
The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is a great place to connect with others accessing GI Bill benefits here at USM. The center is located on the Portland Campus, Woodbury Campus Center, and is staffed by students with prior military experience. The VRC is a warm, inviting space where you can learn more about resources for veterans both on and off campus, and also meet people who can relate to your experiences.
For more information on the VRC, please click here.
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Student Success is a priority at the University of Southern Maine. There are many resources that can assist you as you begin and continue your college experience through graduation and beyond. USM has three Student Success Centers (Gorham, Portland, and Lewiston) focused on ensuring your success as a student. The Student Success Centers are your connection to the USM community!
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VETERANS STUDENT ORGANIZATION (VSO)
Housed in the Veterans Resource Center, the Veterans Student Organization (VSO) seeks to create a safe place for veterans to come together, to build community, and to help each other overcome the challenges associated with transitioning from military life to civilian/student life. Members of the VSO plan social events, attend conferences, and raise awareness of veterans on campus.
For more information on the VSO, please click here.
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University Health and Counseling Services
105 Payson Smith Hall, Portland
110 Upton Hall, Gorham
207.780.4050
For more information on counseling services, please click here.
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Office of Student Life
135 Woodbury Campus Center, Portland
207.228.8200
119 Brooks Student Center, Gorham
207.228.8011
For more information on student life, please click here.
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Office for Prior Learning Assessment (Review of Military Transcripts)
100 Payson Smith Hall, Portland
207.780.4663
For more information on prior learning assessment, please click here.
To learn how to order your official military transcripts, please click here.
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Office of Support for Students with Disabilities
242 Luther Bonney Hall, Portland
207.780.4706
For more information on support for students with disabilities, please click here.
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VA National Call Center/Educational Benefits
1.888.442.4551, prompt 1, then prompt 0
Togus VA Medical Center/Vocational Rehabilitation
1.877.421.8263
Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services
207.783.5306
Portland Vet Center
207.780.3584
Camp Kieve Veteran's Camp (Damariscotta, ME)
A free place for veterans and their families to connect after returning home from their deployment. There are four-week long sessions, and two weekend sessions. To learn more, click here. To access an application, please click here.
The Portland, ME Veteran’s Service Officer
Phyllis D’Orsay – She helps veterans start the disability claims process and addresses all veteran’s benefits (excluding the GI Bill). Her number, to schedule an appointment, is 207.878.2683.
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