Important Resources for Veterans

Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL)

The VITAL initiative is a partnership between the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and Robert Morris University to aid in the academic retention and success of student veterans. 

The RMU VA VITAL Coordinator, Cory Zedak is here to support student veterans’ transition from service-member to student. His mission is to provide seamless access to VA healthcare services, on-campus mental health services, and outreach to the campus community highlighting the unique strengths and challenges of student veterans. VITAL aims to meet your needs and maximize your potential in the academic setting.

Steps for Applying to RMU

Military and dependent students wishing to use VA Educational Benefits or Tuition Assistance to help cover the cost of tuition should follow the steps on the Steps for Applying to RMU document to ensure the correct documents are completed.

Education Benefits

The VA website offers the most up to date information. This is a great resource to help you on your journey through higher education. Below are some great links to help you get started:

• Learn about the benefits offered to you
• Get started by applying for benefits
• Manage your benefits
• Compare thousands of schools
• The VA also offers vocational rehabilitation and employment

For more information please contact the VA for any question at 1-844-698-2311 (MYVA311), or use the special student GI Bill® Hotline at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or 1-888-442-4551.

Important Required Certification of VA Benefits Information

The RMU Center for Veterans and Military Families (CVMF) requires a covered individual complete, sign, and return the “Enrollment Verification Form”  (EV Form) to a School Certifying Official (SCO) each semester in order to authorize the SCO to submit the covered individual’s certification.  Please submit the form to mcfaddenc@rmu.edu. 

Enrollment Verification Forms

• 2023 Fall Enrollment Verification Form
• 2024 Spring Enrollment Verification Form
• 2024 Summer Enrollment Verification Form
• 2024 Fall Enrollment Verification Form

A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under the VA GI Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits.

Our enrollment checklist is a helpful tool that informs you of what the CVMF needs from you before we process your certification to the VA.

The CVMF also requests all covered individuals submit a current copy of their Certificate of Eligibility (COE), e-Benefits Statement of Benefits, or benefits application confirmation (for first time users) each and every semester.  

Please contact the CVMF at 412-397-5435 with any questions.

Robert Morris University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

Tuition Assistance

If using Military Tuition Assistance, you must first contact your base education office. Once you receive your TA approval form, please complete the CVMF Tuition Assistance Form or contact Jodi Hample to submit a copy of your TA approval form, hample@rmu.edu, 412-397-5498.

TA pays out $250 per credit towards your tuition. TA will not cover your full tuition cost at RMU and you will be left with an out of pocket cost. Please refer to RMU’s tuition rates to calculate your total cost of attendance.

RMU also accepts Education Assistance Program (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP) benefits.  Please visit the links above to learn more.

RMU Military Deployment - Call to Active Duty Policy

Note: It is the student’s responsibility to notify their professors and academic department heads before he or she deploys.   Official orders can be submitted at a later time, but notification must be received before classes, assignments or exams are missed.

Students Called to Active Duty in the Military during an Academic Semester

The following options exist for a student called to active duty in the military during an academic semester.  Students may select one of the first three options and option four  if applicable, immediately by contacting  their respective academic department head who in turn informs the appropriate academic dean. The student must also file written verification of the activation order as soon as it becomes available with the registrar at Robert Morris University.  This policy also extends to military spouse or military dependent students that need to withdrawal due to the hardships caused by the service member’s activation/deployment.
https://www.rmu.edu/academics/provost/registrar/policies

Student Engagement Transcript Waiver Form (SET)

Students wishing to apply for a waiver of Engaged Learning Graduation Requirements must complete the form and submit it along with supporting documentation. For additional guidance, Kimberly Morton, at morton@rmu.edu or (412) 397-5956.

Principles of Excellence Playbook

Robert Morris University is committed to abiding by the Principles of Excellence guidelines set forth by the VA. The Principles of Excellence ensures that you, the student, are given accurate and timely information and that RMU is upholding it’s policies to support veterans, service members and their families. Please review the Principles of Excellence Playbook for more information.