School Certifying Official

Get Set for Cumberlands!

Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service.

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The School Certifying Official (SCO) serves as the primary point of contact for military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, and their dependents. The SCO supports students’ educational journeys by facilitating VA and DoD benefit certifications, providing onboarding and advising support, and advocating for the unique needs of military-connected students. This role promotes awareness of resources, ensures institutional compliance with federal and state regulations, and cultivates a welcoming campus environment for military-affiliated individuals.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

VA and Tuition Assistance Certification

• Serve as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for the institution.
• Certify education benefits including Chapters 33, 31, 30, 35, and 1606 using Enrollment Manager.
• Submit and amend enrollment certifications for tuition, fees, and MHA.
• Maintain compliance with VA audit requirements, documentation standards, and reporting timelines.
• Provide intake sessions and success planning for new military-affiliated students.
• Facilitate veteran orientation sessions and resource introductions.
• Monitor student progress through academic terms, performing early outreach as needed.
• Collaborate with academic advisors to align course selections with degree requirements.
• Track student outcomes including retention, GPA, and graduation rates.
• Develop communication strategies to engage current and prospective students.
• Advocate for policies and procedures that streamline services for military-connected students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current VA SCO certification.
• Experience with Enrollment Manager, ArmyIgnited, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of military education benefits (e.g., GI Bill®, Chapters 33, 31, 35, 1606).
• Understanding of both state and federal tuition assistance programs.
• Experience in higher education settings supporting diverse student populations.
• Familiarity with FERPA and institutional data privacy policies.
• Prior military service or affiliation is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal VA regulations and benefit policies.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Comfortable with student information systems and office software suites.
• Capable of evaluating complex situations and resolving issues effectively.
• High level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality.

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a

“life-more-abundant.”