Supporting Veterans in Higher Education

Transitioning into a college campus – whether in a community or four-year university setting – can be overwhelming for first-year students in spite of their previous academic training and preparation. By far the two most important ingredients needed to succeed academically include being resourceful and [to some degree] collective skill. In the mesh of identifying then developing specific attributes [quickly] to jump-start a collegiate career, add post-traditional characteristics: delayed enrollment; financial independence; full-time employment while enrolled; having dependents; single parent; and more. This is now the norm seen across enrollment offices throughout the country.

Student veterans, since being appointed veteran liaison in 2013, exhibit more than two nontraditional characteristics and share some similarities with their classmates – yet have a noteworthy characteristic most post-traditional or non-traditional students do not have: transitioning from military service to civilian life.

As I begin to identify MCNY’s role in supporting student veterans, I cannot begin without paying homage to Student Veterans of America. Founded in 2008, they remain committed to shaping the landscape of veteran welfare in higher education and their research associating the importance of student veterans’ graduation rate and our nation’s economy or return on investment through the GI Bill.

Metropolitan College of New York joined Student Veterans of America in February, 2013 and has received Military Friendly status for 5 consecutive years. The college has been able to reach such significance for the following reasons:

• MCNY offers veterans completely free tuition through Operation Tuition Freedom and covers the difference between any federal/state GI benefits and total tuition to ensure our Vets graduate debt-free.
• College credit recommendations from Joint Services Transcripts (JST) are taken into consideration. Therefore, student veterans are able to utilize their military training which allows them to graduate sooner.
• Student veterans have immediate and unlimited access to academic, career, and financial resources through the Learning Enhancement Center, Career Services, and Student Services.
• Consistent and sustained support for student veterans is achieved by assigning point-persons in admissions, registrar, financial aid, and Student Veterans Association (SVA) sponsor.
• Servicing student veterans by collaborating with community based organizations and government agencies such as The Department of Veteran Affairs, Wounded Warriors Project, and United War Veterans Council.

Recently, MCNY held its annual Veteran Social which allowed student veterans to learn about available services, meet with members from SVA, the Department of Veterans Affairs, showcase work of student veterans, and create awareness for upcoming activities.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014, staff, faculty, and current students will march alongside SVA at America’s Parade in New York City as a salutation to all that have served. I am emotionally overwhelmed and forever grateful for their sacrifice and proud of their accomplishments – I am one of many who see the benefits of the GI Bill at MCNY and the importance of providing a multitude of services to help veteran students succeed.

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Written by Christopher Saldivar, Associate Director of Admissions & Veteran Specialist

Metropolitan College of New York — www.mcny.edu

View this story on our Admissions Blog