By Maria Aguilar |Staff Writer|
CSUSB has been placed on the Military Friendly Schools list by G.I. Jobs Magazine for 2013.
This list contains the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade/vocational schools in the nation who offer programs and services important to the military community, according to G.I.jobs.com.
The Military Friendly Schools Academic Advisory Board Members evaluate the schools based on their veteran-student support, flexibility, academic accreditation and tuition discounts to name a few.
“The competition for our 2013 Military Friendly Schools list was fierce and as a result we raised the already stringent criteria to a higher benchmark,” said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher, on G.I.jobs.com.
As of May 25 Veterans on campus can seek guidance and have their questions answered at the Veterans Success Center.
The center has assisted 1,053 people to date with inquiries about benefits, enrollment as new students, transfer students, spousal benefits and more.
“We really try to advocate for our Veterans. We make sure students have resources available to be successful,” said Marci Daniels’ the Veterans Success Coordinator.
This quarter, CSUSB has approximately 700 veterans, active military and dependents enrolled on campus.
The Veterans Success Center provides services to these students such as printing capabilities, Internet service, a lounge with a flat-screen TV, couches, refrigerator, popcorn maker, counselors and student assistants with military experience ready to answer questions.
“I like being able to print, do homework and come in during my break. People are very considerate if you are trying to read or study for a test,” said Jennie Smolenski, a student and Air Force Veteran.
The center provides a sense of community.
“Once we’ve all been veterans, we all speak the same language. We’ve all been over-seas and seen the same things,” said Smolenski.
“It’s nice in here because it’s a lot calmer and everyone gets each other, said David Briggs, student and Army Veteran.
The lounge in the Veterans Success Center is decorated with military uniforms and banners from all the branches, which adds a sense of unity.
“During the Air Force birthday celebration, a Marine Corps Vet was working on an air force flyer and the captain of the Air Force was very touched,” said Daniels.
Militaryfriendlyschools.com helps active military and veterans select a trade school or university by providing a list of services and programs the campus offers.
According to this list, CSUSB provides services such as: veteran counselors or advisors on staff, assistance with career placement, child care facilities on campus and campus/social networking events planned specifically for veterans.
Services will also include a chapter of the Student Veterans of America on campus, scholarships for military students as well as veterans and dependents among more.
CSUSB has received the Military Friendly School award for the third year in a row.
The grand opening of the Veterans Success Center this year, has provided assistance to veterans on campus and will continue their service to them as they implement new ideas.