Campus Life

UWF named ‘Military-Friendly School’ by G.I. Jobs Magazine for sixth consecutive year

The University of West Florida has been designated a “military-friendly school” for the sixth year in a row by G.I. Jobs Magazine.

The “Top Military-Friendly Schools” list, featured in the 2014 Guide to Military Schools, honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are embracing America’s military service members and veterans as students.

“In the MVRC, we strive to provide whatever assistance is asked for by veteran students who walk through the door, call on the phone or send an email,” said Marc Churchwell, director of the MVRC. “They may be local or separated by many time zones, but the MVRC staff always works hard to meet their needs. We are veterans serving veterans, and we take that personally.”

The list was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The survey results that comprise the 2014 list were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by G.I. Jobs. Each year schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board consisting of educators from schools across the country.

The UWF Military and Veterans Resource Center is a program that serves as a resource center to assist military and veteran students as they transition from the military environment to campus life. Tutoring, advising and counseling are also some of the services that are provided.

Recently, UWF was chosen as one of 94 schools across the country to house a VetSuccess on Campus office. The VSOC program is intended to ease veterans’ transitions to student life and assist them in achieving their educational and career goals through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affair’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® and other educational programs. Through the program, a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is sent to each designated campus to ensure veterans receive the support and assistance needed to pursue their educational and employment goals.

Because VSOC Counselors are easily accessible on campus, they help resolve any problems that could potentially interfere with a veteran’s educational program, to include assisting with disability accommodations. If needed, they can also provide referrals for health services through VA Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, or Vet Centers.

For additional information about ways UWF supports military and veteran students, visit the MVRC website, uwf.edu/militaryveterans.