The University of Olivet has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, a resource in connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. Now in its seventh year, the Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.
Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of more than 100 questions covering 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals. A full list of board members can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com/advisory-board.
The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.
“By offering a military friendly campus and encouraging student soldiers, veterans and their dependents to apply, we have the opportunity to create a challenging and rewarding educational experience,” said Leslie Sullivan, The University of Olivet’s registrar and designated correspondent with the Department of Veterans Affairs. “In turn, the valuable life experiences these heroes offer can only broaden the diversity of staff, faculty and other students here at Olivet.”
“Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, chief product officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”
The University of Olivet recognizes and honors the sacrifices that U.S. service members make in the defense of our nation. The college is dedicated to assisting veterans, guardsman, reservists and others receiving U.S. military benefits in making a successful transition to the The University of Olivet community. Most recently, the college announced a scholarship for veterans, active military members and their families equal to 50 percent of tuition costs.
The University of Olivet’s Student Services office currently assists veterans, active duty military students and dependents of veterans with certification, registration and financial aid. The college has established a school profile with GoArmyEd, a one-stop location for managing school education and obtaining tuition assistance benefits used by all active Army and Army Reserve soldiers. In addition, the campus is home to a support organization for veteran and active duty students and their families. The University of Olivet Veterans’ Advocates assist students with transition issues, credit recognition and admission counseling, among other services.
The University of Olivet will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.