Ferris State University’s commitment to supporting students from military service backgrounds is again receiving Gold-level status from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, an operation of the state government.

Ferris State is among 62 universities, colleges, and trade schools to earn Veteran-Friendly Schools recognition for the 2023-24 academic year.

Assistant Director of Veterans Services Jacob Schrot said the program continued to serve military-connected Ferris students.

“This is great recognition for our office and Ferris State University for the work that we are proud to provide to serve our veteran students,” Schrot said. “The Veteran Friendly Schools program began in 2015-16, and we have received the Gold recognition each year. We take this work seriously to serve and support our military-connected students.”

Ferris State has an on-campus, military-connected students coordinator with an ideal background to serve this student population. The university also offers scholarships and grants to qualifying military-connected students and a dedicated lounge.

Understanding and catering to the needs of military-connected students is one of the cornerstones of the office’s success.

“My experience has shown me that our military-connected students are most comfortable making office visits to have a conversation or to seek out support,” Schrot said. “We work to ensure we keep up on the necessary paperwork and data gathering we know is frequently requested or needed. We want our office to be one where our veterans feel they can approach us and know that we’re knowledgeable about their challenges and opportunities and that we’re here and ready to help.”

Schrot noted that beginning this year, spouses of National Guard Soldiers can use the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Program following a bill signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“So, we will be working with even more family members of Veterans beginning this semester,” he said.

Ferris State has annually hosted a Veterans Day breakfast in November – an event open to campus and community veterans and hosted by the office of President Bill Pink.

“We are incredibly grateful to have 62 Veteran-Friendly Schools in Michigan that are committed to supporting their student-veteran population,” MVAA Director Adam Hollier said. “Making the transition from boots and a helmet to a cap and gown can be a daunting process, but having guidance and resources from their academic institution is a game changer.”

The Veteran Friendly Schools program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. Honored institutions are awarded gold, silver or bronze status based on their veteran-centric services and programs.

“Their talent and experiences matter, and the best way to thank a student veteran for their service is to support them in their journey and offer them a job after they graduate,” Hollier said. “I want to wish our student veterans the best as they start this next academic year and continue their educational journey.”