SUNY Ulster Marks 10 Years As Top Military-Friendly Institution
March 11, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster has been named a Top 10 Military Friendly® School for 2020-2021 in the community college category, marking ten consecutive years earning this distinction.
According to VIQTORY, the sponsoring organization, Top 10 schools are the guidon bearers for military/veteran programs and initiatives, setting the standard for other designations with programs that improve every year.
Military Friendly® is the designation that measures a school’s commitment to veteran and veteran dependent recruitment, retention, and advancement. These are assessed through an analysis of graduation/career outcomes, academic policies, admissions/orientation, culture/commitment, financial aid, and military student support.
SUNY Ulster’s veteran and veteran family member student population has been growing, particularly in dependents and vocational rehab veteran students. These veteran students benefit from a broad array of College-wide support services as well as a number of support services specific to veterans as they work toward their degree:
- An accredited part-time Veterans Service Coordinator on campus who provides help navigating the application process for benefits earned through service
- A Battle Buddy Center located on campus which offers a quiet place for student veterans and veteran family students to connect and work on projects
- The Veterans Club
Ulster is an approved educational institution under the Veteran’s Educational Assistance Act (GI Bill) and the Dependent’s Act. SUNY Ulster also cofounded the Veterans Consortium of the Hudson Valley for Higher Education, which is a culmination of 14 colleges working together on best practices for veteran students. This past June 2019 SUNY Ulster was also awarded a Top Military Spouse Friendly designation.
Manuel Torres, SUNY Ulster’s Veterans Service Coordinator, says, “We work one on one with veterans to maximize the use of benefits to ensure they are able to reach their desired goal. We also work with outside agencies to address any problem our veterans may encounter, from homelessness to mental health issues. By providing the necessary resources we maximize veterans’ chances for success.”
Interested veterans and their families can learn more about SUNY Ulster’s military veteran opportunities by contacting Manny Torres at (845) 688-6003 or torresm@sunyulster.edu.
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