Southeast Missouri State University has been awarded the 2020-2021 Military Friendly Schools Silver Designation, ranking it among this years list of Better for Veterans institutions nationally.
Southeast is listed among the nations top higher education institutions for setting the standard for providing the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. The prestigious list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.
Southeast was evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the University. The silver designation is awarded to schools that meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking school in their category. Only a select group of institutions achieve this designation.
It is an honor to be recognized again as a Silver designated military-friendly school, said Amanda Woods, Military and Veterans Services officer and Veterans Affairs (VA) certifying official with SoutheastsOffice of Military and Veteran Services (OMVS). We work hard to serve and support our military-affiliated student population, and this recognition reflects that effort, dedication and passion.
The 2020-2021 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine. The list can also be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institutions survey scores with the assessment of the institutions ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
This award shows Southeast is a contender in the realm of education for the military-connected population, Woods said. Our hope is this recognition will allow Southeast to reach a greater audience of military-connected students and provide us with an opportunity to change lives for the better. Thats what really excites and motivates me to keep our level of service and support so high.
Southeasts OMVS, located on the third floor of the University Center, provides resources, information and support to Veterans, military personnel, and their dependents, during their experience with Southeast.
The Office helps align military-affiliated students with appropriate campus resources, such as the Academic Support Centers, Counseling and Disability Services and Career Services. The office also refers veteran students to various veterans service organizations in the area and other external organizations that may be able to provide additional support, which may not be traditionally offered in a university setting.
The Office also researches and advocates for opportunities to implement veteran-friendly policies, procedures, processes, events and support services, as well as hosts events and workshops for service members, veterans and their dependents. In addition, the office assists in the research and development of grant applications and other external funding proposals related to veterans initiatives.
It takes a lot to truly provide targeted support and services — one person cannot do this alone, and we are a team at Southeast with an institutional effort driven by military-friendly initiatives, policies and procedures, Woods said. Every faculty and staff member from support services member, graduate assistants and student workers to the Universitys executive leadership is fully invested in making sure our military-affiliated students have the proper resources and care to be successful.
For more information about Southeasts Office of Military and Veterans Services, visitsemo.edu/veterans/.