Southeast Missouri State University has been awarded the 2021-2022 Military Friendly Top 10 Schools and Gold designation.
Southeasts rank, up from Silver designation in 2020-2021, recognizes the Universitys commitment to increase and continuously improve policies and procedures that benefit veterans and students while accomplishing their higher education goals and after graduation, said Amanda Woods, Military and Veterans Services Officer with Southeasts Office of Military and Veteran Services (OMVS).
This award highlights the dedication and effort that Southeast and the Office of Military and Veteran Services have in serving and supporting our military-affiliated students, she said I feel we go above and beyond to ensure our students have whatever they need to be successful, not just while at Southeast but after graduation and with successful career placements.
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.
Southeasts Office of Military and Veterans Services
The Military Friendly Top 10 Schools represent the elite target for military/veterans programs and initiatives. Schools on this list set the standard for other designations and are programs that continue to improve every year.
Southeast was evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the University. The survey responses are weighted into six categories:
- Academic Policies and Compliance
- Military Student Support and Retention
- Graduation and Career Outcomes
- Admissions and Orientation
- Culture and Commitment
- Financial Aid and Loan Repayment.
The final survey results and ratings are determined by combining an institutionssurvey scores with the assessment of theinstitutions ability to meet minimum thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repaymentand Loan Defaultrates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
The 2021-2022 Military Friendly Schools list is available at www.militaryfriendly.com.
The Military Friendly Rating specifically highlighted Southeasts OMVS, located on the third floor of the University Center, for providing targeted resources, information and support to Veterans, military personnel and their dependents during their experience with Southeast.
Southeasts Office of Military and Veterans Services
The Office helps align military-affiliated students with campus resources such as the Academic Support Centers, Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility, 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.
Woods said, Whether its academic assistance, education benefit counseling and assistance, engagement opportunities, or referrals for counseling, healthcare, employment or housing, the OMVS is there to provide targeted support and services.
The Office also researches and advocates for opportunities to implement veteran-friendly policies, procedures, processes, events and support services. The Office 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.
Woods said, Because the academic setting is so different than what our military families are accustomed to, I believe it is critical to help those students transition and reintegrate successfully. That is one of the reasons why I think military-affiliated students seek us out and why weve been recognized for those efforts.
For more information about Southeasts Office of Military and Veterans Services, visit semo.edu/veterans.