SRU recognized for its military support by Colleges of Distinction
Slippery Rock University received the Colleges of Distinction's 2021-22 Military Support badge for its exceptional support of military-affiliated students.
Aug. 23, 2021
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University was honored for its exceptional support of military-affiliated students by Colleges of Distinction, an online guide for college-bound students. SRU received COD's 2021-22 Military Support badge for ensuring that "military students are supported through comprehensive education benefits, a committed military and veterans affairs team, flexible options, trained faculty and dedicated campus activities and community support."
"Institutions with the Military Support recognition are aware of the unique challenges military students face on college campuses," said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. "SRU is proud to support and cultivate the skills that military students bring to the classroom, all while helping them achieve their personal and professional goals."
There are more than 100 students at SRU who identify as veterans and more than 250 as military-affiliated students who are either serving in the National Guard and reserves, active-duty military, contracted ROTC cadets or dependents in military families.
SRU helps support its military-affiliated students through the President's Commission for Veteran and Military Affairs, a group of faculty, staff and students that advocates and facilitates communication on behalf of military-affiliated students concerning policy and procedure advisement, as well as training programs to help inform community members of the unique challenges these students face.
"This recognition reaffirms the high level of support that SRU provides military-affiliated students," said Ryan Stryffeler, SRU instructor of English and co-chair of the PCVMA. "It's incredibly important that we advocate for our students who are veterans or are part of military families because of the challenges they encounter compared to average students. The campus community not only recognizes and pays tribute to those who served our country, but we honor them with the special services and resources we provide."
SRU provides tuition assistance, orientation and classroom attendance policies geared specifically toward veterans and students with military obligations. The University offers services and recognition such as the Veterans Center in the Smith Student Center and the annual Veterans Day ceremony and Military Appreciation Week. SRU is also a leader in programs for prospective students who are veterans, such as the Troops to Teachers program.
In addition to the COD recognition, SRU has been named a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY every year since 2010, including Gold status the last two years.
More information about SRU's PCVMA and other commissions, as well as services provided to veterans, is available on the SRU website.
More information about the Military Support badge is available on the COD website. Earlier this year, SRU earned badges from COD badges for being named a 2021-22 national, public and Pennsylvania college of distinction,as well as Field of Study badges for its education, business and nursing programs, as well as special recognition for career development.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu