SRU named a 2022-23 Military Support College of Distinction
Slippery Rock University was recently recognized by Colleges of Distinction (COD) for its dedication to helping military service members and military veterans overcome obstacles and achieve success.
July 22, 2022
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University was recently recognized by Colleges of Distinction (COD) for its dedication to helping military service members and military veterans overcome obstacles and achieve success. COD, an online guide for college-bound students, awarded SRU the 2022-23 Military Support Colleges of Distinction.
"The Military Support Colleges of Distinction care primarily about the individual student rather than the size of their GI Bill package," said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. "Schools like SRU ensure that military students are supported. Institutions with the Military Support recognition are aware of the unique challenges military students face on college campuses."
COD evaluated institutions based on benchmarks including comprehensive educational benefits, a school's military and veterans affairs team, flexible and accessible options, faculty training for helping military students, and campus activities and community support.
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 supports its military-affiliated students through the President's Commission for Veteran and Military Affairs, a group of faculty, staff and students who advocate and facilitate 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.
"SRU is proud to support our military-affiliated students," said Keshia Booker, SRU assistant director of multicultural development and co-chair of the PCVMA. "These students, especially veterans, face unique challenges as a result of transitioning to and from life as a college student while serving our country, and it's important that we advocate for them. The campus community not only recognizes and pays tribute to those who served our country, but also honors 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.
More information, including a complete list of Military Support Colleges of Distinction, is available on the COD website.
More information about SRU's PCVMA and other commissions, as well as services provided to veterans, is available on the SRU website.
Earlier this summer, SRU was awarded three COD badges by being named a 2022-23 national, public and Pennsylvania college of distinction. Also, SRU received the 2021-22 Field of Study badges for its education, business and nursing programs, as well as special recognition for career development and equity and inclusion.
* This term is used because SRU can only count students who have voluntarily identified as veterans or as military-affiliated. There are very likely more who have chosen not to self-identify for one reason or another.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu